Hello outdoor enthusiasts!

My wife and I go backpacking every Thanksgiving to enjoy and be thankful for the great outdoors. This year we are heading to the Mazatzal Mountains south of Payson, AZ on the 87. We are hiking the Barnhardt-Rock Creek loop and camping along the way. We will be out for 2 nights and 3 days.

I am wondering if anyone can provide any local advise that might be helpful for our trip. I did scope out the weather and looks pretty fair during the day and in the twenties at night. We are coming in from San Diego so we are pretty use to the dry climate.

Are there any side hikes that we should make sure and do or peaks that we should bag while we are there? Is our car going to be safe for a few days? Any advice that you can give or points of interest would be appreciated!

Thanks and have a Great Thanksgiving!