 |  | | Plastic
soda or water bottles make great inexpensive water bottles. A
2-liter bottle fits nicely into the side pocket of most backpacks.
|  |
|  | |  |  | 
| NEW YEAR’S PASS MTN Trail Hike & BBQ - Usery Mtn Recreation Area |  |  |
| Date: | Sat, Jan 2 |
| Leader: | Randy Baker |
| Phone: | 602-616-9491 |
| Length: | 7.2 mile loop |
| Rating: | Moderate - |
| Elv. Change: | |
| Meet at: | Usery Mtn Recreation Area, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa, 9:30 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | |
| Updates: | |
Bring in the New Year of 2010 in style! The trail is a pleasant loop around the parameter of Pass Mountain the
Usery Mountain Recreation Area, with 700 ft. of mostly gradual
elevation change. From the trail, there are awesome views of the
Superstition, Goldfield, Mazatzal, and Usery Mountains, and an
excellent overview of Fountain Hills and the Verde River. Bring something to BBQ, your favorite beverage and a dish to share. Let’s start 2010 off by putting our best “boot” forward. Notes: There is a $6 park entrance fee per vehicle. Please RSVP with the hike leader by Jan 1.
|  | ALTA / BAJADA LOOP - South Mountain Park |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Jan 9 |
| Leader: |
Kim Hemmersbach |
| Phone: | 480-343-4509 |
| Length: | 9.0 +/- mile loop |
| Rating: | Moderate + |
| Elv. Change: | +/-1200’ |
| Meet at: | South Mtn Park entrance, 10919 S. Central Ave, 8:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | |
| Updates: | |
If
you like hiking in the Phoenix South Mountains, but hate the crowds,
this hike is for you. Starting at the little used far western end of
South Mountain Park, we will head west on the Alta Trail,
climbing 1200 feet up the ridgeline along Maricopa Peak. Great
views overlooking Phoenix, grand vistas, and many steep drop-offs are
on this well maintained trail. The Alta Trail then descends on a
series of switchbacks to the bottom of the range. From there we
will hike in virtual isolation west through the San Juan Valley on the Bajada Trail back to our shuttle vehicles.
|  | GOLDFIELDS: WATER USERS TO SUNRISE ARCH TO SKY ISLAND |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Jan 16 | | Leader: |
Dave Anderson | | Phone: |
480-854-9491 | | | Length: |
+/- 5 miles R/T | | Rating: |
Difficult | | Elv.Change: | +/- 1100’ |
| Meet at: | South end of Home Depot parking lot on Power and McKellips, 8:00 AM |
| Carpool: |
|
| Note: | RSVP by January 15th at 5:00 PM, contact hike leader for more information. This is a steep off-trail hike and not for everyone. |
| Updates: | |
The
Goldfields, just across the Salt River from where the tubers put in,
rise as cliffs, soaring over the river. These precipitous, rugged
volcanic formations are formidable guardians of the beauty and
remoteness of the Goldfield range. This is a difficult, off-trail hike
that requires balance, good footing, hand over hand rock climbing, and
negotiating steep rock faces in a couple of places. Seldom
visited because of its difficult accessibility, this hike begins by
wading the Salt River at Water Users Recreation Area. Bring your water
shoes. From there we begin an increasingly steep off-trail ascent
to Sunrise Arch, which is actually in a direct line of sight from Water
Users Recreation Area, though hard to pick out. From Sunrise Arch, a
sliver of accessibility through the cliff emerges, and up we go,
through a chute, then up through high desert, upland volcanic tortured
landscape, and on to Sky Island, the highest point in the formations
visible from Bush Hwy. The view is worth the climb. Parking will
be at Water Users Rec. Area and YOU MUST PURCHASE a $6.00 TONTO NATL. FOREST PASS
(at Circle K, Walgreens, Big 5, etc). Contact hike leader for
additional items to bring and to determine your suitability for this
hike. |  | RAINBOW VALLEY - Estrella Mountain Park |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Jan 23 | | Leader: |
Rich Flammang |
| Phone: | 623-878-6237 | | Length: |
8 mile loop | | Rating: |
Moderate
| | Elv.
Change: |
| | Meet at: | Fry's Marketplace parking lot at 4230 W. McDowell Road, 8:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: |
| | Updates: | |
Rainbow Valley Trail,
named for a huge plain west of the Sierra Estrella mountain range,
forms a loop that intersects nearly all the trails in the park.
As you hike this trail, you will enjoy views of the White Tank
Mountains to the northwest and peaks in the Sierra Estrellas to the
southeast. The Phoenix skyline lies in the distance flanked by
familiar silhouettes of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and Four
Peaks. This section of Rainbow Valley Trail truly earns its name
in the spring when a rainbow of colorful wildflowers brightens the
slopes.
|  | GATEWAY/BELL/WINDGATE LOOP DAYHIKE - McDowell Sonoran Preserve |
 |  | | Date: |
Sat, Jan 30 |
| Leader: | Craig Barnett |
| Phone: | 480-216-2166 |
| Length: | 9.5 mile loop OR 4.4 mile (easy self led) loop |
| Rating: | Moderate |
| Elv. Change: | 1529' OR 750' |
| Meet at: |
MSC Gateway Access Center, 18333 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, 1/2 mile north of Bell Rd, at 9 AM SHARP. |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please RSVP with the hike leader before 1/28. |
| Updates: | 1/8/10: THE KAISER SPRINGS DAYHIKE HAS BEEN REPLACED. |
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC) has built several beautiful new trails that wander away from civilization up through the Sonoran Desert. Starting
from the Gateway Access Center, we'll head east to the Gateway Loop
Trail, then the Bell Pass Trail, and climb to the pass (3204'). We will
continue down to Windgate Trail, and return west, climbing again up to
Windgate Pass (3021'). The trail soon drops back to the Gateway Loop
Trail, and back to our cars (9.5 miles). Both passes offer terrific
views of Four Peaks to the east, and the north valley to the west. But wait, there's more!
Those who prefer a shorter, easier hike can stay on the Gateway Loop
Trail (4.4 miles). Either way, the trails are in excellent condition. MSC Interactive Trail Map - HikeAz writeup
|  | ‘BEGINNER’
GRAND CANYON
BACKPACK
|  |  | | Date: |
Fri - Sun, Feb 5 - 7 | | Leader: |
Kurt Sedler |
| Phone: | 602-339-8780 | | Length: |
18 miles | | Rating: |
Moderate ++ | | Elv.
Change: |
+/- 3500'
| | Meet
at: | |
| Carpool: | TBA |
| Note: | RSVP is required. Non-refundable permit fee of $25 is due when you RSVP ‘YES'. |
| Updates: | |
Hiking down the Grandview Trail
is like going back in history. Follow the same path that miners in
the 1880’s forged with their burrows in search for the copper buried on
Horseshoe Mesa. Spend some time exploring the relics left behind
on Horseshoe Mesa, enjoy lunch, and continue down to Cottonwood Creek
for our first night in the canyon. On our second day we circumnavigate
the mesa walking on the Tonto trail and taking in the amazing expanses
of Grand Canyon. The night is spent camping along the flowing
Hance Creek surrounded by cottonwood trees and other riparian
delights. The hike back up to Horseshoe Mesa takes you by Miner’s
spring, an amazing grotto tucked away from the main trail. And in
the final hours of our hike we retrace our path up the Grandview
Trail. Note: We may choose to add a fourth day
(but no miles) by breaking the Day 3 into 2 pieces and spend the night
on Horseshoe Mesa, exploring the Cave of the Domes, checking out
inspiring view points and taking in an amazing sunset. |  | FISH CREEK FROM AZ 88 DAY HIKE
|  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Feb 20 | | Leader: |
Dave Anderson | | Phone: |
480-854-9491 | | Length: |
5 +/- miles R/T | | Rating: |
Moderate | | Elv.
Change: | +/- 800’ |
| Meet at: | Basha’s parking lot, Brown and Ellsworth, 7:30 AM |
| Carpool: |
|
| Note: | RSVP by Feb 19 at 5:00 PM, contact hike leader for more information. This is an off-trail, boulder hopping hike. |
| Updates: | |
Fish Creek
is a stunning canyon of great beauty with no trail and even less cell
phone service. This is exceptional wildlife habitat, though with
the noise a group makes, they will see us, we won’t see much of them.
Desert bighorn sheep find this habitat much to their liking. This is a moderate, off-trail hike
that requires balance, good footing, boulder-hopping, wading
and routes picking skill through boulders and rough
terrain. This hike begins by carefully working down the
precipitous slope to the creek bed. From there we hike upstream,
into the canyon, hopping huge boulders, wading pebbly creeks, and
passing under giant cottonwoods and willows, with caves
everywhere. The terrain quickly stops the “boom box & ice
chest” crowd, and very soon we have entered a wild canyon where few
hikers go. Sheer cliffs and plunging landscapes dominate the
sky. Way up the canyon, we will hit a thicket were we can decide
to turn around, or plunge into the thicket, a section of the
canyon where I have not yet been.
|  | “BLUES BLAST” BLUES FESTIVAL - Mesa, AZ |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Feb 27 | | Leader: |
Kurt Sedler | | Phone: |
602-339-8780 | | Length: |
+/- 100 yards (from the parking lot!) | | Rating: |
Fun! | | Elv.
Change: | High to Low! |
| Meet at: | Basha’s parking lot, Brown and Ellsworth, 7:30 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | I
will be buying the group tickets on January 28th and will bring them to
the monthly meeting on February 1st. Please confirm with me by 1/28 if
you’d like to participate with the “group”. |
| Updates: | |
This
gathering at Mesa Amphitheater has been an annual Friend’s outing for
about 10 years now. It truly is a “Blast”. The lineup of artists is
still being assembled, so check the Blues Blast website
for updates. If we buy 12+ tickets at once, we save $2.00 per
ticket. Often this event sells out, but on occasion tickets are
available at the gate for $7.00 over the prepaid price. At the time of
this publication the price has not yet been set, but the tickets will
be about $20. +/-. The festival begins at 11am (doors open @
10:30), and runs to about 5pm. Children 12 and under are always
free at Blues Blast. Coolers or outside food and beverages may not be
brought into the Amphitheatre, but sealed bottles of water (up to 1
liter) are permitted. Concessions, including alcohol, will be
available for purchase. Bring a blanket for festival seating... low
beach/lawn chairs are OK too. Video cameras are not permitted, but
still cameras may be used. Remember to bring your hat and
sunscreen!
|  | SUPERSTITION RIDGELINE DAYHIKE - Carney Springs/West Boulder/Flatiron |
 |  | | Date: |
Sat, Mar 6 |
| Leader: | Steve Desrochers |
| Phone: | 480-926-7939 |
| Length: | 12 miles (1 way) |
| Rating: | Difficult + |
| Elv. Change: | +3980’ and –4220’ |
| Meet at: | Home Depot parking lot, US 60 and Power Road, 7:00 AM (meeting locale may change). |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | This
is a strenuous off trail 1 way shuttle day hike. Not for the faint of
heart! CONTACT Steve D to participate in this hike before
March 1.
|
| Updates: |
|
We
will shuttle some vehicles to the Siphon Draw trailhead, then
drive approximately 22 miles to the Carney Springs trailhead. From
there we will hike to West Boulder Saddle, and away we go, following
the ridgeline to the Flatiron and down Siphon Draw. There's some
scrambling and bouldering, and spectacular views of the Supes. The
high altitude changes the local weather patterns. Rain, hail, sleet,
and low clouds are always a possibility. Since the weather is
unpredictable, bring a gallon of water, food, sunscreen, rain gear,
warm jacket, and gloves. Long pants recommended. Don’t forget a
camera!
|  | REAVIS FALLS BACKPACK - Superstition Mountains |
 |  | | Date: |
Fri - Sun, Mar 12 - 14 | | Leader: |
Dave Simon | | Phone: |
480-220-8419 | | Length: |
13.3 miles R/T | | Rating: |
Difficult | | Elv.
Change: | +/- 1625' |
| Meet at: | TBA
|
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Contact Dave to RSVP by March 1. |
| Updates: |
|
Reavis Falls,
a 140 foot trail waterfall nestled deep in the Superstition Wilderness,
is the ultimate destination on this hike, but the journey to the falls
is equally rewarding. Superb views of Apache Lake and the surrounding
mountains abound on this scenic hike. Rendezvous Friday afternoon in Mesa for car camp by Apache Lake Friday night. An early start Saturday makes this a possible day-hike, but an overnight backpack is the itinerary.
|  |
BEAR MOUNTAIN TRAIL -
Sedona
|  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Mar 20 | | Leader: |
Don Mantell | | Phone: |
516-810-8024 | | Length: |
5 miles R/T | | Rating: |
Moderate - | | Elv.
Change: | 1700' |
| Meet at: | Denny's parking lot, SW corner of I-17 and Bell Road, 7:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | RSVP with the hike leader by Mar 18 |
| Updates: |
|
Located in the Red Rock-Secret Wilderness, Bear Mountain is quite prominent with a summit of 6,453'. The Bear Mountain Trail climbs
up the south slope of the mountain ascending four plateaus. It
features awesome constantly unfolding views of Doe Mountain, Boynton
Canyon, Red Canyon and, at its summit, the San Francisco Peaks. On the
climb up you will pass by red rock pillars, eroding sandstone cliffs,
caves and small arches. Be prepared for a bit of a workout here since
there are some steep sections. A Red Rock pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
Plan on wearing sturdy shoes and bringing at least three liters of
water. This hike, my personal favorite, is listed as one of the top ten
hikes in Sedona. A stop at a local watering hole after the hike is
a distinct possibility.
|  PICKET POST MOUNTAIN DAY HIKE - Near Superior
|  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Mar 27
| | Leader: |
Paul Hiegel | | Phone: |
623-243-2009 | | Length: |
5 miles R/T | | Rating: |
Moderate + | | Elv.
Change: | +/- 2000’ |
| Meet at: | Home Depot parking lot, US 60 and Power Road, 8:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | |
| Updates: | |
In
November of 1870, the first significant settlement by white man was
made in this area now called Superior. In that month Gen. George
Stoneman, commanding officer of troops in Arizona against the Indianans
built a small camp at the base of what the Mexicans called at the time
Tordillo Mountain. The soldiers began calling the butte Picket
Post, because they used it as a sentinel point to guard their
settlement. The route up Picket Post Mountain
is steep and will require some hand action as well. If heights brother
you maybe this is not a hike for you. On the mountain there's a
mail box to send post cards from top; if interested bring a post card with a stamp. Once on top there’s great views of Apache Leap and the Superstitions Mountains. |  | |  |  | | Date: |
| | Leader: |
| | Phone: |
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|  |  | | Date: |
| | Leader: |
| | Phone: |
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