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PASS MONTAIN TRAIL & BBQ - Usery Mountain Recreation Area
Date:	Tues, Jan 1
Leader:	Becky Keck
Phone:	480-967-3836
Length:	7.2 mile loop
Rating:	Moderate minus
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	Basha’s/I-Hop parking lot, SW corner of Higley and Brown in East Mesa @ 9:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	We are camping at the Usery Mtn Recreation Area on Mon, Dec 31st. We will safely party under the stars while waiting for the midnight hour. As the witching hour approaches, for those interested, we will ascend the Wind Cave Trail for 1.6 miles to the cliffs that line the summit of Pass Mountain. Once there we will watch the panorama of fireworks explode across the valley below. Contact Randy Baker at 602-616-9491 to join us.
Updates:
The trail is a pleasant loop around the perimeter of Pass Mountain within 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 2008 off by putting our best “boot” forward. Note: There is a $5 park entrance fee per vehicle. Monday night campers pay no entry fee on Tuesday.

BLACK MESA TRAIL - Superstition Mountains
Date:	Sat, Jan 12
Leader:	Cyd Cassel
Phone:	602-738-2065
Length:	9.5 miles
Rating:	Easy
Elv. Change:	450 +/-
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SE corner of US-60 and Rural Road, 8:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
From First Water Trailhead, we will hike to Black Mesa where we will see a thick forest of Jumping Cholla as we head for the Dutchman Trail. The Dutchman Trail offers hiking through some interesting washes and rock outcrops along the way after offering an interesting view of Weavers Needle on the way back.  Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. Sturdy hiking boots recommended. The trail is open with very little shade.  Hiking time will be about 5 hours.  Please, no children or dogs.

PERALTA TRAIL TO FREMONT SADDLE - Superstition Mountains
Date:	Sat, Jan 19
Leader:	Gary and Cindy Deatsman
Phone:	480-820-2415
Length:	4.6 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:	1360'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SE corner of US-60 and Rural Road, 8:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
This moderate hike introduces you to the rugged beauty of the Superstition Mountains.  This is a beautiful hike with many interesting sights along the way.  Legend has it that the Peralta family from Mexico owned mining operations in this area and has inspired many tales of lost gold mines.  Fremont Saddle rewards visitors with an awesome view of Weaver’s Needle, the most famous landmark in the Superstition.

SECRET CANYON LOOP - Sedona
Date:	Jan 26
Leader:	Dave Brunstein
Phone:	480-707-9243
Length:	6.2 miles
Rating:	Easy +
Elv. Change:	800’
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of I-17 and Bell Road, 7:00 A
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
North and West-siders please contact the hike leader for optional west-side ‘meet’. This is a beautiful loop hike in the heart of scenic Red Rock Country.  Starting off on the Secret Canyon Trail, we will follow a dry creek east and, after enjoying the great views, will veer off on the HS Canyon trail climbing to the top of a saddle overlooking Bear Sign Canyon.  Descending along a shady trail, we will connect with the picturesque Dry Creek Trail and end with a one mile dirt road walk back to the vehicles.  We will enjoy a late lunch and a beverage in Sedona before heading back.

TORTILLA - PETER’S CREEKS - near Tortilla Flats
Date:	Feb 2
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	6 miles+/-
Rating:	Moderate+
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	Southern end of parking lot of Home Depot, SE corner of US-60 and Power Rd, 7:45 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
Part hike and part boulder-climb, this hike will allow us to see Peralta’s Cave, purported by some to be one of the headquarters of the explorer. Additionally, we will attempt to find Peter’s cave, of Peter’s Mesa and Peter’s Canyon fame. And if that were not sufficient, we also will attempt Geronimo Head (no, not the real one, the rock formation). There is a little bit for everyone on this hike; creek-bed walking, bedrock-walking and some bouldering (with little to no exposure, so acrophobes are welcome).  The granite bedrock in this area is awesome.

VERDE VALLEY BACKPACK - Sycamore Canyon
Date:	Fri - Sun, Feb 8 - 10
Leader:	Dave Brunstein
Phone:	480-707-9243
Length:	23 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate +
Elv. Change:	1000' +
Meet at:
Carpool:	Contact hike leader to RSVP and to arrange carpooling
Note:
Updates:
This is a rugged, partially off-trail backpack in the spectacular Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.  Leaving Friday at noon, the Parsons Trail will lead us through a lush riparian area to a creek side campsite. On Saturday, we will continue up the beautiful red rocks of Sycamore canyon off trail, boulder hopping 8.4 miles to the Dogie Trail junction.  On Sunday, we will circle back 11 miles through open juniper grasslands on the Packard Mesa Trail, with an optional side trip to some well-preserved Indian ruins along the way.

BEN AVERY TRAIL - Eagletail Mountains
Date:	Sat, Feb 16
Leader:	Cliff Ehlers
Phone:	602-672-7128
Length:	7+ miles
Rating:	Easy
Elv. Change:	300'
Meet at:	Fry's Electronics parking lot (east end), 2300 West Baseline Road, 7:30 AM. North & West-siders should contact the leader for optional west-side ‘meet’.
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
The Ben Avery Trail was awarded the 2007 Rep’s Best West Hike.  It cuts through the heart of the 100,600-acre Eagletail Mountains Wilderness Area which forms a rugged and scenic line of crags, buttes, and mountains in the desert west of Phoenix.  The trail heads south crossing open and gently rolling terrain.  Passing just west of Courthouse Rock, the trail provides up-close views of the rugged Eagletail Mountains and far-off views of the Bighorn Mountains to the east.  Approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead the route reaches Indian Spring, our turnaround point. For those interested, a 3 mile side hike up to a natural arch is available.  Please contact the hike leader if you plan to attend.

“BLUES BLAST” BLUES FESTIVAL - Mesa
Date:	Sat,  Feb 23 *
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	100 yards (FROM the parking lot!)
Rating:	Fun!
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	Mesa Amphitheatre
Carpool:
Note:	I will be buying the tickets on February 1st – please confirm by then if you’d like to participate with the “group”.
Updates:	* The date and time on the original published newsletter was wrong, and has been corrected above. Appearing will be Walter Trout & the Radicals, Deanna Bogart, Harper, Eden Brent, Chuck Hall, Delta Highway, Big Daddy D & the Dynamites, and Soulcatcher.
This has been an annual Friend’s outing for about 6 years now.  It truly is a “Blast”.   If we buy 12+ tickets at once, we save $2.00 per. (They may have a price increase this year, but last year tickets were only $16.00 with the discount).  The lineup of artists is being assembled, so check the Blues Blast website @ http://www.bluesblast.info/, for updates.  The festival begins at NOON  (doors open @ 11 AM), and runs to about 5.  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 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 sunscreen!  Note! Please see below for the ‘after-Blues-Blast’ campout at Lost Dutchman State Park and/or the Siphon Draw/Flatiron hike on Sunday!

SIPHON DRAW HIKE & OPTIONAL LOST DUTCHMAN CAMPOUT
Date:	Sat - Sun, Feb. 23 - 24 *
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	5.8 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate -
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	RSVP with the hike leader before February 15th to participate
Updates:	* The dates on the original published newsletter were wrong, and has been corrected above.
Note: This hike is on SUNDAY, Feb. 24rd! See Saturday campout option below. You have seen this sheer cliff at the western end of the Superstition Mountains again and again; and now is your opportunity hike to its summit, aka ‘Flatiron’. The first two miles are on a trail with an easy grade that will terminate at Siphon Draw. From here the designated, maintained trail gives way to some steep climbs over small boulders all the way up to ‘The Flatiron’. Once on top you will be rewarded with awesome views in every direction. A windbreaker and a fleece might be a welcome addition to your pack as it is sometimes windy on top. We’ll return the way we came. Whether you attended the ‘Blues Blast’ on Saturday or not, come join us in camping at Lost Dutchman State Park on Saturday evening

HARQUAHALA PEAK - West of Wickenburg
Date:	Sat, Mar 1
Leader:	Regina Miskewitz  Ray Ashby
Phone:	602-448-0684 602-369-9083
Length:	11 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate +
Elv. Change:	3,728'
Meet at:	Albertson’s park lot (south end), NE corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
This trail will take us to the 5,681 foot summit of the Harquahala Mountains which is the highest peak in southwest Arizona.  The trail is well maintained and is easy to follow.  The last portion is intense where we climb 1,400 feet in 0.75 miles.  At the summit, along with panoramic views all around, we will see the historic observatory built by the Smithsonian Institute in 1920, long since abandoned.  If we get some rain, the flowers will be in abundance.  If you have not been to this part of Arizona, don’t miss it!  The last 2.5 miles to the trailhead is a sometimes bumpy dirt road.  High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.  Bring a snack and plenty of water.  We will plan on stopping for those interested after the hike in Wickenburg.  For those who would like to camp, there are options.  Inquire with the hike leaders and if there is sufficient interest we will arrange this option.  Contact one of the leaders by Friday 2/27 if you are planning to join us.

VULTURE PEAK - near Wickenburg
Date:	Sat, Mar 8
Leader:	Rich Flammang
Phone:	623-878-6237
Length:	4 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:	1,000'
Meet at:	Denny's parking lot, SE corner of I-17 and Bell Road, 7:45 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
The 3,600-foot-high peak is located in the desert south of Wickenburg.  A trail leads to a high saddle with views of the surrounding area. From the saddle, it's a tough scramble to the summit itself (optional).  The Vulture Mountains are named for Henry Wickenburg's Vulture Mine, one of the richest gold mines in Arizona history.  Length and elevation change are to the saddle, additional 250 foot elevation change to the summit (optional).   Afterwards,  we will have lunch in a nice little Mexican place in downtown Wickenburg.

TRANS - ZION TREK - Southern Utah
Date:	Wed - Sun, Mar 12 - 16
Leader:	Rocky Taylor
Phone:	602-499-1877
Length:	47.3 miles
Rating:	Moderate +
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	Call Rocky to for additional details, trip is limited to 6 participants and is recommended for experienced backpackers
Updates:
This incredible hike ranks with the most spectacular treks in the world, showcasing the spectrum of Zion's desert plant communities and dramatic geology. The trail will take us through deep canyons and high ridge lines, along mountain creeks and exposed, rocky rims, and into the many hearts of this diverse desert oasis. Few attempt this bold hike, but those who do walk away with unforgettable memories of Zion's peace, energy, and wonder.  Please contact Rocky if you are interested in this hike, there are many details too numerous for the newsletter.

APACHE LAKE PONTOON & CAMP
Date:	Sat - Sun, Mar 22 - 23
Leader:	Rich Flammang
Phone:	623-878-6237
Length:	A boat ride
Rating:	Fun
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	TBA
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
We have reserved a pontoon boat on Apache Lake and have hopes of finding the secluded camping area we have used in the past.  Join us for a day on the lake, a night of camping (a group meal is an option) and a return boat ride in the morning.  In the past we’ve had breakfast at the Marina upon our return.  There is room for 10 people per pontoon boat.  The cost of the boat rental/gas is $40/per person.  Please send check to Rich Flammang, 6843 West Grovers Avenue, Glendale, AZ  85308.  First 10 checks will get to go.  If we receive sufficient confirmation, we have the option of renting a second pontoon boat.  We will return your check if the trip is full.  Don’t miss out, this is a fun adventure.

PINE MTN LOOP DAY HIKE AND OPTIONAL BACKPACK
Date:	Mar 29-30
Leader:	Randy Baker
Phone:	602-616-9491
Length:	10 miles +/-
Rating:	Moderate +
Elv. Change:	1500'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of I-17 and Bell Road, 7:30 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please contact the hike leader if you plan to attend
Updates:	DOWNLOAD VIDEO (8meg) from 2007's trek
As one of Arizona's lesser-known wilderness areas, the Pine Mountain Wilderness offers fine hiking without the crowds. This loop hike takes in a section of the Verde Rim as well as Pine Mountain itself, the highest peak in the Camp Verde area. Majestic ponderosa pines cover the terrain, where on a clear day, you can see Weaver's Needle in the Superstitions, the San Francisco Peaks and the Verde River. The hike is easy enough at first, but when within two miles of the top, there are numerous switchbacks to conquer. Plan a full day hike, and bring all of your water, as resources are unreliable. Backpackers will continue on, decending the west face of Pine Mountain and camp near Bishop Spring on the Verde Rim. They will then hike out via the Beehouse Trail on Sunday, for a total of 17 miles. Note: High clearance vehicles are recommended for the carpool to the trailhead.