 |  | | Plastic
soda or water bottles make great inexpensive water bottles. A
2-liter bottle fits nicely into the side pocket of most backpacks.
|  |
|  | |  |  | 
| SYCAMORE CANYON RIM TRAIL HIKE & Optional CAR CAMP - Williams |  |  |
| Date: | Sat, July 10 - 11 |
| Leader: | Rich Flammang |
| Phone: | 623-878-6237 |
| Length: | 11 miles R/T |
| Rating: | Moderate |
| Elv. Change: | 500' + |
| Meet at: | Denny’s, Bell Road and I-17, 7:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Rich to RSVP |
| Updates: | |
This
hike offers a wonderful look at the unique ecosystems along the
Mogollon Rim. The hike is level and rated moderate due to the
length. The majority of the hike will be in ponderosa pines and 3
miles from the trailhead we will reach the Sycamore Canyon. This
rimrock marks the boundary of the Wilderness area and the views along
this section are of volcanic cliffs and the verdant canyon
bottom. Within the last 2 miles, the Rim Trail climbs 500 feet to
the top of KA Hill from where you can see the San Francisco Peaks.
|  | CABIN LOOP MODIFIED CAR CAMP/DAYHIKE - Mogollon Rim |  |  | | Date: |
Sat - Sun, July 17 - 18 (+ Optional Friday night) |
| Leader: | Randy Baker |
| Phone: | 602-616-9491 |
| Length: | +/- 9 miles Sat, +/- 9 miles Sun |
| Rating: | Moderate + |
| Elv. Change: | 600' |
| Meet at: | TBA |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Randy by July 14 to RSVP, for either day hiking either day, and if camping. |
| Updates: | |
This
terrific 2 day loop will take us into and through the tall pines,
aspens and fern glens of the Mogollon Rim. The hike follows some of the
original trails constructed by the forest service and local pioneer
ranchers that linked a network of forest service cabins in the early
1900s. We will depart the Valley sometime late on Friday (or Saturday
A.M. for early risers). On Saturday morning we will drive to the
trailhead to start the hike of approximately 9 miles, and return to our
car campsite for Saturday night. On Sunday we will hike
approximately 9 miles, completing the loop. There will likely be some
off trail exploration as well; last year we completed a shortcut up the
seldom hiked Dane Canyon. Non-campers are welcome to hike EITHER Saturday or Sunday; why stay home? For more information see: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=797
|  | WEST CLEAR CREEK HIKE & Optional CAR CAMP |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, July 24 | | Leader: |
Diane Manning | | Phone: |
623-363-0439 | | | Length: |
11 miles R/T | | Rating: |
Moderate | | Elv.
Change: | 400' |
| Meet at: | Denny’s, Bell Road and I-17, 7:00 AM |
| Carpool: |
|
| Note: | Please contact Diane to RSVP |
| Updates: | |
Extending
east for 30 sinuous miles from the Camp Verde area, West Clear Creek is
the longest drainage on the Mogollon Rim. Nearly 2,000 feet deep
in places, this canyon system is a real delight to explore, for it
features not only rugged beauty but also an interesting array of flora
and fauna. A good introduction to this spectacular drainage is the West
Clear Creek Trail, which extends upstream from the canyon’s
mouth. There will be several creek crossings on this hike, so be
sure to wear hiking boots made for getting wet. Bring hat, sunglasses,
sunscreen, water, and snacks/lunch. We will picnic along the banks
of the creek. |  | OPEN WEEKEND - VOLUNTEER TO LEAD A HIKE! |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, July 31 | | Leader: |
|
| Phone: | | | Length: |
| | Rating: |
| | Elv.
Change: |
| | Meet at: | |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: |
| | Updates: | |
|  | MT. LEMMON WILDERNESS OF THE ROCKS - Tucson |
 |  | | Date: |
Sat, Aug 7 |
| Leader: | Bob Waskowich |
| Phone: | 602-769-2515 |
| Length: | 8.6 miles |
| Rating: | Moderate/Diffcult |
| Elv. Change: | 1800' |
| Meet at: |
Fry's Electronics, 48th St & Baseline Rd (west of I-10), 6:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Bob to RSVP |
| Updates: | |
From the dirt parking lot near
the summit of Mt Lemmon we will take the Mt. Lemmon Trail FS #5 a short
distance to the Lemmon Rock on Lookout Trail FS #12. We will
follow this for about 2 miles where it intersects with the Wilderness
of Rocks Trail FS #44. We will continue
our descent through
thick pine forest for another 2.3 mile into the Wilderness of
Rocks.
We then will intersect with the Mt. Lemmon Trail again and ascend
back to our starting point. The hike altogether is about 8.6
miles.
We start at 9080 feet descending to 7280 feet. The hike is rated
to as moderate to difficult with the elevation change and our
altitude. The wilderness of rocks is a natural sculpture of rock
formations among the pines. Cool air, big trees and rocks and a good
hike. |  | GRAND CANYON CAMP & HIKE |  |  | | Date: |
Sat - Sun, Aug 14 - 15 | | Leader: |
Kurt Sedler |
| Phone: | 602-339-8780 | | Length: |
TBD | | Rating: |
TBD | | Elv.
Change: |
| | Meet
at: | |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Kurt by phone to RSVP |
| Updates: | |
Here
is your chance to head up and ‘Hike the Canyon’. We’ll be baking our
buns down in Phoenix, so it’s time to get away to camp and hike at the
Canyon. Even better, is that admission to ‘your’ National Parks is FREE
this weekend (this saves $25.00 per carload; almost enough to cover
your gas). The main target of this trip is ‘The Battleship’, a
seldom-visited, partially off-trail fixture of the Canyon. For folks
uninterested in the Battleship, feel free to hike the Grandview Trail,
the Rim Trail, play tourist around the Rim or just lounge in camp. Feel
free to bring your mountain bike or just a hammock and a book, it’s up
to you. The main thing here is that we are at ‘The Canyon’! About
the Battleship: The day before the hike we will take the East Rim
Shuttle out to Powell Memorial overlook and gaze down upon your
destination, the unmistakable and foreboding Battleship! You will see
it guarding the inner gorge with its full armor and double smoke
stacks. Sleep well the night before, as we will enjoy an early start on
this 9-mile R/T hike/scramble. Please read the following the (in
my opinion) overly-dramatic trip description http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=696. Or watch this 5 minute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQn8OyLCRss . Remember: you need not hike the Battleship – there are myriad hiking options; or just come to camp and hang out. |  |
APACHE LAKE Weekend - Camp, Water ski & Fish! |  |  | | Date: |
Fri - Sun, Aug 20 - 22 | | Leader: |
Liz Paquette | | Phone: |
602-689-1731 | | Length: |
A boat ride | | Rating: |
Easy, fun, no stress! | | Elv.
Change: | |
| Meet at: | Home Depot at 6838 E. Superstition Springs Blvd., Mesa (Power Road, just south of Hwy 60). Time of departure TBD.
|
| Carpool: |
|
| Note: | Please contact Liz to RSVP no later than Aug 18. This trip is open to Friends Hiking Club paid members who have participated in at least one prior club event. Final cost will depend
upon the number of participants. $20 to assist in covering cost of fuel
for the ski/transport boat. We may rent a pontoon boat, and the
additional cost of the pontoon and fuel will be split among the
participants.
|
| Updates: | |
Join
us for a weekend of waterskiing, fishing, camping and exploring at
Apache Lake, the most beautiful of the desert lakes along the Salt
River. We will camp at one of the unimproved lake-side spots, so please
come prepared and self-sufficient. Similar to car-camping, you will
need to BRING YOUR OWN GEAR for camping, cooking and fishing.
Please pack light as a boat will transport you to the
campsite. Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure, and if you
have never water skied, leave your fears at home! Friday
Afternoon: Arrive at Marina; transport by boat to the camp site; water
ski, explore the lake, chase snakes from campsite, watch monsoon blow
in. Saturday: Water ski, fish, swim, explore! Cook, eat, nap, hike, shoo snakes from camp. Sunday: Water ski, fish, swim, explore! Cook, eat, shoo snakes; departure around noon.
|  | SOUTH MOUNTAIN FULL MOON HIKE - Phoenix |  |  | | Date: |
Fri 7pm, Aug 27 | | Leader: |
Randy Baker | | Phone: |
602-616-9491 | | Length: |
+/- 5 miles | | Rating: |
Easy + | | Elv.
Change: | +/- 900' |
| Meet at: | South Mtn Trailhead at 7 pm. Contact the hike leader for location |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Randy to RSVP before Aug 25. Space may be limited on this popular annual hike. |
| Updates: | |
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's Night Hiking. When you hike down the trail with a cloud at your tail, you’re in South Mountain. When the stars make you drool just like a pasta fazool, that’s Gallagher’s after the hike. When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine, it’s time to go home!
From
the Trailhead, we will loop through the isolated valleys of South
Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the country, at 16,500
acres and 14 miles across. Afterwards, for those interested, we
will enjoy food and refreshments at Gallagher’s Sports Grill. Notes: This year's hike is ON FRIDAY (your weekend's free!) Be sure to bring plenty of water, and a good flashlight or headlight, as we are starting a bit later so to enjoy the serenade of the moonlight. Afterwards, for those interested, we will enjoy
food and refreshments at Gallagher’s Sports Grill. |  | HELL’S GATE BACKPACK - North of Roosevelt Lake |
 |  | | Date: |
Sat - Sun, Sept 4 - 6 |
| Leader: | Craig Barnett |
| Phone: | 480-216-2166 |
| Length: | 8 miles R/T |
| Rating: | Moderate + |
| Elv. Change: | |
| Meet at: | Target parking lot, 16825 E. Shea Blvd, 6:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Craig to RSVP |
| Updates: |
|
This
should be a great hike. If you like, you can bring a fishing rod
to fish for your dinner. We will access this hike from the Payson
side. The main point to remember about this 8-mile trail into Hell’s
canyon is that for the first four miles, it is either a narrow trail or
an old dirt road. It really doesn’t matter whether you take the
narrow walking trail or the old dirt road – both will get you to the
edge of the wilderness area, which, by the way, is marked by a sign
four miles into the hike. Overall, the hike is pretty strenuous (up and
down), although there are some fairly long sections of relatively flat
land. After you reach the four-mile mark, the trail generally
descends from there into the canyon. The last .5 mile is really quite
steep and
strenuous.
|  | MT. BALDY WILDERNESS BACKPACK - Eastern Az White Mountains |
 |  | | Date: |
Fri - Sun, Sept 10 - 12 | | Leader: |
Paul Hiegel | | Phone: |
623-243-2009
| | Length: |
14 miles R/T | | Rating: |
Moderate | | Elv.
Change: | 2700' |
| Meet at: | Home Depot, Power Road and E. Superstition Springs Blvd, 8:00 AM
|
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Paul to RSVP |
| Updates: |
|
The
hike will begin at Sheep Crossing. This is near Sunrise Ski Area in the
beautiful White Mountains east of Pinetop AZ. We will travel from
the trail head approximately 3 miles and set up base camp on the Little
Colorado River. From there we will leave Saturday morning and head
up the mountain for a beautiful day hike and return that evening to our
base camp. Sunday morning we will pack up camp and head back to the
parking lot and then down the hill back to the valley. The moon
will be in its first phase so there will be plenty of stars at night.
The trail will wind through beautiful meadows, tall ponderosa pines,
spruce and fir trees. This area is a wilderness and has not been
touch by logging. The peak of Mt. Baldy is at an elevation of 11,403
and is sacred to the White Mountain Apache. I have encountered black
bears, elk, and grouse on these trails. Don’t worry I haven’t been
eaten... yet.
|  |
HORTON SPRINGS DAY HIKE - Mogollon Rim |  |  | | Date: |
Sat, Sept 18 | | Leader: |
Rich Flammang | | Phone: |
623-878-6237 | | Length: |
4 miles
| | Rating: |
Easy | | Elv.
Change: | 980' |
| Meet at: | Target parking lot, 16825 E. Shea Blvd, 7:00 AM |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please
contact Rich to RSVP. Afther the hike, we will stop in Payson for lunch. |
| Updates: |
|
This
hike to a beautiful spring at the base of the Mogollon Rim is a great
hike, not too long, not too steep. Join us for a walk along the
creek and enjoy the landscape that inspired Zane Grey. The route
begins at the bridge and follows an old jeep trial through pine
forest. Soon you hear the rustling of the creek and just want to
put your feet in…but don’t. Another three miles through a few
switchbacks and we meet our destination, Horton Springs. Now you
can take your shoes off…jump in, if you wish. The trail climbs 1,000
feet over the course of the four miles and there are trout in the
deeper pools of the creek along the trail. |  HAVASU
CANYON (HAVASUPAI) BACKPACK - western Grand Canyon
|  |  | | Date: |
Fri - Sun, Sept 17 - 19
| | Leader: |
Kurt Sedler | | Phone: |
602-339-8780 | | Length: |
11 miles one way | | Rating: |
Moderate + backpack
| | Elv.
Change: | |
| Meet at: | |
| Carpool: | |
| Note: | Please contact Kurt by phone to RSVP. Fees are required. Estimated is $80.00 per person for Havasu Tribal fees. Carpool/meals, etc. are additional. |
| Updates: | IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE The
Tribe has had a snafu and we’ve been bumped to the weekend of September
17th & 18th. We will still leave the Valley on Thursday, but it
will be the 16th instead of the 23rd. We will hike down on Friday, September 17th and camp on the 17th and 18th, emerging and returning to the Valley on the 19th.
|
We
will spend 2 nights in this ‘land of the blue-green waters’, visiting
the spectacular waterfalls, one at over 200 feet! Havasupai means
‘people of the blue-green waters’. The spectacular waterfalls and
isolated community within the Havasupai Indian Reservation attract
thousands of visitors each year. The Havasupai are intimately connected
to the water and the land. This blue- green water is sacred to the
Havasupai. It flows not only across the land, but also through each
tribal member. When you enter their land, you enter their home,
their place of origin. Our likely itinerary will have us leaving
the Valley on Thursday afternoon and camping along the way. Friday
morning we will finish the drive to the reservation and then begin our
backpack, arriving at the campground by early afternoon. Saturday
is our day to explore to our heart’s content – some may wants to tackle
the 15 mile R/T down Havasu Canyon to the Colorado River, with more
falls along the way. Some may elect to merely lounge and
swim. It’s your call. Sunday we will pack up, hike out and
drive home. |  | |  |  | | Date: |
| | Leader: |
| | Phone: |
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| | Rating: |
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