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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.

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