HOME
Contact Friends
About Friends
Plastic soda or water bottles make great inexpensive water bottles. A 2-liter bottle fits nicely into the side pocket of most backpacks.
Cooking over a fire
If you like to cook over an open fire, there is nothing like a small rubber hose to encourage reluctant wood, or coax a small ember to life. Start with a 3" piece of 3/8" aluminum or copper tubing. Slip an 18" piece of rubber tubing over the metal and you are ready for action. No more bending over with your face next to the fire trying to blow at just the right spot. One caution! Don't breathe in through the hose.





What does Rating mean?
What does Carpool mean?
THIRD QUARTER 2011
WEST FORK OF BLACK RIVER BACKPACK - White Mountains
Date: Sat - Mon, July 2 - 4
Leader: Mike Stivers
Phone: 180-584-9401
Length: 2 miles R/T
Rating: Easy
Elv. Change:
Meet at: Fort McDowell Casino, 8:00 AM
Carpool:
Note: Please contact hike leader to RSVP  – 8 hiker limit
Updates:

“In its short course along Black River's west fork, Thompson Trail traverses one of the loveliest landscapes in the White Mountains."  I agree, and I am sure you will too! We are going to depart the Valley on Saturday, July 2nd for a 2 night, 2.5 day stay in the West Fork of the Black River. This hike starts at 8,400 feet and has an average low temp of just 40 degrees, a welcome respite from the Phoenix heat. Following a nice creek full of trout for just one mile we will make camp amongst the pines. This trip will give us ample time for the 5 hour drive up, and exploration of the area is a must. Fishing allowed with license and stamp. After 2 days of relaxing we will return to the Valley early evening on Monday, July 4th to make it back in time for other celebrations. Children are welcome.
PINAL MOUNTAINS DAYHIKE & OPTIONAL CAR CAMP - Globe
Date: Fri - Sun, July 15 - 17
Leader: Don Mantell
Phone: 602-466-1517 or 516-810-8024 (cell)
Length: TBD, 2 options
Rating: Moderate or Difficult
Elv. Change: 1500' or 3000'
Meet at: Day Hikers: Denny’s parking lot, US 60 & Rural, 6:30 AM on Saturday
Campers: Contact the hike leader
Carpool:
Note: Please contact hike leader to RSVP by July 12
Updates:

Escape the Valley and join us on Pinal Mt. (a sky island) which is located outside of Globe.  Come for a day hike or a weekend of camping. The elevation and the north facing slopes combine to create a lush alpine microenvironment with mixed conifers, aspens and Arizona walnut with a good deal of wildlife. Here in the 1880's General Nelson Miles established one of his primary heliographs in an effort to combat Geronimo. We will be hiking the Six Shooter Trail #197 down to Ferndell Spring and then hike the Icehouse Canyon #198 and Telephone Trail #192. A shorter route may be chosen and rating will vary from moderate to difficult. Come to hike or just to camp!
MT BALDY BACKPACK - White Mountains               
Date: Fri - Sun, July 22 - 24
Leader: Dave Simon
Phone: 480-220-8419
Length: 16 miles R/T
Rating: Moderate +
Elv. Change: +/- 2800'
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note: Please contact the hike leader to RSVP and arrange carpooling
Updates:

This beautiful trail in cool Eastern Arizona follows two trout streams and summits Mt. Baldy, Arizona’s 2nd highest peak. We will camp near the trailhead Friday evening and on Saturday will head up the West Baldy Trail that follows the Little Colorado River.  
We will enjoy the views from atop 11,400’ Mt. Baldy before heading down on the east side of the loop, again following a trout stream – some may want to camp for another evening, or start heading home – we will work out those details as the roster is determined. 

ASPEN / MARSHALL GULCH - Mt. Lemmon, Tucson
Date: Sat, Aug 6
Leader: Rich Flammang
Phone: 623-878-6237
Length: 5.1 miles loop
Rating: Easy/Moderate
Elv. Change: 1000'
Meet at: I-HOP rear parking lot, NW corner of Ray Rd. and I-10, 6:30 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:

The loop formed by these two trails is one of the most heavily used upper elevation routes into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. This moderate hike leads through an area of diverse habitats that include excellent examples of Canadian Zone riparian areas and ponderosa pine forests. Sights along this view-rich trail include the bare granite walls of the uppermost reaches of Sabino Canyon, through which the first half mile or so of the Aspen Trail passes. After taking in the wide angle overlooks at Lunch Ledge and Marshall Saddle, both of which include overlooks of the Wilderness of Rock area, towering Lemmon Rock, and Romero Pass, we will take the Marshall Gulch Trail back to our starting point. Bring raingear and lunch. For those interested, we will be stopping for refreshments in Summerhaven afterwards.

GRANITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL - Prescott
Date: Sat, Aug 13
Leader: Denise Osborne
Phone: 480-241-9297
Length: 9 miles R/T
Rating: Moderate
Elv. Change: 1580'
Meet at: Denny's parking lot, SW corner of I-17 & Bell Rd, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:

This hike will begin at the Metate Trailhead off Forest Road 374. The hike is shady in the beginning with views of the vertical rock ledges of the Granite summit on the right. This hike is just after the Peregrine Falcon breeding season, so maybe we will get lucky and see one. If not there are plenty of other birds such as woodpeckers and Steller's jays.  About 1.8 miles from the trailhead, we will come to Blair Pass where several trails branch off. Granite Mountain Trail heads north and begins climbing a series of switchbacks. There are some great views to the west and southwest, but not much shade so it may be a bit warm. There is a high saddle about 1.3 miles after Blair Pass and you can go off on an unofficial trail for about 100 yards and get a good view to the north from a rock ledge.  We will return to the main trail and head on for another mile and a half to an overlook of Granite Basin Lake, Watson Lake and the Granite Dells and the Granite Mountain summit.  We will head back the same way we came in. Note: There is a charge of $5.00/per vehicle at the trailhead parking.
Mt. HUMPHREY SUMMIT - Flagstaff
Date: Sat, Aug 20 (optional camp Fri Aug 19 and/or Sat Aug 20)
Leader: Roussi Gueorguiev 
Phone: 602-793-5483
Length: 10.3 miles R/T
Rating: Difficult/Strenuous (some areas of steep climbing and high elevations)
Elv. Change: 3300'
Meet at: Day Hikers: Denny's parking lot, SW corner of I-17 & Bell Rd, 6:00 AM. Contact the hike leader to RSVP.
Campers: TBD, contact the hike leader to RSVP.
Carpool:
Note:
Updates: DAY HIKERS: THE MEET TIME ON SATURDAY HAS CHANGED TO 4:00 AM.  BE SURE TO RSVP WITH THE HIKE LEADER!

Come car camp or hike with us in the cool pines of the San Francisco Peaks! On this hike we will summit Arizona’s highest peak at 12,637 feet. Starting at Arizona Snowbowl we will hike up the switchbacks to Humphrey’s saddle. From there, after our respite, we will endeavor to hike the remaining mile or so to Humphrey’s Peak, Arizona’s highest mountain! The views from the peak are awe-inspiring! Please evaluate your abilities - this trip is only for the hardy, experienced hikers. Be prepared for cool temps at the summit and for strong winds. Depending on the weather we may decide to stop at the saddle and turn around. Going to the summit when lightning storm is coming is not advised. There is no water on the trail so be sure to carry 3-4 liters with you. We will award ourselves with good food and good friends back at the camp or in Flagstaff after the hike.
A.B. YOUNG TRAIL TO EAST POCKET KNOB FIRE LOOKOUT TOUR DAY HIKE - Sedona
Date: Sat, Aug 27
Leader: Don Mantell
Phone: 602-466-1517 or 516-810-8024 (cell)
Length: 8.8 miles R/T
Rating: Moderate +
Elv. Gain: +/- 3600'
Meet at: Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of I-17 and Bell Road, 6:30 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:

From the Bootleggers Campground on Rt 89A, we will climb 1600' in a little over 1½ miles. The steep, sinuous trail enters the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness and zigzags up 33 switchbacks to great views of Oak Creek Canyon and sculpted rock formations.
Perched on the 6700' rim of the East Pocket Mesa, tiny cars can be seen moving through the canyon. The first part of our hike now completed, we will climb another 2000' to the East Pocket Knob Fire Lookout Tower. The trail upwards winds through the forest of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. From the lookout tower there is a 360-degree panoramic view of Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks; Mingus, Munds and Wilson Mountains, the flat top of the Mogollon Rim and Verde Valley. The views will be worth the effort to do the climb and of course, afterwards, we will reward ourselves with good eats and drinks at a favorable place nearby. 
COLORADO ROCKIES BACKPACK – Southern Colorado 
Date: Labor Day Weekend, 5 days (TBD)
Leader:  Dave Simon
Phone: 480-220-8419
Length: +/- 50 miles
Rating: Difficult/Strenuous
Elv. Change: +/- 3500'
Meet at: TBD
Carpool:
Note: This is a strenuous alpine backpack, and backpacking experience is required. Please contact the hike leader to RSVP and arrange carpooling.
Updates:

The Weminuche Wilderness lies in the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests of southwestern Colorado and is the largest designated Wilderness in the state at nearly half a million acres! Fifty miles of the Continental Divide, the geological backbone of North America, bisect the Weminuche, diverting its headwaters to either the Pacific or Atlantic oceans. 
SOUTH MOUNTAIN FULL MOON HIKE - Phoenix     
Date: Sat, Sept 10
Leader: Randy Baker
Phone: 602-616-9491
Length: +/- 7 miles
Rating: Easy +
Elv. Change: +/- 1000'
Meet at: Nello’s Pizza parking lot, 4710 E. Warner Road, 7:00 PM
Carpool:
Note: Please RSVP with the hike leader before Sept 8. 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 for a pasta fazool, head for Nello’s afterwards.
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine, it’s time to retire á su casa!
From the Telegraph Pass Trailhead, we will climb to the National Trail. From there we will head west on a new yet-to-be named trail which descends to our waiting shuttle vehicles, then head back to Nello’s, where we will enjoy food and refreshments.
Be sure to bring plenty of water, and a good flashlight or headlight, as we are starting close to sunset so to enjoy the moonlight serenade. Buenas tardes!                          
RAMSEY CANYON - Huachuca Mtn Range, Sierra Vista
Date: Sat, Sept 17
Leader:  Erica Kollen 
Phone: 520-429-6792 
Length: 10.6 miles R/T
Rating: Difficult
Elv. Change: 2900'
Meet at: Fry's Electronics parking lot, Baseline west of I-10, 5:30 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:

Ramsey Canyon, visited by people all over the world, is known for its amazing bird watching. Located in the Huachuca Mtn range, the trailhead is at 5700'. The trail is an out-loop-and-back, where you will see large AZ sycamore trees among rugged, lush and scenic views. There are usually a few river crossings which should not be very technical.  The early start is needed due to the park closing at early hours (4-5pm). This is a beautiful hike that I did many years ago and would love to share it with you. Hope to see you there! 
UPPER BONITO CREEK DAYHIKE & CAR CAMP - White Mountains 
Date: Fri - Sun, Sept 23 - 25
Leader: Paul Hiegel
Phone: 623-243-2009
Length: As far as you want
Rating: Moderate +
Elv. Change:
Meet at: Home Depot parking lot, Power Road, south of Hwy 60, 6:00 AM
Carpool: Please contact the hike leader
Note: This trip requires high clearance vehicle, four wheel drive prefered.  There are no facilities. A White Mountain Apache Camping and Fishing Permit are required in this area. Contact hike leader for more information on the hike or permits.
Updates:

On Friday morning we will leave the Valley and travel approximately 190 miles to the beautiful White Mountain Apache Reservation. There we will be car camping at the forks where the Little Bonito and Big Bonito creeks come together. On Saturday we will day hike and fish if you want up the Bonito creek to the base of Mount Baldy and return that evening to our camp for an evening of fire and enjoyment in the great outdoors.
On  Sunday we will return to the Valley. This area is very remote, and we will probably see elk, deer, turkey and maybe even a bear or two (they don't eat much).
Notes
LOY CANYON/SECRET MOUNTAIN DAYHIKE - Sedona
Date: Sat, Oct 1
Leader: Bob Waskowich
Phone: 602-769-2515
Length: 8 to 10 miles R/T *
Rating: Moderate
Elv. Change:  
Meet at: Denny's parking lot, SW corner of I-17 & Bell Rd, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note: We drive about 10 miles in on a graded dirt road to the trailhead. A Red Rock Pass or Nat’l Park Pass is required, which are not available at trailhead. 
Updates:

Loy Canyon is a towering side canyon on the western side of Sedona. As we hike the first 4 miles along the bottom of the canyon we can see beautiful red rock formations above and if you look closely you will see Indian ruins. We gain 800-900' on this portion of the hike. At the end of the canyon we climb steeply another 800-900' in less than a mile to the top. From here one can go another quarter mile and see wonderful views of the canyon below. Or if you choose, head in the other direction toward Secret Mountain in the cooler air of the pines and see the old cabin. Bring plenty of water and we’ll stop for lunch afterward either in Page Springs or Oak Creek. 


Date:
Leader:
Phone:
Length:
Rating:
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:




Date:
Leader:
Phone:
Length:
Rating:
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:




Date:
Leader:
Phone:
Length:
Rating:
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:



DISCLAIMER: Hiking is a personal choice and requires personal responsibility. Read full disclaimer.