What does Rating mean?
	What does Carpool mean?

WEATHERFORD TRAIL with Mt. HUMPHREYS SUMMIT - Flagstaff
Date:	Sat, Oct 2
Leader:	Mike Stivers
Phone:
Length:	10.3 miles R/T
Rating:	Difficult - Strenuous
Elv. Change:	3500'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of 1-17 & Bell, 6:00 AM
Carpool:	Contact Hike Leader
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader
Updates:	The itinerary has been amended to 10.3 miles RT, which is shorter and easier than originally scheduled. Contact the hike leader for details.
Come car camp with us in the cool pines of the San Francisco Peaks! The hike is optional and we will leave our base camp at 10 AM to summit Arizona’s highest peak at 12,637 feet. This hike is strenuous, a long steady ascent on the Weatherford Trail, a slightly steeper climb to summit Humphreys. It will take a hiker in good shape about 8 to 9 hours to complete this 17.5 (10.3) mile hike. Please be advised that this trip is only for the hardy, experienced and talented hiker. You must have gear adequate for temps into the mid 30’s, and remember to dress in layers and carry up to 4 liters of water as there is no water on the trail. We will award ourselves with good food and good friends back at the camp.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN 620 TRAIL LOOP - Phoenix
Date:	Sat, Oct 9
Leader:	Randy Baker
Phone:	602-616-9491
Length:	+/- 9 miles loop
Rating:	Moderate plus
Elv. Change:	1200'
Meet at:	Fry’s Foods parking lot, 51st Ave and Baseline, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader before Oct 6
Updates:
In 2009, Phoenix approved the $18 million purchase of state land in the foothills northwest of Ahwatukee known informally as the South Mountain 620.  Several yet to be named trails have been have been constructed that connect to existing South Mtn Park’s trails.  Starting from the western end of the park, we will hike a loop of approximately 9 miles, where few have hiked before.  Along the way we will pass the mysterious ‘Lost Camp’ ruins.  Local lore holds that it was once a speakeasy, nudist camp, executive retreat, or Tear Drop Mine. From there we will make the steep climb back up to the National Trail, and back to our cars.  For those interested, after the hike we will enjoy lunch at the Native New Yorker in Laveen.

ANNUAL CLUB PICNIC AND SWAP MEET - Tempe
Date:	Sat, Oct 16
Leader:	Kurt Sedler (with Randy Baker)
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	N/A
Rating:	Piece-o-cake (literally!)
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	RSVP with the Hike Leader by Oct 9 for location
Carpool:
Time:	10:30 AM to ?
Updates:
All current or prospective members, their families and friends are welcome, however, you must RSVP to Kurt by Oct 9 with a head-count if you and yours would like to be included. Before you commit, be certain you can attend, so as to minimize any waste. We will have volleyball & horseshoes as well as brats, burgers, salads & dessert – beer, soft drinks and water will be provided as well. We will also have door prizes and party favors. The food and drink are being paid for by your surplus Club funds, so there will be no charge at the event. Bring a blanket, chair and such, as well as a few “warmies” if you plan to stay for the campfire. GEAR SWAP - We will also have an ‘outdoor gear’ swap, so bring any surplus gear that you would like to sell, trade or donate. Trading (vs. selling) will be encouraged.

SEDONA RED ROCK RAMBLE DAYHIKE and/or CABIN WEEKEND
Date:	Sat - Sun, Oct 23 - 24
Leader:	Don Mantell
Phone:	602-466-1517 or 516-810-8024 (cell)
Length:	+/- 8 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader
Updates:	10/20 - THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL
This hike will proceed on three trails through the beautiful red rock country of West Sedona: Brins Mesa, Soldier Pass, Soldier Pass Arches. On this hike you will pass Devil's Kitchen, which is a huge rock-strewn sink hole; Seven Sacred Pools; and two natural arches. The total elevation change for this hike is only about 1,000', which makes for an enjoyable stroll with time for a lot of picture taking. Additional mileage can be added by exploring the Jim Thompson Trail to Wilson Canyon for those interested in a longer hike. We have reserved the beautiful CRESCENT MOON RANCH HOUSE for the night of Oct. 23rd.  Adjacent to Red Rock State Park, this historic ranch house sits directly on the bank of Oak Creek and offers commanding views of Cathedral Rock. It offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, showers, a large great room, two kitchens and an enclosed sun porch.  We will have a pot-luck supper on Saturday followed by board games, cards, a yodeling contest and more.  The cost of each private bedroom (double bed) is just $65.00 per couple. The enclosed porch and great room offer abundant floor, or cot sleeping. You also may choose to sleep outside under the stars in the shadow of Cathedral Rock, listening to the bubbling waters of Oak Creek. Cost is just $10.00/person. Paid club members have priority - 12 person maximum. To reserve your space in the Ranch House please contact Kurt at mail@friendshiking.com or 602 339-8780.

MOODY POINT/RIM/MURPHY TRAIL HIKE and CAR CAMP - Sierra Ancha
Date:	Sat - Sun, Oct 30 - 31
Leader:	Roussi Gueorguiev
Phone:	602-793-5483
Length:	8 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:	1000'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, US 60 & Rural Road, 6:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader
Updates:
Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area was first established in 1933 as a “Primitive Area”. This 20,850 acre wilderness is full of surprises, and is a pleasure to explore. While not large in acres, this very special wilderness includes precipitous box canyons, high cliffs, and pine-covered mountains.  A wide variety of plant and animal species are found here.  Species range from those in the desert to those found at 8,000 feet. We will use 3 different trails: Moody Point, Rim and the Murphy trails to complete the in-and-out hike.  We will start at the highest point of the Moody Point trail and descend to the Rim trail where will go along a rim overseeing 3 canyons, the Devil’s Chasm, Cold Springs Canyon and Pueblo Canyon where we will enjoy spectacular views. Camping will be at the Workman’s Creek campsite.

UNION HILLS LOOP - Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
Date:	Sat, Nov 6
Leader:	Randy Baker
Phone:	602-616-9491
Length:	6 miles loop
Rating:	Moderate minus
Elv. Change:	770'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of 1-17 & Bell, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader by Nov 3
Updates:
The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is a new city park being developed in Phoenix near I-17, north of Pinnacle Peak Road. We will hike on the first developed trail in the park, which was completed in the spring of 2010. Mostly hidden from the nearby developments, the trail loops through the Union Hills on terrain containing typical plants for this area - palo verde, saguaro, cholla, creosote bush and brittlebush. Elevation gain is 770', with accumulated gain at 1530', so plan for some up and down.

LeBARGE or CHARLEBOIS SPRING BACKPACK & Optional Trail Maintenance - Sups
Date:	Sat - Sun, Nov 13 - 14
Leader:	Steve Desrochers
Phone:	480-926-7939
Length:	+/- 16 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	Home Depot parking lot, US 60 & Power Road, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader by Nov 9
Updates:
Please bring a pair of pruning shears or loppers to help trim the trail. From the Peralta trailhead, we will hike the Whiskey Springs Trail to either LaBarge or Charlebois Spring.  After a wonderful, but cool, night under the stars, we will hike out an alternate route, enjoying different views of the Supes. Water is reliable. A short side trip to the secret Spanish Master Gold Mine map is also possible. You won’t see this stuff if you stay HOME, so come on out and join the fun!

PEAVINE/IRON KING TRAIL DAYHIKE - Prescott
Date:	Sat, Nov 20
Leader:	Don Mantell
Phone:	602-466-1517 or 516-810-8024 (cell)
Length:	6 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of 1-17 & Bell, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader
Updates:
Beginning at the trailhead just south of Watson Lake, the trail heads northeast and parallels Granite Creek and its forest of cottonwoods. The trail soon passes along the eastern shores of Watson Lake; then gradually enters the natural stone sculptures of Granite Dells. At the halfway point, the trail passes an opening in the rocks, allowing for a great view of Granite Mtn across Watson Lake. The trail curves through the dells, passing through old cuts in the granite bedrock, where the railroad construction crews blasted a path for the iron horse over a century ago. While traveling through this maze of rocks, it is easy to see why Granite Dells was used as a hideout by highwaymen & hostile Indians.

ARAVAIPA CANYON BACKPACK - Superior
Date:	Fri - Sun, Nov 26, 27, 28
Leader:	Paul Hiegel
Phone:	623-243-2009
Length:	10 miles R/T plus day hikes
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	Limited to the first 9 participants who pay the $15.00 permit fee
Updates:	10/20 - THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL
How can a stream only shin-deep cut a 1,000-foot deep canyon through the heart of the desert? Aravaipa Creek is born of perennial springs in the 7,000-foot Galiuro Mountains.  Fourteen tributaries join it in its journey to the San Pedro River. By the time the stream twists into the 11-mile canyon, its crystalline waters flow ankle to waist deep. The Aravaipa watershed was occupied by hunters and gatherers starting about 9,500 years ago during Archaic Period, and later by Mogollon, Hohokam, and Saladoan peoples. Come out and see Aravaipa in all of its fall splendor on this wonderful backpacking trip. We will be entering from the east entrance again this year. Prepare for wet feet as we will hike in, across and through the creek the whole time. There are myriad side canyons to explore as well as a ruin or two. This is one of the premier hikes in Arizona - do not miss this rare opportunity.

BLACK CANYON CANOE & HOT SPRINGS TRIP - Kingman
Date:	Fri - Sun, Dec 3*, 4, 5
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	13 miles (by canoe)
Rating:	Easy
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	$95.00 PREPAYMENT REQUIRED to reserve a space (permits, canoe and pfd rental, plus shuttle)
Updates:	10/20 - THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL
This is a perfect trip for the novice or never-canoed-before beginner, as well as a seasoned canoer! Enjoy a relaxing canoe trip through the spectacularly scenic Black Canyon section of the Colorado River. Paralleling the Arizona / Nevada boarder, this is a calm section of the Colorado River which meanders its way through rugged red cliffs. We will travel a total of 13 miles over two days exploring the hundreds of hot springs and side canyons along the way. Saturday we will travel approximately 5 miles and visit a spectacular 132º sauna cave and explore Boy Scout Canyon and Goldstrike Canyon. Both canyons have numerous hot springs, wonderful rock formations and weeping walls with amazing colorful growths of algae and ferns. We will boulder hop up the canyon trying out the many hot pools to find one that’s just the right temperature. We will have lunch at, or near, Boy Scout Canyon and leave plenty of time for exploration and photographs.   Heading further down stream, we will reach or camp for the night at midday. Finish off the evening with a short hike up the canyon and enjoy a warm soak in the hot springs - a perfect way to top off an adventurous day on the river.  We will rise early Sunday morning, have breakfast and get gear packed away in the canoes. Paddling 8 miles to our pullout destination, we will again have some canyons, an historic gauging station and a fish hatchery to explore. There will be a good chance we’ll see some big horn sheep along the river too.  *Note: As we need to be picked up early on Saturday, we will camp on Friday night near the pick-up point; unless you want to arrive late it would be a good idea to take off at least a half-day on Friday for the drive, but it’s up to you.

ANGEL BASIN BACKPACK & Optional Trail Maintenance - Supserstitions
Date:	Sat - Sun, Dec 11 -12
Leader:	Steve Desrochers
Phone:	480-926-7939
Length:	+/- 16 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	Home Depot parking lot, US 60 & Power Road, 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	4 x 4 vehicles are needed to get to the trailhead. Please contact the Hike Leader by Dec 6 to RSVP and/or if you own a 4x4.
Updates:
Please bring a pair of pruning shears or loppers to help trim the trail. We will hike to Angel Basin, an iconic area deep in the Superstitions using the Tortilla trailhead to access the JF Trail which we will take into Rogers Canyon. We will return on the same route. A side trip to the ruins are a must see – this is the most well-preserved ruin in the Superstitions.  Water should be reliable.

SHAW BUTTE TRAIL - Phoenix
Date:	Sat, Dec 18
Leader:	Denise Osborne
Phone:
Length:	4 miles R/T
Rating:	Easy
Elv. Change:	800'
Meet at:	Safeway parking lot, NW corner of 7th St and Thunderbird, 8:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
This scenic hike has a little bit of everything with a climb up a paved road, a steep and rugged descent and a gentle stroll through a quiet basin. We will start out on the service road up the hill.  North Mountain and Piestewa Peak will come into view. We will continue to the summit with a good view down Seventh Ave. towards downtown. We will start our descent on a steep hill to a saddle where we will turn south and continue along the west side of Shaw Butte. We will pass by what remains of Cloud Nine, a popular restaurant during the early 1960’s. There are a number of steep switchbacks as we continue down the trail. We will join the Christiansen trail at the bottom of the basin and head back to the trailhead.  Note: We will carpool from Safeway’s parking lot, as there is a now a $2 parking fee per vehicle at the trailhead.

NEW YEAR’S GO JOHN TRAIL HIKE & BBQ - Cave Creek Recreation Area
Date:	Sat, Jan 1
Leader:	Randy Baker (with Kurt Sedler)
Phone:	605-616-9491
Length:	6 miles loop
Rating:	Moderate minus
Elv. Change:	1000'
Meet at:	Cave Creek Recreation Area, 32nd St north of Carefree Hwy, 9:30 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Please RSVP with the Hike Leader by Dec 29
Updates:
Celebrate the New Year with us on 1/1/11! The Go John Trail is a surprisingly beautiful loop through the mountains north of Phoenix with 1,000 ft. of mostly gradual elevation change. At the top of the first ridge, you are greeted with a view of ranges to the north that top a field of green saguaros and palo verde trees. The trail is easy to follow and offers twists and turns that showcase the surrounding desert and interesting rock formations. After the hike, we will enjoy the park’s facilities with fun, games, and a BBQ. Bring something to burn, your favorite beverage, and a dish to share.  Note: There is a $6 park entrance fee per vehicle.