PAST HIKES ARCHIVES

Below you will find the name and description of hikes the club has done sine January of 2016 to help hike leaders in finding and composing hike descriptions for email announcements.  Once you find a hike in the list, you can copy and paste it in an email announcement, adding whatever unique information is needed such as the date/time and contact person.  In most cases, the description, meeting place, directions and links should be the same.
           
​             Thunderbird
 Enter Thunderbird Park off of 59th Ave, take an immediate right and drive to the last parking lot – stay to the right as you drive and do not take the curve to the left.
            Union Peak
January 14 away hike:  This will be an in/out hike to Union Peak from the Desert Vista trailhead, which is part of the Phoenix Sonoran preserve off of Jomax. This is a 6 mile hike, with an E/C of 600’ (1600’-2200’). We will meet in the Fry’s parking lot just west of the park n ride on Bell Road and I-17 at 8:00 am, or you can meet us at the trailhead. For any questions about the trail you can call me at xxxxx or email at xxxx
           
              Deem Hills
Sunday October 27     Deem Hills –
Start time:  meet at the trailhead at 7:00AM
 Leader:_________________
Length & Difficulty:  An Approximate 4 mile hike on hilly terrain, rocky in places.  
Description:  Some nice views.  This hike is similar to Thunderbird.  It’s a little longer and the trail is in better shape.  We will start on the Circumference trail on sw side. We’ll follow the Circumference trail. 
Directions –  Proceed to Happy Valley Road & 55th Ave. Turn North on 55th Ave. At the 4 way stop sign, proceed straight. The road becomes Deem Hills Pkwy. Up ahead on the right is the entrance to the park & parking lot. Restrooms are located on the north side of the parking lot. We will meet/ gather on the east side of the parking lot, near the dog park.  There are restrooms at the park trailhead. 
We will plan to go to AJ’s at 67th & the 101 for coffee/snacks afterwards.  –
               
              Butcher Jones
January 2nd:  Butcher Jones Trail #463  –  Saguaro Lake  Rating:  C    Length:  5+ miles    Elev. Gain:  200′    Beautiful and easy hike on the edges of the lake with spectacular views.  A $6.00 vehicle permit is required which I will provide. Bring water, snacks/lunch and I’ll provide a date & nut bread. Don’t forget money to pay your drivers.   Meet at the Park & Ride, Hwy 17/Bell Rd. at 8:30 AM.  Please e-mail me if you are interested.  Eileen

              Goldwater Loop Trail – Prescott
Date:
Goldwater Loop Trail – Prescott
Description – The trail meanders around Goldwater Lake in a forest of oak and pine trees. The hike will be up and down which isn’t too difficult. Views of a small rocky waterfall and Goldwater Lake can be enjoyed during the hike.
 Mileage – 6 1/2 to 7 miles
Difficulty – moderate
Elevation – approx. 500 feet
Carpool – Meet at the parking lot behind Denny’s at I-17 and Bell Road (Southwest corner of I-17 and Bell Road).
Time – 7:00 AM
 Information – Please bring a lunch to eat on the trail, snacks, and at least 2 bottles of water. If you are able to drive, please let me know and I will get back to you.
Contact – 

               Black Canyon Trail
January 9th – Black Canyon Trail:  A hike for an out and back section of the Black Canyon trail out of Black Canyon City is planned for January 9th. Since the forecast is for partially cloudy after mixed days of rain,  it should be good. The scenes are often special after a storm as the air is clean, and mixed cloudy conditions make the sky scenic.   8:30 AM departure from the Bell road Park and Ride. People participating could decide the distance and time spent on the trail. Contact information xxxx@mail.com and cell number is 602-xxx-xxxx. Ben

              Soap Creek to the pools of Black Canyon on the Agua Fria
Date:
Description: ¼ mile of neat wash and high desert to the Black Canyon Trail.       1 ½ miles to the Agua Fria River       ½ mile to Black Canyon    ½ mile through the Black Canyon of the Aqua Fria River.       Return   This hike offers great high desert vegetation, views of the Southern Bradshaw mountains, and rock walls and pools in Black Canyon. It is a true party for the eyes of heat stressed desert dwellers.
Mileage: 6.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: relatively easy
Time: _______________ for carpooling
Carpool: I-17 and Bell Road behind Denny’s restaurant  (southwest corner)
Directions:  First we will meet Ben at Freddy’s Steak Burgers in the Crossroads Shopping Center (I-17 exit Daisy Mountain 227). To the trailhead: I-17 to Coldwater Road (exit 244)  Pass under I-17 and take an immediate left on Maggie Mine Road. Drive 1/2 mile. Take a left on Marin Road and cross the concrete bridge and drive to a right corner (1/4 mile). Go around the corner to the right on Lisa Lane. Drive 1/5 mile and at the first dip Soap Creek exits. Turn left and park along the road. Ben will lead us to the trailhead (thank heavens!).
After the hike: When the adventure is complete, hungry hikers can join Ben and Bev for a tasty lunch at Nora Jean’s Koffee Kitchen near the trailhead.
Contact: Gail for carpooling – 
                Ben for hike leader – 

               White Tank Mountain Willow, and Ford loop
Saturday Jan 16 : Moderately difficult 8 mile hike in White Tank Mountain Park Mesquite, Willow, and Ford loop with 1,500 ft elevation gain. Meet 8:30 at Safeway on Olive & 107th Ave If interested please contact Nancy at xxxxxx
 Indian Springs in the Eagletail Mountains
January 23rd – Indian Springs  Indian Springs in the Eagletail Mountains. 4 Mile round trip. This is a route in a wash and then in the open desert to a petroglyph site. High clearance vehicles to get to the trailhead. Meet at park and ride at Bell and I-17. 8 am. Travel 70 miles west of Phoenix.  Contact: Rudi at xxxxxx.

​              Tom’s Thumb
January 30th – Tom’s Thumb (East End)  Rating: Moderately Difficult     Length: 5 miles     Elevation Gain: approx. 1000 feet.  Tom’s Thumb is a trail on the north side of the McDowell Mountains. The club has hiked this trail several times.  Bring lunch to eat on the trail, plenty of water, and snacks.  Meet at the Park and Ride (Bell Road and I-17) at 8:00 AM.  Contact: Gail if you are interested.  (If you are able to drive, please let me know.)
Apache Wash 
January 28 alternative Hike –  Apache Wash Trailhead   8 AM  Hike Leader:  Dottie    You must notify leader if you plan to come.
This is an easy walk from the Apache Wash Trailhead, 1600 East Sonoran Desert Drive in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, which is located north of Jomax Road and roughly midway between I-17 and Cave Creek Road.
Departure Details:  We will meet at 8:00 AM in the Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park behind Denny’s, toward the middle of the parking lot. We will carpool to the trailhead.  Directions:  drive North on I-17 for about 8 miles to the Dove Valley Road exit. Drive east on Dove Valley Road for 5.2 miles to the entrance to the Apache Wash Trailhead and parking area. Restrooms are located near the trail head. Water is not available.
We will take the Ocotillo Trail to Ridgeback Overlook (you can choose not to hike the 350 feet up to the overlook as the trail goes up as well as straight) and then take Sidewinder to Apache Wash. The trails are well-marked.  Near the last stretch of the hike are two options: to do a 4.7 mile hike by NOT taking the Sidewinder Trail up to Apache Vista where we’ll get a good aerial view of the wash network or to do so and hike about 6 miles total with about 500 ft climb to Apache Vista. This is an elongated loop trail which highlights the completely different riparian environment created by a large desert wash. Like all large desert washes, Apache Wash features a narrow corridor of mesquite, paloverde, ironwood, creosote, and catclaw, while the surrounding desert is comparatively barren.

             Sedona Hikes
Broken Arrow Trail (3 1/2 miles) is an easy and popular hike on a good trail with great red rock scenery. The trail is unshaded and can be hot in summer. Begin at the signed trailhead which will direct you across the jeep road to the trail. After 200 feet, the trail bears left (south) and soon crosses a ledge at the foot of Battlement Mesa. At .6 miles, look for the fence around Devil’s Dining Room Sinkhole 100 feet to the left and downhill. Explore, then return to the trail and continue as it gradually climbs to some scenic red rock outcrops beside Twin Buttes on the right. Continue to the end of the trail at Chicken Point at 1½ miles. More great views. Return by the same route. At ½ mile from Chicken Point, take the short side path to the right signed for Submarine Rock. Walk this interesting formation, and then return by the same path to the main trail. Continue north to complete the hike of about 3½ miles (roundtrip including Submarine Rock). The adjacent roads are used by Jeep tours.

Thompson Trail :  (6 miles)  Built by Jim Thompson in 1887. This trail can be hiked from either the Wilson Canyon Trailhead (as described here) or the Jordan Road Trailhead . From Midgely Bridge parking area, start along the road past the picnic ramada. At .1 miles, bear right onto the trail marked by large rock cairns. It gradually climbs, then descends to the canyon drainage. At .6 miles, pass the fork signed for Wilson Mountain Trail and 100 yards further, take the left fork signed for Jim Thompson Trail. It immediately begins a .2 mile moderate climb. Bear right as you top out and after 100 yards, take the left fork (to the right is a path onto Steamboat Rock). The trail is wide and nearly flat with sparse shade as it follows an old road along the base of Steamboat Rock and past Steamboat Tank on the right at 1.5 miles. Nice views. 
At 2.25 miles, the trail passes through a cattle gate, becoming narrower and more shaded as it gently descends into Mormon Canyon. At the bottom, the trail bends right into the canyon a short way before joining the start of Brins Mesa Trail on a closed road at 3 miles. The Jordan Road Trailhead parking area is 150 yards south (left) down the road just past the gate. Return by the same route for a 6 mile roundtrip hike or hike one way in either direction with arranged transportation.

Wilson Mountain Trail:  (9 miles)  Wilson Mountain is the highest mountain in the area, topping out at 7,122 feet. The trail climbs the cliffs from the 6,200-foot First Bench of Wilson Moutain up to the top of the mountain, with incredible overlooks on both the north rim and the south rim. The hike is a continuation of the First Bench trails (North Wilson Trail and Wilson Mountain to the First Bench). The mountaintop is covered with basaltic lava flows that date back 5 million years ago. From the summit are bird’s eye views of the entire area from 3,000 feet above the city of Sedona. The 360-views include the Verde Valley to the south, the San Francisco Peaks to the north, Oak Creek Canyon and the Mogollon Rim to the east, and the Red Rock Country to the west.


Court House Butte Loop (4.25 miles) Courthouse Butte Loop: To get to this wonderful trail, take the wide Bell Rock Pathway from the kiosk toward Bell Rock. It climbs gently and at ½ mile there is a signed intersection with the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. Continue ahead on the wide trail (this description is for taking the loop clockwise). The trail continues a gentle climb circling to the left of Bell Rock. It levels out at 1 mile and curves to the right below the slopes of Bell Rock. Follow the large cairns to the 1½ mile point where the wide Pathway turns north (left) and a sign shows the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail branching to the right. Go right. This narrower trail passes to the left of Courthouse Butte heading toward Lee Mountain. At 2¼ miles, the trail passes to the right of a prominent dome-shaped outcrop, and then gradually descends, entering Wilderness. It enters a dry wash at 3 miles, circles to the right over bare rock and climbs out onto level ground as it leaves the Wilderness area and continues to circle Courthouse Butte. Approaching Bell Rock, the trail meets the pathway once again at 3¾ miles. Go left, retracing the entry route for ½ mile to return to the kiosk. The loop is mostly unshaded and can be hot in summer.


West Fork of Oak Creek
Date:
Length: 6.4 miles round trip
Time: ________________for car pooling
Difficulty: Easy, 200 ft elevation gain.  Bring hiking sticks for balance on creek crossing rocks.
Meet-up/carpool:  Meet behind the Denny’s at I-17 and Bell Road at 6:30am.
RSVP:  ___________at_________________
Bring:  Hiking poles, cash to pay carpool drivers and parking/hiking fees, snacks for the hike, lunch to eat at end of hike
Description:  For years the Honeywell Hiking Club used to do this hike every year at this time since the maple and oak trees would be turning shades of reds, pinks, oranges and yellows making a glorious display of color. The smells of the leaves on the forest floor would also create a wonderful smell that says Fall is in the air. I (Dan) haven’t enjoyed that fall hike for years so I’m overdue. Usually the parking lot and trail is full of people on the weekend but isn’t as busy during the week. The parking lot usually doesn’t open until 8:00am so we should be ok leaving from Phoenix around 6:30am. It costs $10 per car to park and $2 per person to hike. Oh for the good old days when it didn’t cost a dime to hike there. This is an easy hike which is 6.4 miles round trip and about 200ft elevation change. We do have to cross the creek about eight times on rocks so bring a hiking stick to make that balance issue easier. About forty years ago we took our hiking boots off and waded in about four and one half miles but then we found it required a swim to go further. So if you like bring your bathing suit and swim upstream in that 40 degree water.

Doe Mountain and Fay Canyon/Fay Arch (Sedona area)
Date: ________________
Length: 7 miles total
Difficulty: Moderate, 1100 ft elevation gain over 3 different climbs
Meet-up/carpool:  Meet behind the Denny’s at I-17 and Bell Road at 7:00am.
RSVP:  Contact____________________
Bring:  Cash to pay carpool drivers, snacks and lunch to eat during or at end of hike
Description:  This is actually two different hikes that are near one another. The first is at Doe Mountain which is out Dry Creek Road. Instead of turning right to Longs Canyon you go left for both hikes. Doe Mountain offers great views of the whole Sedona area including Capital Butte and Wilson Mountain behind West Sedona and to the south Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte. Doe Mountain is not really a mountain but a flat top mesa that requires only a 560 foot climb to get to the top. You walk around the edge of the mesa taking in the spectacular views in every direction. It is only around two miles in distance. Then we will go down and across the street to the entrance to Fay Canyon. First we will go into the canyon around a mile and then climb 260 feet up the east canyon wall to see Fay Arch. It is the longest arch in the Sedona area which spans 94 feet. It is 20ft wide and 25ft thick, while the bottom extends 15ft above the ground. As you approach it you think there’s no arch around here, just an alcove. But you have to get under it to see it because it is separated from the adjacent canyon wall by only ten feet. After we strain our necks looking up at the arch we will go back down to the canyon floor and proceed up the canyon. You can go another one and a half miles climbing around 300ft through shady forest at first and then it becomes an adventurous trek along a rolling, sometimes precipitous cliff side. If you survive they say there’s a great view at the top. The trek into Fay is five miles round trip. As far as difficulty goes, we do three different climbs amounting to 1100 feet of elevation change and a total of seven miles.

           2 Lk. Pleasant Hikes:  
Rating:  C    Length:  4.5     Elev. Gain:  500″  Starting from the North entrance we’ll begin on the Cottonwood Trl., an easy hike.  This connects with the Yavapai Point Trl. that climbs to a mountaintop overlooking the lake.  Meet at 83rd Ave/Deer Valley Rd, NE corner in front of the Albertsons at 8 AM.  There is a $6.00 fee at the entrance. Bring water and a snack.  If interested please respond to

​            Vulture Peak
South of Wickenburg:  Rating:  C  Length:  4 miles, rt    Elev Gain:  1,000′ to the saddle.  Classic Sonoran desert landscape.  Meet at 83rd Ave/Deer Valley Rd, NE corner in front of Albertsons, 8:00 AM.  Bring water and snacks. Good hike to use your poles.
   
            Pass Mountain trail
An 8 mile loop in Usury Park in Mesa. – This is a moderate hike with a 600’ elevation gain; beginning elevation is 2000’. We will do the hike counter-clockwise.  Meet up at Albertson’s on the southeast corner of Union Hills and Cave Creek Rd @ 7:30 am for carpooling.  Bring a snack/lunch and water on the hike. There is a $6 fee to enter the park. Contact

            Indian Springs:  
Indian Springs in the Eagletail Mountains. 4 Mile round trip. This is a route in a wash and then in the open desert to a petroglyph site. High clearance vehicles to get to the trailhead. Meet at park and ride at Bell and I-17. 8 am. Travel 70 miles west of Phoenix.  Contact:
 
           Tom’s Thumb (East End)  
Rating: Moderately Difficult     Length: 5 miles     Elevation Gain: approx. 1000 feet.  Tom’s Thumb is a trail on the north side of the McDowell Mountains. The club has hiked this trail several times.  Bring lunch to eat on the trail, plenty of water, and snacks.  Meet at the Park and Ride (Bell Road and I-17) at 8:00 AM.  Contact: Gail   ——–.   if you are interested.  (If you are able to drive, please let me know.)

           Coyote Canyon Trail
An easy seven mile hike that begins at the Scottsdale Granite Mountain trailhead off 136th Street to the north of Dynamite/ Rio Verde Road.
After meeting at 8:00 AM at the Fry parking lot next to the Bell Road Park and Ride, hikers can carpool to the trailhead. This hike has the often seen beauty of the Bootlegger Trail and a section of the Granite Mountain Loop before the junction with Coyote Canyon Trail. The trail features great rock formations, neat cactus including a rare double crested Saguaro and nice rocks to sit upon while eating a lunch and hearing stories told by other hikers. The hike is led by ___________________.  Contact at _________________ if interested.

            Black Canyon Trail Hike
 (6 Miles)   A desert flowers (we hope) hike in an area with rich varied desert vegetation. It is an in and back hike with insignificant elevation changes. The Emery Henderson trail head is three miles west of Interstate 17 on the New River road (exit 232).  Meet in the Fry’s parking lot next to the Bell Road (exit 212) and I17 Park and Ride at 8:00 AM for sign in and ride sharing. 

           Red Rock State Park  Sedona
Red Rock State Park offers some beautiful trails with lots of shade along cool and refreshing Oak Creek and also climbs up to Eagles Nest Overlook and the House of Apache Fire. From the Eagles Nest you get a panoramic view of all the Sedona red rock formations such as Cathedral Rock and the Seven Sisters as well as others. You also see all of the park meadows and tree lined Oak Creek winding through the park from up there. The House of Apache Fire has an interesting history behind it which you can learn about at the visitors center. The view from there is also spectacular with all the Sedona area mountains visible such as Munds, Wilson and Lee’s mountain. The total mileage for our hike will be around 5 miles.
After our hike we will go to the visitors center and take in their interesting displays and see their video presentation in the auditorium which is outstanding. Be sure and bring a lunch since they have several picnic areas available. We will probably head back to Phoenix around 2:30PM. We will car pool from the parking lot behind Denny’s near Bell Road and I17(SW corner) at 7:00am. Look for my bright blue Dodge Challenger to find me. You might consider bringing a camera and some binoculars since this park is a bird watchers and scenic paradise. There is an entry fee of $6 per car which we can help the driver to pay.

           Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area hike in Cave Creek
There are a couple of new short trails that have been added at Spur Cross (Fairy Duster loop and Mariposa), so come on out for a nice 6 mile loop hike. Possibility of seeing some wildflowers or cacti in bloom, and a couple of creek crossings. We will do a combination of trails starting and ending on the Spur Cross trail. This will be our route – we will start out on the Spur Cross trail to the new Fairy Duster loop (.6 mile), back on Spur Cross to the other new Mariposa trail (.2), then on Metate (.8), then back again on Spur Cross for (1.2), then the Dragonfly (2.6), which takes us back to the car(s).
For carpooling, we will meet at 7:30 am at Albertson’s on the southeast corner of Cave Creek Road and Union Hills. Please call or email Susan F if you plan to hike, or have questions about the hike.  There is a $3 fee at the trailhead.

            Deem Hills West
The alternate hike for Thursday, 7 April will be at Deem Hills West starting at 7:30 AM.  We’ll hike the western part of the Circumference Trail in the clockwise direction.  The hike distance is 3.1 miles, and I just did it in 1 hr. 20 minutes, hiking at a casual pace.  The hike is ranked as “moderate” with a few hundred feet of elevation change (several times).  The trail is in very good condition, much better than Thunderbird Park.  For those that wish to include the Ridgeline portion of the trail, the hike will be 1 mile longer with 350 feet of additional climb.  Attached is a trail map.
Deem Hills West is located on 55th Ave, 2 miles north of Pinnacle Peak Rd.   Park at the north end of the lot near the playground and bathrooms.  We’ll go to AJ’s afterward.


           Marcus Landslide Trail
Hike Leaders:  ______________ : RSVP for this hike and let us know if you will meet us for dar pooling or at the trailhead
Meetup Time:  ____________
Meetup Place for car pooling: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  Cafe 20235 N. Cave Creek Road,—  see directions below
Meetup Place at Trailhead:  between 7:30 and 7:45 – 23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Distance and elevation gain: 3.7 miles – 300 ft elevation gain
Description:  A gentle 3-mile out-and-back hike with optional .7-mile small loop, this interpretive geology trail starts at the trailhead and ends beside or on top of the 2nd largest landslide in Arizona! This hike takes you through a remote area of the Preserve with many beautiful rock formations and excellent wildflowers in the spring.
Directions to car pooling site:  On Cave Creek Rd., JUST SOUTH of Cave Creek Rd. exit off the 101.  We will meet in the parking lot in front of theThe Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Cafe (which faces Cave Creek Rd.  For those coming from the west on the 101, get off at the Cave Creek exit, and go right (South) on Cave Creek.  As you turn onto Cave Creek Rd., get into the left turn lane.  Go to the very first traffic light (Beardsley) and make a “U” turn to go north on Cave Creek  Turn right after the gas station and Chase Bank on your  right, and you will see The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Cafe ahead on the right.  For those coming north on Cave Creek Rd., pass the light at Beardsley – pass the filling station and Chase Bank and turn right into the parking

             Wild Burro Trail at Lake Pleasant
May 5 away hike:  John and I will be leading the Wild Burro Trail at Lake Pleasant.  It is 4 miles along the lake shore and in and out.  We will meet behind Denny’s at southwest corner of Bell Rd and I-17 at 7:00AM.  Those wanting to meet us at Lake Pleasant will meet us outside the entry gate on Castle Hot Springs Rd.  There is an $6 fee per car.  If you are going to meet us at the Lake please RSVP so we know to look for you there.

            Parsons Trail (Close by Clarkdale)
Description: The Parsons Trail leads hikers into a riparian area along Sycamore Creek. At first we will drop 200 feet to the canyon floor and then walk less than 4 miles to the spring. Although the hike is rated easy, it does require some boulder hopping across the creek.  Length:8 miles round-trip     Difficulty: Rated Easy     Elevation: 3,775 to 3,671 feet     Bring: Lunch to eat on the trail, snacks, and plenty of water.  Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance     Meeting time and Place:7:00 Am at Park and Ride (Bell Road and I-17)  Directions: From Cottonwood, drive northwest on Main Street (State Route 260) and follow the signs toward the turnoff for Tuzigoot National Monument. Turn right onto Tuzigoot Road, continue across the Verde River bridge and turn left onto Forest Road 131 (Sycamore Canyon Road). From there, it’s 11 miles to the trailhead.  Drivers: If you can drive, please let me know.  Contact: 

             GOLDWATER LAKE TRAIL 
Prescott – 10 miles total in/out – 4-5 hrs. Including photo ops.  This trail begins near the Senator Highway. It passes Upper and Lower Goldwater Lakes as it follows a winding, not steep trail 5 miles to the White Spur Campground.  This wooded trail offers views of the Sierra Prietas Mountains and Bannon Creek and maybe a pond. We will sit for a lunch/snack break and pictures at the campground, then follow the same trail back to within a mile of the cars and then take a side excursion to reach the lake shore. This side trip adds no mileage since it rejoins the trail farther down to the trailhead. BONUS #1,  We will view a memorial marker which overlooks the site of the Yarnell fire where 19 firefighters lost their lives.  BONUS #2,  Please contact hike leader – Billie H.  If you would be willing to drive please let me know. No dirt roads.

            Horton Creek, Highline, and Derrick Trail Loop: 
This trail is east of Payson. The beginning of the hike follows Horton Creek. It is always nice to see actual water flowing in AZ. Then if we feel energetic, we can hike the Highline trail which is just below Mogollon Rim. Even though this is the hardest part of the loop, I’ve always thought it the most scenic . Distance: 9 ½ miles or 8 miles (depending on what the group wants to do). Difficulty: moderately strenuous – Elevation: 5,360 to 6,700 feet – Meeting Time and Place:  6:30 AM.    Park and Ride (I-17 and Bell Road).  Bring: Lunch (to be eaten on the trail), snacks, and lots of water  (Once I actually ran out of water on this hike. I recommend three 16 ounces at least.) Directions: From Payson drive 17 miles on Highway 260. Turn north onto the Tonto Creek Road (Forest Road 289) and drive 1 mile to Upper Tonto Creek Campground. (paved all the way).  Contact: _____  email: _________  Cell: ________   Home: ______  If you can help drive, please let me know.

            West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon
Leader: —  –  This was a hike that we use to do on the third week of October when the maple and oak leaves are turning and the maples are showing their magnificent colors of bright reds, pinks and oranges. The contrast of these colors with the greens of the firs and pines and the reds and whites of the canyon walls make for gorgeous pictures. Also where the maples are thick the trail is very colorful with fallen leaves and the smell is wonderful – the true smell of autumn. The downside of going to the West Fork is that it is so popular that weekends are impossible with crowds and the weekdays are better but sometimes it is difficult to find a parking spot and unlike years ago there is a $7 charge for parking and $2 for hiking. That’s progress?  We will meet at the usual place in the parking lot behind Denny’s at I17 and Bell at 7:00am. Bring a lunch for eating on the trail and a hiking stick to help you boulder hop across the creek about seven times. The distance of the hike is about 6 to 7 miles since you would have to walk (or swim) in water at around 3 to 3/12 miles into the canyon. Most likely we will returning to Phoenix around 3 or 4 PM.  Hope to see you then,  

            Boulder Canyon Trail, Superstition Wilderness
The trail begins at Canyon Lake and then starts uphill with stunning views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and the Superstition wilderness.  The trail then drops down toward La Barge Creek. If we can, we’ll cross the creek and climb to a saddle to view the remnants of an Indian Paint Mine. – – Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous – – Mileage: 7 to 8 miles (depending on the group’s desire) – – Elevation Change: 618’ (1,978’ Total) – Driving Directions: From the U.S. 60 east to Exit 196. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.3 miles, then turn northeast on the Apache Trail (Arizona 88) and proceed about 15 miles to Canyon Lake Marina, between mile markers 210 and 211. The southern side of the parking lot is designated for hikers. The trailhead is on the other side of the highway, just east of the bridge.  Meet: at the Park and Ride on Bell Road and I-17  at 7:30 AM – – Bring: Lunch, Snacks, and at least 2 bottles of water;   also bring money for gas. – – Contact:   email: _________   home phone: ___________  cell phone: _______________.

           Lookout Mountain Circumference trail
This Thursday’s hike (Dec. 1) will be at the Lookout Mountain Circumference trail.  We will meet at the parking lot at 8:00 AM.  The parking lot is at the end of 16th Street, just take Greenway Parkway to 16th Street, go south on 16th Street, and you’ll reach the parking lot.  Parking may be limited, so if you can carpool, that would be best.  The trail is 3-4 miles long, and is rated easy-moderate, with some up and down.  If you have any question, call Kay .
     
           Valley Trail (Hell’s Canyon Wilderness Area, close to Lake Pleasant)
December 17:     The trail begins with a short climb out or a wash, but then flattens out. The trail winds through desert with mountain vistas.  Length: 5 miles (more if the group wishes)    Difficulty: Easy
Meet: Lowe’s Parking Lot (25311 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy) west end – Time: 8:00 AM – Bring: Snack and Plenty of water – Contact: ____________: at  _______________________

            Yarnell Trail
January 28th Yarnell Trail (see attachments): Description: A steep and rugged trail along the ridge of Yarnell Hill (not really a “hill” more like a mountain).  Distance: 7 miles – Difficulty: I’ve heard that it is a workout and so is probably moderately difficult.   Elevation Change: 1200 feet (plus up and down hills)     Meet: Park and Ride (I-17 and Bell Road) – Time: 8:00 AM  Bring: Lunch, snacks, 3 liters of water, rain poncho (see attachment).   Driving Directions: See email announcement   Contact:

           Pipeline and Yavapai Point 
Lake Pleasant Trails – Pipeline and Yavapai Point – Mileage – approx. 7 miles –   Rating – Moderate –  Elevation – 500 ft.
From the north trailhead we’ll hike on Yavapai Point Trail to view the scenic beauty of the desert around Lake Pleasant. After Yavapai Point Trail we’ll connect back onto the Pipeline trail to the bridge. If the bridge is in service (probably not), we’ll continue to the end of the pipeline trail and then return back to the north trailhead.
Meeting Time and Place – AJ’s parking lot 67th Ave and 101 at 8:00 AM to carpool.    Bring – at least 2 bottles of water and snacks    Cost – $6 per car plus gas money   Contact – ___________ at_________________  or call ______________________.
 
           Sonoran Preserve – Northern Region- Granite Mountain Loop Trail
We will hike various trails in the Sonoran Perserve that will lead us around Granite Mountain and to Balanced Rock. We will start at the Granite Mountain Trailhead where there is no bathroom. (We could visit the visitor center at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead first for a bathroom break.) The address to the trailhead is – 31402 N. 136th Street.  Mileage – approx. 6 miles –  Difficulty – Moderate.  Elevation Change – 227 feet.  Meeting Time and Place – 8:00 AM at the parking lot at Albertson’s – south east corner of Union Hills and Cave Creek.  Bring at least 2 bottles of water and snacks. We might stop for lunch after the hike. Contact: _____________at __________________ or call _____________________.

           Mesquite/Willow Canon Trail
White Tank Mountain Park IN/OUT Hike, 7 miles. Start on the Mesquite Trail with a rocky, uphill climb to some spectacular views. 450Ft elevation change. Possible wildlife sightings. Continue onto the Willow Canyon Trail to a box canyon and possibly some water in the spring. Bring a trail lunch to enjoy in the box canyon. $6.00/car park entrance fee (to be shared). Restrooms at trailhead. Meet at Safeway: 107th Ave & Olive Ave at 8 AM. RSVP to _______________________ at ____________________.

            Skyline Regional Park
Date:  ______________ at Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye 3.5 mi moderate  – Turnbuckle Trail with 560 foot elevation gain.   IF desired could add difficult Valley Vista .66 mile for 270 foot additional elevation gain    Meet up at Costco 10000 W McDowell (10 & 101) at 8 am,  Exit 101 at McDowell.    Costco is on NW corner behind bank, Mc Donald etc..    Those who wanted could meet up 7:30 at regular north side spot and carpool to Costco.  Contact –
Lost Dog Wash Loop

            Lost Dog Wash Loop Trail
Leaders:  _____________________
Length/elevation:  – 4.25 Miles Round-Trip – 548 ft cumulative elevation gain – rated easy to moderate
Meet-up for car-pooling:  The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  Cafe 20235 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 115   see directions above
Meet up at 7AM
For those who want to meet us at the trailhead:  meet us about 7:30 – 12601 N. 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Hike Description:  The 4.25 mile Lost Dog Wash Loop Trail explores the protected washes, bajadas and foothills of McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  This popular loop provides a rich introduction to Sonoran desert ecology including an overlook of Taliesin West  – a famous architectural landmark created by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s. Camelback Mountain (2,704′), Mummy Mountain (2,025′), Piestewa Peak (2,608′) and the Taliesin complex are all visible from the Taliesin Overlook.

​           Go John
The Go John Trail in Cave Creek is one of our favorites!   It is located in the Cave Creek Regional Park, just north and off off Carefree Hwy at 32nd St.  There will be a brown sign on the north side of Carefree Hwy.  The address, if you want to set your GPS, is 37900 East Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek, but I’m not sure how accurate it is.
For those carpooling (entrance is $6 per car), we will meet at 7:30 in the parking lot at the southeast corner of Cave Creek Road and Union Hills — behind Walgreens.  For those going to the trailhead, we will meet you there around 8:00 or a bit after.  email or call us if you plan on joining us --
Go John Trail:  Unobstructed views and blissful tranquility on Phoenix’s northern border! Deceptively hidden behind the rolling hills of Cave Creek Regional Park at 32nd St. the Go John Hiking Trail tunes out its suburban neighbors, and replaces them with gently undulating hills, long views and hypnotic tranquility.
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE  •  DISTANCE: 5.8 MILE LOOP  •  ELEVATION GAIN: 800 FEET  CUMULATIVE GAIN – 1,260 FT •  APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 870- 986  •  FACILITIES: YES  •  FEES: $6 DAY USE (OR ANNUAL MARICOPA PARKS PASS)
Black Canyon Trail from the Soap Creek Access
It is up to a six mile hike if everyone continues to the Agua Fria River in Black Canyon and returns to the start point. It has great views and rich high desert saguaro and other plant life. The trail is easy to moderate and elevation change is not significant.
Directions to hike: Exit on Coldwater road (Exit 244) of I17. Travel west under the interstate and turn quickly onto Maggie Mine road. Around the bend, a left turn unto Maren leads to Lisa Lane Just before Soap Wash a left turn on a dirt road ends the travel. Roadside parking is available for a few vehicles immediately next to the entrance to Soap Creek. Since it is not really a trail head, there are no facilities but large privacy bushes and cactus are plentiful and await your attention.
We will meet everyone in the Fry’s Parking lot just behind Freddy’s Burgers. (Daisy Mountain Exit 227) We will lead hikers to the trail head in Black Canyon City.
Carpooling: Meet at I-17 and Bell Road – southwest corner – behind Denny’s restaurant at 7:30 AM
Bring: at least 2 bottles of water and snacks
Contact: —————--

               Cibola, Jordan, Soldier Pass, Brins Mesa Loop Trails
On our last Saturday Hike on the Brins Mesa Trail we noticed several other trails leading off from the parking area. These other trails had points of interest that we wanted to explore. If you go online and check out some of the photos on Soldier Pass Trail, you will see some beautiful rock formations. So here is another hike in the beautiful Sedona area.
Mileage: 5 to 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 800 ft
Bring: At least 2-3 bottles of water, snacks, and lunch to eat on the trail
Meet: Fry’s parking lot I-17 and Bell Road behind Denny’s at 7:30 AM
Contact: ———————--
Directions: From the roundabout intersection of State Route 179 and State Route 89A, go north on SR 89A for 0.2 miles to Jordan Road. Turn left onto Jordan Road and continue 0.7 miles to Park Ridge Drive. Turn left onto Park Ridge Drive and continue 0.1 miles to where the pavement ends. From there continue 0.5 miles on the dirt road that leads to the Jim Thompson Trailhead.

              Stoneman Road Hike
Date: —————-
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Description: Hike back in time with local historian Len Marcisz as he leads an interpretive hike that will cover the origins of the Stoneman Road. He will discuss some of the colorful individuals associated with this former military route and explain the importance its use in the campaigns against the Yavapai in the early 1870’s. One lucky hiker will get to carry a typical soldier’s haversack during the hike. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water. Plan for a 3-4 mile hike. Meet at the Trailhead Staging Area. This is a joint hike between the Fountain Hills Conservancy and MMRP.
Carpool – Meet at Albertsons on Cave Creek Road and Union Hills (southeast corner) at 7:30 AM
Contact –—————–

            The Spear S Trailhead
—————– will be leading this Sunday’s hike.  We will meet at the southeast corner of Union Hills and Cave Creek Rd in the parking lot behind the Walgreens Store at ——-.  This is our usual meet-up place.  We will caravan to the trailhead from there.  Ben will meet us at the trailhead.  This substitutes for the usual Sunday North Mountain hike.  Email ——- if you plan to meet us at the parking lot for this hike.


            The Spear S Trailhead is named for a local ranch. Parking is somewhat limited and there are no facilities. A gate on the northeast corner of the trailhead begins the trail. The first two miles of the route is along the Maricopa Trail. This section is well maintained and fairly well signed. A steady climb brings you to the saddle between Hill 2875 to the south and Apache Peak to the north. The saddle is a clear area and you will have some nice views east. As you descend from the saddle, the trail soon takes an abrupt left turn.  The turn is at the midway point about 2 miles in.  This is where we will turn around and return for a total of 4 miles.  The hike compares in elevation gain to the Thunderbird Amphitheater trail we usually take on Thursdays. The trail is in much better condition though, and the scenery is better.
For those who wish to continue on, the trail will parallel a drainage on your left for a while and then abruptly turn east before again turning north and topping out just below Mommy Apache.  A short hike westward brings you to a split in the trail. You will take the western (left) fork to head up towards the summit. Good time for a breather and a look around. The view up top will be better, but it ain’t bad from here. The trail up the side of Apache Peak meanders a bit, but is fairly obvious until you get close to the top. The views from the top are worth the effort.  If you went the full distance, it is 4 miles in and 4 miles out.
GETTING THERE: 41799 N. New River Road
Go north on I-17 to Carefree Hwy (SR74) exit. Go east (right) to 7th Street, turn north (left) and go 4.5 miles on 7th St  (turns into New River Road) to the trailhead on the right (located just before Linda Lane)

            RIO SALADO HABITAT    South Terrace and North Terrace Trails
About 7 miles of easy hiking along the dirt paths of this restored riparian area. Possible visit to the Nature Center.    
Bring water and a picnic lunch to enjoy with the group.
Meet: 8:30 AM!          Denny’s/Fry’s at I 17 & Bell Rd

             Granite Mountain – McDowell Sonoran Mountain Preserve
This trail offers some beautiful desert scenery in the McDowell Sonoran Mountain Preserve. We will be walking along large granite boulders and viewing some very interesting cactus shapes – crested and Michelin Man.   Mileage: 7 ½ miles       Elevation: Mild    Difficulty: Easy    Bring: At least 2-3 bottles of water, snacks, and lunch to eat on the trail     Meet: I-17 and Bell Road behind Denny’s Restaurant at 8:00 AM     Contact: ————-       Directions: The address for the Granite Mountain Trailhead is –       31402 N. 136th St.     Scottsdale, AZ      (We may want to have a restroom stop at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. 30301 N. Alma School Pkwy.)

              Marcus Landslide
This is a gentle 3-mile out-and-back hike with optional .7-mile small loop.  This interpretive geology trail starts at the trailhead and ends beside or on top of the second largest landslide in Arizona!  The hike takes you through a remote area of the Preserve with many beautiful rock formations.  For those who are new to this hike, it is one we take out of town guests  because the trail is well groomed and maintained.  Once on the trail, you are in a beautiful desert setting with unique rock formations and great views.     Roundtrip Distance: 3.7 miles           Elevation Gain: 300 feet      Afterwards we will go to the AJ’s in the shopping center on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd and Pinnacle Peak Rd.       We will meet for car pooling at 08:30 AM from the parking lot behind Walgreens located at the SE corner of Cave Creek Road and Union Hills.   
The hike will start sometime between 9:00 and 9:15  from the trailhead by the bathroom building located at 23015 N. 128th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 for those that want to meet at the trailhead.
Please RSVP to:
 
             Pass Mountain Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park (East Mesa)
This is a great desert hike with views of the Goldfield Mountains to the east. We will be walking through a saguaro forest, going up and down washes, hiking along a mountain trail, lunching at a mountain saddle, and traveling through a typical desert and rocky trail.
Mileage: 8 miles     Difficulty: Moderate      Elevation Gain: 1020 feet    Bring: 2-3 bottles of water, snacks, and a lunch to eat on the trail      Meet: I-17 and Bell Road behind Denny’s Restaurant at 8:00 AM      Costs: $6 entrance fee per car         Directions: 3939 N. Usery Pass Road (I-17 to Hwy 101, to Hwy 202, right on McKellips, left on Ellsworth, right at Usery Pass Road)
Contact:
 
             Elephant Mountain (Spur Cross area)
Another great desert hike north of Cave Creek, Carefree areas. We will start hiking the Tortuga trail, turn onto the Elephant Mountain trail, and loop around on the Spur Cross trail. There are a couple of slippery places going into some washes, but not too bad.     Mileage: 5 miles     Difficulty: Moderate     Elevation Gain: 750 feet     Bring: 2-3 bottles of water and plenty of snacks. We may decide to eat lunch in Cave Creek.
Meet: Southeast corner of Union Hills Rd and Cave Creek Rd in the Albertson’s parking lot   Time: 8:00 AM        Costs: $3 per person      Directions: North on Cave Creek Road to Spur Cross Road
Contact:

             Black Canyon Trail–Little Pan Loop 
(7.3 Miles-Moderate elevation changes)     Directions to Trailhead : Ben and Bev will be waiting at the side of Interstate 17 north at Table Mesa Exit (236) to lead hikers to the trailhead. It is located 2.5 miles past the end of pavement to the north of an improved Table Mesa Road when driving west. Parking is plentiful, but no facilities exist.
The Hike : The 7.3 or so mile hike varies between easy and moderate. The first mile is very easy until a small unnamed wash is reached. Then at 1.5 miles, a junction signals the end of the handle and the beginning of the pan. We will go north to hike counter clockwise on the east side of the pan. This less than two mile section offers great views while being surrounded by lush saguaro and other desert vegetation. The trail winds down into the Agua Fria river where large trees maintain Fall colors all winter. Rather than hiking the west side of the pan we will follow the river south. The longer hike would offer us more than ten total miles of adventure and take us away from the multitude of pools than we will encounter while hiking the river south. There are a number of times when the river will be crossed. Ben completed it recently and maintained dry shoes and feet. After about 5 total miles of hiking, Black Canyon Trail is again reached for the final 2 mile return to the trailhead.
Suggestion : Should the sun be shinning, it would be wise to have photo creating equipment. The shinning and reflecting pools will be surrounded by large trees with leaves of green, yellow, and golden brown. The river scenes provide a party for the eyes and mind. One of these should offer hikers an opportunity to lunch and sip adequate water or other refreshing liquids.
Bring 2-3 bottles of water, snacks, and a lunch   Meet for carpooling: Bell Road and I-17 behind Denny’s  at ________     Contact: __________
               
              Dixie Mountain Loop (Phoenix Sonoran Preserve south region)
This hike starts from the Desert Vista trailhead in the southern Phoenix Sonoran Preserve off of Jomax. This is a 4.5 mile hike, with elevation ranging from 1600’ up to 2060’. There are a couple optional cardio workouts along the way: Western Vista (adds 0.6 miles with 250’ climb over 0.3 miles – rated moderately difficult) and Dixie Mountain Summit (adds 0.4 miles with 700’ climb over 0.2 miles, rated Difficult). The hike will start from the parking lot at the Desert Vista trailhead, following Hawk’s Nest Trail 0.4 miles to get us to the Dixie Mountain loop, which we will take clockwise until it brings us back to Hawk’s Nest trail and the trailhead. The northern and eastern sections of the loop feel like you’ve left civilization behind, with only beautiful desert views in all directions.
Mileage: 4.5 MILE LOLLIPOP (not counting optional vista/summit branches)
Difficulty: Moderate for the main loop
Elevation Change : 1600’ at trailhead to 2060’ on main loop high point
Facilities: Restrooms and drinking fountains
Meet: Desert Vista trailhead at 8:30 AM (arrive a few minutes early, hike leaves at 8:35 sharp!)
Contact: —————-at ——————–,
Directions: Drive north on I-17 to the Jomax exit. Drive east on Jomax for 1.1 miles to North Valley Parkway. Drive north on North Valley Parkway for 1 mile to Copperhead Trail. Drive east 0.1 mile to second left (Melvern Trail), follow Melvern north 0.2 miles to the Desert Vista trailhead entrance on the right, then 0.3 miles to parking lot. We will meet next to the restrooms at north end of parking area.

             Woodchute Trail #102 (Near Jerome)
This trail takes us through the woods on top of Mingus Mountain. At the end of the trail is a breath taking view of the Verde Valley.
Distance: 7 miles (in and out trail)
Elevation Change – 1200 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Bring – At least 2 bottles of water, lunch, and snacks
Meet – 7:00 AM at I-17 and Bell Road in the parking lot behind Denny’s restaurant (Southwest corner of I-17 and Bell Road)
Directions – Take I-17 north to Cordes Junction and turn left onto highway 69. Turn right on Fain Road until and then make a right turn onto US 89A toward Jerome. At the Potato Patch Campground, turn left and drive on the forest road to the Woodchute Trailhead.
Let me know if you are able to help drive.
Contact:

             Moon Valley Park
As an alternative to the Sunday walk to the park, we will meet at Moon Valley Park for a 4 mile stroll along the wash as it runs parallel to Greenway Parkway   Our walk begins  with a lap around MV Park, over the Grasshopper Bridge and then into the woods. The trail is paved so wear comfortable walking shoes and give your hiking boots a rest. We’ll see birds and bunnies along our partially shaded trek.     Moon Valley Park           502 W. Coral Gables   (C. Gables is South of Greenway.      7:00  meet at the tennis courts/ restrooms

              Huckaby Trail
    The Huckaby Trail begins about a mile up the Schnebley Hill Road at a nice parking lot. I picked this hike because it is mostly located along Oak Creek and will be cooler near the water and trees. They are forecasting over 100 degrees in Phoenix so along the creek it should be in the 70’s or 80’s. It starts out with a mile of switchbacks up the canyon wall which is partially shaded by junipers and pinon pines. The views of Sedona, the canyon, and Wilson and Munds Mountain are pretty spectacular when you are doing this 500 ft climb. Then you drop down to Oak Creek which is lined with trees of many types. After another mile you are in dense shade of sycamores and cottonwoods and lots of water gushing around red and white boulders and plenty of water plants. You look up and realize that way above you, about a thousand feet up, is the main highway Midgely Bridge.
At this point you begin to look for a way to boulder hop across Oak Creek. There was a small wooden bridge across at one time but it got wiped out in the last major flood which happens about every three years. The prettiest part of this hike use to be the mile between here and Grasshopper Point which was all shaded by big trees and had many gorgeous pools of water for swimming and diving. But the last I knew the trail and some of the ponds got wiped out also by the last flood. We shall see if the bridge and the trail has been rebuilt.  The total distance will be around six miles round trip. Bring something to snack on during the hike. We will plan on eating a late lunch at the Hideaway Restaurant(Italian) to boast our reputation as a hiking and eating club.
Meeting Place and Time:  Behind Denny’s Restaurant at I17 and Bell at 7:00am
Return to Phoenix:  Somewhere between 5 and 6pm
Call or email trip leader at

             Mormon Lake Trail #58
This is a nice quiet hike in the Coconino Forest near Mormon Lake.  We will start the hike near Dairy Springs campground and gradually climb Mormon Mountain. The trail gains about 1,000 feet, but you don’t realize it because it is a gentle climb through the forest.
Difficulty – Moderate to easy     Miles – 6 miles round trip    Elevation gain – 1,000 feet
Meet – I-17 and Bell Road at 7:00 AM behind Denny’s restaurant (southwest corner)
Directions – Travel north on I-17; turn right on Lake Mary Road just south of Flagstaff; turn right on Mormon Lake loop road; follow this road to the Dairy Springs campground turnoff; follow the gravel road and signs that point to the trail head for about 3/10 of a mile.
Contact –

            Hike and Kayaking at Wood Canyon’s Lake
Ben will be leading a  hike/kayak at Woods Canyon Lake. This will be an activity much like the one in September two years ago. We start with a hike around the lake, then have lunch somewhere near the launch ramp. After our hike we will then take turns kayaking should there be more that six people. Ben will provide, as before, the six kayaks, flotation vests, and paddles.       Difficulty – moderate to easy       Miles – 5 miles approx.      Elevation gain – slight       Bring – Lunch, snacks, and at least 2 bottles of water   Meet – I-17 and Bell Road at 7:00 AM behind Denny’s restaurant (southwest corner)      Directions – North on I-17 and turn east on the 101; turn left on Shea Ave. towards Fountain Hills; turn left on Hwy 87 towards Payson; turn right on 260; turn left by the visitor center towards Woods Canyon Lake (forest road 300 I believe); turn right towards Woods Canyon Lake and continue until you reach the store and boat launch.        Contact –

            Soap Creek to the pools of Black Canyon on the Agua Fria hike
It would work best if someone could meet the hikers for car pool needs and then meet us behind Freddy’s Steak Burgers in Crossroads Shopping Center off Daisy Mountain (Exit 227 of I 17 North). (See contact and carpooling info below.) We can then lead everyone to the trailhead. When the adventure is complete hungry hikers could join us for a tasty lunch at Nora Jean’s Koffee Kitchen near the trailhead.   Directions to the trailhead.   Exit Coldwater Road (exit 244) Pass under I 17 and take an immediate left on the Maggie Mine Road. Drive ½ mile.    Left on Marin Road and cross the concrete bridge and drive to a right corner. (¼ mile)     Around the corner to the right on Lisa Lane. Drive 1/5 mile,   At the first dip. Soap Creek exists.    Turn left and park along the road. Be ready to hike.   The hike is 6.6 relatively easy miles round trip.        ¼ mile of neat wash and high desert to the Black Canyon Trail.       1 ½ miles to the Agua Fria River       ½ mile to Black Canyon    ½ mile through the Black Canyon of the Aqua Fria River.       Return   This hike offers great high desert vegetation, views of the Southern Bradshaw mountains, and rock walls and pools in Black Canyon. It is a true party for the eyes of heat stressed desert dwellers.     For carpooling contact: ______________    Meet at I-17 and Bell Road at 8:00 AM

            Granite Mtn. 
Granite Mountain Trail is a nice walk through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Granite boulders and desert plants are some of the beautiful sights along the way.
Mileage: 5.2       Elevation Change: 227 ft.       Difficulty: Moderate     Bring: at least 2 bottles of water, snacks, lunch to eat on the trail
Meet: Union Hills and Cave Creek in Albertson’s parking lot (southeast corner) behind drug store
Time:                Directions: 31402 N. 136th St.              Contact:
Quartz Trail – Cave Creek Regional Park
Sunday, March 10 : Quartz Trail in the Cave Creek Regional Park
Hike leader:  ____________
Instructions:  Email _____________ if you will be joining us and let her know if you will be meeting us at the meet-up (Cave Creek Rd and Union Hills)  or at the trailhead –
Length and difficulty:   3.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail – easy to moderate hike
Meet-up time:    8:00 AM for car pooling- 8:30 or a bit later for those meeting us at the trailhead
Meet-up place for car pooling:  Meet-up at the parking lot located at the SE corner of Cave Creek Road and Union Hills.  There is an $7 per car park entrance fee, so car pooling is recommended.  After hiking, those of us who wish to will meet-up at Einstein’s on the southeast corner of Cave Creek Rd and Tatum.
Directions: The Quartz trail is located in the Cave Creek Regional Park, just north and off of Carefree Hwy at 32nd St.  There will be a brown sign on the north side of Carefree Hwy.  The address, if you want to set your GPS, is 37900 East Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek
Description: This hike takes you through some dense stands of saguaros and one of the oddest looking saguaro’s around.   There are some beautiful quartz rock formations. Start at the Slate Trailhead near the large picnic area and the horse staging area, and follow the Slate Trail for just over a half mile as it threads between the low hills. Take the Quartz Trail to the northeast and start the climb up the ridge. The route winds around several ridges and offers great views to the east and north. The last segment of the hike is along a stretch of the Go John loop, which also offers excellent views down the valley to the west.  I expect that we will see some brittle bush in bloom, as well as poppies, fiddleback, lupine, globe mallow, and half a dozen other kinds.

               2nd Water-Hackberry Springs Loop– Superstitions.
Length and difficulty“:     5.6 miles, 636′ elevation climb
Date – Hike Leader – ___________-  ____________
Meet-up time and place: _____ AM at Union Hills and Cave Creek (Southeast corner, behind Walgreens), need early start parking is limited
Instructions: Contact _________ if going – at _____________.  Suggest bringing footwear for after hike in case get boots wet.   Bring snacks/light lunch, plenty water, poles suggested, carpool and ice cream money. Will stop afterwards at Goldfield Ghost Town for ice cream and maybe catch gunfight recreation
Hike Description: Moderate desert hike with wildflowers, creek crossings, spring and pool in the shade, some up and down, walk thru creek rock hopping, old ranch ruins, maybe Indian pottery chards.    Starting at 1st Water trailhead, hike 2nd Water trail to Garden Valley trail, (old Indian camp site with with pottery chards) across the flats then downhill to shady canyon Hackberry Springs for snack break.  Then back along first water creek (rock hopping thru creek bed) to First Water Ranch ruins. Here we can go on down the creek to 2nd Water Trail to our starting point or hike thru old ranch site to old dirt road to horse parking then along FR78 to our cars.     Expect some water in creeks and spring which is unusual for Superstitions in recent decade.  Suggest bring footwear for after hike in case get boots wet.

               Dixie Mountain Loop
Sunday _____________ hike:  Dixie Mountain Loop (Phoenix Sonoran Preserve south region):  Length and Difficulty:  Moderate 4.5 mile lollipop hike, min elev 1600′ to max elev 2060′       Meet-up time and place:  Desert Vista trailhead at 8:00 AM                                                  Directions:  Enter “1901 W Desert Vista Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85085” in your GPS navigator.  Old school directions:  Take Jomax east exit from I-17, then take 1st left (at light) onto Norterra Parkway northbound.  Follow to end and turn right onto N. North Valley Parkway.  In about 1/4 mile, turn left on Copperhead Trail, then left on N Melvern Trail and a right at W. Desert Vista which takes you to the trailhead.                                                                                            Instructions:  Restrooms and drinking fountains at trailhead, bring 2 bottles of water and snacks as desired        Contact:  ____________________________
Description:  This hike starts from the Desert Vista trailhead in the southern Phoenix Sonoran Preserve off of Jomax. This is a 4.5 mile hike, with elevation ranging from 1600’ up to 2060’.   The hike will start from the parking lot at the Desert Vista trailhead, following Hawk’s Nest Trail 0.4 miles to get us to the Dixie Mountain loop, which we will take clockwise until it brings us back to Hawk’s Nest trail and the trailhead.  The northern and eastern sections of the loop feel like you’ve left civilization behind, with only beautiful desert views in all directions.  With any luck, we will get to see a great horned owl sitting on its nest in a saguaro next to the trail (on the Hawks Nest section, we go by it on the way in and again on the way out).

              Alt Thursday 3/14:  Apache Wash Trailhead (Phoenix Sonoran Preserve north region)
Length and difficulty: 4.7 MILE LOOP (5.0 miles if you go up to the Ridgeback Overlook), difficulty moderate with 600 feet cumulative gain (200 feet more if you go up to the Overlook)
Meet:  For those wanting to carpool, meet at I-17 and Bell Road (southwest corner) behind Denny’s Restaurant in the Fry’s parking lot by ______ AM.   If meeting us at the trailhead, be at the Apache Wash trailhead by ________AM.
Directions:  Drive north on I-17 to the Dove Valley Road exit. Drive east on Dove Valley Road for 5.2 miles to the entrance to the Apache Wash Trailhead, on north side. We will meet in the ramada/trailhead area next to the restrooms at north end of parking area.
Hike Leader:  ____________
Contact info and instructions:  To sign up, text, call, or email _____________ Please let ______ know if you are meeting her at the Fry’s carpool location or at the trailhead.
Description:  From the trailhead we will follow a counterclockwise loop on portions of the Sidewinder, Ridgeback, and Ocotillo trails (see trail maps at https://www.phoenix.gov/parkssite/Documents/PKS_NRD/Map%20-%20Sonoran%20Preserve.pdf).  Sidewinder initially runs along the flank of a local summit providing nice views to the east and north.  It then runs mostly level till intersecting Ridgeback trail at 2.5 miles.  Ridgeback climbs steadily to a point near another summit (the Overlook), where you have the option to climb another 200 feet to the actual summit and overlook, or just keep level and meet those descending from the summit about 50 yards down the trail.  From there we return to the trailhead and parking lot via Ocotillo trail, for a total of 4.7 to 5.0 miles.  There are restrooms at the trailhead, but NO potable water.  Bring 2 bottles of water and snacks as desired.

                June 6th alternate Thursday hike: Woodchute Trail #102 (near Jerome)
Distance: 7 miles (in and out trail)
Elevation Change: 1200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (not easy, but not difficult)
Bring – At least 2 bottles of water, lunch, and snacks
Meet – 7:00 AM at I-17 and Bell Road in the parking lot behind Denny’s restaurant (southwest corner of I-17 and Bell Road)
Directions – Take I-17 north to Cordes Junction and turn left onto highway 69 towards Prescott. Turn right on Fain Road.  Stay on Fain until the right turn onto US 89A toward Jerome.  At the Potato Patch Campgrounds, turn left and drive through the campground on the forest road to the Woodchute Trailhead.  The Potato Patch Campgrounds exit is at the top of the mountain, before Jerome.
Contact/hike leader: Dwight S
Description:  Woodchute Trail #102 takes us through the woods and up to a scenic elevated overview of the Verde Valley, with its history of mining, logging and ranching. Woodchute Mountain is named for the chute once used to move logs down to the mines of Jerome.  This hike is on trail with ups and downs over rocky terrain. There is a pit toilet but no water at the trailhead.

               June 8th (Saturday) – Roger Lake Woody Mtn Lookout
Trails: Gold Digger and Two Spots Loop with side trip up lookout road
Miles: 7.2 miles (5.3 mile loop, add 1.8 for lookout)
Elevation change: 909′ (534′ loop, add 375′ for towers)
Difficulty: easier-moderate hike
Contact: Norma
Bring:  Plenty of water, snack and trail lunch, money for carpool, hat, sunscreen, etc. No rain forecast with 76′ temps.
Meet: behind Denny’s close to Fry’s, SW corner Bell and I-17 at 7: 00 am
Description: Hike lower elevations in meadows and cool pines SW of Flagstaff in Rogers Lake Natural Area with side trip up to Woody Mountain peak Fire Lookout. This is lower elevation for Flag starting 7254′ trailhead and topping at 8048′ at lookout. Lookout is closed but great 360′ views if climb up lookout. This area was thinned so open meadows with views all around, but means hiking in more sun, tower road is shady though. For those wish you can stop at road junction and wait for group and not hike to tower. Part way on loop there is aspen grove ramada to take break at.
Stop afterwards in Flagstaff for ice cream or food. This is off Woody Mountain Road, turns to good gravel all weather road.

                  June 17th (Monday) – Trails #38 and #39 to Hotshot Juniper Tree – Prescott Area
Description – Before the Granite Hotshot crew went to Yarnell to fight the infamous fire that ultimately took their lives, they fought the Doce Fire where they saved a large Juniper tree. The tree is very old – reported to be about 1,800 years old! Adrian and I (Gail) are on a mission to find this tree. It is located off Contreras Road (which is close to Prescott and on the way to Skull Valley). If you are ready for an adventure, join us on this discovery hike.
Directions –  If there are those of you who want to meet us at the trailhead, head west from Prescott on Iron Springs Road. Turn right or north on Contreras Road. Travel .7 miles to a turnaround/parking area and wait for us there. We will be traveling the opposite direction on Iron Springs Road because we will be taking HWY 60 to Wickenburg, Hwy 93, HWY 89 to Congress and Yarnell, to Skull Valley, and then to Contreras Road.
Mileage – 5 to 6 miles
Elevation Gain – 500 feet (approx.)
Difficulty – Moderate
Meeting Time and Place – 6:30 AM at Target (northeast corner of 101 HWY and Northern)
Bring – at least 3 bottles of water (It is likely to be a warm hike.) snacks, and lunch. (We may be eating our lunch in Skull Valley depending on the time.)
Contact – Adrian and I (Gail) will be leading this hike. I will be the contact person to avoid confusion.

              June 19th (Wednesday) – Woods Canyon Lake hike and kayak
Ben and Bev have offered the use of Ben’s fleet of kayaks for a Wednesday June 19th club outing at Woods Canyon Lake northeast of Payson on the Mogollon Rim.  See below for details from Ben on the hike and kayaking plan.  Check your calendars and sign up early, as we may have to limit the number of participants to give everyone an opportunity to do some paddling about the lake.  Once we have our list of participants, I’ll send out carpooling info.  It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix to Woods Canyon Lake, so let’s plan for a 6:30am departure from Phoenix to allow us to hit the trail around the lake by 9:00am or shortly after with time for lunch before kayaking.  Sign up by emailing Dwight S.
The hike:
Length: 5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 7,500 to 7,534 feet
Trailhead GPS: N 34˚20.001′, W 110˚56.646′
Directions: From Payson, go east on State Route 260 past Kohls Ranch to Forest Road 300, where the road tops out on the Mogollon Rim. Turn left onto FR 300 and continue 5 miles to Woods Canyon Lake. Park in the lot adjacent to the boat landing.
Vehicle Requirements: None (paved road all the way)
The kayaking:
We will bring six hard shell sit-in kayaks and one inflatable. After the easy five mile hike along the lake shoreline and under pine trees, a lunch break can be taken as the kayaks are prepared.  Should more hikers than kayaks exist, sharing (taking turns) would offer relaxation time in the cool pines for some participants.
The kayaks, life jackets, and paddles would be provided. Everyone should have hiking items and shoes that enjoy water for the kayaking experience. Water and a lunch would also be wise.
Contact/sign-up:  Dwight S

                    June 26, 2019 (Wednesday) – HORTON CREEK TRAIL #285
Trail Distance:  7-7.5 miles round-trip (out and back)
Elevation:  5480ft – 6705ft approx. (change 1225ft)
Difficulty:  Moderate – requires some endurance, elevation changes
Accommodations: Restrooms at trailhead
Directions: From Payson, take the SR 260 east for 16 miles. Past the Kohl’s Ranch turn off, turn left onto the road (Forest Road 289) to the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. Follow this winding road for 1 mile; park in the parking lot after crossing a narrow bridge on left. The trail begins across the road in the Tonto Creek Campground (cross the bridge and follow the dirt road on the other side).
Accessibility: Paved road to the trailhead
Because the weather can change dramatically in the afternoons up north, please be sure to bring whatever protection you like in the event it rains.
Also please bring cash so that carpool drivers are compensated.
If there is time and/or interest, we could stop at the fish hatchery nearby after the hike.
Description:  The Horton Creek Trail travels through ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, and climbs to Horton Springs which flows year-round.  Horton Creek features an excellent combination of both deciduous and coniferous trees along with birds and other wildlife along the trail.
|Starting near the base of the Mogollon Rim, at the Upper Tonto Creek campground, the Horton Creek Hiking Trail ascends gently northwards towards the rim, under the shade of ancient trees. The relaxing babble of water flowing over rocks and bouncing down small waterfalls accompanies the hike from the start.
As the trail advances, Horton Creek pops in and out of view alongside the path. There are plentiful spots to sit and relax in the shade if desired, or to get your feet wet and splash around in one of the many mini-falls dotting the creek.
After a couple of miles, the trail steepens slightly, as it winds towards the top. Here tall pines take over the scenery, and the path arcs away from the creek for a short distance. Horton Creek Hiking Trail ends at the Highline Trail. Turn right on Highline and walk a few yards to reach Horton Spring where water gushes from a rock cliff tumbling over moss-encrusted boulders into the creek.  A beautiful spot to lunch or snack.
CONTACT/RSVP:  Adrian 

                    July 5, 2019 (Friday) – ASPEN CREEK TRAIL #48 in Prescott
DISTANCE: Total 6+ miles, out and back
TRAILHEAD ELEVATION: 6359 feet
ACCUMULATED GAIN: 743 feet
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DESCRIPTION:  This is a scenic trail with views in many directions through well shaded pine and oak forest for the first half and scrub for the second half.  There is a LARGE alligator juniper (comparable in size to the Hot Shots Grandfather alligator juniper) that we will hike to and lunch/snack.
Because the weather can change dramatically in the afternoons up north, please be sure to bring whatever protection you like in the event it rains.
Also please bring cash so that carpool drivers are compensated.
NO BATHROOMS AT TRAILHEAD
Directions to trailhead: From the highway 69/highway 89 junction in Prescott, take Gurley Street west for 1.25 miles, then turn left (south) on Montezuma Street (highway 89). Follow Montezuma Street south, then west for 1.0 miles to the traffic light at Copper Basin Road. Turn right onto Copper Basin Road, and follow it about 4.7 miles to the Aspen Trail Trailhead. (The trailhead is 0.4 miles past where Copper Basin Road crosses to the right (north) side of Aspen Creek, and just before the road makes a turn to the right to begin climbing a steep hill). Look for the Aspen Trail #48 or Forest Road 9401L signs on the left (south) side of Copper Basin Road. There is parking here.  To carpool, meet at I-17 and Bell behind Denny’s at 6:00 a.m.
CONTACT/RSVP:  Adrian 

                    July 12, 2019 (Friday) – RIM LAKES VISTA TRAIL #622 near Payson
DISTANCE: 3.5 mi one way, 7 mi total out and back
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAILHEAD ELEVATION: 7550 feet
ELEVATION GAIN:  Minimal
DESCRIPTION: This trail meanders along the Mogollon Rim and provides spectacular views overlooking the rim. Starting at the trailhead, head southwest across the road towards the rim. This part of the trail is not paved but is in very good shape. After a quarter of a mile you will get the spectacular view where you will follow the rim to the Military Sinkhole Vista. Continue on past the Rim Lakes Vista and Woods Canyon Lake Vista to the end (marked by Mogollon Campground).  The last mile or so of the hike is paved for universal accessibility.
This is a gorgeous hike but not very peaceful as it is near roadways.  It is very quiet when the roads are free of traffic.  Great photo opportunities so be sure to bring your cameras/phones.
Directions:  Go east out of Payson on Highway 260. Passing by Christopher Creek turnoffs, you will be taken up steep grade to the top of the Rim. On top of the Rim, watch for Rim Rd (FR 300) on your left. Turn left and travel short distance into parking area on right.  Bathrooms at trailhead.
Because the weather can change dramatically in the afternoons up north, please be sure to bring whatever protection you like in the event it rains.
Also please bring cash so that carpool drivers are compensated.
To carpool, meet at Bell Road and I-17 SW corner behind Denny’s at 5:30 AM.
CONTACT/RSVP:  Adrian 
   
                 BROWNS RANCH – McDowells
Leaders: —————— – Please RSVP and let us know if you are meeting us at the car pooling site (The coffee Bean and Tea Leaf) or at the trailhead.   For those car pooling, we will meet in the parking lot at 8AM. For those meeting at the trailhead we will meet at 8:30.  We will go to AJ’s at Pinnacle Peak and Pima (southeast corner) after the hike. mefoge
Description: A gentle out-and-back 3-mile hike on a very wide trail with occasional sandy stretches. This hike brings you to Brown’s Ranch, with many ranching structures still visible. This area was used for ranching from the late 1800s until the mid-1950s. Currently a site for field experiments to determine how best to restore a grazed area, you can find an excellent show of wildflowers in the spring. We will follow the Brown’s Ranch Trail north from the Brown’s Ranch trailhead, across the power line road, to the marked Brown’s Ranch junction. From the junction we can go a short distance to the right to see some of the remnants of the old ranch.  We will do an in-and-out, returning the way we came.
 Distance: 4 Miles (we will add in a branch to make it about 4 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Trailhead address: (for those meeting us at the trailhead) 30301 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262  
Meet-up for car pooling:  The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  Cafe 20235 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 115.  For those coming in on the 101, exit at Cave Creek and go south. Go to the first traffic light and make a “U” turn – then pass the filling station and bank on the right and make a right turn into the parking lot in front of the Coffee shop.

                  Boulder Canyon Trail hike at Canyon Lake and Nature Cruise on the Dolly Steamboat.
Trail Description – A moderate to strenuous hike with panoramic views of Canyon Lake, La Barge Canyon and Boulder Canyon.  The Boulder Canyon Trail begins at Canyon Lake Trailhead on the NE corner of the Superstition Wilderness.  It climbs about 650 feet in 1.2 miles to a ridge (this is the strenous part!), where we can enjoy those panoramic views.  We’ll hike further along the ridge as time allows, turning back in time to get back to the trailhead after about 2 hours of hiking.  Upon return to the trailhead we’ll eat lunch, and then board the Dolly Steamboat at 1:30 pm.
Nature Cruise Description:  The Dolly Steamboat Nature Cruise leaves at 2:00 pm with boarding at 1:30 pm.  During this one-and-a-half-hour, six-mile cruise, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals and local wildlife viewed from the decks of the Dolly! They also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish.
Those planning to take the cruise need to purchase your tickets ahead, online, to reserve your seat, otherwise there may not be room. Adults $25, Seniors $23.   NOTE: If seats are not available via the online site, don’t give up, call them directly at  (480) 827-9144 to get seats.
Carpool meeting time and place – Albertson’s parking lot (Cave Creek and Union Hills Rd – SE corner – We’ll be just south of the Walgreens) at 7:30 am.
Bring – 2 bottles of water, hike snacks as desired, a lunch to eat before boarding the cruise, and your cruise reservations
Address to trailhead – 16802 AZ-88, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Contact/sign-up – To sign up, contact ___________  Please indicate whether you need a ride, if you are driving, and if you can take others.  If you already signed up with Rosie, please reply again regarding riding/driving/ability to take passengers status.
February 22nd – Saturday

             Spur Cross – Metate, Fairy Duster Loop, and Dragonfly Trails
 Description – This trail is near Carefree in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. It is a beautiful, scenic area in the Sonoran desert. The saguaros are magnificent!
Mileage – 6 miles approx.
Difficulty – moderate
Elevation Change – Approximately 500 feet
Meeting Time and Place – Albertson’s parking lot behind Walgreens (Cave Creek and Union Hills, southeast corner) at 8:00 AM
Directions – The parking lot and trailhead is at the end of Spur Cross RD.
Bring – At least 2 bottles of water, snacks, $3.00 entrance fee, and cash to help pay for gas (Hikers may elect to eat lunch in Carefree or elsewhere after the hike.)
Contact – Gail 

​          February 18th – White Tanks – Mesquite Canyon, Willow, Ford, Mesquite Loop
Description – This trail is located in the White Tanks Mountain Range west of the valley. The hike takes you through beautiful desert wilderness and rocky canyons. —— Mileage – 8.3 miles ——– Difficulty – Moderately difficult —–  Elevation Change – 1,000 feet approximately —— Meeting Time and Place – Safeway parking lot at 107th Ave. and Olive. at 8:00 AM ——- Directions – Drive west on Olive Ave to the entrance of the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. ——– Bring – At least 2 bottles of water, snacks, lunch to eat on the trail. Also bring money to help pay for gas and entrance fee.——- Contact – Gail

           Desert Vista trailhead
Leader:
Length and Difficulty:  Moderate 3 mile loop hike
Meet-up time and place:  Desert Vista trailhead at 8:00 AM  Directions:  Take Jomax east exit from I-17, then take 1st left (at light) onto Norterra Parkway northbound.  Follow to end (T intersection) and turn right onto N. North Valley Parkway.  In about 1/4 mile, turn left on Copperhead Trail, then left on N Melvern Trail and a right at W. Desert Vista which takes you to the trailhead.
Instructions:  Restrooms and drinking fountains at trailhead, bring 2 bottles of water and snacks as desired.
Description:  This hike starts from the Desert Vista trailhead in the southern Phoenix Sonoran Preserve off of Jomax. This is a 3 mile hike, with elevation ranging from 1600’ to 1900’.   The hike will start from the parking lot at the Desert Vista trailhead, following Hawk’s Nest Trail to a portion Dixie Mountain Loop till the Valle Verde trail, to the Desert Tortoise trail which will take us back to Hawk’s Nest and the trailhead.  With any luck, we will get to see a great horned owl sitting on its nest in a saguaro next to the trail, and we will check out the wildflower crop in the preserve.
No need to RSVP, just show up at the trail head.

              Calderwood Butte in north Peoria
Mileage/Elevation – 4.25 miles, 400 feet cumulative elevation gain.   Difficulty – Moderate (not easy, but not difficult)
Time and Place – Calderwood Butte Trailhead parking lot (27180 N 99th Ave.) at 8:00 AM.
Directions to the Trailhead – From Happy Valley Rd and Lake Pleasant Parkway, go north 1 mile to Jomax Road, turn left (west) and go 0.3 mile to 99th Avenue. Turn right (north) and continue 0.3 mile to the paved parking area on the left. There are no restrooms at this trailhead.  There is a limited amount of parking (12 spaces), so if I get a lot of interest I’ll send an updated meeting location to carpool, probably at the Happy Valley/Lake Pleasant Parkway business park.   
Contact/sign-up –   
Description:  From the 99th Avenue trailhead, the path makes an immediate ascent into the chiseled clefts of the oblong butte. Flowing switchbacks wind around jagged pinnacles that hover over mountain vistas, flood plains and the distant skyline of downtown Phoenix.  The main summit loop is only 1.5 miles, but two spur trails (one to the north, one to the southwest) along extended sections of ridge will get us a total of 4.25 miles.  Mare Czinar describes this hike as a “hidden gem” 
       
​             Spur Cross – Metate, Fairy Duster Loop, and Dragonfly TrailsDescription – 
This trail is near Carefree in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. It is a beautiful, scenic area in the Sonoran desert. The saguaros are magnificent!   Mileage – 6 miles approx.   Difficulty – moderate   Elevation Change – Approximately 500 feet   Meeting Time and Place – Albertson’s parking lot behind Walgreens (Cave Creek and Union Hills, southeast corner) at 8:00 AMDirections – The parking lot and trailhead is at the end of Spur Cross RD.   Bring – At least 2 bottles of water, snacks, $3.00 entrance fee, and cash to help pay for gas (Hikers may elect to eat lunch in Carefree or elsewhere after the hike.)   Contact – 

            Saturday Hike 2/29/20      Vulture Peak
Mileage/Elevation – This hike involves a 1200 foot elevation gain so you might feel pain. I intend to drive my 4X4 to the upper trailhead so the distance will be 1.5 miles less than the 4.2 mile round trip as listed in Hike Arizona Dot Com. Should more than four people, in addition to me, sign up for the hike, we will hike from the lower trailhead and the 4X4 experience will not be part of the adventure. Individuals can decide to hike to the scenic saddle area, or continue to the peak which offers views in all directions. Those intending to rise to a higher level of existence should bring gloves as hands are used, along with feet, in the final accent. The experience is much like the climb/hike at Picacho Peak.
Difficulty – Moderate to Difficult
Directions to the Trailhead… Continue 2.5 miles past the Hassayampa River in Wickenburg on US60. Go south on the Vulture Peak road for 6.7 miles to the good quality dirt trail road heading east. It is less than a mile to the trailhead. I intend to take The Carefree Highway to US60 near Wickenburg.
Time and Place – Ben will meet hikers at the Castle Hot Springs exit from Highway 74 (carefree highway) (about mile marker 19) at 8:00 AM for the trip to the trailhead.
Bring a couple containers of water and a snack for a lunch break at either the saddle or on the peak. The return hike to the upper trailhead is all downhill.
Contact – Contact ___________ if you plan to attend and if you will need transportation to trailhead.

​                 SaturdaySuperstition Mountains – Hackberry 
TrailDescription – Hackberry trail is one of my favorite hikes in the Superstition Mountains. It’s a moderate hike among beautiful mountains and canyons. Adrian and I hiked and scouted out the trail on Feb. 25th. All the creeks were running, so there may be a few water crossing on March 7th, if we are lucky. We will follow the First Water Trail to Second Water up to Garden Valley. Finally, Hackberry Trail is well marked! The trail in the Garden Valley was muddy on Feb. 25th, but hopefully will dry out by March 7th. The hike is still forth the effort because you eventually travel down a canyon area to the gorgeous area where Hackberry Springs is located.   Mileage – 6 miles   Difficulty – Moderate   Elevation Accumulation – 700 feet   Meeting Time and Place – Albertson’s parking lot at Cave Creek and Union Hills (southeast corner south of Walgreens) at 7:30 AMBring – At least 2 bottles of water, snacks, and a lunch to eat on the trail. Also bring money to help pay for gas.   Directions to Trailhead – Go northeast on the Apache Trail Highway (Arizona 88) past Goldfield Ghost Town and Lost Dutchman State Park, to First Water Road. Turn right on First Water Road and drive about 2.1 miles to the Horse Staging Area. This is where we will begin the hike.   Contact – Gail H
             COACH WHIP TRAIL THUNDERBIRD PARK
Hike Leader: Flo Place Thunderbird Park Time 8AM Trail: Coachwhip Distance: about 4 miles – in and out Difficulty: moderate – some switchbacks and moderate elevation After:  AJ’s Instructions:  no need to let us know – just show up at the parking lot    We will meet in the parking lot as usual at 8:00AM.   We will hike on Coachwhip trail to the North East where it parallels 59th St and cross over 59th st on the pedestrian bridge.  We will connect with another section of the Coachwhip Trail that heads South – South East and take the trail down to the ponds and then return the same way.  The hike is about 4 miles.  We should see some nice flowers along the way.   
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