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2009 Grand Canyon Chapter Outings CalendarThe Sierra Club is a nationwide organization with an active local outings program for members and nonmembers alike. You're invited to explore the beauty of Arizona while making friends and possibly finding new life enriching interests. Attached is a list of upcoming outings. Find one that appeals to you and phone the leader for more information. For general club information or to receive a complimentary copy of the Arizona newsletter phone the Sierra Club at: (602) 253-8633. Enjoy and Explore ArizonaSierra Service OutingsFEB 7 (SAT) “C” Four Peaks Wilderness Trail Maintenance Trip (4 mi. RT, 500’ EC). We will be removing downed ponderosa pine in the vicinity of Shake Spring on the Four Peaks Trail #134. We will also do some brush removal and perhaps clean out the old Work Projects Administration (WPA) troughs at Bear Spring and Shake Spring. Some tools for the group will be provided by the trip leader. There will be a variety of work for everyone. Contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208 or jimvaaler@msn.com. Phoenix Other OutingsJAN 3 (SAT) “C+” Coronado Mesa (5–6 mi.). On this off-trail hike, we will follow the rim of Coronado Mesa and enjoy many rarely seen vistas of spectacular lower Fish Creek Canyon in the Superstitions. Though much of the hike is relatively level, we will do some up and downhill travel and encounter painful plants. Gloves recommended. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix JAN 3 (SAT) “B” Alder Saddle – Black Bear Saddle (10 mi. RT, 1500’ EC). This outing in the Four Peaks Wilderness will take us into the upper end of Alder Canyon. Portions of the Alder Creek Trail #82, once the most scenic trail in the Four Peaks Wilderness Area, were badly damaged by the Lone Fire that occurred about 12 years ago. The part of the trail going up to Alder Saddle from the north is still in good shape. I would like to evaluate the part of the trail that is south of Alder Saddle. Some of the terrain may be challenging. Contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208 or jimvaaler@msn.com. Phoenix JAN 10 (SAT) “C” Goldmine to Cloudview (6 mi., 700’ EC). Walk westward from Lost Goldmine TH to Cloudview TH, enjoying gorgeous views of the mountains, the saguaro forest, Turk’s Cap Hill, and the Superstition Ridgeline. No auto shuttle! We will exchange cars with the Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, which will be doing the same hike in the opposite direction, then meet in the middle for a picnic and car key exchange. Your car will be waiting for you at the end of the hike. Contact Ted Tenny at 480-396-3389 or PotsdamDan@cox.net. Phoenix JAN 10 (SAT) “A” Malpais Mtn. (10–12 mi., 2400’ EC). Malpais Mtn. looms high above Geronimo Head in the Superstition Wilderness near Tortilla Flat. This off-trail hike will climb Geronimo Head and continue on to the 4229’ Malpais summit. Expect superb views and all manner of off-trail adversities: steep, rocky, and slippery slopes and vicious vegetation. This hike is for fast and strong hikers only. Gloves recommended. Drive 45 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix JAN 10 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Project (3 mi. RT, 300’ EC). Our 5-mi. stretch of scenic blue highway meanders through the eastern foothills of McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Nestled between Four Peaks and the Superstition, McDowell, and Mazatzal Mtns., there’s no finer place in the Sonoran Desert to provide this community service. We may visit “McGinty’s Hidden Spring,” a secret and seldom seen Shangri-La known only to Adopt-a-Highway alumni. We’ll finish before noon, leaving the afternoon free. Each trip participant receives an official Adopt-a-Highway t-shirt and gloves courtesy of Maricopa County’s Adopt-a-Highway program! Call Michael Brady at 480-250-4054. Phoenix JAN 10 (SAT) “D” Hieroglyphic Trail Superstition Hike (3 mi. RT, 500’ EC). Come back in time to the land of the Hohokam Indians, who lived in 300 B.C., and see a large collection of petroglyphs next to beautiful pools of water. Bring lunch; we will eat at the pools. Contact Donna Butler at donnatakeahike@yahoo.com. Phoenix JAN 11 (SUN) “B” Picacho Peak via Hunters Trail (3 mi. RT, 1800’ EC). This peak has been a landmark of the area since the time of early explorers. You might even find some petroglyphs from the prehistoric Hohokams. Don’t let the short distance fool you; the trail goes straight up and will definitely make you breathe hard. Be ready for some hand-over-hand climbing up steel cables and 360° views from the summit. Bring gloves for the cables. Limit 15. Contact John Che at 520-300-4639 or jackyblack@yahoo.com. Tucson JAN 17 (SAT) “B+” Granite Mtn. (10 mi.). This off-trail hike will take us to the 4052’ high summit of Granite Mountain south of Superior. Descending from the summit, we’ll drop to a ridge and bag a series of lower peaks before returning along another ridge. Expect the usual: fine views to the south; stiff breezes; steep, rocky, and slippery slopes; and vicious vegetation. Gloves recommended. Drive 70 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix JAN 17 (SAT) “B+” Mt. Fagan (5.6 mi. RT, 2540’ EC). A steep, all-bushwhack climb to the summit of Mt. Fagan, which provides dramatic views of the area. This climb is not for the faint of purpose. There are no trails, and the path is nearly always rocky; however, the views from the ridges are great, and the view from the top is amazing. We will observe the area of the proposed Augusta/Rosemont open pit copper mine in the Santa Ritas and discuss ongoing conservation efforts. Lainie Levick with Save the Scenic Santa Ritas will attend this outing. If you are concerned about this vital issue and are a fit hiker, this outing should not be missed. Contact Mitch Stevens at 520-991-1199 or mitchstevens@qwestoffice.net. Tucson JAN 17 (SAT) “C+” Sonoran Desert National Monument (8 mi.). Thom Hulen, the Chapter’s Sonoran Desert National Monument Organizer, will accompany and give us information on the Monument’s environmental concerns as well as commentary on history and wildlife. Contact Bev Full at bfull@cox.net. Phoenix JAN 17 (SAT) “A” Weaver’s Needle/Black Top Mesa Loop (Superstition Wilderness) (14 mi. RT, 3800’ EC). A fast-paced, challenging hike combining several popular trails in the Supes. Starting at the Peralta TH, our first stop being Fremont Saddle and the classic view of Weaver’s Needle. Next heading down Boulder Canyon with a view of Aylor’s Arch and a crested saguaro. Then heading around on Bull Pass and up to the top of Black Top Mesa for some distant views. Returning on Terrapin and Bluff trails to Peralta TH. Afterward, dinner and conversation in Apache Junction. Limit 15. Contact Darrell Foster at AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred) or 602-569-5549. Phoenix JAN 17 (SAT) “C” Bell Trail to Wet Beaver Wilderness (6.6 mi. RT). This popular trail is the only developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and Wilderness Area. Enjoy the solitude and other rewards offered by a clear cool stream flowing through a scenic desert canyon. The trail mostly follows a route along a bench well above the streambed. At one point the trail leaves the canyon bottom to wind high along an escarpment of red sandstone and offer views of the riparian area, canyon, and surrounding mountains and valleys. We will hike the first 3.3 mi. to Bell Crossing and branch off the main trail down to the stream. Bring water and lunch. Contact Nancy Reynolds at 928-649-3065 or nsreynolds51@gmail.com. Sedona JAN 21 (WED) “C+” Bev’s Weekday Hike (8 mi.). Hike on Little Pan Loop, Table Mesa, on the Black Canyon Trail. Bring lunch and water. Dogs are permitted. We will help the Bureau of Land Management in assessing how to best use and yet preserve this special area. Contact Bev Full at bfull@cox.net. Phoenix JAN 24 (SAT) “B” Elephant Mtn. (8 mi., 855’ EC). This on-trail hike will take us to a cultural site on Elephant Mtn. in Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area near Cave Creek. The trails followed are steep and rocky but offer spectacular views. Bring $3 for the Spur Cross entrance fee. Drive 25 mi. from Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix JAN 24 (SAT) “C” North Trail McDowell Mountain Regional Park (2.9 mi. RT, 300’ EC). The potentially extensive trail plan for McDowell Mtn. Regional Park is on hold due to the economy. This presents a good opportunity to examine the sensitive areas under consideration. The North Trail is a loop near one of the areas that may be impacted by a horse trail being built from Rio Verde to travel through the park and out the west side. This beautiful area contains scenic views and abundant wildlife. Call Michael Brady at 480-250-4054. Scottsdale JAN 25 (SUN) “C” Wandering the Cactus Forest (4 mi., 100’ EC). Follow a fairly level route on a network of trails in the northwest area of Saguaro National Park East. We will hike sections of the Mica View, Cactus Forest, Cholla, Loma Verde, Pink Hill, and Shantz Trails. During a break we can review the status of the park’s Comprehensive Trails Plan. Limit 18. Contact Meg Weesner for details at 520-290-1723 or mweesner@att.net. Tucson JAN 25 (SUN) “C” Hike the Verde: Part 4 – Stillman Lake and Verde Springs (4 mi, 200’ EC). Entering through private property (with permission), we will hike down Granite Creek to the Verde River, then down the Verde into the new Nature Conservancy property to view beaver dams and Verde Springs. After lunch, hike upstream along the shore of Stillman Lake to see more birds and petroglyphs. Easy, pretty, and cool hike, lots of fun and info! We’ll learn about the conservation issues threatening this wonderful river: the Verde is severely threatened by off-road vehicles, water pollution, and groundwater pumping that will eventually transform the Upper Verde into a dry wash, destroying the riparian habitat of 6 threatened species. Reservation required. Contact Gary Beverly at 928-636-2638 or gbverde@cableone.net. Prescott JAN 30–FEB 1 (FRI–SUN) “A” Grand Canyon Backpack (15 mi., 4000’ EC). Explore the Horseshoe Mesa area of the South Rim on this 3-day backpack. This area is rich in mines, caves, geology, trail construction, and scenery. We will drive to the trailhead Fri. morning and start backpacking by noon. On Sun., we should be back to our cars early in the afternoon. Previous backpacking experience essential. $10 permit fee required per person. Group size limited to 6. Contact Shelly Eberly at shelly@shellysoutings.com (preferred) or 480-298-2633. Phoenix JAN 31 (SAT) “A” Montana Mtn. (12 mi., 2700’ EC). On this strenuous, mostly on-trail peakbag, we will follow the Arizona Trail from Whitford Canyon to the 5557’ high summit of Montana Mtn., one of the higher peaks in the eastern Superstition Wilderness near Superior. Our climb will involve steep, relentless, lung-bursting elevation gain; plenty of streambed rock hopping; and abundant clothes-ripping, skin-scratching, shin-stabbing vegetation. Gloves recommended. The summit view is glorious. Drive 65 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix FEB 7 (SAT) “A” Ventana Canyon (12.8 mi., 4050' EC). This strenuous hike begins at the Ventana Canyon Resort (Santa Catalina Mtns.) among saguaro, ocotillo, and mesquite and at our destination, the 15x25’ arch known as the Window, we’ll be in ponderosa pine. Along the way there will be Mexican blue oak at Maiden Pools and Arizona sycamore. If there has been recent rain we’ll see abundant water and waterfalls. There will be excellent views of Tucson and the Santa Rita Mtns. Picacho Peak, Baboquivari Peak, and Biosphere 2 will also be visible. Contact Gary Hendrickson at 480-423-3898 or ghendri450@aol.com. Phoenix FEB 7 (SAT) “B+” Flatiron (5.4 mi. RT, 2780’ EC). Join us for a very steep non-technical climb to a prominent high point in the Superstition Mtns. with dizzying drop-offs and mind boggling views. This hike is not for the faint of heart; however, strong hikers will enjoy this challenge. Although attaining the top of the Flatiron is a push, the payoff is well worth the effort. In addition, we will observe and discuss the fascinating volcanic geology of the western Superstitions. Contact Mitch Stevens at 520-991-1199 or mitchstevens@qwestoffice.net. Tucson FEB 7 (SAT) "B" Goldfield Ridge Dayhike On this 9-mile offtrail trek we will hike along a prominent ridge in the Goldfield Mountains to a high point and then return via a different and more challenging route. Expect plenty of up- and downhill hiking, steep slopes, annoying vegetation, and breathtaking views. Leather golves recommended. Drive 45 miles oneway from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix FEB 14 (SAT) “B” St. Clair Mtn./St. Clair Peak (4–6 mi., 1300’ EC). This outing consists of two hikes. First we’ll visit the prehistoric ruins on St. Clair Mtn. (near Horseshoe Dam). Then we’ll climb to the 4230’ high summit of St. Clair Peak. Most of our ascent will be on a vehicle trail, but reaching the summit will require off-trail travel through fairly heavy brush. Descending the St. Clair Peak, we’ll take an off-trail route through thick and brushy chaparral and down steep and slippery slopes. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants recommended. Drive 35 mi. from Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix FEB 15 (SUN) “C” Ironwood and Petroglyphs Hike (5 mi.). A loop route in Saguaro National Park West will take us through lush desert vegetation and past some petroglyphs. This route follows trails and washes. Bring your “sweetie” to work off that extra chocolate on the day after Valentine’s Day. Discussion of protection strategies for Tucson’s backyard national park is welcome. Limit 18. Contact Meg Weesner for details at 520-290-1723 or mweesner@att.net. Tucson FEB 18 (WED) “C+” Bev’s Weekday Hike (1.5 mi., 1000’ EC). Climb Black Mtn. in Cave Creek. Breakfast after in Cave Creek. Contact Bev Full at bfull@cox.net. Phoenix FEB 21 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Project (3 mi. RT, 300’ EC). See description of Jan. 10th outing on pg. 11. Call Michael Brady 480-250-4054. Scottsdale FEB 21 (SAT) Mountain Bike. Strenuous and sandy, 2 hours (or till we drop dead). Cycle in the spectacular views of Four Peaks, Weaver’s Needle, and Superstition’s Flat Iron. Contact Donna Butler at donnatakeahike@yahoo.com. Phoenix FEB 21 (SUN) “C” Hike The Verde: Part 4 – Stillman Lake and Verde Springs (4 mi, 200' EC) See description of Jan. 25th outing on pg. 11. Reservation required. Contact Gary Beverly at 928-636-2638 or gbverde@cableone.net. Prescott FEB 21 (SAT) “B+” Goldfield Buttes (8–10 mi.). In the eastern Goldfield Mtns. north of Apache Junction lie several low, isolated, and colorful buttes that beg to be bagged. On this hike we’ll explore the buttes area and ascend a few buttes, gaining from 200–400’ per butte. Don’t sign up for this hike unless you like to climb and descend steep and slippery slopes. Also expect plenty of thorny plants and great views. Gloves recommended. Drive 35 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix FEB 21 (SAT) “A” Superstition Mtn. Super-Combo (12 mi. RT, 4200’ EC). A fast-paced, challenging hike combining several popular “trails.” After dropping shuttle vehicles at Peralta TH, we start at the Hieroglyphic TH, stopping at many petroglyphs in Hiero Canyon. Then a steep route to the renowned Ridgeline, where we will visit the highest peak in the range and its unusual hoodoos at 5000’+. Next up is Robber’s Roost, an unusual cave type pocket among enormous boulders. Rounding the corner is arguably the best view of Weaver’s Needle and the gun-sight formation. Crossing over Freemont Saddle we will head down the Cave “Trail” with a stop at Geronimo’s “Cave.” Back on the maintained trail to Peralta TH - then shuttle back. Afterward, dinner and conversation in Apache Junction. Limit 15. Contact Darrell Foster at AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred) or 602-569-5549. Phoenix FEB 22 (SUN) "B" Cedar Canyon Dayhike (7-10 miles RT, minimal EC) We will contour around Arivaca Lake and then enter Cedar Canyon on western edge of the proposed Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness Area. Depending upon how far we get, we may reach Bartolo Canyon as well. Expect water, rocky terrain and lush vegetation. We will learn why we want to protect this area and hopefully see some endangered Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (if it isn't too cold). A representative from Sky Island Alliance will be with us to talk about the wilderness proposal and to answer questions. Bring plenty of water and a lunch. Trip Limit 16. Contact Drew Milsom, milsom@physics.arizona.edu, 520-906-2436. Tucson FEB 28 (SAT) “B” Central Goldfield Canyons (14 mi.). This off-trail, exploratory hike will take us on a loop route along washes and through canyons in the central Goldfield Mtns. north of Apache Junction. We’ll encounter vicious vegetation, traverse steep and rocky slopes, endlessly rock hop, trudge through sand, enjoy colorful desert terrain, and experience untold adventure. Gloves recommended. Drive 25 mi. one way from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602 265-2854. Phoenix MAR 1 (SAT) “B” Dutchman’s Trail/Bluff Spring Trail Loop, Superstition Wilderness. This challenging hike begins on Dutchman’s Trail to Miner’s Summit and drops down into Bluff Spring Creek and eventually out by way of Barker Canyon and the Bluff Spring Trail back to the parking lot. Wonderful views. Your leader is not particularly “young” and this hike will be taken at a hopefully comfortable pace with time for taking pictures, etc. If there is much water in the Bluff Spring Creek area, it could get a little “bushwhacky, rock-hopping, watery,” and there are areas where it is easy to lose the trail. Hopefully we will get an early start so everyone makes it out safely without becoming totally exhausted. Limit 15. Contact: Sharon Fairchild at 602-997-1178 or sfairchi@fclaw.com. Phoenix MAR 1 (SUN) “B+” Elephant Head in the Santa Rita Mtns. (9 mi. RT, 2800’ EC). This is a “hands-on” hike up one of the most prominent peaks in the Santa Ritas. Keep your hands on the rock as you scramble up to the summit. You will have a memorable experience of the vegetation while tracking the faint route into and out of Chino Canyon. You might have seen the daunting face of the Elephant Head when heading south on Hwy 19, and you might wonder where the name comes from. My suggestion: bring an elephant; you will need it. Limit 15. Contact John Che for details at 520-300-4639 or jackyblack@yahoo.com. Tucson National Sierra OutingsAmerica's public lands and wilderness need your support, and hands-on teamwork is a great way to give something back. For more information about Sierra Club's National Outings, please visit https://tioga.sierraclub.org/TripSearch. LegalismsOutings are rated for degree of difficulty and risk by the leader. As a guideline, outings are classified as follows: "A" More than 16 miles or more than 3,000 feet elevation change. "B" 8 to 16 miles and between 1,500- 3,000 feet elevation change "C" 3 to 8 miles, 500 to 1,500 feet. "D" Less than 3 miles and 500 feet. RT means round trip; OW means one way; EC means total elevation change; Name of city after the date means city of origin of the group hiking.
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