Palm Creek Hikers

Upcoming Hike February 10, 2012 Spur Cross Trail and Spur Cross, Elephant Mountain Trails

2012-02-05T08:24:00.001-08:00

Bear Canyon Long Hike–February 3, 2012

2012-02-05T07:45:00.001-08:00

Again my thanks to Gaetan for the photos and for Mike for leading the hike. Welcome back Ray!!

Bear Canyon Short Hike–February 3, 2012

2012-02-05T07:32:00.001-08:00

A perfect day for hiking and a great place to do it in. The two groups had a total of 65 people.

Longer Hike–January 27, 2012 Canyon Lake to First Water, First Water to Canyon Lake

2012-01-29T09:04:00.001-08:00

This was a key swap hike through some very beautiful country. I would like to thank Clark, Mike and Gaetan for leading these hikes and again to Gaetan for supplying the pictures.

Short Hike–January 27, 2012–Canyon Lake to Labarge Overlook

2012-01-29T08:31:00.001-08:00

The shorter hike went from Canyon Lake to the overlook of Labarge and Boulder Canyons and return. The hard climb at the start was worth it for the views the trail offers,

Jacob’s Crossing Hike–January 20 , 2012

2012-01-23T06:59:00.001-08:00

This was the shorter hike starting at the First Water Road and then looping around the Lost Dutchman State Park at the base of the Superstition Mountains

Siphon Draw Hike–January 20, 2012

2012-01-21T13:15:00.001-08:00

There were 30 of us on this hike and it was quite a climb to the basin. About half the group continued up the rock face. Gaetan Allard took some photos on that portion of the hike and I will post them here. Thanks Gaetan!

Piestewa Peak Long Hike–January 13, 2012

2012-01-14T08:19:00.001-08:00

The long hike group did a lot of climbing but had a great time on this hike. The weather was perfect and the scenery was spectacular.

Piestewa Peak Loop–Short Hike–January 13, 2012

2012-01-14T07:53:00.001-08:00

Skip led the short hike group on a loop that they had never done before in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.

Sabino Canyon to West Fork Hike January 6, 2012

2012-01-07T17:55:00.001-08:00

Hutch’s Pool Hike - January 6, 2012

2012-01-07T09:19:00.001-08:00

Our first hike of the year was a great one and what a turnout we had. There were 43 in the longer hike group and 24 in the shorter hike group. The weather was perfect and we had a great time even though we didn’t quite make it to the falls due to high water in the West Fork Creek. It is a beautiful area of Arizona.

Dome Mountain Trailhead to Blue Ridge Hike–December 30, 2011

2012-01-01T07:41:00.001-08:00

Idaho Pass to blue Ridge Hike–December 30, 2011

2011-12-31T06:54:00.001-08:00

Our last hike of the year was a good one in a very scenic area on a beautiful warm day. We have a lot more good hikes coming up in the new year so come on out and enjoy them.

Hugh Norris Hike–December 23, 2011

2011-12-24T08:50:00.001-08:00

It was a sunny but cool day and we hiked at a good speed to keep warm, We had to search for a warm spot to have lunch in the sun and out of the wind. It was a very clear day and the views were fantastic.

What is it? The thoughts range from a horse to a Chinese dog to the one I like best, some rocks.

Lost Goldmine Trail Hike–December 16, 2011

2011-12-18T08:03:00.001-08:00

This was a key-swap hike with e slower group starting at the Hieroglyphic Trailhead and the faster group starting at the Peralta trailhead. We met in the middle, had lunch and exchanged keys. On the completion of the Lost Goldmine trail hike the faster group took a 3.5 mile return side trip up to Hieroglyphic Canyon to view the pools and petroglyphs. It was a sunny day but with a brisk wind at times.

Wishbone Junction–Short Hike, December 9, 2011

2011-12-11T07:20:00.001-08:00

Trail Build Work Party December 10, 2011

2011-12-10T12:38:00.001-08:00

1,920 feet of new trail was built today. Thanks to everyone who participated and for Palm Creek for providing us with a fantastic lunch!!

Wishbone Canyon Hike, December 9, 2011

2011-12-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

This is one of our more scenic hikes and it did not disappoint us on Friday. It was a beautiful Arizona winter day and we all enjoyed it.

Sweetwater Trail Hike–December 2, 2011

2011-12-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

It was kind of a cool, cloudy day that threatened rain but we got the hike in without getting wet.

Pass Mountain Hike, November 25, 2011

2011-11-27T07:04:00.001-08:00

It was a great hike on a beautiful day. Thanks everybody for making the one group hike successful.

Pima Canyon Hike November 18, 2011

2011-11-20T18:21:00.001-08:00

Suprise Mountain Short Hike, November 11, 2011

2011-11-13T09:07:00.001-08:00

Surprise Mountain Hike, November 11, 2011

2011-11-12T05:30:00.001-08:00

March 2012 Hike Schedule

2011-10-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

March 2 - Long Hike - First Water to Peralta - 11.2 miles (A) - This is a long, hard, very scenic hike and a tune up for the Grand Canyon hikers.
               - Short Hike - First Water to Parker Pass - 5 miles (C) - This is an out and back hike along the Dutchman Trail past some interesting rock formations.

March 9 - Long Hike - Alamo Springs - 6.7 miles (A) - This is a steep climb to a ridge and then descending to the valley and back down the canyon to the trailhead.
               - Short Hike - Lower Javilina Trail - 5 miles (C) - This is an easier hike in the same area.

March 16 - Both Hikes - This will be our overnight trip to the Chiracahua National Monument. We will leave on Friday morning at the usual time, travel to Fort Bowie and tour the National Park. It is a 1.5 mile hike to reach the park. We will return to Willcox, where we will overnight. The next day we will go to the Chiracahua National Monument and hike in that beautiful area. There will be a long hike of 10.3 miles and a shorter one of about 7 miles. We will return to Palm Creek on Saturday after the hike. This is a very beautiful hike and if you have never done it then plan ahead and come on this one!!

March 23 - Long Hike - Casa Grande Mountain Trail - 7 miles (C+) - A morning hike on the local trail we helped build.
- Short Hike - Casa Grande Mountain Trail - A shorter hike on the same trail.
Wind up BBQ - We will hike until noon and then have a BBQ in the trailhead parking lot. More on this later in the season.

February 2012 Hike Schedule

2011-10-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

February 3 - Long Hike - Bear Canyon to Seven Falls - 9.2 miles (C+) - This is a hike up a canyon to some very picturesque falls.
- Short Hike - Bear Canyon to Seven Falls - Tram - 5.4 (C) - This is the same hike but taking the tram both ways to shorten the distance hiked.

February 10 - Long Hike - Spur Cross, Elephant Mountain Trails - 6.6 miles (B+) - This is a new hike that circles a mountian and is quite scenic.
- Short Hike - Spur Cross Trail - This is a scenic hike in the Cave Creek area and is new this year. 5 miles (C+)

February 17 - Long Hike - Romero Pools - 6.7 miles (B+) - This is a steep climb to some pools and waterfalls.
- Short Hike - Sutherland Trail - 5 miles - (C+) - This is a gradual climb along the base of the Catalina Mountains that leads to a smooth rock area that is quite scenic. There are some unique Saguaro cactus on the trail. This hike could be extended to 6.8 miles if the Canyon Loop Trail is added.

February 24 - Long Hike - Cochie Canyon 8 miles (B) - This is a steep climb for the first two miles and then follows along a mountainside up a canyon. It is very scenic.
- Short Hike - Brown Mountain - 4.8 miles (C+) - this is a hike along the base of a mountain, climbing to a ridge and then descending to the trailhead.

January 2012 Hike Schedule

2011-10-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

January 6 - Longer Hike - Hutch's Pool - 8 miles (B) - This scenic hike is in Sabino Canyon, where we take a tram 4 miles and then hike 4 miles to a large pool.
                 - Short Hike - Sabino Canyon to West Fork Junction - 5.5 miles (C+) - This is the same trail as the one to Hutch's Pool but will stop at the West Fork junction.

January 13 - Long Hike - Piestewa Peak Loop - 6.8 miles (A-) - This is a loop hike around Piestewa Peak and is very scenic.
                   - Short  Hike - Phoenix Mountains - Valley Loop - This is a nice hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

January 20 - Harder Hike - Siphon Draw - 4.5 miles (B-) - This is a steady climb up a draw, steep at times, to a rock face.
                    -Easier Hike - Jacobs Crosscut - 4 miles (C+) - This is an easy hike across the west face of the Superstition Mountains.

January 27 - Harder Hike - Canyon Lake to Indian Paint Mine - This a hike that is more difficult but worth it for the scenery. The trail climbs from the lake to a summit and then winds around to an over look of the Labarge and Boulder canyons. It descends into the valley bottom, crosses a creek and then onto the mine area. The views on this hike are fantastic. It is 6.5 miles and rated A-.

- Easier Hike - Canyon Lake to Labarge Overlook - This is the same hike as the longer hike but will stop before descending into the valley. 4.5 miles B-.

December 2011 Hike Schedule

2011-10-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

2 December - Harder Hike - Sweetwater Trail - 6.8 miles (B-) - This is a climb up a draw to the saddle at the top of Kings Canyon and at the base of Wassen Peak.
                   - Easier Hike - Sweetwater Trail - 5 miles (C+) - This is the same hike but will stop before reaching the saddle.

9 December - Harder Hike - Wishbone Canyon - 9 miles (B) - This is a scenic loop hike in the Goldfield Mountains that passes alongside some pools and through a narrow canyon
                     - Easier Hike - This is the same hike but only going out and back to the pools.
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16 December - Short Hike - Lost Goldmine - A nice hike along the Superstitiuon Mountains base with some lush desert vegetation.
                      - Easier Paced Hike - The same hike at a slower pace. We will meet at lunch and exchange keys.

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23 December - Harder Hike - Hugh Norris, Gould, Sandero trails - 5.1 miles (B-) - This is a climb to a ridge and a descent down to another trailhead. It is a keyswap hike.
                      - Easier Hike - Sandero, Gould, Hugh Norris trails - This is the same hike but from the opposite direction and the trails are a bit less steep to climb.

30 December - Long Hike - Idaho Pass to Blue Ridge - 7 miles (C+) - This is a climb to a pass, through a canyon and then a climb to a ridge before descending to the trailhead.
                      - Short Hike - Idaho Pass to Bulldog Canyon - 5.6 miles (C) - This is mostly the same hike but without going to the ridge.

November 2011 Hike Schedule

2011-10-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

November 4 - Harder Hike - Starr Pass to Surprise Mountain - 7.4 miles - (B) - This is a fairly easy hike from the Starr Pass Trailhead west to a moumtain with exceptional views of the Tucson Mountains area
                     - Easier Hike - Camino Del Oeste to Surprise Mountain. - 4.5 miles (C+) - This is a shorter route to Surprise Mountain, going past a rock house on the way. It is an easy hike most of the way, with a climb to the peak at the end.

November 11 - Harder Hike - San Tan Park - Maltais trail - 8.9 miles (C+) - This is a mostly flat hike around a mountain and past some picturesque cliffs.
                        - Easier Hike - San Tan Park - Goldmine, San Tan trails - 5.6 miles (C) - This is an easy hike on almost flat trails that circles a mountain.

November 18 - Harder Hike - Pima Canyon - 6.4 miles (B) - This is a hike up a narrow canyon with 800 feet elevation change, to some pools.
                       - Easier Hike - Pima Canyon - 5 miles (C+) - This is the same hike but a shorter distance that eliminates some of the elevation gain.

November 25 - Harder Hike - Usery Park - Pass Mountian Trail - 8 miles (B-) - This is a loop around a mountain with nice views and 500 feet elevation gain, the hardest part being the length.
                       - Easier Hike - Usery Park - Pass Mountain Trail - This is the same hike.

Friday Hike Schedule 2011/2012

2011-10-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

November 4 - Harder Hike - Starr Pass to Surprise Mountain - 6 miles (C+)
                     - Easier Hike - Camino de Oste to Suprise mountain - 4.5 miles (C)

November 11 - Harder Hike - San Tan Park - Maltais Trail - 8.9 miles (C+)
                       - Easier Hike - San Tan Park - Goldmine, San Tan Trails -5.6 miles (C)

November 18 - Harder Hike - Pima Canyon - 6.4 miles (B)
                       - Easier Hike - Pima Canyon - 5 miles (C+)

November 25 - Harder Hike - Usery Park - Pass Mountian - 8 miles (B)
                       - Easier Hike - Usery Park - Pass Mountain - 8 miles (B)

December 2 - Harder Hike - Sweetwater Trail - 6.8 miles (B-)
                    - Easier Hike - Sweetwater Trail - 5 miles (C+)

December 9 - Harder Hike - Wishbone Canyon - 9 miles (B)
                     - Easier Hike - Wishbone Canyon to pools - 5 miles (C+)

December 16 - Harder Hike - Hutch's Pool - 8 miles (B)
                       - Easier Hike - Sabino Canyon to West Fork - 5 miles (C+)

December 23 - Harder Hike - Hugh Norris, Gould, Sandero Trails - 5.1 (B-)
                       - Easier hike - Sandero, Gould, Hugh Norris Trails - 5.1 (B-)

December 30 - Harder Hike - Idaho Pass to Blue Ridge - 7 miles (C+)
                       - Easier Hike - Idaho Pass to Bulldog Canyon - 5.6 miles (C+)

January 6 - Harder Hike - Hutch's Pool 8 miles (B-).
                 - Easier hike - Lost Goldmine - 5 miles (C+)

January 13 - Harder Hike - Bear Canyon to Seven Falls - hike - 9.2 miles (C+)
                   - Easier Hike - Bear Canyon to Seven Falls - tram - 5.4 miles (C)

January 20 - Harder Hike - Siphon Draw 4.5 (B)
                   - Easier Hike - Jacob's Crosscut - 4 miles (C+)

January 27 - Harder Hike - Canyon Lake to Indian Paint Mine 6.5 miles (A-)
                    - Easier Hike - Canyuon Lake to Labarge Overlook 4.5 miles (B-)

February 3 - Harder Hike - Piestewa Peak Loop - 6.8 miles (A-)
                   - Easier Hike - Phoenix Mountains Valley Hike 5.5 miles (C+)

February 10 - Harder Hike - Spur Cross, Elephant Mountain Trails - 6.6 miles (B+)
                      - Easier Hike - Lost Dog, Ringtail, Old Jeep Trails - 5.8 miles (C)

February 17 - Harder Hike - Romero Pools - 6.7 miles (B)
                      - Easier Hike - Sutherland, Canyon Loop Trails - 6.8 miles (C+)

February 24 - Harder Hike - Cochie Canyon - 8 miles (B)
                       - Easier Hike - Brown Mountain - 4.8 miles (C)

March 2 - Harder Hike - First Water to Peralta - 11.2 miles (A)
               - Easier Hike - First Water to Parker Pass - 5 miles (C)

March 9 - Harder Hike - Alamo Springs - 6.7 miles - (A)
               - Easier Hike - Lower Javilina - 5 miles (C)

March 16 - Overnight trip to the Chiracahua National Monument

March 23 - Year end windup - Both Hikes - Casa Grande Mountain Trails to be followed by a barbeque in the trailhead parking lot

Brins Mesa, Soldiers Pass, Cibola Pass Hike - March 19, 2011

2011-04-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

March 26, 2011 - Work Party

2011-04-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

This was our fifth and last work party of the year. We had fun and built a lot of trail as it was easier going than the parts we had been working on. Palm Creek hikers donated 351 manhours to this project this winter and I would like to thank everyone who donated time to it. I would also like to thank Wendell Johnson for sponsoring the lunch and Marilyn Goeken and her crew for preparing and serving it.

2011-03-26 .Fat Man's Pass

2011-03-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks everybody for a great hiking season. Take care drive safe and we hope to see you all back again in the fall.

Cathedral Rock Photos

2011-03-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

These photos were sent to me by Jack and Linda Hays. They were in the group that climbed up Cathedral Rock. Thanks you two!

Gateway, Windgate, Bell Pass Hike - March 11, 2011

2011-03-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

Wassen Peak Loop Hike - March 4, 2011

2011-03-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Monday Hike - East Goldfields

2011-03-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

I don't usually post photos of our Monday hikes but the one we did this week was something special. It was an almost completely off-trail hike up to and along ridges, descents to washes and hikes through canyons. The route was over rocks, on sliprock and down hillsides covered in scree. We were treated to some absolutely magnificent views including Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake. It was a long, hard day but worth the effort. I hope you emjoy the photos!

2011-02-25 Hat Top Hike February 25, 2011

2011-02-27T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hat Top Valley Hike February 25, 2011

2011-02-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

2011-02-26 Work Party February 26, 2011

2011-02-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

Bluff Springs Loop Hike, February 18, 2011

2011-02-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

Saguaro Lake Hike, February 18, 2011

2011-02-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

2011-02-11 Wild Mustang Hike February 11, 2011

2011-02-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture and then click on "slide show" in the top left corner to see all the pictures

Thunderbird Trail Hike, February 11, 2011

2011-02-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events

2011-02-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few items of interest:

Grand Canyon Hike 2011 – There is one opening left for this hike taking place on March 24, 2011. You will hike to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab Trail on March 24th. On March 25th you will hike out via the Bright Angel Trail. Phone Connie Emerson at 6030 or see her on Friday. The cutoff date is February 15th.

The next work party for the Casa Grande Mountain Trails Project is February 26th. We have committed to have 30 people there so please sign up on Friday!!! I only have 10 signed up so far and I’m getting nervous!!! We will leave at 7:15, meet the rest of the work party (50 people) at the parking area at the base of the mountain at 07:30. We will work until noon and then be given a lunch and disperse. It is a great outing and a lot of fun. You work at your own pace and with only tools you can handle. You will have a lot of support from the other workers as we work as a team. Bring gloves, water, a snack if you want and a chair to sit on at lunch. Come on out!!

Sedona Overnight Hike -I have blocked out 25 rooms at the Cliff House Casino – Hotel in Camp Verde and have 21 rooms spoken for. Please let me know if you want to be included.
We will travel to Sedona on March 18th, buy our permits at the visitor’s center and hike the Baldwin – Templeton Loop trails that afternoon, a hike of 4.1 miles. It is a scenic hike and an easy one which goes along the Oak Creek for part of the hike. We will go to the hotel and check in for the night. They have an all you can eat fish fry on Friday nights. (hear that Mike?)
On Saturday we will hike the Brins Mesa – Soldiers Pass Trails. This is a fantastic hike with exceptional scenery and is 5 miles long. You will not be disappointed with this hike I guarantee you!! After the hike we will return to Palm Creek. We should be back by 5:00.

Wind up party – We will have a wind up party on March 15th starting at 4:00 in the San Tan room. It will be a pot luck social affair. More details to follow once someone tells me what is happening.

– I

Upcoming Long Hike Wild Mustang Trail February 11, 2011

2011-02-06T07:36:00.001-08:00

Remember – We leave at 8:00

This a scenic loop hike in the Tortolita Mountains. There is quite an elevation change, about 1,200 feet, so there is some climbing to do. It is well worth the effort, so if you can do the climbing come on out and join us!

Upcoming Short Hike–February 11, 2011 Thunderbird Loop Trail

2011-02-06T07:23:00.001-08:00

Remember – We leave at 08:00

This is an interesting hike through the Saguaro National Park cactus forest. It is not difficult and there are some petroglyphs to see. Come on out!!

Hackberry Springs Hike–February 4, 2011

2011-02-06T07:09:00.001-08:00

There are no pictures of the Black Mesa Loop hike. I messed up downloading them from the camera and they got lost!! Sorry.

Picketpost South – Long Hike –January 28, 2011

2011-02-02T06:06:00.001-08:00

Picketpost South - Short Hike –January 28, 2011

2011-02-02T06:02:00.001-08:00

New Departure Time

2011-01-29T10:38:00.001-08:00

Don’t forget

Starting Friday February 4th we will meet at 7:45 and leave at 8:00

Casa Grande Mountain Work Party, January 22

2011-01-23T06:15:00.001-08:00

We were 19 people from Palm Creek and joined a larger group for a total of 70 plus workers. We made over 1,400 feet of trail.

Getting our instructions

Starting to work

Boy, some of these rocks are big!

Some of the other workers

The reward – lunch!

Thanks a bunch to everyone who came out to help on the trails. It was a good day and we did some good work and built some good trail. Remember the next one is February 26th and we have committed to having 30 people there!

Ventana Canyon Hike–January 21, 2011

2011-01-23T06:11:00.001-08:00

Where we are headed; the canyon entrance

On the switchbacks

Lunch at the pools

The group

Headed home

What a beautiful place

Sabino Canyon–Short Hike January 21, 2011

2011-01-23T04:55:00.001-08:00

At the Sabino Creek dam

American Flag Hike–Short Hike January 14, 2011

2011-01-16T04:42:00.001-08:00

Both groups together, a near record of 63 people

And you shall be led to the promised land

Lunch time!

The long hike group from across the canyon

American Flag–Long Hike –January 14, 2011

2011-01-16T04:40:00.001-08:00

The start of the hike with Apache Peak in the background. We will hike to the ridge at the bottom of the peak.

We were 35 people on this hike and a human train coming down the first descent

A rest stop on the switchbacks on the climb to the top

Lunch at the ridge, which is part of the Arizona Trail

Views from our lunch spot

A big group!

Short Hike – Go John/Overton Trails January 7, 2011

2011-01-08T08:40:00.001-08:00

Both groups at the Visitor’s Center at the start of the hike

The rest stops on the way up the switchbacks

A deer in the middle of the picture

Lunch break at the saddle

The long hike group arrives!

Go John/Overton Trails Hike, January 7, 2011

2011-01-08T07:56:00.001-08:00

We had a great hike on a beautiful day

On the first climb, off comes the first layer!

Views from the trail

An unusual occurrence, both the long and short hike folks meeting at the lunch spot. In the picture above the short hike group is just leaving on the home stretch.

Phoneline Trail Hike–December 31, 2010

2011-01-01T07:52:00.001-08:00

It was a cold start waiting for the tram and then the ride up the canyon in the tram. Even the birds were shivering!

A view down the canyon from the top of the switchbacks

The slower group at the top of the switchbacks

It was snowing up the canyon and we had a few flakes as we hiked

A view of Tucson and the trail

The cliffs above the trail

No shorts and Tee shirts today. We were seven people on this hike. Six Canadians and Ray from Michigan, Does that tell you something?

Lunch in style again. At a picnic table. What a leader these guys have!

It looks even colder up there

Cactus Wren, Valley View Hike–December 24, 2010

2010-12-26T14:58:00.001-08:00

Kings Canyon Hike–December 24, 2010

2010-12-25T05:23:00.001-08:00