APR 6 (SAT) “D” Seven Springs Hike. A Saguaro Group-sponsored social hike and tailgate potluck lunch. The trail is fairly easy and we will hike about 3 miles. This peaceful and beautiful area 12 miles north of the town of Cave Creek is perfect for socializing and relaxing with others. Seven Springs is a popular bird viewing area so bring binoculars if desired. Please bring food to share at a light lunch after the hike. Contact your leader, Sally Howland, sally_howland@yazz.com, for meeting details and to sign up.
APR 13 (SAT) “D” Time TBA. EASY Granite Dells Area Day Hike (3.84 miles RT, minimum EC). Begin this hike on the new “Hobbit” Trail in a riparian area with a downhill descent to a wooded area transitioning to grasslands with scenic views of the Granite Dells and Glassford Hill. Ancients once lived along the way. We will connect next with the with the Peavine, Elisabeth, Boblett, and Iron King trails. For reservations and more information contact Outings leader Jenny Cobb, cobbsrun@msn.com 928-925-1320.
APRIL 14 (SUN) "C" Sheep Bridge Day Hike (4 miles RT, 200' EC). We will be visiting the historic Verde River Sheep Bridge on the Cave Creek Ranger District of Tonto National Forest. We will follow Verde River Trail # 11 upstream into the Wild & Scenic River corridor on the Verde River. There are a number of interesting wilderness values that can be seen on this outing. While the hike itself is easy, I will need 4WD vehicles to access the trailhead as we will be fording the Verde River below Horseshoe Dam. The crossing of Deadman Creek can also be a little rough. On the drive in we will stop and see a really nice crested Saguaro. The leader will talk about the history of the Verde River Sheep Bridge as well as the Mazatzal Wilderness Area and the Wild & Scenic Verde River. For reservations, meeting time and place, contact your leader, Jim Vaaler, at jimvaaler@msn.com or you may call Jim at 602-553-8208. For those who want to, we will stop for dinner on the way back.
APR 20 (SAT) “A” Tonto National Forest Photo Point Event Become a volunteer for the Friends of the Tonto National Forest, a volunteer group which sponsors various projects supporting the Tonto Forest. One such effort is the riparian photo point project that has collected repeated photographs along various Arizona waterways for over 40 years. The photos are used to compare changes at specific locations over time. On this outing you will assist the Saguaro Group as we photograph various locations along the road to Seven Springs. Some short bushwhacking walks on uneven terrain will be required. Bring a camera or smartphone if you have one, and water, a hat, and appropriate dress. Contact your leader Sally Howland, sally_howland@yahoo.com, for meeting details and to sign up.
MAY 11, 2024 (SAT) “D” Time TBA. EASY Turley Trail Day Hike (< 4 miles RT, EC <200ft) The trail on the east side of Prescott starts at an old corral and goes a mile where it joins the Prescott Circle Trail in the shadow of “P” Mountain (Badger Mountain). Climb a short distance on the Circle Trail for photo ops of the “P,” or continue straight above Government Canyon until we want to turn around. The scenic trail contours the mountain with many short, steep climbs and descents. Great views of Prescott and surrounding mountains. For reservations and more information contact Outings leaders Jenny Cobb, cobbsrun@msn.com 928-925-1320.
JUNE 22 (SAT) “D” Time TBA. EASY hike on Allen Springs Road (Mingus Mountain) (< 4 miles, Minimum EC). We will drive down Allen Springs Road and park in one of the large areas. Hike towards the Verde Valley View and turn around. Great Mingus Mountain views in the Ponderosa Pine forest. Option: One of the leaders would be happy to hike a short distance off Allen Springs Road on Black Canyon Trail 114 and back. Hike subject to weather conditions. For reservations and more information contact Outings leaders Jenny Cobb, cobbsrun@msn.com 928-925-1320.