Grayhawk Hiking Club

The Grayhawk Hiking Club is primarily, though not exclusively, organized and run for the benefit of residents of the community of Grayhawk in North Scottsdale.  Members of the leadership team are all residents of the community.  While you do not have to be a resident of Grayhawk to participate in this group, most of the activities that are planned and scheduled will focus on residents of this community, along with their friends and relatives.

Hiking Season

Based in Scottsdale, our hiking season has traditionally started in October and run through April, coinciding with the cooler months of the year.  We are currently expanding our offering of hiking opportunities to provide events throughout the year, both in the Scottsdale area and in other parts of Arizona. Summer may include hikes in the high country of Arizona, with hikes in the spring and fall scheduled in the Sedona, Payson and Prescott areas when possible.

Club Organization and Planning

Prior to the start of our official hiking season, members of the Event Planning Committee meet to set a schedule of hikes in and around the Valley, but also taking the opportunity to include hikes in other parts of Arizona.

Two hikes per month are typically scheduled in advance of the start of the season for October through April. At the beginning of the season, one hike is rated anywhere from “easy to moderate” and the other hike is rated anywhere from “moderate to difficult” As the season progresses, these two hikes generally increase in difficulty (length and/or skill level) to take into consideration the “growth” experienced by frequent hiking. Each hike is fully described in advance, with stats on distance, difficulty, elevation gain, time to complete, gear and attire recommended, etc.

The Event Planning Committee consists of some long-time, very dedicated hike leaders, but the Club is always interested in knowing of others who have leader potential who might share some of the hike leader responsibilities. For most events, leaders and “sweeps” are designated. Unless otherwise stated, the leader is responsible for having hiked the specific trail before leading a group on that particular trail. The sweep ensures that no one is separated from the group and that no one returns to a hike’s starting point unaccompanied.

In addition to the season's schedule of hikes, Event Planning Committee members and other hike leaders are free to propose and schedule additional hikes of varying difficulty throughout the year.

For many hikes, we provide carpool opportunities. We typically meet at a designated time at Fry’s Marketplace patio, located in the shopping center at the corner of Thompson Peak Parkway and Hayden Road. After gathering at this location, carpooling to the designated trail head is typically arranged. We request that folks who carpool with someone else pay a set dollar amount to their driver to cover fuel expenses and wear-and-tear on their vehicles.