Arizona Backpackers Club (ABC)

Peak bagging trip to "Old Gray back". Let's bag iconic San Gorgonio Peak from the Vivian Creek TH. I scored a camping permit so we do not have to cover the 18+ miles with over 5,000 Elevation gained plus driving time all in one day. Instead; we will meet up early Friday and drive to the Traihead that sits at 6,080'. We will start our hike as soon as we arrived to TH, we will hike about 5.6 miles to our campsite for the night at High Creek Camp 9,260'. There is a creek nearby so we will have water at camp. The next morning (Saturday) we will hike to the summit at 11,503', then back to our campsite to retrieve our gear and down to the parking lot. Day 2 is about 13+ miles. Simple plan: Yes, but execution? not so simple. It is a brutal incline, with long, hard miles, high elevation and usually strong winds at the top. This is NOT A BEGINNERS trip. There is a $5 fee to join (Zelle to 6232978574) and space is limited. Also, if you are driving your car, you will need an adventure pass permit to park your car at trailhead.

WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS
All hikers/ backpackers show up at your own risk.
Neither this group nor myself take any responsibility for any health risks that might happen during this event. When you RSVP you are accepting these terms upon yourself. By attending any group hike you agree to the following:
I hereby waive, release, and discharge the Meetup Group and its Administrators, moderators, volunteers, organizers, sponsors, members, and participants from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage, or death resulting from my participation in any of this group's events. I acknowledge that hiking/backpacking can be a high-risk sport. I realize there are certain dangers inherent in hiking, and I assume these risks with the full understanding that injuries may result from my participation in any event. I intend this release to discharge the above named from any and all liability arising from or connected in any way with my participation in any event, even though that liability may result from the negligence or carelessness of the above named. I certify that I am in good physical condition, and that I am able to participate in the event.
I have read this waiver and release and fully understand its terms and agree that it shall be binding on my heirs and assigns. I consent to emergency transportation and care at my own expense if I become injured or ill. My RSVP and/or participating in this event is my signature on this waiver.

This is shared tent camping Friday & Saturday nights with two long & challenging day hikes Saturday & Sunday, for a total of 25.5 miles and 7017 AEG.

Friday, June 12th - set up camp at Fort Tuthill County Campground, 7000 ft elevation

• We have one huge site which can accomodate 8 people, but only two tents. I have a 10 person tent (maybe 2 of them) & I'm thinking we set up two huge tents and share them. 15 minute drive from the hikes.
• Flagstaff has limited camping close to the city. The dispersed camping is farther and I didn't want to risk trying to find a site & convey the info all at the last minute.
• We'll have to store extra cars at Walmart, which is right down the street.
  -The Campground is $15/per person for both nights. No discount for only one night. No refunds unless someone pays after you cancel.
• Bring your own bedding. You can bring heavier bedding that is more comfortable if desired. I'm bringing my cot.
• Pit toilets and water available

First hike:
Saturday, June 13th - Sunset Trail south to north - out n back - 14.1 miles, 4347 ft gain - 9am start time

• First 2.4 miles gain about 2200 ft to over 9000 ft, then ups & downs. There are two more smaller climbs before the rest of the downhill.
• I plan on doing this with full weight & finishing in 7 hours. 9 am start, 4 pm finish, with plenty of daylight if it runs long.
• Carry water for the whole day, which is great because we will need the weight since we won't need to haul our camping gear. I have a luggage scale if you need to weigh your pack.

• Here is the map: Sunset Trail: South to North on AllTrails
  https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sunset-trail-south-to-north?p=-1&sh=0qx6wj&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Second hike:
Sunday - Elden Lookout, Sunset & Heart Loop Trail - 11.4 miles, 2670 ft gain - 8am start

• Same initial climb, then gradually downhill the rest if the way.
• I plan on this taking 5.5 hours, with an 8am start time so I expect to be done early afternoon.
• Carry water for the whole day

• Here is the map: Elden Lookout, Sunset, and Heart Trails Loop on AllTrails
  https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/elden-lookout-sunset-and-heart-trails-loop?p=-1&sh=0qx6wj&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

The cost is $15/per person. If you just want to hike one of the day hikes, you can do that for free. Everyone will be waitlisted until they pay, or I see they just want to dayhike. Priority given to those people signed up for my Santa Fe to Taos August trip.

You are responsible for own safety. I don't have any special training, but will do my best to assist if help is needed. This is not supposed to be easy.

## Details

A longtime fave. Horton Springs is an Arizona oasis situated against the bottom of the rim in the backcountry of Payson. We will plan to backpack in Saturday, spend one night at end of the creek (before the trail ascends the rim) - enjoy Sunday morning breakfast/mingle/etc then head out! Details below.

## HIKE SPECS

8.3 miles round trip
Elevation gain 1,246 ft
Considered: easy-moderate hike

## TRAILHEAD

Horton Creek Trail #285
From the intersection of 89A and 260 (in Payson), take 260 east for 16 miles to Forest Road 289 (at signs for Kohl’s Ranch). Turn left / north towards the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. Continue one mile to the Horton Creek and Derrick trailhead parking lot on the left / west side. The trailhead for the Horton Creek Hiking trail is located across the road, shortly up the drive to the left of the campground.

## CARPOOL

Details provided the week of - likely meeting at We-Ko-Pa Cacino for those that wish to carpool.

## ATTIRE/GEAR

• Please pack the ten essentials
• We will not be crossing the creek but water shoes may be helpful if you plan on exploring the area and/or enjoying
• Pack layers as this area will be cooler than the valley, especially overnight
• Proper storage for your food is mandatory. IE bear canister, ursack, roping system, etc.

Questions? Message me! Let's have some fun!

NOTE: I'm fairly risk-adverse when backpacking during monsoon season. If the forecast poses concerns (lightning) as we near the trip dates, there is potential of the trip being postponed. Goal is to have a safe and enjoyable time.