But I wanna BACKPACK to ring in the New Year!

If anybody else with a weird schedule wants to ring in 2026 by carrying some gear on their backs and arriving somewhere other than where they started, prior to joining the NYE celebration at Cave Creek campground, then this hike is for you. We'll start out at Spur Cross in the middle of the day on 12/30, hike until we find a good spot to camp, then pack up the following day and continue to Cave Creek campground with the idea being arrival around the 3 pm start time for the NYE event.

This is approximately what we'll be doing, though we'll be doing it as a one-way and starting from Spur Cross TH:
Cave Creek Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/cave-creek-trail--5?sh=impaqq&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

About 14 miles and between 1000-2000 ft elevation gain split between the two days.

Depending on interest we might coordinate cars at the start and end for ease of having all the treats and water we want at the campground.

I'll be collecting donations for ABC per the new system for funding this group. If you're able and want to bring a couple bucks, it will be appreciated. There is also a $3/person entrance fee at Spur Cross that is cash only.

Disclaimer:
WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

All hikers 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 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.

UPDATE! ACTION REQUIRED!

Please read the following options and post your selection as a comment. If you want to car shuttle and don't care where your car stays, you can post "#2/#3" or "#5/#6" to indicate you'd be fine with either.

#1 I am doing the backpack, staying for the party and I do want to be part of the car shuttle. I want to meet at Cave Creek campground, leave my car at Cave Creek campground, get a ride to Spur Cross on 12/30, then go home directly from Cave Creek campground on 1/1

#2 I am doing the backpack, staying for the party and I do want to be part of the car shuttle. I want to meet at Cave Creek campground on 12/30, leave my car at Cave Creek campground, then I would be available to shuttle people to cars at Spur Cross on 1/1 (please state the capacity of your vehicle)

#3 I l am doing the backpack, staying for the party and I do want to be part of the car shuttle. I am willing to shuttle other backpackers from Cave Creek campground to Spur Cross on 12/30, leaving my car at Spur Cross and getting a ride back to my car from someone on 1/1 (please state the capacity of your vehicle)

#4 I am doing the backpack but not staying for the party and I do want to be part of a car shuttle. I want to meet at Cave Creek campground on 12/30, leave my car at Cave Creek campground, get a ride to Spur Cross, then go home directly from Cave Creek campground on 12/31

#5 I am doing the backpack but not staying for the party and I do want to be part of a car shuttle. I want to meet at Cave Creek campground on 12/30, leave my car at Cave Creek campground, then I would be available to shuttle people to cars at Spur Cross on 12/31 (please state the capacity of your vehicle)

#6 I am doing the backpack but not staying for the party and I do want to be part of a car shuttle. I am willing to shuttle other backpackers from Cave Creek campground to Spur Cross on 12/30, leaving my car at Spur Cross and getting a ride back to my car from someone on 12/31 (please state the capacity of your vehicle)

#7 I do not want to be part of the shuttle and will arrange my own transportation