PSPN - SUMMER VERSION

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/4/8/event_244555112.jpeg

This hike is rated EASY, though strenuous during the second half.

Start time is 0500.

NOTE: This hike departs from the "old trailhead" at 7th Avenue. We love this moderate hike! The hotter it gets, the tougher this hike is! Remember August 18, 2013?

This beautiful fitness hike is in the new north area of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve!

You’ll love the altitude in the North Phoenix / Desert Hills area and the softer trails too. Yes that’s right; not many rocks! What a nice treat for the feet. Hiking boots are surely recommended but if your ankles are strong you could enjoy this hike in decent athletic shoes. We will traverse the Sidewinder and Ocotillo Trails in a big loop.

While rated “easy” this is more of a moderate hike because of the distance. There are lots of little ups + downs and climbs when you don’t expect them… even though you will see them ahead of time. The pace will be normal-to-moderate and we will take rest breaks often. Please be in decent hiking shape to complete the hike with our small group.

Please do not RSVP for this hike if you have no intention of attending. This hike is not cross-posted with Trail Mix to keep the group small.

There are no facilities at the temporary trailhead, so take care of business before you arrive. There is a Circle K on Seventh Street and Carefree Highway if you are arriving from the east, or check out McDonald's at Freeway 17 and Carefree Highway if you are coming from the west.

Bring plenty of water and wear a hat or head-covering. We will have plenty of shade for the first part of the hike, but the second hour can be brutal in the sun.

DISTANCE: 5.2 miles roundtrip

ELEVATION GAIN: 200 feet + more than once

TRAIL STYLE: Loop

DURATION: 2.0 hours +

DOGS: Yes, if leashed

FACILITIES: NONE

WEBSITE: Trail Map (http://phoenix.gov/webcms/groups/internet/@inter/@dept/@parks/documents/web_content/095100.pdf)

DIRECTIONS: Take Freeway 17 north to Carefree Highway, exit and travel east on Carefree Highway for approximately 3 miles to the temporary trail head which is a wide dirt shoulder on the south side of Carefree Highway just before, or west of, Seventh Avenue. If you are coming from the east, get to North Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway and head west. It is about 7 miles to Seventh Avenue; you can make a left-hand turn at Seventh Avenue and then make an immediate right into the parking area.

Contact me via Meetup if you have questions.