Sun Lakes Hiking Club

Hike Title: Spur Cross, Tortuga, Elephant Mountain and Dragonfly Trails
Hike Category: Motivated
Hike Leader: DeEtte Faith
Cell Phone: (480)[masked]
Trailhead: Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
44000 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, AZ
Hike Distance: 8.5 mile loop
Trailhead Elevation: 2100’
AEG: 1450+ ft.

Description: This loop hike crosses Cave Creek (the body of water, not the town), climbs over Elephant Mountain, and offers a visit to a working water spring and an ancient ruin; some of the best scenery Arizona has to offer.

Driving Distance: 109 miles RT, 1.25 hours

1. North on the 101 to Exit 34, Scottsdale Rd.
2. North on Scottsdale Rd. to Carefree Hwy.
3. Turn left (west) on Carefree Hwy. to Cave Creek Rd.
4. Turn right (north) on Cave Creek Rd. to Spur Cross Rd.
5. Turn left (northwest) on Spur Cross Rd. (brown Spur Cross sign on right; no light or stop sign at the intersection; DeTrading Post on right)
6. **Right turn on Grapevine then left back onto Spur Cross Rd (Unpaved road last few miles to trailhead parking on right).**Driver’s fee: $9 + $2 dirt road fee

Park entrance fee: $3 per person (unless have county park pass)
Trailhead facilities: port-a-potty
MEETUP: 6:45 AM at Cottonwood Flagpole parking lot

Ridgeline and various trails at S. Mountain
Details
MODERATE: RIDGELINE & VARIOUS TRAILS IN A LOOP HIKE AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK
Hike leaders: Scott Downey,[masked] and David Coffman,[masked]
Date: March 27, 2023
Trailhead: Pima Canyon Parking lot which has multiple trails
Description: Loop
The first mile of the trail has gradual grades and descents with views of several trails and hills in South Mountain Park. We continue hiking to the start of the Ridgeline Trail which is a mile of ascents and descents with great views of Phoenix and Tempe. We continue hiking to a flat area with plenty of rocks to sit on and have a snack. We then continue hiking crossing the National Trail and two rock ramada structures ascending to the ridge of the Marcos de Niza Trail which we follow until we can cross the National Trail to the Beverly Canyon Trail and loop back to the parking lot.
Like all South Mountain hikes the trail consists of loose rocks and uneven surfaces so good hiking shoes and poles are recommended.
Hike Distance: 5.5 mile loop
Accumulated Elevation Gain: Approximately 1050 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 1200 feet
Driving Distance: 35 miles R/T 20 minutes one way
Drivers Fee: $3
Trailhead facilities: nice bathrooms and gathering area
Meetup: 6:45Cottonwood parking lot

Driving Directions to the Pima Canyon parking lot:
Leave the Cottonwood parking lot to Riggs Road take left (east) for 2.5 miles to I-10 and go North towards Phoenix for 9.5 miles to the Elliott Road exit and take a left
Go 1/2 mile to 48th Street and take a right go for 1.1 miles to a Y in the road take a left and go for about a block and take a left into the entrance of the Pima Canyon Parking Lot (there is a small unmanned guardhouse at the entrance)
The main parking lot is about 1/2 mile in but if the lot is full numerous parking spots are along the entrance road.
Hike leaders: Scott Downey,[masked]; David Coffman[masked]. Driver fee = $3

Mellow: Scenic Loop Trail in McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

4.5 miles with less than 300 feet elevation gain; driver's fee = $8 + share of $7 entry fee. Optional lunch to follow at the Saddle Bronc Grill, 11056 N Saguaro Blvd Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Leaders: Stan and Cindy Krasucki[masked]

WILD HORSE TRAIL LOOP (Moderate)

HIKE DESCRIPTION - This hike is part of the Hawes/Sonoran Desert Trail System. The area has some of the best trails in the valley. It is a beautiful hike with great views of the Salt River and Red Mountain. As far as accumulated elevation, there are no big climbs, but plenty of ups and downs on the trails. The hike starts and finishes on the Wild Horse Trail. In between, we will hike the High Noon trail and the Stinger Loop trail. This area is popular with bicyclists

Distance: 6.5 miles,​ AEG: 550’ ​Driving Distance: 66 miles round trip

DIRECTION TO WILDHORSE TRAILHEAD: East on Riggs to McQueen, north on McQueen to the 202E. Stay on the 202 to Exit #27 (University Drive), go right on University to Ellsworth (This will be the first street you come to after you turn onto University) Turn left on Ellsworth (eventually becomes N. UseryPass Rd.) and continue past Usery Park. The trailhead will be just past mile marker 23, on your left. There is no TH sign, just parking.

There are no facilities at the trailhead. There are service stations on both the SE and NE corner of Ellsworth and University. (This will be shortly after you exit the 202)

Driver’s fee $6

Hike leaders Mary and Steve Martz[masked]

Our Farewell Picnic is scheduled for March 31, 2023. The club will be providing sub sandwiches. Attendees are asked to bring their own beverage (no alcohol), a side dish or a dessert to share. After eating we will have a brief club meeting (in lieu of an April 7th meeting).
To be able to purchase the correct amount of food, please RSVP (include the number of guests, if appropriate).

Motivated: Bug Springs in the Catalina Mountains on the Mt. Lemmon highway. MEET UP at 6:30 AM for a 2.5 hour drive to the trailhead!

Distance: 9.8 miles, Th 4800', High Point 6280', AEG 2300'
Driver's fee: 215 miles R/T = $18.50

Be prepared for lots of sun exposure! You will definitely need a good amount of water, hat and sunscreen. The change in scenery is amazing.

Join me on one of my favorite Tucson hikes! We will be in the Catalina Mountains on a trail that evolves from open terrain with expansive views of Tucson and beyond, to a shaded pinon, juniper and ponderosa woodland with a short side trip to a secret alcove and waterfall. The change in scenery is amazing. On past hikes we have been surrounded by songbirds at our lunch stop. Hopefully they will entertain us again.

There will be a food stop after the hike.

Leader: Marilyn Harkins[masked]

Pipeline Canyon Trailhead
Lake Pleasant Regional Park

This hike takes us on the Wild Burro trail through a basalt, low foliage and Saguaro area. Then, we follow the shore line before returning and going on a section of the northern Pipeline trail to the Floating Bridge and back. We might be surprised to see wild burros on the trail!

There are toilet facilities at the trailhead.

Round trip is 140 miles. Drivers fee is $12, plus share of $7 entrance fee.

Distance: 4.6 miles; AEG: 448 feet.

Hike leader: Al and Ginny Metz [masked])

Optional Lunch: Times Square Italian Restaurant

Tonto/Hawes Southeast Trails (New Hike)
Moderate Plus

This hike is a loop hike and links the NRA, Iron Goat, Goat, Red Mountain Rush, High Noon and Jumping Jacks Cut Trails. These trails provide 360-degree views from a max. 2700-foot elevation. Beautiful panoramic views and winds through canyons and ridges. Trail surface is mostly crushed rock/sand. Several steep up and downs. Trail is quite narrow at times. Hiking poles recommended. This hike provides a good workout.

Driving Directions to Trailhead:
East on Riggs to McQueen, north on McQueen to the 202E. Stay on the 202 to Exit #27 (University Drive), turn right on University to Ellsworth (This will be the first street you come to after you turn onto University. Turn left on Ellsworth (eventually becomes Usery Pass Rd.) and continue past Usery Park Regional Park. The trailhead will be on your left, which is just past mile marker 23. There is no TH sign, just parking.

NOTE: There are no facilities at the trailhead. There are gas stations on the both SE and NE corners of Ellsworth and University. (This will be shortly after you exit the 202)

Distance: 7.9 miles, ​​1200 ft. AEG Note:
Drivers Fee $6 Driving distance: 68 Miles roundtrip

Hike leader: Tim Donovan[masked]
NOTE: Expect to be back @ Cottonwood about 2:30pm

We start at the Picketpost Trailhead, Picketpost Mountain near Superior, AZ. Designated Moderate Plus due to mileage; however AEG is within Moderate range and most Moderate hikers should be able to participate.
Distance - 8.5 miles (loop)
AEG - 754'
Trailhead - 2100'
Driving distance: 125 miles R/T
Driver's fee: $10

This trail begins on the northern end of the Alamo Canyon section (passage #17) of the Arizona Trail and travels south beside Picketpost Mountain on a fairly well groomed trail. From the AZT trail we connect to the Arnett Canyon Trail and begin heading around Picketpost Mountain. The Arnett Canyon Trail is part of the Legends of Superior Trails (LOST) and is the first Gateway Community Trail built to connect to the AZT. Picketpost Mountain is an eroded volcanic vent topped with a lava flow that is approximately 18 million years old. Arnett Canyon is similar to West Fork of Oak Creek canyon – a few creek crossings (seasonal), many cottonwood trees, and red rock formations. This hike is great for seeing many varieties of wildflowers in the spring as well as cactus blossoms. The elevation is gradual. It is very common to come across long-horn cattle grazing or laying under the shade of mesquite trees. As with most trails, shade is minimal so dress accordingly and bring lots of water.

MODERATE: GOLDMINE & VARIOUS TRAILS AT SAN TAN MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
Hike leader: David Coffman[masked]
Date: April 10, 2023
Trailhead: San Tan Mountain Regional Park which has multiple trails
Description: Loop
Great hike with typical Sonoran Desert Flora. This is a loop hike starting out on Littleleaf which connects to the south side of the Goldmine Trail and then we take a left onto San Tan trail and then right to Dynamite.
These trails have gradual gains and descents until the 4th mile when we start hiking on the north side of the Goldmine Trail which ascends to the top.
There is about a 1-mile climb that is steep! The AEG for this 1-mile segment is over 500 feet. The climb is on the North side of the mountain so some of it is in the shade.
Like all San Tan Regional Trails there are some loose rocks and hiking shoes and poles are recommended.
Hike Distance: 6.5-mile loop
Accumulated Elevation Gain: approximately 900 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 1581 feet
Driving Distance: 40 miles R/T approximately 20 minutes
Drivers Fee: $3 plus a share of the $7 park entry fee
Nice restrooms at parking lot
Meetup: 6:45 Cottonwood parking lot

Driving Directions:
Exit the parking lot turning left and proceed to Riggs Road.
Turn right on Riggs Road and drive 15 miles to Ellsworth Road.
Turn right onto Ellsworth Road and drive 2 miles to Thompson Road.
Turn right onto Thompson Road and drive 2 miles to Phillips Road.
Turn right onto Phillips Road and drive 1 mile to park entrance.