Hiking Hikers Hiking Group ("3H")

This is a nice hike, for experienced, average/intermediate ability hikers, that enjoy hiking at a steady but slower pace (averaging approx. 2 mph). It has a variety of views including Garden Valley, Weavers Needle, and areas of plant recovery from past fires. The scenery on each of the 3 trails differs and makes this hike interesting.

Difficulty: intermediate , length, sections that are very rocky with everything from golf ball to softball size rocks on the trail, steady pace, and a steep scree filled descent on the back half of Black Mesa make this hike too challenging for beginners, the elevation gains are very "doable"
Length: 9.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,072 ft
Trail Description: We very briefly start off on the Dutchman Trail before turning on Second Water Trail. Second Water Trail goes through an area referred to as Garden Valley. We will turn right on to Black Mesa. It has great views of Weavers Needle. It also has a very steep, scree-filled descent. Poles will help in this area. We will keep a sharp eye out in this bottom area to pick up the Dutchman Trail. We'll also take a break in this area for snacks/chatting. The Dutchman trail is a rolling trail, no difficult elevation gains, but it is still a very rocky trail. It will take us back to the first water trailhead where we started.
Come prepared: in your hiking attire, hiking boots/shoes in good condition, a minimum of 3 liters of water, the hike downloaded on your phone or carry a paper map, snacks, your own first aid kit (bandages, tweezers/comb to remove cactus needles, duct tape for equipment & minor body repairs), knowledge about the trail- download the trail on your favorite app: Alltrails, Gaia, ?
DOGS: Please leave the furry friends at home.
Release of Liability:
*The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. Each person who signs up for and participates in this hike/event is responsible for his or her own safety.
* By signing up for and participating in this hiking event you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with this activity and freely accept all such risks.

Let's start Saturday morning off right with a quick hike in the Goldfields. If you aren't familiar with the Goldfields, this hike will whet your appetite!

The route will start at the base of the Tonto National Forest, and take us into the Goldfield Mountains. We will complete this lollipop loop in a counter-clockwise manner. Thus, we will climb to the Bulldog Saddle first, hang a right and climb to Peak 3108, return back down, and then follow an increasingly apparent trail (years ago we described this as an off trail route, but no more!) that loops around to the Pass Mountain Saddle. From there we will head back on down to our starting point.

There are a few trail junctions along this route, and they are all unmarked, so let's try to stick together, or, at least, not get too far ahead or behind the pack. We will stop at each junction to assure we have everybody, but if you are ahead of the hike leaders, you are on your own.

When: 9:00 AM hike time

Length: 5.5 miles +/- (with breaks, expect 3 to 3.5 hours for this hike)

Skill Level: Most would call it moderate, depending upon your ability, with approximately 1400 feet of accumulated elevation gain. We will set a 2-2.5 mile an hour average pace.

What to Bring: Plenty of water (we'd suggest 3 liters at a minimum), sunscreen, a hat, proper hiking shoes, a snack, your camera and your love of the trails.

NOTE: There are NO FACILITIES at this trailhead. Please plan accordingly.

Directions:

From the 202 (Red Mountain Freeway), take Brown Rd. east, about four miles to a four way stop, and turn north (left) on Meridian. Follow Meridian two miles to the end at the trailhead. Overflow parking is along the road on either side.

From the 60: Exit at Meridian Road, and take it north to the end of the road.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please understand, hiking has its dangers. By signing up and attending this, and any 3H events, you are responsible for your own safety, and organizers and their assistants cannot be held responsible for any injuries or other mishaps that may occur.

This is a 2.9 mile nonsweep fitness hike loop (fitness means pretty fast hike). We start by going up Marcos De Niza, across the ridgeline to the stone houses and then return to the parking lot down the road. There are a 4 up climbs and 1 down climb. We start promptly at 5:30pm from the bathroom Ramada at the Pima entrance trailhead off 48th St. In Ahwatukee between 48th St & Guadalupe Rd. Phoenix). We try and complete this hike within 1 hour. Please bring a headlamp and plenty of water.