Sierra Singles Activities And Outings - Arizona Sierra Club

Sierra Singles
Activities and Outings Newsletter
Happy New Year !
Welcome to 2009! I would like to
take a minute to introduce myself
to those of you who read this newsletter
but don’t really know me. I am Denise
Aston, aka Desertboots, and I have been
an outings leader for a few years with Sierra
Club Singles. I took over editing the
newsletter two years ago, and recently
took over the position of Outings Chair
vacated by Shelly Eberly. Sounds like I
am taking over the world! The newsletter
is near and dear to my heart and
I will attempt at keeping up with the
publication. However, I would like to ask
for a volunteer to send out the weekly
updates. Please feel free to contact me if
you would like to do this very important
task!
The Passing of
a Legend...
It is with great sadness
that I announce
the passing of a Sierra
Club Singles icon. Bob Ball was an outings
leader, friend to many, and just a
plain fun guy to have around. He will be
greatly missed.
Just a reminder: our leaders are
volunteers and have gone to some
trouble to prepare for the events that
they lead – prehiking trails, setting up
meeting places, making reservations
for the group. If you sign up for an
event, especially a hike or a dinner let
the leader know ASAP if you will not
be going. It is quite discouraging to
go to the trouble to set up a hike and
have only half of the people show up,
and only a few who couldn’t make it
call. That leader will not be anxious to
set up another event. If it is a dinner
or something else with only a limited
number allowed, let someone else
take your place if you can’t go. If you
don’t know if you will make it, let the
leader know. Most leaders are very
understanding, if you give them a
chance.
Cover photo by Nunya
Jan/Feb 2009
About Sierra Club
Singles
The Sierra Club Singles volunteers
offer you a great way to meet new
people who share your interest
in hiking, biking, backpacking,
camping, caving, rock climbing,
canyoneering, and other outdoor
activities, as well as social events
like happy hours, dinner nights, and
movie outings.
Sierra Club Singles of Arizona is an
activity section of the Palo Verde
Group (Phoenix area) of the Grand
Canyon Chapter (Arizona) of the
national Sierra Club. You do not
have to be a Sierra Club member
to participate in most Sierra Club
Singles activities (except technical
rock climbing & canyoneering),
but we do support the goals of the
Sierra Club: to explore, enjoy, and
protect the wild places of the earth.
For participation in most of the
outdoor events, such as hiking and
biking, we do request a donation of
$1.00 from Sierra Club members or
$3.00 from non-members per event.
These donations support local conservation
activities in Arizona.

January 2009
Jan 3 (Sat) Happy New Year Black Mesa Loop “B” Day Hike Superstition Wilderness. TD: 9 mi,
EC: 1125 (cumulative), Pace: Mild! This trail takes us past Indian Ruins atop Black Mesa then we pass a
garden of cholla and walk down from Black Mesa where the trail will descend into Boulder Canyon. Here we
hit the junction of Black Mesa Trail with Lost Dutchman’s. In Boulder Canyon, we have a very good view of
Weaver’s Needle. Dinner in Mesa after. Please e-mail Denise (AKA Desertboots) at Sierrahike1@gmail.com
for more information.
Jan 3 (Sat) “C” Hiking Your Dreams, Pinnacle Peak Park. TD: 4 mi. Interested in combining a
brief Saturday morning hike with a group of people to support you as you move toward your dreams in
2009 Whether you want to train for a big hike, lose 20 pounds, or write a book, this interactive group
is for you! We will hike up the first part of the Pinnacle Peak trail to the Owl’s Nest overlook, then sit
down and share an interactive discussion of plans, progress, and ways to move forward with greater
ease. Afterward, those who wish will continue the hike to the end of the trail, then return. Full hike and
discussion is about 3 hours. Come prepared to participate in this relaxed, supportive conversation with
like-minded adventurers, and enjoy one of the most peaceful and inspiring natural environments in our
urban area. We will meet every other week through February. Limited to 9 people. Feel free to contact
me with any questions about the program. Caroline at cdrhodes@mindspring.com or (602) 430-5026.
Jan 10 (Sat) Goldmine to Cloudview “C” Day Hike. TD: 6 miles. Difficulty: Moderate. Pace: Moderate.
EC: +300’-700’ ft. Walk westward from Lost Goldmine Trailhead to Cloudview Trailhead, enjoying gorgeous
views of the mountains, the saguaro forest, Turk’s Cap Hill, and the Superstition Ridgeline. No auto shuttle!
We will exchange cars with the Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, who will be doing the same hike in the opposite
direction, then meet in the middle for a picnic and car key exchange. Your car will be waiting for you
at the end of the hike. Contact Ted Tenny (480) 396-3389 or email PotsdamDan@cox.net.
Jan 10 (Sat) “D” Hieroglyphic Trail Superstition hike (3 mi. RT, 500’ EC) Come back in time to the land
of the Hohokam Indians, who lived 300 B.C. and see a large collection of petroglyphs next to beautiful pools
of water. Bring Lunch, we will eat at the pools. Contact Donna Butler at donnatakeahike@yahoo.com
Jan 17 (Sat) Mt. Fagan “B+” Hike. TD: 5.6 miles, EC: 2,540. A steep, all-bushwhack climb to the
summit of Mount Fagan, which provides dramatic views of the area. This climb is not for the faint of
purpose. There are no trails and the path is nearly always rocky however the views from the ridges are
great, and the view from the top is amazing. We will observe the area of the proposed Augusta/Rosemont
open pit copper mine in the Santa Ritas and we will discuss the ongoing conservation efforts being
spearheaded by Save the Scenic Santa Ritas. Lainie Levick, a volunteer and Board member with SSSR,
will attend this outing. If you are concerned about this vital issue and are a fit hiker, this outing should
not be missed. Contact Mitch Stevens at (520) 991-1199 or mitchstevens@qwestoffice.net.
Jan 17 (Sat) “C+” Sonoran Desert National Monument. TD: 8 miles. This hike is in the Table Top
Wilderness Area. Tom Hullen, Sierra Club Staff Person assigned to this Monument will accompany and
give us information on the Monument’s environmental concerns as well as commentary on history and
wildlife. Contact Bev Full at bfull@cox.net
Jan 17 (Sat) “C” Hiking Your Dreams, Pinnacle Peak Park. TD: 4 mi. Interested in combining a
brief Saturday morning hike with a group
of people to support you as you move
toward your dreams in 2009 Whether
you want to train for a big hike, lose 20
pounds, or write a book, this interactive
group is for you! We will hike up the
first part of the Pinnacle Peak trail to
the Owl’s Nest overlook, then sit down
and share an interactive discussion
of plans, progress, and ways to move
forward with greater ease. Afterward,
those who wish will continue the hike
to the end of the trail, then return. Full
hike and discussion is about 3 hours.
Come prepared to participate in this
relaxed, supportive conversation with
like-minded adventurers, and enjoy
one of the most peaceful and inspiring Photo by Nunya

natural environments in our urban area. We will meet every other week through February. Limited to 9 people.
Feel free to contact me with any questions about the program. Caroline at cdrhodes@mindspring.com or
(602) 430-5026.
Jan 18 (Sun) “B” - Picacho Peak in Picacho Peak State Park via Hunters Trail. TD: 3 miles, EC:
1800’. This peak has been a landmark of the area since the time of the early explorers. You might even
find some petroglyphs from the prehistoric Hohokams. Don’t let the short distance fool you, the trail goes
straight up, and will definitively make you breathe hard. Be ready for some hand-over-hand climbing up
steel cables and 360-degree views from the summit. Bring gloves for the cables. Limit 15. Contact John
Che for details at (520) 300-4639 or jackyblack@yahoo.com.
Jan 18 (Sun) Dinner Theater Event. This will be at the home of Louis and Carol Lantz with wines,
hors d’oeuvres, Norma’s special chicken breasts (veggie loaf also available), Mary’s vegetables and rice,
Bev’s 5-layer salad, rolls, desserts, and presenting the acclaimed art film THE ATOMIC CAFE (1982). The
film examines life following the first atomic bomb detonation in the New Mexico desert and after two atomic
bomb attacks on Japan in 1945. The film is a
poignant, canny and offbeat look at this significant
period in American history. Suggested
donation for this event - $20. (Tiffany ...
Can this go in a box) For information and
directions call Bev at bfull@cox.net
Jan 21 (Wed) Bev’s Weekday Hike. “C+” 8 mile
hike on LITTLE PAN LOOP, Table Mesa, on the Black
Canyon Trail. Bring lunch and water. Dogs are permitted.
We will help the BLM in assessing how to
best use and yet preserve this special area. Contact
Bev Full at bfull@cox.net
From L: Jon Findley, Jill Shain, Cathy Della Penta, Bob Ball, Micky Butcher, and The Yapper
Jan 21 (Wed) 6:30 PM - Saguaro Group Organizational
Meeting and Pot Luck. Meet at
the home of Doug Murphy and Lynne Cockrum-
Murphy. Interested Sierra Club members are
encouraged to attend. For information and direction
contact Bev Full at bfull@cox.net
Jan 24 (Sat) Garden Valley Loop “C” Hike for Beginners. TD: 4.8 mi EC: 337 FT PACE: Slow and
easy. This is a beautiful little trail that starts at First Water Trailhead and loops around to Hackberry
Springs and back to the beginning. Anyone interested in starting out hiking can get their feet wet (if it’s
been raining!) on this lovely jaunt. Any experienced hikers can take it easy for the day and commune
with nature and socialize with the other hikers on this cheerful little trail. Dinner in Mesa after the hike.
Please contact Denise (aka Desertboots) at Sierrahike2@gmail.com for more info.
Jan 30-Feb 1 (Fri - Sun) “A” Grand Canyon Backpack. Explore the Horseshoe Mesa area of the
South rim on this 3-day backpack. This area is rich in mines, caves, geology, trail construction, and scenery.
Mileage will be just 15 miles, but the elevation lost and gained will exceed 4,000 feet. We will drive
to the trailhead Friday morning and start backpacking by noon. On Sunday, we should be back to our cars
early in the afternoon. Previous backpacking experience is essential. $10 permit fee required per person.
Group size limited to 6. Contact Shelly Eberly at shelly@shellysoutings.com (preferred) or (480) 298-
2633.
Jan 31 (Sat) “C” Hiking Your Dreams, Pinnacle Peak Park. TD: 4 mi. Interested in combining a
brief Saturday morning hike with a group of people to support you as you move toward your dreams in
2009 Whether you want to train for a big hike, lose 20 pounds, or write a book, this interactive group is
for you! We will hike up the first part of the Pinnacle Peak trail to the Owl’s Nest overlook, then sit down
and share an interactive discussion of plans, progress, and ways to move forward with greater ease. Afterward,
those who wish will continue the hike to the end of the trail, then return. Full hike and discussion
is about 3 hours. Come prepared to participate in this relaxed, supportive conversation with like-minded
adventurers, and enjoy one of the most peaceful and inspiring natural environments in our urban area.
We will meet every other week through February. Limited to 9 people. Feel free to contact me with any
questions about the program. Caroline at cdrhodes@mindspring.com or (602) 430-5026.

February 2009
Feb 1 (Sun) GPS Hike - Papago Park “D” Hike. TD: 2 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Pace: Leisurely. AEC:
150 ft. This event is mainly for those of you who own a handheld gps and would like to explore some
basic GPS concepts such as: Satellite lock, Marking locations, Returning to locations, Coordinate system
datums and manually entering locations. If you already own and know how to use a gps, why not come
along and help others learn about theirs Those of you who are just curious about gps are invited too!
Dinner afterward. Contact Willy at wehike102@werave.com for more information and directions.
Feb 4 (Wed) Saguaro Group General Meeting. Meet at the Harris Bank, 7 PM. Bob Bristol from the
Southwest Utah Wilderness Alliance will present a power point and explain proposals to preserve this
area as wilderness in the Obama Administration. Discussion and refreshments follow. For information
and directions, contact Bev at bfull@cox.net
Feb 7 (Sat) Ventana Canyon “A” Hike. TD: 12.8 mi., EC: 4,050’. This strenuous hike is located in the
Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. We’ll begin hiking at the Ventana Canyon Resort amongst saguaro,
ocotillo, and mesquite, and at our destination, the 15’ x 25’ arch known as the Window. Along the
way there will be Mexican blue oak at Maiden Pools and Arizona sycamore. If there has been recent rain we’ll
see abundant water and waterfalls. There will be excellent views of Tucson and the Santa Rita Mountains.
Picacho Peak, Baboquivari
Peak, and Biosphere
2 will also be visible.
Contact Gary Hendrickson
at ghendri450@
aol.com or (480) 423-
3898.
Feb 7 (Sat) “B-” Seven
Springs Loop. TD:
8 mi, EC: 1150 ft. Seven
Springs is a lovely riperian
area in Tonto National
Forest. The first half
of the loop is relatively
flat, and runs along Cave
Creek, while the second
half ascends for views of
the area. We will move at
a moderate pace to allow
time for photography and
enjoying the views. If
you’ve been looking for a
Photo by Nunya
longer hike to try, but been concerned about getting left behind, this will be a good one for you! Uphill section
will be at a leisurely pace with plenty of rests! Contact Caroline at cdrhodes@mindspring.com or (602) 430-
5026.
Feb 14 (Sat) Be My Sweetheart Ford Canyon Loop “C” Hike. TD: 7.7 mi EC: 1170 ft PACE: Calm.
What a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day, hiking the Ford Canyon Loop in the White Tank Mountains
with your hiking pals! This wonderful trail has everything, rocks to climb, an old dam, artifacts, old
inexplicable walls, petroglyphs, a cataract with maybe, possibly some water and a waterfall, and incredible
views. C’mon out and hike then dine afterward in a fine Thai restaurant in Glendale. Please contact
Denise (aka Desertboots) at Sierrahike3@gmail.com for more info.
Feb 15 (Sun) “C” Hiking Your Dreams, Pinnacle Peak Park. TD: 4 mi. Interested in combining a
brief Saturday morning hike with a group of people to support you as you move toward your dreams in
2009 Whether you want to train for a big hike, lose 20 pounds, or write a book, this interactive group is
for you! We will hike up the first part of the Pinnacle Peak trail to the Owl’s Nest overlook, then sit down
and share an interactive discussion of plans, progress, and ways to move forward with greater ease. Afterward,
those who wish will continue the hike to the end of the trail, then return. Full hike and discussion
is about 3 hours. Come prepared to participate in this relaxed, supportive conversation with like-minded
adventurers, and enjoy one of the most peaceful and inspiring natural environments in our urban area.
We will meet every other week through February. Limited to 9 people. Feel free to contact me with any
questions about the program. Caroline at cdrhodes@mindspring.com or (602) 430-5026.

Feb 18 (Wed) Bev’s Weekday Hike. “C” Climb Black Mountain in Cave Creek. Dogs permitted.
Breakfast after in Cave Creek. Contact Bev: bfull@cox.net
FEB 21 (SAT) Mountain Bike Ride. Strenuous and sandy, 2 hours (or till we drop dead) Cycle in the
spectacular views of Four Peaks, Weavers Needle and Superstition’s Flat Iron. Contact Donna Butler at
donnatakeahike@yahoo.com
Feb 22 (Sun) “B” Cedar Canyon Hike. TD: 7-10 mi., EC: minimal. We will contour around Arivaca
Lake and then enter Cedar Canyon on western edge of the proposed Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness
Area. Depending upon how far we get, we may reach Bartolo canyon as well. Expect water, rocky terrain
and lush vegetation. We will learn why we want to protect this area and hopefully see some endangered
Chiricahua leopard frogs (if it isn’t too cold). A representative from Sky Island Alliance will be with us to
talk about the wilderness proposal and to answer questions. Bring plenty of water and a lunch. Contact
Drew Milsom milsom@physics.arizona.edu (limit 16).
Feb 28 (SAT) South Mountain - Buena Vista Overlook and Hidden Valley “C+” Loop Hike. TD:
6 miles. Difficulty: Moderate. Pace: Moderate. AEG: 1500 ft. Come join me as we push the envelope for
a ‘C’ hike. This hike has both steep elevations and distance. It’s a great way to build up our ability to
go on harder hikes. We’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Phoenix and get to explore Fat Man’s
Pass in Hidden Valley, all while experiencing the spectacular fauna of the lower Sonoran desert! Dinner
afterward. Contact Willy at wehike103@werave.com for more information and directions.
Feb 28 (Sat) “C” Hiking Your Dreams, Pinnacle Peak Park. TD: 4 mi. Interested in combining a
brief Saturday morning hike with a group of people to support you as you move toward your dreams in
2009 Whether you want to train for a big hike, lose 20 pounds, or write a book, this interactive group is
for you! We will hike up the first part of the Pinnacle Peak trail to the Owl’s Nest overlook, then sit down
and share an interactive discussion of plans, progress, and ways to move forward with greater ease. Afterward,
those who wish will continue the hike to the end of the trail, then return. Full hike and discussion
is about 3 hours. Come prepared to participate in this relaxed, supportive conversation with like-minded
adventurers, and enjoy one of the most peaceful and inspiring natural environments in our urban area.
We will meet every other week through February. Limited to 9 people. Feel free to contact me with any
questions about the program. Caroline at cdrhodes@mindspring.com or (602) 430-5026.
Looking Ahead
Mar 1 (Sun) “B+” Elephant Head in the Santa Rita mountains via Agua Caliente Trailhead. TD:
9 mi., EC: 2800’. This is a ‘hands-on’ hike up one of the most prominent peaks in the Santa Ritas - you
will want to keep your hands on the rock as you scramble up the last 500’ on the ridge to the summit.
Also, you will have a memorable experience of the local vegetation while tracking the faint route into
and out of Chino Canyon, especially if you are not wearing long pants. You might have seen the daunting
face of the Elephant Head when heading South on Highway 19, and you might wonder where the name
comes from. My suggestion - bring an elephant, you will need it. Limit 15. Contact John Che for details
at (520) 300-4639 or jackyblack@yahoo.com.
Mar 1 (SAT) “B” Dutchman’s Trail / Bluff Spring Trail Loop, Superstition Wilderness. A challenging
loop hike in the Superstition Wilderness off the Peralta Trailhead. Hike begins on Dutchman’s Trail to Miner’s
Summit and drops down into Bluff Spring Creek and eventually out by way of Barker Canyon and the Bluff
Spring Trail back to the parking lot. Wonderful Superstition Wilderness views. Your leader is not particularly
“young” and this hike will be taken at a hopefully comfortable pace with time for taking pictures, etc. If
there is much water in the Bluff Spring Creek area, it could get a little “bushwhacky, rock-hopping, watery”
and there are areas where it is easy to lose the trail. So, hopefully we will get an early start so everyone
makes it out safely without becoming totally exhausted. Maximum number of participants – 15, including
the leader. Please bring plenty of water, lunch, sun screen, insect repellent, hat, wear long pants and please
wear sturdy hiking boots. Contact: Sharon Fairchild sfairchi@fclaw.com or (602) 997-1178 (Cell).

Information, Who’s Who and The Rules
Subscriptions
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Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns
regarding any aspect of your Sierra Club Singles
group, please contact Denise Aston, Group Outings
Chairperson at thescubajedi@yahoo.com.
SIERRA CLUB SINGLES WEBSITE:
http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/singles
“If you lead it, they will come.”
GROUP OUTINGS CHAIRPERSON & NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
Denise Aston, e-mail: thescubajedi@yahoo.com
NEWSLETTER PROOFREADER:
Vacant
WEEKLY UPDATE MANAGER:
Vacant
WEBMASTER :
Willy Leung, e-mail: pingwilly@yahoo.com
HIKE RATINGS:
“A” : More than 16 miles or 3000 ft. EC
“B”: 8 to 16 miles with a 1500-3000 ft. EC
“C”: 3 to 8 miles with a 500-1500 ft. EC
“D”: Less than 3 miles or a 500 ft. EC
PACE RATINGS:
Fast: 2 to 3.5 miles an hour, few and short breaks, short lunch.
Moderate: 1 to 2 miles per hour, more breaks, longer lunch.
Leisurely: Less than 1 mile per hour, many breaks, long lunch.
DIFFICULTY RATINGS:
Difficult: Off-trail, water-hiking, and/or very steep.
Moderate: Rough trail, and/or somewhat steep.
Easy: Nice trail, and/or relatively flat grade.
TERMS:
EC: Elevation Change
AEC: Accumulated Elevation Change
TD: Total Distance
OUTING DONATIONS:
Donations at Sierra Club Singles outings are appreciated. Suggested donations
are $1.00 per person for Sierra Club members, and $3.00 for
non-members. Donations are per day, and help to support local conservation
activities within Arizona.
FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended,
and may be required on some hikes.
BIKE RIDES: Helmets are required on all bike rides.
CAR POOLING: Event participants are encouraged to carpool and
share the driver’s fuel expense.
RESTRICTIONS: All events are considered non-smoking. Local Sierra
Club policy prohibits firearms, and radios on outings. The event leader
has complete authority at his/her event. Hikes are limited to 20 people,
unless otherwise stated. Pets are only allowed on outings when advertised
as such.
LEADERSHIP POLICY: Leaders of hikes and other outing activities must
be registered members of the National Sierra Club Organization. Please
submit your Sierra Club membership number and expiration date with
your writeup. Hike leaders are required to have first-aid training and Outings
Leader Training (OLT-101). Participants on Sierra Club outings are
required to sign a waiver of liability. If you would like to read the liability
waiver before choosing to participate on an outing, please visit: http://
www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms, orcontact the Outings Department
at 415-977-5528 for a printed version.