Sierra Singles - Arizona Sierra Club

Sierra SinglesActivities and Outings NewsletterA Message from the Editorwould like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for theirI participation in the Sierra Club Singles. We are by far the bestoutdoor recreation club in the valley. I say this because of thequality of our hikes and other outings and it wouldn’t be that waywithout our leaders. I cannot emphasize enough the importance ofhaving a qualified outings leader on an event. Sierra Club demandscredentials, and this means training. All of our outings leaders aretrained, and have first aid and even CPR training. So when youparticipate in a Sierra Club outing you know you are in good handswith a qualified wilderness guide! This is why we require advancesign ups, so the leader knows who is coming and can explain tothe participant in what to expect in advance.Many new “hiking” clubs have popped up in the valley over thepast couple of years and they are lead by volunteers who donot necessarily have to be qualified. Something that also needs tobe mentioned is the impact on the environment that Sierra Clubrespects. Many of these groups do not limit the number of particiapantsand this is in violation of wilderness rules, which the SierraClub respects emphatically.Again, thank you all for your continued support!Sep/Oct 2009About Sierra ClubSinglesThe Sierra Club Singles volunteersoffer you a great way to meet newpeople who share your interestin hiking, biking, backpacking,camping, caving, rock climbing,canyoneering, and other outdooractivities, as well as social eventslike happy hours, dinner nights, andmovie outings.Sierra Club Singles of Arizona is anactivity section of the Palo VerdeGroup (Phoenix area) of the GrandCanyon Chapter (Arizona) of thenational Sierra Club. You do nothave to be a Sierra Club memberto participate in most Sierra ClubSingles activities (except technicalrock climbing & canyoneering),but we do support the goals of theSierra Club: to explore, enjoy, andprotect the wild places of the earth.For participation in most of theoutdoor events, such as hiking andbiking, we do request a donation of$1.00 from Sierra Club members or$3.00 from non-members per event.These donations support local conservationactivities in Arizona.

September 2009Sep 4-8 (Fri-Tue) “A” Havasu Canyon Backpacking. Come enjoy Havasupai with us, GrandCanyon ‘s hidden jewel! Backpack 8 miles through beautiful canyon country to Havasu falls and thespot where Navajo falls used to be. On Sunday we will explore several spectacular falls, ie. MooneyFalls, Beaver Falls and to the Colorado River (up to 14 miles return, depending how far we go).Distance: 20 miles backpack in 2 days, Day trip 10 miles, plus explorations Difficulty: moderate .Contact John Che at jackyblack@yahoo.com. PhoenixSep 5 (Sat) Rim to Highline “C” Day Hike. TD: 4 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Pace: Moderate. EC:+250’-1120’ ft. Wild, expansive vistas await you on this leisurely walk along the Mogollon Rim anddown to Two Sixty Trailhead. We’ll start on the Rim Vista Trail, then bail out at the Military Sinkholeto make our way down to the junction where the Highline Trail begins. Come prepared for sunshine,clouds, pleasant breezes, and inspiring scenery of the Zane Grey country. Contact Ted Tenny (480)396-3389 or email PotsdamDan@cox.netSep 11 (Fri) Cultural Dinner. A day that will also live in infamy, September 11, but it’s a Friday nightand so let’s go out and have a great meal at a fantastic Thai restaurant on the west side. The locationis at 51st Ave and Northern and the atmosphere and food are to die for! We usually eat hereafter hiking in the White Tanks, but let’s take it as a night out with clean clothes this time instead ofafter-hike grunge! Please e-mail Denise at TheScubaJedi@yahoo.com to RSVP.Sep 12 (Sat) Romero Canyon Pools “A” Loop Hike. TD: 6 mi.; Difficulty: difficult; Pace: moderatelyfast; AEC: 1500 ft. We will get an early start on this nontechnical hike in the Santa CatalinaMountains, beginning with an ascent on the Romero Canyon Trail to the popular RomeroCanyon Pools. Then, as we rock-hop, boulderscramble, and downclimb our way downstreamthrough Romero Canyon’s other pools and waterfalls, we will have an opportunity to observe therich diversity of plant life in this riparian area. This hike is for agile hikers who are swimmers andare comfortable with rugged, off-trail hiking. Should an afternoon monsoon rain appear imminent,we will abbreviate our downcanyon adventure and do a very steep, off trail, bushwhacking exitto avoid getting caught in a storm. For this hike you will need a dry bag, shoes that stick to wetrock, and quick-dry clothing. Contact Gary Hendrickson at ghendri450@aol.com or (480) 423-3898.Sep 13 (Sun) Groom Creek Loop “B” Hike. TD:8.7 mi, EC: 1293ft, Pace: Mild. This beautiful loophike near Prescott features a couple of old cabins and a scramble up to a lookout tower. Please e-mail Denise at Sierrahike1@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.Sep 17 (Thu) Bev’s Weekday EarlyMorning Hike. Loop hike at CaveCreek Park. Look for evidence ofwildlife. Look over the 40 acres areaCave Creek is purchasing for openspace to connect Spur Cross andCave Creek parks. Breakfast after inCave Creek. Bfull@cox.net

Sep 17 (Thu) Cultural Dinner. If you savor exotic food, treat your taste buds to some delicious EastIndian cuisine at a highly-rated restaurant near Papago Park. This event is rated “hot”. (But the dinnerscan be ordered as spicy or mild as you like.) Contact Mike Schwarz atMalthusian@mindspring.com(email preferred) or (602) 840-0019.Sep 19 (Sat) Bismark Lake in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness “C” Day Hike. TD 4.8 mi, EC:1,000 ft. An alpine meadow hike through an area supposedly known for its wildlife. Having neverhiked this trail before, your sense of adventure and route finding skills will be appreciated. The trailheadbegins at an elevation of 8,500 feet. The group must stay together -- no tigers. There is a littleover six miles of dirt road to the trailhead off of U.S. Highway 180. High clearance vehicles may behelpful. Please contact Sharon Fairchild at sfairchi@fclaw.com or (602) 997-1178. If you respondby e-mail, please leave a phone number, also (preferably cell). Hike Limit: 15.Sep 19-20 (Sat-Sun) Fossil Springs “C”Hike and Optional Overnight Camping.TD: 8 mi, ED: 1300ft. Pace: Mellow. Comejoin us for this relatively easy hike to oneof the most beautiful riparian areas in Arizona.We will hike in and have a swim inthe swimming area and explore along thebeautiful clear spring. Those opting for acampout will bring the usual backpackinggear and we’ll stay the night. Those wishingto return will hike back out and go eatand head for home. Please contact Deniseat SierraHike2@gmail.com for moredetails and to sign up.Sep 24-28 (Thu-Mon) Canoe/KayakLabyrinth Canyon on the Green River, Moab, Utah. Float the route of John Wesley Powell fourdays from Ruby Ranch to Mineral Bottom. Camp three nights on sand bars. This area is designatedfor wilderness protection in the Red Rock Wilderness Act which will be introduced in Congress thisyear. Contact Bev Full for costs and details. Bfull@cox.net (480) 595-2306Sep 30 (Wed) Saguaro Group General Meeting. 7pm at Fire Station #52 at 21650 N. Tatum, nearthe I01 and across from Desert Ridge Mall. We will present a program on use of solar panels includinginstallation, environmental benefits, costs, feasibility, savings, and more. Come to learn moreabout this important new energy source. Meet and talk with other Sierra Club members. Refreshmentswill be served. For more information contact bfull@coxnet or phone (480) 595-2306.October 2009Oct 3 (Sat) Bell Trail “C” Day Hike. TD: 6mi, EC: 280ft. Pace: Mellow. This trail is wide and easy to follow withmany options along the way. If you like Sedona and love West Fork of Oak Creek, you’ll love this. We can follow theBell Tail for an average tour or skirt the creek for memories of a lifetime. Easy beautiful hike! We can eat afterwardsat the Rock Springs Cafe. Please contact Denise at SierraHike4@gmail.com for more details and to sign up.Oct 3 (Sat) “A” - Finger Rock Guard. TD: 7 miles, EC 3800’. Finger Rock is one of the mostprominent and tantalizing points in the Catalinas. We will leave the safety of Finger Rock trail behindand venture up steep exposed slopes before we scramble up the rock to the summit. The views willbe the reward. This trip is for the acomplished, strong climber. If you think you have no fear of hights,here you will find out. Contact John Che at tucsonbackpacker@yahoo.com or 520-300-4639

Oct 10-11 (Sat-Sun) Hiking and Camping at Lockett Meadow. Enjoy the beauty of the innerpeaks, Contact Louis at louis85331@msn.comOct 14 (Wed) Saguaro Group Ex Comm Meeting. Meet at 6:30 at Bev’s for meeting followed bypot luck supper. Contact bfull@cox.netOct 15 (Thu) Afternoon Hike on New Waterfalls Trail. Pot luck after at Sears Kay Ruin picnictables. This is a dog friendly hike. Contact bfull@cox.net for information.Oct 17 (Sat) Ben Avery Trail “C” Day Hike. TD: 8 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Pace: Moderate. EC: +-500’ ft. Thisscenic trail in the Eagletail Mountains Wilderness will take us across the high desert and along washes to IndianSpring and an archaeological site. Come prepared to learn about colorful rock formations, Sonoran vegetationand wildlife, petroglyphs,and wide openspaces. Contact Ted Tenny(480) 396-3389 or emailPotsdamDan@cox.netOct 17-18 (Sat-Sun)Lime Creek “B+” Backpack.This compact43,000 acre InventoriedRoadless Area (IRA)north of Carefree on theCave Creek District ofTonto National Forest ishome to at least a coupleof Arizona’s native fishes.We will also see a numberof different artifactsfrom our historic andpre-historic past. We will Photo by Nunyaovernight at the “Lime Creek Hilton”. Total elevation change for both days is less than 2,000 ft. withabout 10 miles of distance each day. Most of the hiking will be off trail in nature with sections of trailappearing intermittently. For reservations, meeting time and place, contact your leader, Jim Vaaler,at jimvaaler@msn.com or phone Jim at (602) 553-8208.Oct 17-18 (Sat-Sun) Annual Reavis Ranch “C” Backpacking. TD: 6mi one way, EC: 1200’ estimated,Pace: moderate to casual. This is my annual birthday celebration backpacking trip! This is a greatweekend trip where we camp in a beautiful meadow at the old Reavis Ranch site in the Superstitions.The road to the trailhead requires high clearance; the trail ascends Graves Canyon then descends intothe valley where we camp in the cooler pines. There is always water available from the spring, and lotsof things to explore in the valley. Please e-mail Denise at Sierrahike3@gmail.com to sign up.Oct 24 (Sat) Morning Trail Maintenance Work in Tonto National Forest. Bring gloves, small toolsuch as saw, hoe, clippers. Contact bfull@cox.net

Oct. 24 (Sat) “C” Treasure Loop Halloween Night Hike. TD: 2.5 mi., EC 500 FT.Trail head: LostDutchman State Park, Apache Junction, Pace slow or moderate depending on ghosts who may appear.$5 entrance fee per car. BOO! Pirates wanted to find lost Dutchman gold hidden in TreasureLoop. Legends tell how Jacob Waltz the lost Dutchman returns to haunt his trails every Halloween.Pirates will be searching for gold and ghosts. Perhaps Jacob’s ghost will appear and share his hiddensecrets under a vampire moon. Surprises await you, my lads. Bring flashlight. Contact DonnaButler at donnatakeahike@yahoo.comOct 25 (Sun) Saguaro Group Film Club. Lynne Cockrum-Murphy will introduce the film FOOD. Comefor educational content and discussion. Food and beverages will be served. Contact bfull@cox.net fordirections to her home.Oct. 29-31 (Thur-Sat) “B+” Mt. Graham Backpack. This sprawling 80,000 acre Wilderness StudyArea (WSA) on the Safford District of Coronado National Forest is home to the endangered Mt. GrahamRed Squirrel. On the first day we will see Lower Ash Creek Falls. On our second day we willalso visit the Ash Creek Catwalk as well as see Upper Ash Creek Falls and Slickrock Falls. Our firstnight will be spent at Oak Flat in Ash Creek Canyon and the second night will be spent somewherein Shingle Mill Canyon. All hiking will be done on trails with most of the Shingle Mill section exploratoryin nature (I have scouted the critical upper part of this trail). There will be 2 to 3 thousand feetof elevation change per day with a maximum of 12 miles walked on the second day. For reservations,meeting time and place, contact your leader, Jim Vaaler, at jimvaaler@msn.comor phone Jimat (602) 553-8208.Oct 31 (Sat) Boynton Canyon Fall Color “C” Hike. TD: 5 mi, EC: 600ft, Pace: Mellow. This is oneof my favorite trails in Sedona. It is easy, beautiful, and this time of year we will enjoy a lot of fall colorand cool temps. The trail follows an easy route into the canyon where we will see ruins, and climbup over the tree line to get great views of the canyon. Dinner in Sedona after. Please contact Deniseat SierraHike4@gmail.com for more info and to sign up.Looking AheadNov 7 (Sat) Trail Maintenance on Jewel of the Creek. Help with light maintenance work on the Jewel of theCreektrail at Spur Cross. Optional lunch after at El Encanto restaurant in Cave Creek. Bring gloves and a lighttool such as clippers, hoe, and small saw, rope. Contact bfull2cox.net for information.Nov 12 (Thu) Pipeline Trail at Lake Pleasant “C” Hike. This is a dog friendly hike. Bring a dish to share forpot luck dinner at Lakeview picnic area following hike. Identify animal and plant life along the way. Contact Bev:bfull@cox.netNov 20-22 (Fri-Sun) Lodging or Camping at BuenaAires National Wildlife Refuge. Buena AiresNational Wildlife Refuge/Patagonia Lake lodge and/or camping experience sponsored by the Sierra ClubBorder Task Force. We will see evidence of environmentaldamage resulting from border policies. Specialspeakers will accompany this outing to answerquestions and provide background. Contact Bev:bfull2cox.net for information.Photo by Nunya

Information, Who’s Who and The RulesSubscriptionsWe’re doing our part to save some trees! The SierraClub Singles newsletter is available as a full colorPDF computer file that can be downloaded to yourpersonal computer. Our paperless newsletter isavailable on our website.To view the full color paperless PDF version of ournewsletter you must have Adobe® Acrobat® version4.0or greater installed on your personal computer. Thiscan be downloaded for free from the Adobe® websiteat the following internet address:http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.htmShould you have any questions, comments, or concernsregarding any aspect of your Sierra Club Singlesgroup, please contact Denise Aston, Group OutingsChairperson 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.comNEWSLETTER PROOFREADER:VacantWEEKLY UPDATE MANAGER:VacantWEBMASTER :Willy Leung, e-mail: pingwilly@yahoo.comHIKE 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. ECPACE 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 ChangeAEC: Accumulated Elevation ChangeTD: Total DistanceOUTING DONATIONS:Donations at Sierra Club Singles outings are appreciated. Suggested donationsare $1.00 per person for Sierra Club members, and $3.00 fornon-members. Donations are per day, and help to support local conservationactivities 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 andshare the driver’s fuel expense.RESTRICTIONS: All events are considered non-smoking. Local SierraClub policy prohibits firearms, and radios on outings. The event leaderhas complete authority at his/her event. Hikes are limited to 20 people,unless otherwise stated. Pets are only allowed on outings when advertisedas such.LEADERSHIP POLICY: Leaders of hikes and other outing activities mustbe registered members of the National Sierra Club Organization. Pleasesubmit your Sierra Club membership number and expiration date withyour writeup. Hike leaders are required to have first-aid training and OutingsLeader Training (OLT-101). Participants on Sierra Club outings arerequired to sign a waiver of liability. If you would like to read the liabilitywaiver before choosing to participate on an outing, please visit: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms, or contact the Outings Departmentat 415-977-5528 for a printed version.