Warren Wasescha

The fear of missing out—ever have that feeling? Most teenagers do. For me, I had it when this season’s hiking season had begun and I was still in Minnesota. For others, it’s not remembering important club event dates. So, here are some dates and locations to mark on your calendar:

Like hiking and wondering if the Sun Lakes Hiking Club might be right for you? Come join us for an orientation hike on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Cottonwood clubhouse parking lot, just east of the tennis courts. We’ll do a simple three- to four-mile hike, with several stops along the way to share information about the club and answer any questions you might have. RSVP on our Meetup site by typing “Sun Lakes Hiking Club” into your web browser and sign up for this hike, or just show up at 1 p.m. that day. Bring your water bottle and sun protection. We look forward to seeing you there!

For existing and new members, our monthly meetings are at a new location this season but will again be held the first Friday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., December through April. Meetings will be held at Sisk Park (11110 East Drive) in Palo Verde. Sisk Park is located a few blocks east of the Palo Verde Country Club. Meetings will be posted on Meetup. Bring a chair if you can, as seating is limited. And due to the outdoor setting, check the Meetup site for cancellations due to rain.

Club hikes are on Monday mornings of each week at three different levels, now through April. Mellow hikes are the easiest pace, led at a leisurely speed, usually up to five miles and 500 elevation gain. Moderate hikes are a bit more strenuous and are in the five- to seven-mile range and up to 1000 elevation gain. Motivated hikes are more rigorous and are usually seven to ten miles in length with 1-2000+ elevation gain.

All upcoming and past hikes, along with information about our club, can be viewed on our Meetup site. Just type “Sun Lakes Hiking Club” into your web browser to locate us. Answers not found on our Meetup site? Please reach out to our president DeEtte Faith at [email protected].

If you like hiking, we’d love to have you join us. We are a friendly, inclusive group of hikers who welcome all able-bodied hikers. Our goal is to make group hiking fun, challenging, social, and safe.

Looking forward to hiking with you on the trail!