Roberta Arpan

What could be a better way to continue the New Year than to exercise, socialize, enjoy nature and perhaps discover some new territory? The Sun Lakes Hiking Club has scheduled 12 Monday and Wednesday hikes so you can do just that; and an additional 13th hike (on Friday the 13th!) is the fifth annual South Mountain Trek. The vital statistics for each hike follow. A more complete and up-to-date description can be found on the club’s website at http://www.meetup.com/Sun-Lakes-Hiking-Club. Unless otherwise noted, all carpools meet at the Cottonwood parking lot east of the tennis courts at 7:45 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. departure. If you are new to the club, remember to contact the hike leader before the day of the hike.

Monday Hikes

02/02. (Retread) Turpentine Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, rated C; 5 miles, AEG 276’, driving distance 45 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $5. Leaders are Jack and Helen Schultz; phone 802-0431.

02/02. Siphon Draw and Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains, trailhead elevation 2080’, driving distance 70 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $5 plus share of the park entrance fee. Siphon Draw: rated C plus, four miles, AEG 1185’; Flatiron: rated B plus, 5.8 miles, AEG 2930’. Note: Those hiking Flatiron need collapsible poles and gloves due to significant rock scrambling. Leader Brian Hill; phone 802-1050.

02/09 (Retread) Scenic Trail in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, rated C, 4.5 miles, AEG 300’, driving distance 92 miles, carpool contribution $9 plus share of park entrance fee. Optional lunch after hike. Leader Bonnie Tasch; phone 802-2836.

02/09. Coon Creek Ruins in the Sierra Ancha Mountains, rated B, eight miles, trailhead elevation 2700’, AEG 500’, driving distance 231 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $14 plus $2 dirt road fee. Leaders Barb Smith; phone 970-241-0838 and Joyce Frericks phone 217-440-6588. Note: Carpools will leave Cottonwood parking lot at 7:00 a.m. sharp and it is necessary to RSVP to hike leaders due to limited parking at the trailhead.

02/16. (Retread) to be announced. Leader Michael Josephson; phone 248-496-5369.

02/16. Idaho Pass and Peak 3134 in the Goldfield Mountains, rated B, 8.5 miles, trailhead elevation 2000’, AEG 1850’, driving distance 70 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $5. Leaders Mary and Steve Martz; phone 317-750-0663 and 317-750-0253.

02/23. (Retread) Taliesen, Quartz and West World Trails near McDowell Sonoran Preserve, rated C, six mile loop or five miles in-and-out, trailhead elevation 1620’, AEG 500’, driving distance 67 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $4, lunch at Scottsdale restaurant after hike. Leader Al and Ginny Metz; phone 895-1868.

02/23. Ballantine Trail in Tonto National Forest, rated B, 8.8 miles, trailhead elevation 2258’, AEG 1381’, driving distance 112 miles, carpool contribution $7. Leader Vivienne Torgeson; phone 503-339-5624.

Wednesday Hikes

02/04. Dixie Mine Trail in the McDowell Mountain Preserve, rated C, 6.3 miles, trailhead elevation 2100’, AEG 545’, driving distance 95 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $6 plus a share of park entrance fee. Leaders Paulette and Jerry Zuehlke; phone 883-7056.

02/11. Pass Mountain Trail in the Usery Mountain Park, rated C plus, 6.8 miles, trailhead elevation 2030’, AEG 1020’, driving distance 62 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $4 plus a share of park entrance fee. Leaders Liz Morque; phone 612-201-4213 and Dave Friesen; phone 428-2247.

02/18. Mesquite Canyon and Willow Canyon Trails in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, rated C, 6.5 miles, trailhead elevation 1541’, AEG 1275’, driving distance 120 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $8 plus a share of park entrance fee. Leader Gene Smestad; phone 339-0216.

02/25. Massacre Grounds in the Superstition Mountains, rated C, 5.5 miles, trailhead elevation 2263’, AEG 1200’, driving distance 76 miles roundtrip, carpool contribution $5. Leaders Greg Jewell; phone 282-0061 and Bonnie Tasch; phone 802-2836.

Fifth annual South Mountain Trek

02/13. Three options are offered: (1) 15.7 miles, AEG 2493’; (2) 8 miles, AEG 735’; (3) 5.1 miles, AEG 176’. Hikers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood parking lot and carpool to the Pima Canyon Trailhead. Hikers will then divide into three groups depending on the hike selected. More information will follow. Leader Dennis Harkins; phone 883-7173.

The tip of the month: Say a blessing when trudging up steep inclines; there is no better way to keep your derrière in shape.

All Sun Lake Hiking Club members are reminded that the deadline for paying your dues of $5 per person for the current fiscal year is February 28. Dues can be paid in cash or by check payable to the Sun Lakes Hiking Club and can be submitted at any SLHC meeting or mailed to Treasurer Mike Foerster, 24650 S. Ribbonwood Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. The next club meeting will be on February 6 at 3:45 p.m. in the Phoenix Room at Cottonwood.

For more information about the SLHC contact Brian Hill at 802-1050 or e-mail [email protected]. You may also visit the club’s website at the address given above.