Warren Wasescha As a hiker during warmer months, can you ever not think about rattlesnakes on the trail? Same here, so I found a great article from Associate Professor Dale DeNardo of the Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, who studies rattlesnakes. Here in part is what he had to say about snakes and hiking: Q:…
Warren Wasescha Talk to any hiker, and they all have their favorite hikes: Mormon Loop and Hidden Valley Trails at South Mountain, Peralta Trail in the Superstitions, Quart Peak in the Estrellas, Ford Canyon in the White Tanks, Camelback Mountain. These and many more are the treasures that, when combined together, make the Valley one…
Warren Wasescha As Valley temperatures reached 112°F, a friend called to say he caught the news of multiple hikers being rescued from trails due to fainting, heat stroke, and falls. Then last week, the news of a man rescued who stepped aside to let faster hikers pass, only to have the rock he leaned on…
Warren Wasescha Sixteen club members kicked off the new year by hiking to “Resolution Rock” at South Mountain to “fly” their resolutions through a special “rock portal” into the new year, followed by a “toast” at the trailhead afterwards. Word has it everyone is keeping their resolutions so far! In January, the Mellows enjoyed hikes…
Warren Wasescha December kicked off with a 4.5-mile hike by the Mellows led by Bob and Karen MacFarlane on five trails at South Mountain, while the Motivateds, led by DeEtte Faith, hiked 11 miles via the Gateway Trail to reach Tom’s Thumb to give a “thumbs up” to this majestic peak in the McDowell Mountains.…
Warren Wasescha Nov. 1 kicked off the new season with a picnic, where we announced the location of our 2020 Special Hike Feb. 25-27. This time, we’re exploring the trails and sights of the Tucson area. If you have an interest, let Sherrie Conner know at [email protected] It is always a great time. Spaces are…
Warren Wasescha Our Hiking Club is a great way to enjoy nature with others, while seeing parts of the Valley and beyond that you might not get to see otherwise. We are a friendly, inclusive group that welcomes all able-bodied hiking enthusiasts! Check out our website at www.meetup.com/sun-lakes-hiking-club to view descriptions of our hikes and…
Warren Wasescha One of the great things about the Sun Lakes Hiking Club is that you get a chance to see and experience areas of the Valley in a very different way. Take for example South Mountain. From the ground looking up, it’s just an average-looking mountain. But travel up the Mormon Trail to the…
Warren Wasescha The club’s off-season hikes began this summer with a 6.3-mile hike on Houston Loop Trail along the Mogollon Rim near Payson, AZ, 4800 feet above sea level with temperatures 20 degrees cooler than in the desert, 90 miles away – a nice respite from the summer heat enjoying nature with friends. While our…
Warren Wasescha It’s summer. It’s hot. And you wonder, does anyone hike mountain trails around the Valley at this time of year? While the Sun Lakes Hiking Club’s official hiking season is November through April, club members do continue to hike during the summer months. The game plan is just a bit different. Top on…