The National Park Service calls it “Quintessential Arizona.” It is only accessible from November-April, and one needs to make a tour reservation to hike it. In an effort to reduce impact on this sensitive backcountry site, hikers are only permitted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. There is one tour a day, and it leaves…
Judith Kuse Arizona hikers will often tell you that they hike because they value the opportunity to be outdoors, to experience the beauty of the Southwest and to see breathtaking vistas, interesting wildlife, beautiful birds and colorful wildflowers. Only occasionally will a hiker refer to hiking as an emotional adventure. However, if you take the…
Judith Kuse It’s tradition that when Sun Lakes Hiking Club gathers for its end-of-season picnic, awards are presented to deserving recipients. And again this year, in late March, the club did just that. Jerry Anderson, a Moderate Hike leader, and Liz Morque, a Mellow Hike leader, received Hike Leader Awards for having the most hikers…
Judith Kuse Each winter for the past 12 years, the Sun Lakes Hiking Club leadership has offered members a Special Hike. Special Hikes involve traveling to another region of the Southwest and exploring it through daily hikes, shared dinners and experiences highlighting the region’s unique character. This year, the club traveled via Yuma, Arizona, to…
Judith Kuse You’re heading out for a hike in Arizona early on a beautiful April morning. To ensure you can meet most hiking challenges, what should you have with you in your backpack? According to Stu Frost, a SLHC leader, a well-stocked fanny pack or day pack can go a long way to ensuring your…
Judith Kuse Rattlesnakes are a fact of life in the Arizona desert. And now that it is spring, rattlesnakes are coming out of their winter sanctuaries and seeking the warmth of the sun. So in keeping with the Sun Lakes Hiking Club’s emphasis on safety while hiking, here is information (courtesy of a presentation by…
Judith Kuse With the onset of a New Year, it’s traditional to make resolutions. For many, those often include a recommitment to making time for more exercise or for exploring a new interest. If either of these is on your list for 2017, consider yourself invited to take a look at the Sun Lakes Hiking…
Roberta Arpan SLHC hike leaders have been busy this summer planning another season of fun filled, challenging outdoor activities. To start the 2016-2017 season, plan to attend the November 4 welcome back picnic and first club meeting to be held at Oasis Park in Sun Lakes Country Club at noon. Chicken, water/iced tea, plates and…
Roberta Arpan The majority of hiking related rescues happen in one of the following conditions: technical rock climbing, swift water, caves/abandoned mines or snow and ice. So, the first rule of safety is to stay away from areas where rescue operations are most prevalent! To further ensure your safety, here are some basic rules: Don’t…
Roberta Arpan Have you ever wondered about the origin of the word hiking? Hill walking was shortened to hiking in the mid-1800s when people began to take long walks for pleasure and trekking from place to place was no longer associated with poverty or vagrancy. Hiking was further popularized after World War I when the…