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Trip Number: 12081A
Price: $445
Deposit: $50
Capacity: 12
Staff: Terry Sario
Highlights:
- Help maintain a historical section of the Arizona Trail along the base
of the Mogollon Rim
- Camp among Ponderosa Pine trees
- Enjoy an optional short backpack trip at the end of the service project
Includes:
- Trail maintenance training and supervision
- All project tools
- Late-spring weather in Arizona
The Trip
The 800+ mile Arizona trail is designed to highlight the topographic, biological,
historical, and cultural diversity of the state. This non-motorized trail runs
from Mexico to Utah while traversing all life zones. The diverse features of
the trail contributed to its designation as a National Scenic Trail. One of
the many historical sections of trail is the 50-mile Highline Trail. This trail
was first established in 1870 and was an important route for the early settlers
in the area. Zane Grey kept a hunting lodge in the area -- regrettably it was
destroyed in the 1990 Dude Fire, but the area was made famous in many of his
novels. Nineteen miles of the Highline Trail, from the Pine Trailhead to the
trailhead at Washington Park, is now part of the Arizona Trail. This section
runs along the base of the Mogollon Rim through stands of ponderosa pine as
well as juniper and manzanita.
The Project
Photo: Terry Sario
After decades of new trail construction by volunteers, including Sierra Club
Service trips, the trail is nearly complete. There is a need for trail maintenance
and this particular section has long been neglected. We will work on a 2.3-mile
section from Bray Creek to Chase Creek.
Itinerary
We will work for four days with one day off for exploring the area as either
a day hike or short backpacking trip at the conclusion of the trip. We will
meet in the afternoon of the first day, Sunday, April 29, to set up camp. Camping
will also be available the night before. We will be camping about ½ mile
from the trail at the site of a non-working ranch and within walking distance
of our cars.
Getting There
Phoenix is a major airline hub. Competition among rental car companies here
gives you plenty of options, and you may choose to carpool with other trip members.
Accommodations and Food
Photo: Terry Sario
Our camp has no running water, so we will bring in potable water as well as
our food and cooking gear. The Sierra Club will supply all cooking equipment
and food for the trip. You will need to bring your own eating utensils (spoon,
fork, bowl, cup, etc.), plus a plastic container large enough to carry your
lunch each day.
Please come with the attitude that food is part of the adventure. Trip menu-planning
considers that there may be no refrigeration and food must be protected from
animals. We provide healthy, nutritious, vegetarian-friendly meals that include
dairy and soy products added to ensure proper protein, with occasional meat
on the side.
We have a group commissary with everyone taking turns in food preparation.
Before applying for the trip, people with food allergies and/or strong food
preferences must contact the cook to see if accommodations are possible.
Trip Difficulty
You will enjoy this trip -- provided you like vigorous outdoor activity. No
special skills are required. Beginners are welcome, though you will need to
be in good physical condition to enjoy the trail maintenance. There will be
a variety of tasks to accommodate all ability levels. You will, however, be
performing physical labor, so some physical conditioning will contribute to
your enjoyment of the trip.
Temperatures will be variable, and a late snow is a possibility at this time
of year. You should bring a sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees and layered clothing
in order to be fully prepared for the range of possible temperatures. There
is always the possibility of rain, so good quality raingear is essential.
Equipment and Clothing
Photo: Terry Sario
Much of the equipment you will need is the same as any other week-long camping
trip:
- Ankle-high boots, well broken-in
- Water bottles or a hydration system, three-liter (or three-quart)
- A comfortable day pack large enough to carry your lunch container and
water supply, plus raingear
- Tent with rainfly and ground cloth
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Rain jacket or parka and rain pants
- Fleece jacket or warm pullover
You will be sent a recommended packing list after you complete your application
for the trip.
References
Books:
- Langford, Andrea, Biking the Arizona Trail.
- Jones, Tom Larang, and Jerry Sieve (Photographer), The Arizona Trail:
The Complete Guide.
- Freeman, Roger and Ethel, Day Hikes & Trail Rides in Payson's Rim
Country. Gem Guides Book Co.
Websites:
- The Arizona Trail Association: http://www.aztrail.org
Maps:
- USGS Topographic Maps: Kehl Ridge and Dane Canyon.
- Earth Tracks -- Mogollon Rim West map.
- Arizona Highways -- Rim Guide Hiking map.
- Highline Trail brochure from Payson Ranger District -- Tonto National Forest.
- Tonto National Forest map.
Conservation
Photo: Terry Sario
The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, and encourages grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club.
Local issues include grazing, timber cutting, bark beetle infestation, and
the effect of wildfires. Participants are welcome to bring conservation topics
from their home states.
Trip Price
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details
about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.
The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Staff
Leader:
Terry Sario has been leading and cooking Sierra Club service trips for years. Her first trip was a family service trip and she is now thinking about taking her grandson on a trip. She has done trips in Arizona, California, Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. She was once a segment steward for this section of the AZ trail and is looking forward to working in the area again.
E-mail: tsario@juno.com
Cook:
Beth Druhe likes hiking and camping, especially when she is helping restore and maintain natural areas. When she is stuck in the city, she gardens, enjoys the local birds, and works in hospice care.
E-mail: bethdruhe@juno.com
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips