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Trip Number: 12305A
Price: $345
Deposit: $50
Capacity: 16
Staff: John Sumner
Highlights:
- Work in one of the largest "sky islands" in southern Arizona
- Join the first restoration team after a major forest fire
- Search for geodes, elegant trogons, and red faced warblers during time
off
- Discover rock-lined pools and enjoy the spectacular scenery
Includes:
- All meals and snacks and an experienced cook to prepare them
- Trail-building tools and work leaders to guide you in their use
- A trip leader who is exceptionally familiar with the Chiricahua Wilderness
The Trip
The Sharon Churchwell Fund is offering youth 18-25 years old a discount on this trip. Visit the Sharon Churchwell Fund page for more details.
Photo: John Sumner
The fire of May-June 2011 burned across the entire Chiricahua Wilderness Area,
clearing out undergrowth in some areas and reaching into the canopy in others.
Consequently, the extensive trail system needs restoration throughout. We will
be in mixed conifer forest above 8,500 feet in elevation so expect pleasantly
sunny days and cool nights.
We will be in mixed conifer forest, primarily Ponderosa Pine, Englemann Spruce,
Aspen and Douglas Fir, but we will also find Southwestern White Pine, Apache
Pine, and Chiricahua Pine. At lower elevations, there are over ten varieties
of oaks, Chihuahua Pine, One-seed and Alligator Juniper, and Mexican Pinyon.
Along creeks in the canyons, expect Arizona Sycamores, Arizona Walnut, Arizona
Cypress, and Big-tooth Maples. Unusual birds range from Red-faced Warblers and
Yellow-eyed Juncos in the high country to Elegant Trogans, Painted Redstarts,
and over five varieties of hummingbirds along the creeks in the canyons.
We will gauge
firsthand the role and impact of fire with agency personnel in addition to trail
rehabilitation.
The Project
Because we are working in a designated wilderness, we will remove deadfall
on the trails using crosscut saws, axes, Pulaskis, and other hand tools. The
fire not only brought down trees but subsequent rains caused mud and debris
flows, so we may replace signs and do tread restoration as needed. We may also
do erosion control to stabilize trails and keep sediment out of drainages. The
work will be physically demanding, but rewarding. There will be a suitable job
for everyone and we will be trained in safe usage of tools. Our work schedule
will include five workdays and a free day to explore the area.
Itinerary
Photo: John Sumner
Day 1: We will meet at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 9 at the
Rustler Park campground. Following a safety and organizational meeting, we will
have dinner with the rangers who are helping us organize the work.
Day 2: Following breakfast, we will backpack the 3.5 miles
to our base camp at Cima Cabin in the Chiricahua Wilderness Area.
We should arrive at our campsite by midday. We will set up our sites as quickly
as possible, and then join in helping set up the group camp. Following set up,
we will receive training in tool usage.
Days 3-4: We will clear trails along the crest of the range.
Elevations range from 8,800-9,500 feet.
Day 5: Today is a rest day and we can use it to explore the
high country and search for geodes, obsidian outcrops, and springs; travel to
the riparian habitat in the canyons; visit the Chiricahua National Monument
and the fabulous volcanic formations; or enjoy the Museum of Natural History
Research Station in Cave Creek.
Days 6-7: We will continue to clear trails leading to the
peaks and springs in the area.
Day 8: We will pack up and leave after breakfast, and reach
the trailhead by noon. Since it is at least a three-hour drive back to Tucson,
please make flight reservations for late-afternoon or evening.
Even though we can plan our work, the reality is that there will be changes. It
is likely that we will work on trails within three miles of our camp or a trailhead,
but we can count on substantial hiking every day. As with all adventures in the
backcountry, this itinerary is subject to change. Trail and road conditions, weather,
and the needs of the land agency can possibly affect the specifics of our trip.
Getting There
Photo: Jean Retzinger
Trip members are responsible for getting themselves to and from Rustler Park
campground. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to our 4:00 p.m. meeting
on day one.
From the east, it can be reached from Portal, Arizona. From the west, it can
be reached from U.S. Forest Service roads off Highway 181, near the entrance
to Chiricahua National Monument. The nearest airport is in Tucson, Arizona.
From there it's approximately 80 freeway miles to Willcox, then 31 miles on
paved highway to the Chiricahua National Monument, and finally 15 miles on fair
gravel roads to Rustler Park campground. Participants need to allow a minimum
of three hours for the trip. (Phoenix is approximately 190 freeway miles away,
and might have more frequent flights at a slightly lower rate. El Paso, Texas
is 190 freeway miles to the east).
A trip roster will be sent to all participants to help facilitate travel planning. I recommend that participants contact each other and set up carpools or make other arrangements to help each other get to and from the airports to the trailhead.
Accommodations and Food
At this time of year, the chances of rain are extremely low. Days will be pleasantly
warm -- 70s to 80s with low humidity -- and nights will cool down to the mid
50s.
We will all
help in meal preparation of nutritious, high-energy international backcountry
cuisine. Our meals will satisfy both the appetite and conversation after a day's
work in the wilderness. Meals are mostly vegetarian. Please let the cook know
about any food allergies or preferences.
Trip Difficulty
Photo: Jim Case
This trip is strenuous. We will be in rugged wilderness terrain. Our hikes
will involve only moderate elevation change, but we will be doing hard physical
work at above 8,500 ft. You can anticipate walking from one to four miles each
day to and from the worksite. The work will be physical but satisfying, and
we can expect to be pleasantly tired at the end of each day. Like most service
trips, there will be jobs that are appropriate for all energy levels.
The elevation
is high enough that we must be alert to dehydration. The backpack in starts
at 9,100 ft and climbs less than 400 feet along the crest of the range. Participants
must be fit enough to backpack 3.5 miles to base camp. At this elevation, the
hike in will be moderately strenuous with a full pack. You must carry your personal
gear, including tents, to the camp. We will travel as a group and we will pace
ourselves to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.
Equipment and Clothing
Participants will need standard lightweight backpacking gear, along with a
day pack, lightweight sleeping bag and pad, tent or tarp (optional), and a personal
water purification system for day hikes. Additionally, plan to wear long pants
and long-sleeved shirts, as well as leather gloves and eye protection for the
trail work. If you have any questions about equipment, please contact the leader.
A detailed clothing and equipment list will be sent to all trip participants.
References
Photo: Jim Case
We will provide a detailed topographic map of the area where we will be working.
If you wish to have your own maps, look for the U.S.G.S. quadrangles of "Portal
Peak" and "Chiricahua Peak." After sign-up, the leader will provide
a list of recommended maps and where to purchase them, along with background
reading.
Books:
- Bezy, John, Field Guide to the Geology of the Chiricahua National Monument.
This small book covers many of the geologic basics for the area.
- McMahon, James A., Deserts. Even though we will be above the desert,
many birds, flowers, insects, and butterflies can be found even in the mountains.
- Reisner, Marc, Cadillac Desert. Water is precious in the arid west.
How we use it or don't use it is of concern to everyone.
- Pyne, Stephen, Fire in America. Fire has had a role in the Sky Islands
for the past several thousand years.
Conservation
Photo: Jim Case
On a few evenings, we'll discuss the impact of wildfires, public lands, water
availability, and wilderness protection. Other topics might include local efforts
to preserve the Sky Islands of the southwest. Our primary objective is to emphasize
the need to protect our nation's magnificent wild public lands, and to encourage
you to get involved. We will also discuss how we can all get more involved with
conservation on the local level.
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:
John Sumner has participated in Sierra Club service trips for ten years, primarily in Arizona, Idaho, and California. A geophysicist, he delights in botanizing, birding, and looking at the rocks and the stars.
E-mail: sumnergeo@yahoo.com
Cook:
Anne Larson is a premier backcountry cook, serving up tasty and nutritious fare along with a dose of her vibrant personality. Among other talents, she is a botanist, a birder and an expert on pine bark beetles.
E-mail: annelarson@juno.com
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips