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Trip Number: 13072A
Price: $495
Deposit: $50
Capacity: 12
Staff: Charles Schneider
Highlights:
- Help maintain an historical section of the Arizona Trail along the base
of the Mogollon Rim
- Camp among ponderosa pine trees with beautiful stars at night
- Witness the changes and challenges from wildfires and human actions
Includes:
- Trail maintenance training and supervision
- All project tools
- Delicious meals and good company
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, are 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
After decades of new trail construction by volunteers, including Sierra Club
Service trips, the Arizona Trail is complete. The focus now is on trail maintenance
and upgrades. 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. We will
meet in the afternoon of the first day, Sunday, April 14, to set up camp. The
first meal of the trip will be dinner on day one. Our last meal of the trip
will be breakfast on Saturday, April 20. 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
Photo: Charles Schneider
Phoenix is a major airline hub. Competition among rental car companies here
gives you plenty of options. We will send contact information on all participants
so that you can arrange carpooling, if you desire.
Accommodations and Food
Our camp has no potable water, so we will bring in 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 is 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
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:
- 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
- http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/
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
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.
Wildfires in the West have been prominent in the national news. We will be
near the site of the 1990 Dude Fire, a fire that changed the Forest Service
strategies in fighting wildfires. Causes, prevention, and effects of wildfires
are important local conservation issues. The Tonto National Forest is also active
in reintroducing native species and reducing the impact of human use in the
area. 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:
Charles Schneider has lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for over twenty years and this is where his love for the outdoors began. He enjoys hiking and exploring the southwest areas of the country. Charles has been doing volunteer trips for many years and looks forward to meeting other people with the same interest.
E-mail: charlie_nancy@cox.net
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