Sun City Vistoso Hiking Club March-April Newsletter

SUN CITY VISTOSO HIKING CLUB NEWSLETTER

President--------------- Jack Evert March/April, 2008

Vice-president-------- Vice-Secretary-------------- Secretary Secretary ---------------Verdie Pavelko

Treasurer-------------- Audrey Osofsky Issue 08/02

Chief Guide----------- Millie Sparling

Newsletter------------- Dale Knudson

E-mail------------------ Jerry Rickard

Hiker Information:

Call guide to make reservations and get the latest information. Hiking groups meet and depart from the cafe parking area at the golf course, unless indicated otherwise. The time listed is the departure time. If a hike is a bushwhack, i.e., not on a trail, it is noted in the description. Always bring ample water, and wear appropriate headgear and footwear. Always wear your name badge. Total climb is cumulative.
Hike Ratings:
D: less than 4 miles; or below 500 foot total climb.
C: 4-8 miles; or 500-1500 foot total climb.
B: 8-16 miles; or 1500-3500 foot total climb.
A: over 16 miles; or over 3500 foot total climb.
Sometimes a hike is harder or easier than its rating indicates. Hikes are three to four times as hard as a Sun City walk! Note: Payment to driver is a flat rate, and includes user fees for Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon and State Parks. Driver is responsible for paying all user fees. Passengers are to pay any other user fees. Hikers should let guide know when they sign up if they intend to drive, and if they have passes. Always discuss hike conditions and concerns with guide when you sign up. To insure that you will be on hikes of interest, sign up with the guides no later than 4 PM the day before the hike. The guides need this minimal advanced notice to plan hike details and arrange for transportation. Therefore, participation in the hike after this time is at the discretion of the guide. Arrive at departure location at least five minutes early to arrange for car-pooling, etc. Personal cell phones should be used for emergencies only. Please put them on vibrate.

Medical Condition:

If you have a medical condition and/or are taking prescription medications, please write down that information and carry it with you at all times. If you are allergic to any medication, note that also. If you require medical assistance, it will help medical personnel give you the proper care. Also, bring any medications you might need during a hike.

GUIDE MEETING

The next Guide meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 3 PM in the Papago room. Millie Sparling, 825-0091. A board meeting will be held at the conclusion of the Guide meeting. Jack Evert, 818-3068. Everyone is welcome to attend.

NEWS

Club Mileage:

As of February 13, total accumulated club mileage is 266,737

Photo site:

Check out our Hiking Club web site. The name is http://vistosohikes.org/ .

HIKING TRIPS

Big Bend Excursion Status

The dates for the excursion remain April 13 (check in) through April 18, 2008 (check out). Two of the 30 rooms are still available. Contact Larry Klein by March 1 if you want to reserve one of them. There is a $115 deposit for each room. Larry's phone number is 825-7535 and his e-mail address is LKlein1852@aol.com

MARCH HIKE OF THE MONTH

On Friday, March 14, Bob Cratty will once again take us on a walk back in time. We'll drive a couple of miles south of the town of Dragoon and then walk along an historic road which was established by the Mormon Battalion during the war with Mexico in 1846. We'll also visit an area used by the Butterfield Overland Stage as a stage stop and meet four historic figures that had passed through there. Later, we will drive to the Amerind Foundation Museum. More information will be made available in the March Tipster, via emails, and in flyers on the bulletin board. See March 14 hike description for full details.

APRIL HIKE OF THE MONTH

Interested in a different hike with unorthodox buildings and flowers galore? Then join us for a monk-guided visit of part of Saint Anthony's Greek Monastery in Florence. We will self-walk the flower gardens, pathways and see photogenic chapels, gazebos and fountains. The Monastery store is certainly worth a visit also. Women are requested to wear long skirts below the knees, long-sleeved blouses and headscarves. Men are requested to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Lunch will be at Mt. Athos with Greek, Italian and American cuisines and very reasonable prices. The cost of lunch is not included. For those that have not been there before you may wish to visit the nearby McFarland Historical State Park with a ranger for about 45 minutes. Bring your AZ State Parks Pass; otherwise entrance fee is $3. If you do not plan to visit it, we will arrange transportation accordingly. At time of registration, please indicate if you wish to visit the McFarland Historical State Park. Do not forget your camera. Walking shoes are fine. For date, time, etc., see Newsletter entry on Wednesday, April 30.

STATE LAND TRUST HIKING PERMIT

Many club hikes are conducted on land owned by the Arizona State Land Department. Common examples include these hikes:

-Big Wash and Bluffs

-Nature Trailings (Several versions)

-Sausalito Creek (Several versions)

-Tortolita Flats, Foothills, Mountains, Preserve, etc.

-Fifty-year Trail, North End

-Plus many other State-Land Hikes are offered

Historically the club has obtained a group permit for hikes on State Trust Land. Changes in their policies now preclude the club from getting this permit. Accordingly, the Hiking Club Board is recommending that guides who offer hikes on State Land, obtain a State Lands Recreational Permit. Hikers that are concerned about the risk that may incur from not having a permit can obtain an individual or family permit from the State Land Trust.

To apply for a permit, visit

http://www.land.state.az.us/

Click on the brown box labeled Recreation Permits

Scroll down to the link Permit application and click on it.

Print a copy and follow the instructions.

If you have trouble printing the form:

-Call the Department at 602-364-2753 or write to them at

-Arizona State Land Department

1616 West Adams

Phoenix, AZ, 85007

In the future hike descriptions in the newsletter will indicate when the hike will be partially or fully on State Trust Land. In the meantime, it is suggested you check with the guide when you sign up for the hike.

Thanks for your attention,

Hiking Club Board

NEWS

Spring Picnic:

The Spring Picnic will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at the Large Group Area in Catalina State Park. Chairpersons are Mike and Kathy Moyer and Jack and Pam Mathwig. There will be four hikes. See enclosed hike choices. A picnic flyer will be distributed with further details. The price for the picnic is $9 for members and $11 for guests. Send a check for the meal, along with your choice of chicken or pork to Audrey Osofsky.

Wine/Cheese Party/Annual Meeting:

The Wine/Cheese Party/Annual Meeting will be held in the Native American rooms in the Social Hall on Saturday, April 5. Chairpersons are Clay and Lynn Pruitt, and Dick and Kitty Thompson. The program will begin at 3 PM. The speaker is Stephane Poulin, the Curator of Herpetology at the Desert Museum. A business meeting will follow at approximately 4 PM. Cocktails, wine and cheese will be served on the patio following the business meeting, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, all activities will be held in the Native American rooms. This would be an excellent time to pay your dues.

HIKES FOR MARCH & APRIL, 2008

(names of new hikes are underlined)

There is some hikes scheduled in this newsletter that are classified as exploratory and are identified as such. We use exploratory hikes to check out new hikes that have never been done before or to check where we can go on the trails that were damaged by rains, for example. If you choose to go on an exploratory hike, be aware that we sometimes don't know what we'll run into as far as mileage or trail condition is concerned. There could be some bushwhacking involved. Hikes that are partially on or take place all on State Trust Land are identified as such.

March 1, Saturday - Seven Falls [C/8mi/900'/$3/8am] Hike to lower Bear Canyon, take Bear Canyon Trail to Seven Falls and return. SPH, Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 2, Sunday - The CSPark's Strolls are leaving at 8am, from the main trailhead if no other location is specified. Unless otherwise indicated, all hikes are rated C (5-7 miles) with elevation changes from 200' to 400'. Hikes are also open to the general public. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 2, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Alamo Cyn via Birding, Arlyn & Lilo trails & paths. See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 3, Monday - Big Wash East Side [C/6mi/0'/$0/8am] Meet at Catalina Vista parking lot, Cross the wash, hike north and look for our feathered and furry friends on the side of the wash. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

March 3, Monday - Wild Burro Canyon Key Exchange (EXPLORATORY) (B/8 mi/400' down or 1400' up/$2/8:00 am) This hike is a key exchange between groups hiking from Rail -X road and Dove Mountain Trail Head. The key exchange will take place at Alamo Springs. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Art Humphrey, 825-6919.

March 4, Tuesday -- Romero Spring [B/10mi/2200'/$1/6:30am] Hike Romero Canyon trail 2 miles past Romero Pools to Romero Springs in a very scenic section of the canyon. Return by the same route. SPH Lee Bomar, 825-2702

March 4, Tuesday - Early Bird Constitutionals (EBC)

(C/5-7m/200'/$0/7am). Early out, true, but early in, thus providing you with a remaining nearly full day. Hike for a couple of hours on nearby jeep roads, trails and paths. Departing location will be provided at time of phone registration. Dates & time in March: 4, 12, 18 & 25 at 7am. Dates & time in April: 4 (Friday), 10 (Thursday), 15, 22 & 29 (Tuesdays), at 7am. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 4, Tuesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 5, Wednesday - Milagroso Ridge [B/8mi/600'/2000'/$4/7am] Park at Molino Basin, hike a steep climb to a ridge, down toward Bellota Ranch, turn south on a ridge between Milagrosa and Agua Caliente Canyons, to end near Snyder Road. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 5, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Stephanie Pearson, 825-0859.

March 5, Wednesday - New Member Orientation Hike [D/3mi/200'/$1/8am] A prerequisite hike for joining Vistoso Hiking Club. Hike on Canyon Loop Trail, a short distance up Sutherland Cutoff Trail, and back. There is an orientation talk afterwards. Meet at the golf course parking lot. Susie Klein, 825-7535.

March 6, Thursday - Green Rock Summit [C/4mi/700'/$1/8am] A bushwhack scramble to the top of Green Rock.

Michael and Christa Lubatkin, 825-6872.

March 6, Thursday - Nature Trailings, South of The Border. [D/4mi/300'/$0/9am] South of the Sun City border,

that is. Meet at Mountain View Plaza parking lot. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

March 7, Friday- Vision Seeker's Gorge [C+/6mi/800'/$2/8am] Park at a Tank on the left about 3-1/2 miles in on Rail-X Ranch Road, hike a wash to the base of Tortolita Peak and follow animal trails over a ridge to the Gorge. We lunch at top of a large waterfall in Gorge. There are petroglyphs nearby. Gloves recommended. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Max Haegele, 818-9178.

March 8, Saturday - Walter's Cascade [C/5mi/800'/$1/8am] Park at the picnic area on the left after crossing the

wash. Hike back down the road, then SE through the wash and up into the foothills to a special place beside the

drainage. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 9, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - CSPark's best-known short trails. See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 10, Monday - Sausalito Creek [C/7mi/300'/$0/8am] Meet at Desert Oasis parking lot, hike mostly on dirt roads and trails through flats and foothills of Tortolita Mountains. Lunch by windmill in Sausalito Canyon and return. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

March 10, Monday - Blackett's Ridge [B/6mi/1700'/$3/8am] Hike Phoneline Trail to Blackett's Ridge Trail which is

a very steep, then a gradual, persistent climb to one of Tucson's premier views. Michael Lubatkin, 825-6872.

March 11, Tuesday - Spring Picnic in Catalina State Park - There will be four hikes offered. All hikes originate from the Sun City Vistoso golf parking lot for car-pooling.

8am start - prior sign-up required for these hikes:

Walter's Cascade, 5 miles, 800' - Call the Esparzas, 825-8271 to sign up

8am start -Round-about+ & Dripping Springs loop- 5-6 miles, 300' - Gaston Meloche, 825-2316

9am start - No prior sign-up required for the following hikes:

50-year Trail - South End, 4 miles, 400' - Paul Meier

Walk-in-the-Park - 4miles, 100' - Dorothy Krage

March 12, Wednesday - Dutchman/Bluff Springs Loop [B/10mi/1260'/$9/6:30am] This loop route skirts the base of the Superstition Mountains passing a variety of pleasant and, possibly, poppy/lupine-covered vistas across open desert country and then climbs over Miners Summit and drops back into the backcountry. From the Peralta trailhead, we follow the Dutchman trail passing beneath Miners Needle to Miners Canyon. We meander up a rocky area to Miners Summit where we continue on the Dutchman trail and descend into a tributary of Bluff Spring Canyon. We then cross a wash [most probably dry] and meet the Bluff Spring trail. We follow the Bluff Spring trail past the Terrapin trail for the remainder of the rather steep downhill 2.3 miles back to the trailhead. Dave Fraser, 818-2434.

March 12, Wednesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 12, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910

March 13, Thursday - Sutherland/50-year trail "Big Loop" [B/9mi/600'/$1/8am] 50-year trail to link to

Sutherland and back to Equestrian Center. We begin and end at the Equestrian Center. This hike is partially on State

Trust Land. Michael and Christa Lubatkin, 825-6872.

March 13, Thursday - Wasson Peak via Esperanza Trail [B-/8mi/1800'/$3/8am] Park at trailhead on Golden Gate

Road, hike up Esperanza Trail to Hugh Norris Trail, past old mines to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains and

return. Spectacular views. The Esparzas, 825-8271.

MARCH HIKE OF THE MONTH

March 14, Friday - History hike and Amerind Museum [C/6mi/0'/$9/8am]

Bob Cratty will once again take us on a walk back in time. We'll drive a couple of miles south of the town of Dragoon and then walk about 2 miles along an historic road, which was established by the Mormon Battalion during the war with Mexico in 1846. The following year, about 50,000 adventurers used it heading for the gold fields in California. Later, the Butterfield Overland Stage used it as part of their route. When we get to the ruins of the stage stop, we'll meet four historic figures that had passed through there. One has his profile on one of our coins; one was savagely assaulted there and his recovery is documented in medical journals; one was well known in Tucson and many of you have hiked a trail named for him; and one was a participant in the signing of the treaty between Cochise and the US that happened in front of the station. After hearing from these historic figures, we will walk back to our cars and drive to the Amerind Foundation Museum. There we will eat our lunch in their picnic area and get a docent-guided tour of the museum. Group fee for the museum is $3.00 per person. Millie Sparling, 825-0091.

March 15, Saturday - Fifty-Year/Bluff Trail Loop [C/7mi/400'/$1/8am] Park at Equestrian Center and take the 50-Year Trail through the gate at the north end of the park. Take a right and follow a trail on top of bluffs until it intersects with a jeep trail, which is the 50-year trail. Take that trail back to Equestrian Center. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 16, Sunday - CSP @ 8am. "Round-about", Dripping Spring & Green Rock Loop (some light bushwhack). See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 17, Monday - Seven Mile Loop in Oracle State Park [C/7mi/400'/$3/8am] From Kannally Ranch House Hike the Wildlife Corridor Trail to the Arizona Trail, Take it 1.5 miles, and return to Kannally Ranch via Manzanita Trail. Lunch on trail. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

March 17, Monday - Seven Falls St Patrick's Day Hike [C/8mi/900'/$3/8:30am] Hike to lower Bear Canyon, take Bear Canyon Trail to Seven Falls and return. This is Saint Patrick's Day. You must bring a lunch with something green to eat. Whoever shows the LEAST imagination wins a booby prize. Since you won't be able to leave in the park, you'll have to carry it back. Bob Cratty, 825-0157.

Tuesday, March 18 - Catalina to Sabino [A/21mi/4100'/$3/6am from CSP, 5am from Sabino] Hike Romero Trail over Romero Pass, down West Fork Sabino Canyon trail to Sabino Canyon and take the Phoneline Trail to Visitor Center or start at Sabino and go to Catalina State Park. This is planned as a KEY EXCHANGE hike. Those wishing to start at Catalina State Park, call Dale Knudson 818-6788; those wishing to start at Sabino Canyon, call Lee Bomar, 825-2702. In order to have a key exchange, we need at least four (4) hikers going each direction. Start at 0600 if leaving from CSP, 5am if leaving from Sabino. SPH

March 18, Tuesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 19, Wednesday- Oracle Ridge [C/7mi/1500'/$3/7am] Park at American Flag Parking on old Mt. Lemmon Road, hike to Oracle Ridge and return. Max Haegele, 818-9178.

March 19, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910

March 20, Thursday - Pima Canyon Dam. [C/7mi/1100'/$1/7:30am] Park at Pima Canyon trailhead, hike a rocky trail through open areas and a grove of large trees, to a point near some Indian grinding holes beyond the dam. Dave Fraser, 818-2434.

March 20, Thursday - Big Wash and Bluffs [C/6mi/100'/$0/8am] Meet at Catalina Vista parking lot. Technically a bushwhack, this hike is in the wash or follows animal trails on the bluffs. There are excellent vistas. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

March 21, Friday - Deer Camp via "No Name Trail" [C/9mi/1000'/$1/8am] Park at end of pavement on Golder Ranch Road, follow 50 Year Trail, to "No Name Trail" [south end] hike it to Deer Camp for lunch at camp and return. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Millie Sparling, 825-0091.

March 22, Saturday - Cargodera Canyon via Canyon Loop [C/6mi/700'/$1/8am] Hike Canyon Loop Trail, then take the Sutherland Cutoff Trail to Sutherland Trail, brunch on the flat rocks in Cargodera Canyon, and return by the same route. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 23, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Roundabout, Little Sand wash, Palo Verde & Bridle Loop (from Equestrian Center parking). See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 24, Monday- Wild Mustang Trail to Alamo Springs via Canyon Trail [B/14mi/1400'/$2] From Dove Mt. Trailhead take Wild Burro Canyon Trail to the Upper Javalina Trail, then up the mountain to Wild Mustang Trail. Continue on Wild Mustang Trail to Alamo Springs and return. Max Haegele, 818-9178.

Tuesday, March 25 - Mount Wrightson Loop [A/15mi/4050'/$7/6am] Park at Roundup parking lot, hike Old Badly Trail to summit and come down Super Trail. At top are 360-degree views from Tucson to Mexico. Start, 5400'. SPH Lee Bomar, 825-2702.

March 25, Tuesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

Tuesday, March 25 - Canyon Loop Trails [D/3-6mi/200-400'/$1/8am] Hike some or all of these park trails depending upon the whims of the guide: Romero Trail, Birding Trail, Sutherland Trail, Romero Ruins Trail. Marj Flory, 825-4580.

March 26, Wednesday - Oracle Ridge [C/7mi/1500'/$3/7:30am] Park at American Flag Parking on old Mt. Lemmon Road, hike to Oracle Ridge and return. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Dave Fraser, 818-2434.

March 26, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910.

March 27, Thursday - Wasson Peak via Esperanza Trail [B-/8mi/1800'/$3/8am] Park at trailhead on Golden Gate

Road, hike up Esperanza Trail to Hugh Norris Trail, past old mines to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains and

return. Spectacular views. The Esparzas, 825-8271.

March 27, Thursday - Nature Trail/Canyon Loop [D/4mi/200'/$1/9am] Hike to Montrose Pool and return by the same route. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

March 28, Friday - McDougal Ridge [C/6mi/1100'/$4/7am] Park at Babad Duag Overlook, hike Babad Duag Trail on southern slope to about 4800', generally paralleling Soldier Canyon. We continue past "End of Trail" sign about 1/3 mile to a series of waterfalls and have lunch. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 28, Friday - Honeybee Canyon Via Lost Coyote Trail [D/4mi/200'/$0/8am] Meet at Mountain View Plaza parking parking lot, hike Ranch Vistoso Blvd and take Lost Coyote Trail to Honeybee Canyon. The dam bypass trail starts to your left right after going through the fence. Take the dam bypass trail north past the lower dam to Honeybee Park, and return via Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

March 29, Saturday - Walter's Cascade [C/5mi/800'/$1/8am] Park at the picnic area on the left after crossing the wash. Hike back down the road, then SE through the wash and up into the foothills to a special place beside the drainage SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

March 29, Saturday - Flower & Photo Walks, Series II It has been five years since we put up the first flower walks series. This year appears to be ideal to repeat it, but with a twist: we will combine flower appreciation with photography. If there are enough participants, they will be divided into groups, each ideally accompanied by one experienced photographer and by a flower person to provide pertinent tips. Because of the nature of the walks, pace will be SLOW. Walks will take place in the CSPark, Saturday 3/29, on part of the King Canyon Trail, Tucson Mountains on Saturday, 4/11, and in Picacho Peak State Park on Saturday 4/26.

March 29, Saturday - Flower & Photo Walks, Series II - # 1/3: CSPark. [D-C/4-6mi/50'/$1/8:30am] Flower pertinent trails and paths. Please register before 4 p.m. on 3/27. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 30, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Nature, Birding, Hedgehog trails & West Ridges loop (some light bushwhack). See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

March 31, Monday - Honeybee Canyon [C/7mi/400'/$0/8am] Meet at Mountain View Plaza parking area. Walk west down Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and take Power Line Road north. Hike jeep road over to Honeybee Canyon. Go south past the upper dam. In Honeybee Park, take the dam bypass trail south past the lower dam. Cross Honeybee Wash and return via Lost Coyote Trail and Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

April 1, Tuesday - Wasson Peak via Esperanza Trail [B-/8mi/1800'/$3/8am] Park at trailhead on Golden Gate

Road, hike up Esperanza Trail to Hugh Norris Trail, past old mines to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains and

return. Spectacular views. The Esparzas, 825-8271.

April 2, Wednesday - Fifty-Year/Bluff Trail Loop [C/7mi/400'/$1/8am] Park at Equestrian Center and take the 50-

Year Trail through the gate at the north end of the park. Take a right and follow a trail on top of bluffs until it intersects

with a jeep trail, which is the 50-year trail. Take that trail back to Equestrian Center. This hike is partially on State

Trust Land. Christa Lubatkin, 825-6872.

April 2, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910.

April 3, Thursday - Romero Pools, Upper. [B-/7mi/1600'/$1/8am] Hike Romero Canyon Trail to upper pools and return by the same route. The Esparzas, 825-8271.

April 3, Thursday - Tortolita Preserve [C/6mi/300'/$1/8am] Park at the end of the Moore Road segment west of Dove Mountain Blvd. Hike a 3mi. portion or all of the established desert trail and return. This hike is all on State Trust Land. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

April 3, Thursday - Hike Guides Meeting - Papago room - 3pm, Millie Sparling, 825-0091. This will be followed

by a Board of Directors meeting. Jack Evert, 818-3068. Everyone is welcome.

April 4, Friday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 4, Friday - Phoneline Trail Out and Road Back [B/10mi/900'/$3/7:30am] Hike up to Phoneline Trail, which parallels tram road with outstanding views of canyon, follow it to tram stop 9, and return via the road. Dave Fraser, 818-2434.

April 5, Saturday - Flower & Photo Walks, Series II - # 2/4 [C4-6mi/400'/$3/8am]

Part of King Canyon Trail in the Tucson Mountains. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 5, Saturday - Cargodera Canyon via Canyon Loop [C/6mi/700'/$1/8am] Hike Canyon Loop Trail, then take the Sutherland Cutoff Trail to Sutherland Trail, brunch on the flat rocks in Cargodera Canyon, and return by the same route. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

April 6, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Crest, Bluffs & CDO Wash (from Equestrian Center parking). See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 7, Monday - New Member Orientation Hike [D/3mi/200'/$1/7:30am] A prerequisite hike for joining Vistoso Hiking Club. Hike on Canyon Loop Trail, a short distance up Sutherland Cutoff Trail, and back. There is an orientation talk afterwards. Meet at the golf course parking lot. Susie Klein, 825-7535.

April 7, Monday- Wild Burro Canyon Trail to Alamo Springs via Canyon Trail [C+/9mi/800'/$2/7:30am] From Dove Mt. trailhead, take Wild Burro Canyon Trail to Alamo Springs. Return via Alamo Springs trail to the Canyon Trail to trailhead. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Max Haegele, 818-9178.

April 8, Tuesday - Big Wash East Side [C/6mi/0'/$0/8am] Meet at Catalina Vista parking lot, Cross the wash, hike north and look for our feathered and furry friends on the side of the wash. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

April 8, Tuesday -Canyon Loop Trails [D/3-6mi/200-400'/$1/8am] Hike some or all of these park trails depending upon the whims of the guide: Romero Trail, Birding Trail, Sutherland Trail, Romero Ruins Trail. Marj Flory, 825-4580.

April 9, Wednesday - Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness West, Galiuro Mountains [B/12mi/200'/$8/7am] This pristine wilderness is a walk on the wild side; no trails, no signs; no facilities. It includes stream crossings that can be up to waist deep. Entrance by permit; $5 per day; limited to ten persons. Start at 2630'. A stop is planned in Mammoth at the La Casita Mexican Restaurant for a late lunch or early dinner. Jim Wisda, 825-6687.

April 9, Wednesday - Palisades Trail Down (A/12 mi/3000' /$7/7am). We will need spouses/friends to drive us to Palisades Ranger Station (7800') to drop us off, and we will need to leave cars/vans (depending on how many come) at the Sycamore Canyon-Prison Camp Trailhead. Depending on conditions, we is able to drive on the Scout Camp road to the Palisades trailhead. Otherwise, we start at the Ranger Station. Trail conditions are uncertain, and locating it in spots has proven difficult in the past. When we reach Sabino Basin, we head east on the East Fork (Arizona Trail) to Sycamore Spring reservoir, and then to the trailhead at the Soldier Camp Trail, thence NE to the Catalina Highway approximately 1.8 miles up from Molino Basin. A GPS is in order, and hikers who have been over the section from the Sabino Basin to Molino Basin area are needed. Jim Hobart, 825-7848.

April 9, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910

April 10, Thursday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 10, Thursday - Granite Overlook in Oracle State Park [C/5mi/400'/$3/8am] Park at Kannally Ranch House parking lot, hike interior nature trail to Granite Overlook. Take Belotta Trail back to cars. Lunch on trail. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

April 11, Friday- Wild Mustang Trail to Alamo Springs/Wild Burro Canyon Trail [B/12mi/1400'/$2/6am] From Dove Mt. trailhead, take Wild Burro Canyon Trail to the Upper Javalina Trail, then up the mountain to Wild Mustang Trail. Continue on Wild Mustang Trail to Alamo Springs and return via Wild Burro Canyon Trail. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Max Haegele, 818-9178.

April 11, Friday - Flower & Photo Walks, Series II - # 2/3 [C4-6mi/400'/$3/8am]

Part of King Canyon Trail, Tucson Mountains. See March 29 for details. Please register before 4 p.m. on 4/9. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 13, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Catalina's "Medium Loop" (from Equestrian Center parking). See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 15, Tuesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 16, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910

April 17, Thursday - Sausalito Creek [C/7mi/300'/$0/8am] Meet at Desert Oasis parking lot, hike mostly on dirt roads and trails through flats and foothills of Tortolita Mountains. Lunch by windmill in Sausalito Canyon and return. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

April 17, Thursday - Big Wash and Bluffs [C/6mi/100'/$0/8:30am] Meet at Catalina Vista parking lot. Technically a bushwhack, this hike is in the wash or follows animal trails on the bluffs. There are excellent vistas. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

April 20, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Fifty-Year & extension. See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 21, Monday - Pima Canyon Short Hike [D/4mi/500'/$1/8am] Park at Pima Canyon trailhead, hike 2 miles, to a major drainage coming out of a saddle between Pusch Peak and Table Mountain, and return. Paul Meier, 818-0173.

April 22, Tuesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 23, Wednesday - Josephine Saddle via Super Trail [B/8mi/1900'/$7/7am] Park at Roundup parking area. Take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle for lunch. Return the same way. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

April 23, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910.

April 24, Thursday -Canyon Loop Trails [D/3-6mi/200-400'/$1/8am] Hike some or all of these park trails depending upon the whims of the guide: Romero Trail, Birding Trail, Sutherland Trail, Romero Ruins Trail. Marj Flory, 825-4580.

April 25, Friday - Big Wash and Bluffs [C/6mi/100'/$0/8am] Meet at Catalina Vista parking lot. Technically a bushwhack, this hike is in the wash or follows animal trails on the bluffs. There are excellent vistas. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

April 25, Friday - Romero Pools, Upper [B-/7mi/1600'/$1/8am] Hike Romero Canyon Trail to upper pools and return by the same route. The Esparzas, 825-8271.

April 26, Saturday - Fifty-Year/Bluff Trail Loop [C/7mi/400'/$1/8am] Park at Equestrian Center and take the 50-Year Trail through the gate at the north end of the park. Take a right and follow a trail on top of bluffs until it intersects with a jeep trail, which is the 50-year trail. Take that trail back to Equestrian Center. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. SPH Dale Knudson, 818-6788.

April 26, Saturday - Flower & Photo Walks, Series II - # 3/3. Picacho Peak State Park. [C5-6mi/400'/$4/8am]. Part of Hunter or Sunset Ridge trails. See March 29 for details. Please register before 4 p.m. on 4/24. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 27, Sunday - CSP @ 8am - Cargodera Cyn. See March 2 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 28, Monday - Walter's Cascade [C/5mi/800'/$1/8am] Park at the picnic area

on the left after crossing the wash. Hike back down the road, then SE through the wash

and up into the foothills to a special place beside the drainage. The Esparzas, 825-8271.

April 28, Monday - Honeybee Canyon Via Lost Coyote Trail [D/4mi/200'/$0/8am] Meet at Mountain View Plaza parking parking lot, hike Ranch Vistoso Blvd and take Lost Coyote Trail to Honeybee Canyon. The dam bypass trail starts to your left right after going through the fence. Take the dam bypass trail north past the lower dam to Honeybee Park, and return via Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Mary Stagnitto, 818-3217.

April 29, Tuesday - EBC @ 7am - See March 4 for details. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

April 29, Tuesday - Peppersauce and Nugget Canyon Loop [C+/7mi/1200'/$4/7am] Park opposite Peppersauce Campground on old Mt. Lemmon Road, hike up Mt. Lemmon Road to Nugget Canyon turnoff, loop up canyon, and back down through Peppersauce Canyon, passing Peppersauce Cave and some old mining relics. Hike on old jeep roads and rough paths rather than maintained trails. This hike is partially on State Trust Land. Millie Sparling, 825-0091.

April 30, Wednesday - Walk-in-the-Park [D/4mi/10'/$1/8am] Hike from the main trailhead parking lot for an hour in some direction and return the same way. Dorothy Krage, 825-0910

APRIL HIKE OF THE MONTH

April 30, Wednesday - HOM - Florence Delights [C/5-6mi/200'/$5/9am] Hike details are at the beginning of this Newsletter. For logistical reasons, please register, at the latest, by Monday, April 28, before 4 p.m. Gaston Meloche, 825-2316.

Rich Lecinski

Long Realty Company

Oro Valley - Tucson Arizona

520-834-4663

www.arizonagreatliving.com