Note: Unless otherwise specified in an activity’s description, there is no need to contact the leader to sign up for the activity – just show up on time at the designated meeting spot.

How are activities rated? View the Activity Rating Guide.

If you have pictures from your activities, please contact our webmaster, Greg at webmaster@azotc.com to get them posted on the website!

Hey! It's HOT! Follow these guidelines to keep you safe while hiking in the hot summer months.

Know your limits! Just because you can hike for hours when it's cool doesn't mean you can do the same hike when it's hot! Hydrate before you go! Drink plenty of fluids for several days before you go out in the heat. During hiking or backpacking in hot weather, you’ll need more fluids to stay hydrated. However, your body can absorb only about 1 quart of water per hour. So, drink about ½ to 1 quart of water or electrolyte replacement drink for every hour that you are out in the heat. DO NOT drink so much water that you repeatedly bloat yourself. Water intoxication, or hyponatremia, is caused by low sodium levels in the body. This condition is just as dangerous as dehydration and occurs when you drink too much water and don’t replace the salts your body lost during sweating. Balance your food intake and water consumption. Don’t forget to eat (try to eat 100 calories an hour, eating before you feel fatigued). Hot weather may decrease your appetite but you need to replace the salts your body loses through sweat and exertion. Eat a salty snack when you take a drink. If you’re hiking at a higher altitude, you’ll need to drink more water for dehydration prevention because you lose more fluids at higher altitude. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. Wear a hat or use an umbrella as well. Rest often, sitting in the shade. Wet your hat and shirt. Wear a bandana around your neck.

September

Tuesday, September 7 - Exercise Hike, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
RATING: B- LENGTH: 5-7 mi ELEV GAIN: <1000 ft
CO-LEADERS: Gary 623 878-6106 and Tom 602 264-9813
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the Loehman's parking lot, SW corner of 32nd St and Lincoln. This is a quick-paced exercise hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which will encompass a variety of trails. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Tuesday, September 7 - General Membership Meeting
6:45 pm, Scottsdale Civic Center Library (3839 N Drinkwater Blvd - just east of Scottsdale Rd and south of Indian School)
Join Mike Buchheit, director of the Grand Canyon Field Institute and professional photographer, for a lively presentation on the "ins and outs" of backcountry travel in Grand Canyon National Park. With the help of fifty-plus slides, insider tips and anecdotes, and official park statistics, Mike will address the various ways that visitors navigate the depths of the grandest of canyons. National Park Service trip planning information will be available, as well as GCFI literature. This is one you don't want to miss! Meeting starts at 6:45.  

Wednesday, September 8 - Humphreys Summit Hike, San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff
RATING: A LENGTH: 9 mi ELEV GAIN: 3300'
LEADER: Grace 480 767-1727
Meet at 6:45 am (depart at 7) at the Park & Ride on Bell Road, just west of I-17. Join us for this challenging hike to the highest point in AZ. Please call the hike leader the day before, to confirm that the hike is still on. Hike will be canceled if there are possibilities of monsoon storms. Bring sunscreen, warm clothing, rain gear, minimum of 3 liters of water, electrolytes and a windbreaker (brisk winds on the top are not uncommon). Cost to non-members is $5.  

Thursday, September 9 - Scottsdale Greenbelt Bike Ride
RATING: B- DISTANCE: About 15-25 mi
LEADER: Ray HikeAZ@aol.com
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the parking lot on the NW corner of Hayden Road & Indian School Road. We'll ride north on the Scottsdale greenbelt, and may be on some city streets. HELMETS required. Bring plenty of water. Ride will be cancelled in case of rain. $5 fee for non-members.  

Saturday, September 11 - Mingus Mountain - Yeager Loop & Woodchute Trail Hikes
RATING: A- LENGTH: 15 mi ELEV GAIN: 2000'
LEADER: Don 480 209-7963 dgmowry@gmail.com
Meet at 6:30 am (depart at 6:45) from the Park and Ride at the SW corner of I-17 and Bell Rd. We'll first hike the Yeager Canyon, Little Yeager and Yeager Cabin Loop Trails, a beautiful, forested series of trails. We'll take a short drive to the Woodchute Wilderness and hike to the crest and back. In the early 20th century, the summit was cleared of trees and sent down the north side of the mountain via a "wood chute" for shoring timbers for the mines in Jerome. A stand of second-generation ponderosa pines now inhabit the summit. Bring snacks and plenty of water. No dogs, please. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Saturday, September 11 - Sycamore Canyon Rim Loop Hike
RATING: B LENGTH: 11 mi ELEV GAIN: 600'
LEADER: Joyce Morningstar 602 299-7244
Meet at 7 am (depart at 7:15 am sharp) at the Park and Ride lot, I-17 and Bell Road. Our route loops through the forest at the northern end of Sycamore Canyon, the second-largest canyon in Arizona. In addition to nice views into the canyon below, we'll pass ruins of an old sawmill, a spring, and the Pomeroy Tanks, a series of ponds in a rocky basin. Wear sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots, wide brimmed hat, sunglasses. Bring rain jacket, snacks, lunch, electrolytes and plenty of water. Cost to non-members $5.  

Wednesday, September 15 - Hike: New Section of the AZ Trail at Flagstaff
RATING: B/C LENGTH: ~10 mi ELEV GAIN: ~1500 ft
LEADER: Ralph Engler 602 996-7312(H) or 480 855-7062(C)
Meet at 6:15 am (depart at 6:30) in the parking lot of the McDonalds at Carefree Hwy and I-17. This is an early fall hike through the aspens, pines, and grassy meadows of a newly-opened section of the AZ Trail. Bring water and sunscreen. No dogs or children. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Thursday, September 16 - Scottsdale Greenbelt Bike Ride
RATING: B- DISTANCE: About 15-25 mi
LEADER: Ray HikeAZ@aol.com
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the parking lot on the NW corner of Hayden Road & Indian School Road. We'll ride north on the Scottsdale greenbelt, and may be on some city streets. HELMETS required. Bring plenty of water. Ride will be cancelled in case of rain. $5 fee for non-members.  

Saturday, September 18 - Groom Creek - Isabella Loop Photo Hike
RATING: B- (at "D" pace) LENGTH: 8.7 mi ELEV GAIN: 1350 ft
LEADER: Mare muttz9@cox.net
Meet at 6:30 am (depart at 6:45 sharp!) at Deer Valley Park & Ride, SW corner of I-17 and Bell Rd. Sweet vista views, cool forests and an easy summit climb to a fire tower attract droves of hikers to this popular Prescott trail. Interesting geology, ruins of an old cabin and massive thickets of locust and Gambel oak trees make for non-stop photo opportunities. PACE WILL BE SLOW, with many photo stops; hikers are required to stay together - no exceptions. The route has some slippery, steep, rocky sections! Bring sturdy boots, sun protection, rain gear, at least 3 quarts of water, snacks and lunch. Non-member fee: $5.  

Wednesday, September 22 - Northwest Trail Hike - South Mountain Park
RATING: C LENGTH: 5.5 mi ELEV GAIN: 150 ft
LEADER: Jon Kimoto 602 237-3138
Meet at 7 am (depart at 7:15) at 35th Avenue and Carver Road/Ceton Drive, southwest corner. Hike begins up a gradual bajada on an old horse trail. Then west, gaining elevation, across varied terrain on a new trail built by Volunteer Arizona, to the San Juan Ramada. Excellent views of the Sierra Estrellas above the brown cloud. Bring minimum 2 quarts of water, electrolytes, sun protection, sturdy hiking boots, snacks, snake repellant and a cheerful attitude. Be prepared, hike will proceed rain or shine. No dogs or small children. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Thursday, September 23 - Pinnacle Peak Park Hike and Breakfast
RATING: C DISTANCE: 3.75 mi ELEV GAIN: 600 ft
LEADER: Marilyn 480 473-2565
Meet at 6 am (depart 6:15) at the ramada at Pinnacle Peak Park, 26802 N 102nd Way, in North Scottsdale. After the hike we will go somewhere local for breakfast. Cost for non-members $5.  

Saturday, September 25 - Walnut Canyon National Monument Key-Exchange Hike (Flagstaff)
RATING: A- LENGTH: 14 mi ELEV GAIN: 800 ft
CO-LEADERS: Dan Rothman 480 991-1647 (H) 480 773-5197 (C) and Gary Gleason 623 878-6106
Meet at 6:15 am (depart at 6:30) at Park-n-Ride on the SW corner of I-17 and Bell Road. This hike will take us from Lower Lake Mary to the Walnut Canyon National Monument, via the pleasant and well-maintained Sandy's Canyon and Arizona Trails. Along the way, we'll have scenic views of Walnut Canyon from Fisher's Point and other overlooks. At the Monument, we'll see 800-year-old cliff dwellings as we hike the popular Island Loop Trail. Our two groups will do this hike in opposite directions, combining to end the day with dinner in Flagstaff. Bring sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and rain gear just in case. Riders will split entrance fee to the Monument. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Sunday, September 26 - Woodchute Trail Hike
RATING: B- LENGTH: 8 mi ELEV GAIN: 800 ft
LEADER: Joyce Morningstar 602 299-7244
Meet at 7 am (depart at 7:15) at the Park & Ride at I-17 & Bell Road, to carpool to the Potato Patch Trailhead on Woodchute Mountain. The trail follows the contour of the mountain near a ridge line, then climbs through a forest of pine and juniper to reach the viewpoint on the north side of the mountain. Great views of Humphreys Peak and the Verde Valley. Bring plenty of water, lunch, a hat, and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Tuesday, September 28 - Exercise Hike, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
RATING: B- LENGTH: 5-7 mi ELEV GAIN: <1000 ft
CO-LEADERS: Gary 623 878-6106 and Tom 602 264-9813
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the Loehman's parking lot, SW corner of 32nd St and Lincoln. This is a quick-paced exercise hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which will encompass a variety of trails. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.  

Thursday, September 30 - Social Hour
4:30-6:00 pm, Millennium Resort, Scottsdale
7401 N Scottsdale Rd. 480 948-5050
Join us and enjoy the view of the McCormick Ranch Lake and golf course, from the bar or out on the patio of the Millennium Resort. $4 domestic beers, $5 well drinks, $6 wine specials, and ½-price selected appetizers.

Looking Ahead:

Saturday, October 2 - First Annual Member Appreciation Picnic - South Mountain Park Activity Complex
This free lunch for members and guests is the kick-off for the new Club Year. All memberships will run from October 1 to September 30. Come out in the morning and hike or bike before the lunch. Jeff Peebles will DJ and provide music. Anyone having ideas for additional entertainment or skits, contact Jeanie Eller or Linda Holman.

May 27-June 7, 2011 - Czech & German Bike Adventure (Interest only)
Fourteen lucky AzOTC members will get to ride with us in parts of the Czech Republic and Germany. Our "easy"-rated trip starts in Prague and follows the Elbe River to Meissen, Germany. We will cover an average of 30 miles a day. The cycling is mostly on the flat or downhill, though there are several short uphill sections, generally when ascending out of river valleys. The paths are 70% asphalt, 30% well-maintained gravel lanes. Much of the cycling is on dedicated cycle paths. Our route takes us through varied landscapes, from rolling vineyards to sandstone rock formations and craggy canyons. This ancient trading route has a long and colorful history, including medieval fortresses, castles, and churches. The bike trip includes 7 nights in local hotels, 7 breakfasts, 21-gear touring bikes with rear pannier and water bottle holder. We will have a dedicated tour leader/guide who cycles with the group each day. Luggage is transferred from point to point by hotel vehicles. Also included will be round-trip airfare and hotels for one night before the trip and two nights after the trip (including breakfasts) to allow you to have fun exploring the fascinating city of Prague and its surroundings. NOT included in the cost are lunches, dinners and sightseeing on your own before and after the bike trip. Please contact Ray Lorti Hikeaz@aol.com or Linda Holman lindaanne@cox.net for more information.

January 22 to 29 - SKI SUN VALLEY
LEADER: Liz Echeverria, Liz@LizE.net 602 524-6090
This is a Far West Ski Association trip to fabled Sun Valley, Idaho. Lodging runs from a low of $959 to $1359. For details, email or call the leader. There is a limited amount of lodging available. Lodging and bedding selection will be based on receipt of deposit. The price for air fare is not known at this time. Send in your deposit of $100 (check payable to Arizona Ski Council) to the leader, 4407 E Chuckwalla Canyon, Phoenix, AZ 85044. Don't miss out on this trip!