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I was wondering if there is any interest in forming a group to hike Picacho Peak.

I would imagine any saturday would be fine. We can all meet somewhere on the south side and carpool anyone who wants a ride.

Anyone interested?

I am thinking earlier is better. Besides, if we go earlier then we can spend more time at DQ afterwards. (Not that I really ever eat such BAD food.) But hey, I am a glutton for punishment, so I suppose what ever the temp I will be alright. Anna

Hi!!

I too am going to make it. I've never meet any of the HAZ members and of the people I live around, none seem to enjoy hiking....kinda looney in my opinion. Anyway if the plan is to meet at Fry's; what does everyone drive or will we just meet in of the empty corners of the lot? I drive an old chevy blazer (1976--red). If we meet at the park, I guess this doesn't matter--anyone leaving from the East Valley? I'm in Gilbert with room to share.

I say the earlier the better, Frys is a good place to meet even tho I'd be going a different route if I were by myself.

What about gloves?? Most everyone who commented on the trail talks about using them. They sound pretty necessary to me. Please let me know what kind/type/style you have. I'll have to pick some up. Actually the trail descriptions make it sound pretty treacherous. I'm a bit apprehensive but know with all the Pro's going, we should be fine, right?

This'll be my first stop at DQ in a VERY long time. I'm so excited, I don't know what I'll get; hmmm, a Peanut Buster Parfait; a Choc Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard, Butterscotch dipped cone, ooooooooo I know 'em all. But figure I deserve it if I climb this rock.

I just got some leather gloves from Home Depot. You don't need anything fancy - just something to protect your hands when you are using some of the rails (they are pretty nasty and better to ruin gloves than chew up your hands.) Anna

I'd suggest earlier; like no later than 7:30 start from the TH. Joe rates this a 4.5 physically and with temps headed for the 90's we could really suffer if we start any later. Anybody know what the shade situation is on the trail, particularly over the steepest part which appears to be at the end of the climb :

[quote='evenstarx3']Anybody know what the shade situation is on the trail, particularly over the steepest part which appears to be at the end of the climb :[/quote]

There isn't any. For the most part, you're completely exposed to the sun, especially as you get near the top. If you get an early enough start, the lower part of the climb may be out of the sun if you take the approach from the Sunset Trail, since it's on the western side of the mountain.

Big Chicken Hooli reporting :!: :!: :!:

I'm opting out of the Picachco hike. With Phantom Ranch coming up just two weeks later I'm just not gonna take the chance of pulling or straining something and having to cancel the PR hike. Going to hit the stair climber and bicycle instead and hope all you HAZ'ers have a great climb. Also thinking if buying some Dairy Queen stock :!: However may just drive the Bimmer down to watch Kelly eat:

a Peanut Buster Parfait; a Choc Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard, Butterscotch dipped cone, ooooooooo I know 'em all.

Like I said, 'The HAZ women are tough!' :roll: :roll: :roll:

Big baby


Err... I mean too bad hoolie... We will miss you

Meet us at DQ and buy us stuff after our hike :P

[quote='Cakewalk']
The preliminary weather forcast for May 4th is sunny and 92 degrees.
Not bad. As of right now we are planning to hit the trail by 8:30am

1. Is 8:30 a good time to start? Or you think earlier to beat the heat?
2. Other than ride arrangements, do you wanna meet at fry's eletronics parking lot, or just go and meet at the park.

Lets hear your feedback so we can make a final plan of attack.[/quote]

I like what Cakewalk has already set-up here. TH at 830a-- if we get too early, it'll be like work....It won't be hitting the early forecasted high of 92 degrees until 3 or 4pm.....there's my two cents.

Outlook

8AM 73°F
9AM 77°F
10AM 81°F
11AM 85°F
Noon 87°F
1PM 89°F

I am up for anything!

Well, it is confirmed - I am going one way or another. My hope is that a freind goes with so I can carpool and leave the car with my wife. But if that doesn't work out I still have permission to take the car. (Hmmm - who wears the pants in this relationship...)

Weighing in on a few other topics and questions:

Meeting place: Fry's parking lot is cool. Works well for me coming out of the east valley too. That brings up the subject of:

Time: I am ALL for going earlier. Others may balk - but I don't mind leaving as early as 5:00AM - so pick a time and I'll be there (hey, you can always take a nap later). Keep in mind that there is always a 30 minute or so lag time when you meet somewhere while we wait for all of the 'hey, I think so-and-so will be here...' I don't mind hiking in the heat, but I sure don't enjoy it. Which leads us to:

Shade: the trail is VERY exposed for the bulk of the hike - it can be quite hot. Which now leads into:

Gloves: I highly recommend bringing them. If for no other reason than you can slide down the cables on the backside on your way down. Very fun and entertaining after a long hike. Also, the cables tend to get a little rusty from time to time and using them without gloves can get your hands a bit dirty (not that any self-respecting hiker would care about that )

Cakewalk: this is your deal - so make the executive decision on time (place for mmeting seems secure) and then possibly a secondary meeting time at the park for those who want to take a different rout. Post all that so that everyone has a firm grip on what to plan for.

Can't wait to meet everybody.

OK... I will post the final plans on tuesday or Wednesday ( give everyone else a chance to throw in .02 cents. )

Im looking forward to saturday!

Hey guys,

Count me in for the hike this Saturday.

Coaster

Final plans:

We will meet at fry's ( electronics ) parking lot at 6:30 - 6:45 ish.. ( baseline at I-10 in Tempe ) One of the corners farthest from the store. I drive a small silver car with blacked out windows.

We should pull out by 7 to arrive at the park by 8:15 ish depending on traffic. For those driving, be prepared for a $5 park entry fee.

If you dont wish to meet at fry's then we will see you at the hunter trailhead. We should be under way no later than at 8:30.

Dont forget your gloves and plenty of water.

See ya saturday!

Well, just when I thought I was finally going to get to make it to one the HAZ group hikes, turns out I already had something on the schedule. Unfortunately, there's no getting out of it (I tried...), so I won't be able to make Picacho.
But, I'm still good for Humphrey's & the Wade, at least. Let's hope they don't shut them down!

Anna, sorry we won't be able to give you a ride. Maybe Randy is going and can give one. I hope you're still able to make the hike!

Have a great hike everyone, and take some good photos!!

OK---sounds good to me. Count me in for some early morning torture....

I will go to Fry's from Gilbert area. If anyone would like to car pool, I have a 76 Blazer-red & topless, speak-up by Friday evening.

Higgs

Sounds like fun - I haven't been out and about since my Chicago friend was here in March! I'd like to tag along. I think your meeting place at Fry's is the best bet for those of us who have never been to Picacho Peak. An earlier time is fine with me.

John

Thanks for the final plans Cake.

By the way - what the hell is a 'flutin' Kokapeli - does that mean I'm running around like some pied piper on acid or something? Can I choose to be a 'serenading' Kokapeli? Even 'chanting' would work. Maybe I should just post a monster number of posts and trail reviews to get to another level.

I sing - I don't play flute. (not that I have anything but the highest respect for flute players...... )

[quote='olesma']Thanks for the final plans Cake.

By the way - what the hell is a 'flutin' Kokapeli - [/quote]

Now I'm a 'Seed-sowin' Kokapeli - I can only guess as to what type of seeds they are......