HikeArizona.COM

So, I'm looking for input here. Advice, Suggestions, Naysayers, potential Participants. I normally have an Annual New Year's Day Event. I think last year's turnout was the biggest ever, with 19 Hikers. This year would have been the 10th Annual and I was planning on something a bit different and cool, but with the current Pandemic, I'm already nixing that one. Do I even have one? Limit the amount of people? Forget it entirely? Defer it until later in the year and maybe do a summer event? Have one and insist on Masks at least at the top? I normally have my Hike planned by Thanksgiving and so I'm planning in November which is fast approaching. Thoughts? What are people's comfort levels at this point?

I think 2020 is one to celebrate it being over even if things continue into 2021 at some rate. You should have it, and have the disclaimer "everyone should follow CDC guidelines and if you don't it's all on you!" I haven't attended one but good grief with it being outside just pick a summit that has plenty of spread out potential.
Unrelated suggestion, Joe put in a mask line of merch with the HAZ insignia and "2020 SUX!!" Have all your attendees bring/ wear them for the group photo!

Cochise stronghold

goat hill

yes, let's do it . We'll be outdoors and we can social distance a bit and/or wear masks for those who are more comfortable with that. Besides, we have to celebrate my retirement too.

I was thinking we could hike to the hill above Telegraph Canyon off of FR 4 [ photo ] [ photo ] . You can hike it from several directions either as short or as long as you want too. Plus there's a window to check out [ photo ] . Kelly and I did this last Dec [ photoset ]

Or maybe something in the Goldfields?

@tibber
I generally like to try to find a Peak, and I'm looking further out. Goldfields will have a ton of people in them on New Year's. But we'll see what the consensus is to even have one this time around. If the weather is bad, I'll have a fall back peak, but I'm trying to find something SE this year if we do have one. I should have done SE last year, but with all the burn and limited access for cars, it's been difficult.

@outdoor_lover
Bighorn Peak

Why not consider Hutton Peak. RayHuston reported on it and it is located near Top of the World.

I have my heart set on attending the event, but would understand if you don't want to risk it. The big issue, aside from masks and distancing, would be handling of champagne, cookies and other goodies. I'm sure we can figure that out. The group photo will require some creativity with distancing and angles, but we ought to be able to figure that out too (before too much champagne is ingested).

2020 needs to be put to rest. Let's drink champagne and ring in the new year with friends! As safely as we can.

@SuperstitionGuy @outdoor_lover
Maybe that's why Pam had "questions." That might be fun if we can find another approach. The road we came in on requires high clearance 4X4.

As the organizer of the event I say do whatever you feel comfortable with and then let grown adults make their own decision on if they feel comfortable attending. If you don’t feel comfortable or for some reason feel responsible for others then you probably shouldn’t have it. My .02 cents.

@SuperstitionGuy @rayhuston Yeah, if I have it, Hutton's already been nixed due to road and parking.