HikeArizona.COM

OK so the forum is almost finished, and I as near as I can tell the "hiking partners" area hasn't been used for a year (can that be true?) Therefore, I'm not feeling very optimistic.

Still.I might as well give this a try.....I'm going to Phoenix for a meeting Feb 27th-28th (Sun-Monday). I am planning to extend my visit to the area by a couple of days so I can get out into the country.

I'm most interested in the Red Rock country for photography. I was thinking about Secret Canyon. On the other hand I'm pretty open about the destination. I just want to spend at least one night under the desert stars.

I was planning on arriveing in Phoenix Friday the 25th and spending Friday night and Saturday night out. My meeting starts in Phoenix at 1pm on Sunday. This timing is probably easier for most people.

Alternatively, I could stay later and spend Monday and Tuesday nights out on the trail. That option is mid-week which has advantages on crowded trails, but I'm guessing that Feb is still early for crowds and most people have to work. If I don't hear from anyone I'll go solo mid week.

Who am I....I'm a college professor (51) with quite a bit of hiking and camping experience, mostly in Oregon, California and Colorado. I am not interested in covering lots of miles or doing anything very risky. I like solitude and natural beauty. I enjoy meeting other people who share a love of nature. I would like to find someone, or several people who would like to do this trip with me. So....Let's see if anyone actually reads this.

Craig
...........

There ain't no answer. There ain't gonna be any answer. There never has been an answer. That's the answer.
Gertrude Stein

In response to Wildatheart's reply:
Hi Craig

I'd recommend checking out ArizonaHikers.com for a partner/group

As for Secret Canyon, you won't go home disappointed

keep in mind...
It will be below freezing at nights for sure in those canyon areas.
It's also is bear country, but maybe they're all in hibernation

I'm committed that W/E, but could potentially do the Mon./Tue.....
When your plans firm up you might want to PM me or email @ kurt at ibmmonitors dot com....

kurt

Wow. That worked pretty well. I guess I was just plain lucky that the forum started up after a year right when I needed it.

Kurt...that sounds good. I will see if I can get things pinned down then let you know.

Joe..apparently you are the amazing force behind much of this wonderful resource and you even take the time to respond to a request like mine and to recommend a different amazing web site. My hat is off to you. Your comments on the conditions in late Feb are also welcomed.

You guys are making me wish I lived in Arizona.


Craig (alias WildatHeart)

In response to Wildatheart's reply: I'm new here, so bear with me while I figure this all out. I'm curious - where is Secret Canyon? Never heard of this one. I'm an avid hiker who resides in Casa Grande, AZ. Began seriously hiking a year ago and have done a couple of long ones - Fossil Springs, Picacho Peak.. but mostly 2-3 miles ones 2-3 times a week here in CG.

PeggySue wrote: I'm curious - where is Secret Canyon? Never heard of this one.

Peggy Sue, if we told you, it wouldn't be Secret Canyon anymore, now would it?

Shawn is right, but... perhaps we could point you in the right direction

Click on the "S" in that alphabet near the top of the page

In response to joe bartels' reply:

Thanks guys ! I'll have a look. I'd love to do some hiking up in the cool country this summer. I'll watch this sight for any being set up. There is 2 guys from CG that might be interested in too. We are all newly associated with Arizona Trailblazers. I just did the Groom Creek trail this past Sunday. Awesome views from the top of the summit.

Peggy Sue

PeggySue,

Groom Creek is a great hike and the views are pretty terrific from that outcropping of rocks. Was anyone in the tower?

You'll LOVE Secret Canyon and you must venture into some of the washes~~~~the red rocks and green foliage are just beautiful. Watch out for poison ivy though

In response to Trishness' reply:

Yes, there was someone in the tower. I didn't go up into, though. Just sat and enjoyed the view from the rock area. The only other more scenic trails that I've hiked on is up near the Snowbowl area - Kachina Trail in Flagstaff. And I've done Boyton Canyon in Sedona. I noticed you've just done a trail in Madera Canyon - How did you enjoy that ? Been there once -but not a serious hike at that time and love to go back. I'm trying to work up to the Grand Canyon ones.

Madera Canyon is BEAUTIFUL........unfortunately we had a few short days to spend there so I'm heading back there in Sept for some serious hiking. If you're a bird watcher, this is heaven. It's also Black Bear territory so be on the alert as there have been sightings.

:mrgreen: