HikeArizona.COM

Hey everyone- I am new here to this site, and also new to AZ, only been here for about 9 months. I have done some hiking, if you can call it that, and I have been reading over many of the hikes here and am ready to go on my "first" this weekend. I am going for the Garden Valley Loop, hoping it will be not so crowded. I figure it is a good place to start and judging from the write up here, it will give me enough challange but not too much! I am not completely a novice to hiking, but pretty much so- never used a GPS (but want to-gonna buy one soon), don't know how to read topos (any suggestions on how/where to learn?). As you can see- that limits me tremendously! But- I have a plan- start small and work my way up. I am in fairly good shape, and sure know the dangers of desert hiking (I always overplan everything- water water water!).
So anyway- just wanted to intro myself, and say hello. Hope to see you on the trail sometime.

Here are some trails I am thinking of for this spring/summer/fall:

Reavis Falls (and others around there)
Rogers Canyon
One up in Apache-Sitgreaves this summer (hiked some around Chevelon Canyon- man thats a fun road comin' back up from the lake, enit?)

Anybody interested in accompanying a newbie sometime?
Mike

Welcome Mike

Garden Valley is an excellent choice if you go soon.
I was in the area this morning. Lush is taking on a whole new meaning!

somebody will surely help you out with topo and partnerinfo

I have read many of your triplogs here, and I enjoy them immensely. Great inspiration to get out there in it. I think this Saturday should be just perfect (hoping the rain will be over), and I am looking forward to the hike.

Thanks for links, btw. Wondering if REI is offering any more beginner topo clinics soon. Seems I missed one recently. Matt??

Thanks to you all for your excellent triplogs and trail descriptions!!

Mike

I work at REI where we sell both topos and GPS units. If you wanted to come in to the store some day (SW corner of Priest and Southern) most of us can give you a brief lesson in topos and/or GPS. If you want you can ask for me, that happens to be my area. I work everyday but mon. and wed.

I think that garden valley loop should be a good one. You shouldn't run into too many people during the middle of the hike. But I would expect to see people at the spring and in the valley.

In response to AZHikr4444's reply:

Here are two classic navigation tutorials:

"Land Navigation Handbook", W. S. Kals
"Be Expert With Map & Compass", Bjorn Kjellstrom

Also, I find an altimeter even more useful than a compass most of the time.

Hey, Big Load's reply was most relevant. Yeah, an altimeter is cool!

I bought one of those Buck Roger's altimeter wrist watches four years ago. It works. I am addicted to it.

I'd really rather know which "contour line" I am on. With a glance at the sun and the topography, I can figure out where I am and where I am going.

Elevation is a key component of navigation. Of course, an altimeter is no substitute for competent usage of a traditional map and compass.

However, if you are apparently like Big Load and me, we'd prefer an altimeter. They are way cool!

OK. That said, let's get back to the basics. Go to your nearest public library and search first for the books Big Load recommended. They are great references. But don't forget to use the wizardry of the computerized card catalogs of today's libraries.

Simply do a keyword search for "map compass" or some such combination of those words. You will be amazed at the books you can check out from your local library. Believe it or not, LIBRARIES RULE!

j

Hey Matt,

I was in REI yesterday, around 6 or so. I asked about you at the counter, but the dude (Nate) didn't seem to know you.

I did ask him about upcoming topo or compass/map clinics, and he said I should check the April newsletter. Oh, yeah- I became a member.

Your answer was what I was hoping for! I'll stop by next week and ask for you. Gotta get paid again before I go back in there, or I'll be super broke!

Yeah Nate and I have that sort of relationship. I've been accidentally calling him Nick for the last several weeks and so he has developed a problem recognizing my name as well. Any one of the other cashiers will be more helpful than he was. You might specify 'Matt in camping' or 'Matt Gilbert' as there are a couple of us at the store.

Welcom Mike! I'm out most weekends, so if you want to tag along, just holler/pm for the hike of the weekend. Joe also has several hiking groups listed to join. Mary

jared youre so funny

GV tomorrow....see ya there Mike