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14 triplogs
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May 28 2011
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Vultee Arch Trail #22Sedona, AZ
Vultee Arch Trail #22
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar May 28 2011
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking3.00 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
300 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was an adventerous hike and would've been even better had we found Vultee Arch. My daughter and I followed the directions on hikearizona.com and ended up walking way past the trail. When we back tracked and found the sign for Vultee Arch and how much farther we had to go, we said, "forget it". We were hot and hungry. We will make another attempt in September 2011. Needless to say, I haven't been hiking since. I'm a big baby when it comes to extreme weather. Looking forward to hiking season, which for me is September - May. I did get some good shots during this hike though and it was a great work-out. Also, it was the last hiking trip for Hercules, our brown Chihuahua. In July he left to hike the trails of heaven. Check out the photos.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Feb 12 2011
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Hidden Valley via Pima CanyonPhoenix, AZ
Hidden Valley via Pima Canyon
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 12 2011
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking6.00 Miles
Hiking6.00 Miles   6 Hrs      1.00 mph
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My son, son in-law and I started around 10:30 am at the Marcos De Niza Trailhead head out on the dirt road into Pima Canyon. It's about a mile and 175 elevation gain down the road to Pima Canyon Trailhead. The trail curves around before dipping into a wash marked as the start of the National Trail. That rock that we found last time with the quote on it was still stacked on top of other rocks, exactly where we found it before. I didn't take a picture of it this time though.

We quickly gained elevation and it started to get a bit tough the final 550 feet up. It was a breeze for my sons but I didn't let on that there was a bit of huffin' and puffin'. After this we came upon a deep hole which we suspect was once a mining shaft. Further on up the trail, under a large over-head rock area, was a litter of personal care items, books, clothing, etc. that two or more people had abandoned; obviously hiding out. It was kind of gross and pathetic. :yuck:

This stretch between Pima Canyon Trailhead to the Hidden valley turnoff is almost a 1 1/2 miles. The grade is moderate through the most part but there is a short section which is steep. This is where we got close up photos of a bold squirrel that practically took cashews from my sons hand. :D

At the Hidden Valley turnoff we hiked about 1/2 mile through Hidden Valley. You'll immediately pass through the tunnel. You would never think that this would exist in this area. Compared to the desert, it just looks so out of place. The temperature dropped tremendously through the tunnel. A welcomed reprieve from the at least 80 degrees. There are Boulders that appear to be huge, smooth saucers and mushrooms, along with the most amazing sculptures with short caves/over-hangs. My son took a photo of me in one of them. This is where we did some major rock climbing, digging our fingers and shoes into gaps and holes to get through holes barely wide enough to fit through. Check out the photos. :wlift:

We scaled up two rock slides and passed some petroglypics before reaching Fat Man's Pass, which are incredible curved rocks with a slight gap between them. Part of that curved rock we used to slide down several times. It was hilarious. :y: From there it was back home on the National Trail before reaching the Hidden Valley turn we originally took, passing the Mormon turnoff.

To think, I only loaded about 1/2 the photos I took. I have so many more of unusual rock sculpture and plants/flowers but I think you have an idea of this incredible hike. It should've only taken 3 hours; however, being the photo freak that I am and in no hurry, we stopped several times to pose, eat, and just take in an unexpected beauty that's right in my back yard. :DANCE:
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Harris Antelope Squirrel
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Feb 06 2011
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Papago Buttes and South Mountain, AZ 
Papago Buttes and South Mountain, AZ
 
Climbing avatar Feb 06 2011
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Climbing
Climbing   5 Hrs      0.00 mph
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Last time I did this climb was April 7, 2010 when I broke my leg. For the first time ever, I brought my kids. We didn't have much time because they had to be at their Dad's for the Super Bowl. Austin spent the weekend with me as usual so we headed a couple miles down the road to pick up Ashley. Last year, in March, I did this to conquer my fear of heights. This time I was afraid for my kids. Any little slip could be the end of any of us. Still, we climbed the 2nd highest rock formation at the Buttes and into a large/wide cave. It took hardly anytime, but it was a quick fix for me. We found these short medal posts, which my son said were used to climb up the rock. My son also found a dead bat (check out the pics).

By time I got home it was only 2 pm, too early to stop now. So I walked to the S. Mountain Preserves(a 10 min. walk from my house), and hiked the East Pima Trail and Pima Wash. I found a high rock formation and sat there for over an hour reading a book on my Kindle. I thought to myself, "this is a perfect day to be here". Because of the Super Bowl, there was hardly anybody there. Quite unusual for a Sunday afternoon on such a beautiful day. Those that were there, hiking and biking, were my kindred spirits. Not even a Super Bowl could keep us from this. Given the choice, were it my last day on earth, I wouldn't trade this to watch a football game.
When I got home, I made the best meal.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Desert Cottontail
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Jan 30 2011
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Mormon Loop TrailPhoenix, AZ
Mormon Loop Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 30 2011
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,375 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles   3 Hrs      1.67 mph
1,375 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I did this hike 17 days ago on my 51st birthday. I loved it so much that I took my son and son in-law. We headed out about 10:30 and finished at 1:45. They had a blast but Austin had us hike this peak that I didn't plan on. He actually ran up it. It was worth it though.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Jan 15 2011
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Treasure Loop to Praying HandsPhoenix, AZ
Treasure Loop to Praying Hands
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 15 2011
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking4.00 Miles 1,000 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   2 Hrs      2.00 mph
1,000 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Ashley, Austin and I did this guided hike the day after my birthday. Besides a lady passing out at the top of the loop, we had a blast. I could tell my kids didn't like the guided tour part. Although it was interesting, it wasn't fast enough for these 20 year olds. The hike took exactly 2 hours from 9-11 am. We went to the Goldfield Ghost Town, bought some cowboy hats and cool rocks, ate, and took some fun photos. The only thing missing was Chris and Alexis, my son-in-law and oldest daughter.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Jan 14 2011
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Mormon Loop TrailPhoenix, AZ
Mormon Loop Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 14 2011
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,375 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles   5 Hrs      1.00 mph
1,375 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I took the day off for my 51st birthday and started this hike around 1 pm. I walked from my house through the golf course and to the trailhead (10 min. walk) off of Guadalupe Rd. and 48th st. in Ahwatukee. I took my Hercules with me. What a man! (dog). The petroglyphs were spectacular. Being the curious person I am, I meandered off the trail a bit and found 2 more sets of petro's.
The only thing that would've made this better would be to share it with my kids, but two were at work and my oldest had her colon removed 10/6 and has been in the hospital all but about 3 of the weeks between then and now. My hope is that she will once again be able to hike her favorite city hike, Camelback.
This hike shouldn't take more than a couple hours; however, as usual, my trigger happy camera finger and my curiosity always gets the best of me. Oh...by the way, Hercules climbed on the couch and slept for hours as soon as we got home. Then I had to give him back to my daughter where he lives.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Sep 06 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Tonto Natural BridgePayson, AZ
Tonto Natural Bridge
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 06 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking1.50 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking1.50 Miles   1 Hour      1.50 mph
500 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My kids and I have been coming to Tonto Natural Bridge for years. We brought my son in law for the first time and took our Christmas photo. My daughter Alexis slipped into the creek. It was hilarious. She can't stand for her feet to touch anything slimy or bumpy. This was the last time she would be doing anything active for a while before having major surgery on October 6th. There were complications and here it is February 3rd, 2011 and she just got out of the hospital yesterday.

Tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has been in the making for thousands of years. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. More on how it was discovered and how it was formed at http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/TONA/index.html
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
  1 archive
Aug 06 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Airlplane Flats, AZ 
Airlplane Flats, AZ
 
Car Camping avatar Aug 06 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Car Camping
Car Camping1 Day         
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
From Payson travel 33 miles east on S.R. 260 to F.R. 512 (Young Road). Turn left 2.5 miles south at F.R. 33 (Colcord Ridge Campground) and continue another 5 miles on a windy road to the campground on your right.

The campground is shaded by deep, tall stands of ponderosa pine. It's an easy hike from Canyon Creek. It's one of those campgrounds described as dispersed. The name comes from an old plane crash from the past. It survived the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski fire nicely, even though the surrounding area didn't.

My family came to this "secret" campground for years beginning in the early 90's. We stopped going after the divorce and after the big fire of 2002. I hadn't been there in at least 15 years. When 2 of 3 of my kids and my new son and law returned in August of 2010, my heart sunk at all the damage. Miles and miles of dead, burned trees as far as I could see. When we finally got to Airplane Flats, I was so happy to see that it was practically untouched. Good memories started flooding back and I just had to thank God for preserving this spot just for us.Unfortunately we got rained out, no...drenched out and only stayed 1 day/night.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Bluebonnet Lupine  Common Chicory  Delphinium  Fountain butterflybush  Mexican Hat  New Mexico Locust  Red Cinquefoil  Silverstem Lupine  Wheeler Thistle  Wild Geranium
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Dog  Orange Skipperling  Satyr Comma
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Apr 07 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Broken Leg at Papago Buttes, AZ 
Broken Leg at Papago Buttes, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 07 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking2.20 Miles 140 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles   1 Hour      2.20 mph
140 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I work about a mile from Papago Park so right after work I did a short hike. I was going down a ravine and jumped to keep from falling and landed hard and to the side of my foot. It's no exaggeration that it was more painful than having 3 babies. Not only that, it ruined my hiking season. I didn't do another mini hike until August, up at Airplane Flats, near Woods Canyon Lake (past Payon). It hurt so bad just to do short hikes throughout the stay. Check out the nasty pics. The last picture was at my daughters wedding. I was her photographer and I hobbled around all day/night taking photos. I was miserable. A month later, I packed and moved our 3,000 square foot house full of furniture and memories from Maricopa, AZ to Ahwatukee. No fun-losts of pain.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Mar 20 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Bell RockSedona, AZ
Bell Rock
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 20 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking1.00 Miles 547 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles   2 Hrs      0.50 mph
547 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was a beautiful and unusually hot day, alone with Hercules and Love (family Chihuahuas). We hiked around the Bell and then as far up as I could with my little critters. Our family has been coming to Sedona/Jerome; Jeep Tours, Jazz Festival, , Verde Canyon Train Ride, Wine Tasting, Slide Rock, fishing, picnicing, shopping, etc. since the early 90's. I have hundreds of photos; however, I will only post a few from my last hike. The 2 photos of me with a cigar was taken in 2009. I took a puff of my hiking partners cigar on a dare and got sick. Needless to say, we haven't hiked together since, but that's not why. :?

Bell Rock is considered one of Sedona's spiritual vortex centers. Many believe the rock energizes and calms those upon its slopes. It rises 550 feet and is located at the northern edge of the Village of Oak Creek. It's a leisurely, stairstep climb up and a round a dynamic rock sculpture, classified by geologists as a butte. Whatever elevation you climb to, the views of the surrounding rock formations are monumental. To the east of Bell Rock is Courthouse Butte, a ginormous red rock monolith.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Mar 14 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Sunrise Peak from 128th StreetPhoenix, AZ
Sunrise Peak from 128th Street
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 14 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking5.50 Miles 1,282 AEG
Hiking5.50 Miles   5 Hrs      1.10 mph
1,282 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I actually made this hike because I entered the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Photo Contest, which is the reason it took me 5 hours. The last 12 photos with captions are the ones I entered. I didn't win; however, I got alot of cool pictures. 3 weeks later I broke my leg. :(

Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is like no other place in the Valley. It is geologically unique and home to stunning geography, lush cacti forests and diverse wildlife. Check out my photos, which capture only about a 6 mi hike of the 14,000 scenic acres of Scottsdale.
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Quartz
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Mar 06 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Papago Buttes - Papago ParkPhoenix, AZ
Papago Buttes - Papago Park
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 06 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking2.20 Miles 140 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles   1 Hour      2.20 mph
140 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I have hiked the Buttes since I moved from San Diego to Scottsdale in 1976 at age 16. In high school, the amphitheatre steps were a big hang out. Who would've thought that I'd be hanging out there for exercise and finally documenting this first hike there in years.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Feb 06 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Telegraph Pass Trail - South MountainPhoenix, AZ
Telegraph Pass Trail - South Mountain
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 06 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Hiking2.40 Miles 525 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   2 Hrs      1.20 mph
525 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hikes take me longer than they should because my hobby is photography. Although on this hike all I had was my camera phone.

Believe it or not, ex Cardinal Player Mark Maddox took the photo of Ashley and I. We had the same exact camera, so we struck up a brief conversation. Someone offered to take a picture of him, Ash and I thinking we were a family. He jokingly said, "Na, that's okay, we're going through a nasty divorce right now". I responded, "Yeah, we have two more kids at home." We all laughed but I think that person believed us. He offered to take the photo and then jotted down my e-mail address and sent it to me. When I saw his name on his e-mail signature, it sounded familiar so I googled it. Very cool. He must live in the Foothils.

The only trailhead on the southern side of South Mountain, Telegraph Pass is popular among us Ahwatukee residents. When these photos were taken, I was a Maricopa resident, but off/on Ahwatukee resident (kids went to Jr. High and High School here). Some Hohokam petroglyphs can be seen along this trail. Bounded by South Mountain and the Gila River Indian Reservation, the only practical way into and out of trendy Ahwatukee Foothills is via Interstate 10 on its eastern side. The hypothetical shortcut they would take through South Mountain Park is via Telegraph Pass, which bisects the 11-mile-long mountainous barrier at a point in line with Phoenix's Central Avenue. In fact, during the 1800s, the Army Signal Corps chose this very pass as the optimal route for a telegraph line from Maricopa Wells (where I lived 2005-2010) to Phoenix, and then onto the territorial capital of Prescott. Today, Telegraph Pass is still a prominent and popular saddle in South Mountain Park, the largest park in the world.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
Jan 30 2010
avatar

 Photos 509
 Triplogs 14

65 female
 Joined Feb 01 2011
 Phx (Ahwatukee)
Maricopa Mountain, AZ 
Maricopa Mountain, AZ
 
Climbing avatar Jan 30 2010
dcperez • Triplogs 14
Climbing1.00 Miles
Climbing1.00 Miles   1 Hour   10 Mns   0.86 mph
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I don't even think this mountain is on a map or has documented elevation or description. It's on the Gila River Reservation between Phoenix and Maricopa. We lived in Maricopa at the time. My daughter, Ashley and I didn't see the "no trespassing sign" because it was dark. We climbed the mountain to watch the Sunrise. When we came down from the mountain, a very kind policeman was waiting to inform us that we were on private Native American property. It's too bad because we were going to explore the higher peaks. The back drop of these Mountains is Quartz Peak/Estrella Mountains.
_____________________
Deanna Perez, Sr. Administrative Assistant in Tempe, AZ. and Member of Cornerstone Church in Chandler, AZ.
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Camping, Reading
Purpose: My Christian Faith, my children, people
 
average hiking speed 1.38 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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