Welcome to the PebbleCreek Hiking Club

The PebbleCreek Hiking Club has been established to provide PebbleCreek residents with the opportunity to enjoy recreational hiking in an organized, safe and social environment. Safety is a key concern. Hikers are accompanied by a leader and sweep carrying an emergency satellite communicator, medical kit and walkie talkies. The regular hiking season is the third week of September to the first week of May. During the regular season the schedules is as follows:

D hikes (3.7-5.0 miles) are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays

C hikes  (6.0-8.0 miles ) are held  Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

B hikes (up to 12 miles) are held  Mondays, Wednesdays,Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 

A hikes (unrestricted miles and elevation gain) are held on Mondays

For PROSPECTIVE members
Prospective members must independently walk around Robson Circle twice and complete an Intro hike. Once completed, new members need to submit their registration form and dues.   

Hikers are reminded that participation on these hikes is a reaffirmation of the waiver they signed when they joined the club.  The waiver may be found here.

This is the hike schedule for September 26, 2022 through October 2, 2022
All hikes leave from Eagle's Nest Parking Lot. Standard start time for this week is 6:30 am - Please check individual hikes for any unusual start times

DATE: Monday, September 26, 2022
HIKE: B Hike - South Mountain Park - Bajada, National, Alta Trail Loop.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Bill Halte
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 9 mile clockwise loop hike with an elevation gain of 1860 feet. It is 2.2 miles from the Bajada Trail parking lot to the National Trail, then 1.5 miles to the Alta Trailhead, then 1.5 miles and 1,100foot climb to the summit and then 2.6 miles back to the parking lot.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Bajada Trailhead at Triangle TRAILS: Bajada, National, Alta
FEES AND FACILITIES: Restrooms are at the Ranger Station. No parking fee.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Head south on PebbleCreek Parkway, then go east (left) on I10. Take I10 East to I17 South (exit 143B). Exit I17 at 7th Avenue. Turn right on 7th Avenue to Baseline. Turn left on Baseline to Central Avenue. Turn right onto Central Avenue. Follow Central into South Mountain Park. Meet at park office, restrooms. Caravan to trailhead at the triangle. DRIVING DISTANCE: 60 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Other-4/Alta-National-Bajada-Trails
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Trail-Maps/South-Mountain-Park/i-Lj9q76b
URL GPX: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgywFpJqBF4alyFFqiXAJIrz3xBD?e=OKsoIr
PCHC TRAIL ID: 325
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $3

DATE: Monday, September 26, 2022
HIKE: C Hike - Maricopa Trails - Tres Rios Wetlands.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Dave Schuldt
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 7 mile in and out hike with an elevation gain of 100 feet. hike starts at Monument Hill just east of the Racetrack. Trail travels along wetlands with flowing water, lots of vegetation and opportunities for viewing many bird species. The Salt River and Gila River join just south of the park. It is a flat, easy, fun hike. If more elevation is desired, you can climb Monument Hill, which is to the right after you cross the pedestrian bridge
TRAILHEAD NAME: No Named Trailhead. Refer to Driving Directions. TRAILS: Tres Rios Wetlands
FEES AND FACILITIES: No restroom at the trail head. No park fee.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Tres Rios Trailhead Head south on PebbleCreek Parkway/Estrella Parkway past I10. Turn left onto Vineyard Avenue. just across the Gila River. DRIVING DISTANCE: 20 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Maricopa-Trails/Tres-Rios/Tree-Rios/
URL MAP: https://www.smugmug.com/app/library/galleries/bRLhXB?imageKey=RHz2w7C
URL GPX: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgywFpJqBF4amliJcT9K8un7hHl8?e=aODhqC
PCHC TRAIL ID: 480
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2

DATE: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
HIKE: D Challenge Hike - White Tank MRP - Mule Deer, Black Rock, Waterfall Trails.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Art Solorio
REASON FOR CHALLENGE: D hike rating exceeded: Mileage.
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 5.4 mile in and out hike with an elevation gain of 525 feet. The hike starts on the Mule Deer trail at Ramada 3 and goes through typical desert along a good trail to a hidden waterfall (usually dry).
TRAILHEAD NAME: Mule Deer Trailhead at Ramada 3 TRAILS: Mule Deer, Black Rock, Waterfall Trails
FEES AND FACILITIES: Restrooms and Water at the trailhead. Park fee is $7.00 per car for all trailheads (except from the library which is $2.00 per hiker).
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to the White Tank Mountains Regional Park Head north on PebbleCreek Parkway to Indian School Road. Turn west (left) and take Loop 303 North. Exit at Northern (next to the zoo) and turn left (West). Turn right on Cotton. Turn left on Olive and follow Olive to the park gate. Library trailhead: turn right just before the gate and park on the left side of the library. Trail goes off the end of the sidewalk on the left of the building. Mule Deer trail can be accessed at Picnic Area #3 (D hikes). DRIVING DISTANCE: 30 miles
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Trail-Maps/White-Tank-Mountain-Regional-Park/i-SLrGfxL
PCHC TRAIL ID: 38
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2

DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
HIKE: B Challenge Hike - Estrella MRP - Competitive Track Long Loop plus Technical Loop.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Kris Raczkiewicz or Eileen Lords Mosse
REASON FOR CHALLENGE: B hike rating exceeded: Mileage.
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 12.4 mile double loop hike with an elevation gain of 1056 feet. This hike goes through typical desert terrain with lots of Saguaro cactus. The hike begins on the Long Loop: at 0.84 miles turn right onto the Technical Loop, proceeding clockwise for 2.9 miles to where the trail ends at the Long Loop. Turn left and follow the Long Loop counterclockwise for 3.26 miles, turning left onto the Long Loop Mountain Pass, following it for 1.97 miles. It will again intersect with the Long Loop; turn left and follow the trail for 3.16 miles to the parking lot.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Be aware that this hike is on a biking competitive track. While on the technical loop, bikes will be coming from behind. Try to avoid scheduling this hike on Saturday.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Estrella Competitive Track Trailhead TRAILS: Competitive Track Long Loop, Technical Loop
FEES AND FACILITIES: There is a portajohn at the trailhead. Park Fee $7
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Drive south on PebbleCreek Parkway/Estrella Parkway). Turn left on Vineyard Avenue just across the Gila River. Follow Vineyard as it curves to the right, becoming 143rd Avenue. Turn left on Indian Springs Road. At the fence that begins the parking for Phoenix International Raceway turn right. Follow the signs to the trails. Pay the park fee at the selfpay station. Continue to the parking on the right. DRIVING DISTANCE: 26 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/EstrellaMountainRegionalPark
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/EstrellaMountainRegionalPark/Competitive-Loop-Long/B-HikeEMRP-Comp-LoopLynnW2021-2022/i-79XP25Q
PCHC TRAIL ID: 692
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2

DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
HIKE: C Hike - Estrella MRP - Rainbow Valley, Toothaker Loop.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Barb Kripps
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 6.3 mile counter clockwise loop hike with an elevation gain of 497 feet. This loop hike beginning on the west side of the rodeo arena (demolished in 2022). Take the trail our of the parking lot past the trail sign. Turn right and follow signs for the Rainbow Valley trail. Follow the Rainbow Valley Trail past the junctions with Quail and Dysart Trails for a total of 4.2 miles until the junction with the Toothaker Trail. Turn left onto the Toothaker Trail for 2 miles back to the parking lot.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Uphill on Rainbow Valley Trail after the junction with Dysart for one mile to the saddle.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Toothaker Trailhead at West Rodeo Drive TRAILS: Rainbow Valley, Toothaker
FEES AND FACILITIES: Restrooms are at the trailhead. Park fee is $7.00 per car.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Estrella Mountain Regional Park West Rodeo Drive. Turn left out the main gate onto Pebble Creek/Estrella Pkw (south) South of I10, turn left onto Vineyard Ave. just across the Gila River. Turn right into Estrella Mtn Park. After the park entrance gate, drive through the park all the way to a fork in the road. Take the right fork to the parking area at the former site of the rodeo arena on West Rodeo Drive. Trailhead and rest rooms are on the far (West) side of parking area. DRIVING DISTANCE: 20 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/EstrellaMountainRegionalPark/Rainbow-Toothaker/C-HikeEMRP-Rainbow-ToothakerLynnW2020-2021
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Trail-Maps/Estrella-Mountain-Regional-Park/i-HdQTJxX/A
URL GPX: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgywFpJqBF4aoSJgLtJcLOt15rxl?e=ZXHKuy
PCHC TRAIL ID: 313
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2

DATE: Thursday, September 29, 2022
HIKE: B Hike - Phoenix SP - Apache Wash, Sidewinder, Ocotillo Loop.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Lynn Warren
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 10 mile double loop hike with an elevation gain of 1260 feet. The loop combines several trails the Apache Wash, Ridgeback, Sidewinder, and Ocotillo Trails. There are expansive views of the north side of Phoenix, Anthem, and Cave Creek. The hike goes through rolling desert terrain.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: An interesting loop in North Phoenix with views of Cave Creek and surrounding area.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Apache Wash Trailhead TRAILS: Apache Wash, Apache Vista, Ridgeback, Sidewinder, Ocotillo,
FEES AND FACILITIES: No park fees. Restrooms at trailhead.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Phoenix Sonoran Preserve North (Apache Wash Trailhead) Head north on PebbleCreek Parkway to Indian School Road, turn west (left) and take Loop 303 North following it until it ends at I17. Turn left (north) on I17. Stay right and immediately exit onto Dove Valley Road. Follow Dove Valley Road as it changes name to Sonoran Desert Drive. Continue for approximately 5.1 miles (from I17). Turn left into the Apache Wash Trailhead. DRIVING DISTANCE: 80 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/CaveCreekRegionalPark/Apache-Wash-Trailhead/B-HikePSP-Apache-WashLynnW2021-2022/i-q59Sv6X
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Trail-Maps/Phoenix-Sonoran-Preserve/i-npt5NvD
PCHC TRAIL ID: 247
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $5

DATE: Thursday, September 29, 2022
HIKE: D Hike - Estrella MRP - Coldwater Trail to Saddle.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Dennis Zigmunt
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 4.6 mile in and out hike with an elevation gain of 350 feet. Hike starts at the intersection of Butterfield and Coldwater Trails and proceeds generally South on Coldwater to a saddle that will give D hikers a view into the southern area of the park . Trail is a wide road for about a mile, then a scenic 4WD road up to the saddle.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Estrella Rodeo Arena TRAILS: Butterfield, Coldwater
FEES AND FACILITIES: Park fee is $7 per car
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: None provided. DRIVING DISTANCE: 20 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://www.smugmug.com/app/library/galleries/pLsdKd
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Trail-Maps/Estrella-Mountain-Regional-Park/i-JzkQGmd
PCHC TRAIL ID: 711
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2

DATE: Friday, September 30, 2022
HIKE: B Hike - Black Canyon NRT - Little Grand Canyon Trail (AKA Doe Springs Segment).
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Eileen Lords Mosse
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 10 mile in and out hike with an elevation gain of 844 feet. It covers the segment just north of the Boy Scout Loop south of the Black Canyon Trail. It goes through typical rolling desert terrain with distant views of Black Canyon City and the hills around it. There are two nice saguaro forests along the trailthe one at the 5mile point is excellent and has shade for a break.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The trail itself is a national bike trailvery good surface and no steep ups or downs. The trail is now marked as Little Grand Canyon. This hike typically takes 4 hours with breaks.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Table Mesa Trailhead TRAILS: Little Grand Canyon: Doe Springs Segment
FEES AND FACILITIES: There are no restrooms at the trailhead and no park fees.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Black Canyon TrailTable Mesa TrailheadHead north on PebbleCreek Parkway to Indian School Road, turn west (left), then take Loop 303 North and follow until it ends at I17. Turn left onto I17 (north) toward Flagstaff. Take exit 236 (Table Mesa Road). Turn left crossing over I17, then immediately turn right. Pavement ends within a mile; 2.5 miles of unpaved road to the parking area. Keep right at the first Y (1.2 miles from I17road going left goes into a quarry). Keep left at the next Y (1.6 miles from I17). Go another 1.9 miles to a side road on the right (3.5 miles from I17). Turn right on the road and the trailhead parking is immediately on the left. DRIVING DISTANCE: 96 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/BlackCanyonNationalRecreationT/Doe-Spring/C-ExploratoryLynnW2013-2014/
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/BlackCanyonNationalRecreationT/Doe-Spring/C-ExploratoryLynnW2013-2014/i-JqRHGHP
URL GPX: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgywFpJqBF4amj3bDsomwz41Pt9S?e=dBbMtA
PCHC TRAIL ID: 386
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $6

DATE: Friday, September 30, 2022
HIKE: C Hike - Estrella Foothills - Queen Annes Revenge Loop SR, PA, JR, QAR, GR, SU, SW, JL, SR Loop.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Dana Thomas
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 7 mile lollipop hike with an elevation gain of 368 feet. The hike starts at the parking lot of the Estrella Foothills High School and goes up to a high saddle. The trail crosses a gravel area that covers up an old tunnel. The trail offers outstanding views of the entire southwest valley. The hike is in typical desert terrain. Trail condition mostly a very good hiking trail.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Estrella High School Trailhead TRAILS: Sunrise, Park Avenue, Jolly Roger, Queen Annes Revenge, Grasky, Up There, Blackjack, Jump Line, Sunrise
FEES AND FACILITIES: Restrooms are on the left by the ballpark. No park fee.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Estrella Foothills Park High School Trailhead. Turn left out the main gate onto Pebble Creek Pkwy (south), which becomes Estrella Pkwy on the other side of I10. Continue into and through the Estrella Mountain development. Turn left into the parking lot just before the Estrella Foothills High School building. Park at the far end of the parking Lot. DRIVING DISTANCE: 27 miles
URL PHOTOS: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Estrella-Foothills/B-Exploratory-Hike-7-05-2018Queen-AnnesRevengeLynnW2017/
URL MAP: https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Trail-Maps/Estrella-Foothills/i-s9wkMzw/A
URL GPX: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgywFpJqBF4aoRpjtOUaxxfaPLmG?e=IIbNrH
PCHC TRAIL ID: 75
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2

DATE: Saturday, October 1, 2022
HIKE: B Challenge Hike - Verrado Area - Javelina Summit Loop from Lost Creek Trailhead return via North Side Scramble.
REGULAR START TIME: 6:30 am
HIKE LEADER: Steve McElroy
REASON FOR CHALLENGE: Some bushwhacking and route finding.
DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 6.5 mile counter clockwise loop hike with an elevation gain of 1200 feet. This hike goes west on the Lost Creek trail. After approximately 1 mile at a fourway junction, turn left and follow the trail until it joins the Tortuga Trail. Turn left then left again onto the Javelina Summit Trail. Climb steeply to Javelina Summit. From the summit continue north on the open ridge and scramble down the north side of the mountain to Tortuga. Turn right and follow the javalina connector and Lost Creek Trails to the parking lot.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 60% of the trails are known and good. 40% route finding and bushwhacking to make it a loop. The bushwhacking portion is unknown so be prepred for rough terraine, cactus, loose footing and scrambling.
TRAILHEAD NAME: Lost Creek Trailhead TRAILS: Lost Creek, SOB, Javalina Connector, Javalina Summit Trail
FEES AND FACILITIES: No park fees. No restrooms at the trailhead.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Verrado Lost Creek Trailhead Head north on PebbleCreek Parkway to Indian School Road. Go west (left) on Indian School Road. Turn left on Acacia Way (just past the high school). Turn right on Lost Creek Drive. Parking for the trailhead is at the end of Lost Creek Drive. You walk between the green and a tee on the Founders Course at Verrado Golf Course to get to the trailhead. DRIVING DISTANCE: 18 miles
PCHC TRAIL ID: 741
SUGGESTED DRIVER DONATION: $2