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 locator beacon , medical kit and walkie talkies.   The regular hiking season is the third week of Sept. to the first week of May. During the summer, there are B/C+ hikes held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and D/D+ hikes held Tuesday and Thursday. During the regular season the schedules is as follows:

A hikes (over 12 miles) are held on Mondays.

B hikes  (8-12 miles) are held  Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

C hikes (6-8+ miles) are held  Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

D hikes (up to 5 miles) are held Tuesdays & Thursdays.

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.   

COVID Guidance for PebbleCreek Hiking Club Members
These guidelines may be updated by the Hiking Club board at any time as new information on or recommendations about the pandemic occur.

If you are not feeling well or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 during the past 14 days, DO NOT HIKE WITH THIS GROUP!!!! If you travel, please quarantine for 14 days before hiking with the club. If you or someone you know has been in contact with or is diagnosed with Covid-19, please inform the club by contacting President Dana Thomas PCHCPres@gmail.com or 907-590-4425. This will allow the club to inform other hikers of their possible exposure.

Hikers should read and be aware of the current guidance for self- protection and protection of others offered by the Arizona Department of Health Service posted online at https://www.azdhs.gov/ preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease- epidemiology/ index.php#novel-coronavirus-what-everyone-needs.

Club Hike Meeting Place:

C and D hikes will meet in the parking lot at the Tuscany Falls Sales Office/Model Homes parking lot, which is west of the Arts Center. The A and B hiking groups will meet in the parking lot in front of the Eagle’s Nest Club House. Hikers should wear a mask and/or maintain at least 6 feet of separation at the meet up to protect fellow hikers.

Hiking Group Size Limitation and Advance Sign-ups:

Hiking groups will be limited to a maximum of 9 hikers to limit potential exposure. This approach is consistent with the PebbleCreek guidance posted on the HOA website that states that no groups of 10 or more are allowed. Multiple hiking groups (of up to 9 each) maybe formed if there are sufficient leaders identified in advance of the hike. Hikers must sign-up in advance of the hike on a first-come first served basis.

The Hike Leader will be the only person who will sign Hikers in for that group's hike. The leader will be responsible for listing the Hikers’ names on the Log-In Sheet, will be the only person to use that pen/ pencil, and will coordinate with the club statistician to scan, or email that information for data gathering. The Hike Leader will remind Hikers that by signing up for the hike, they are agreeing to the club’s liability waiver located on the website and the back of the sign-in form.

Hikers should avoid handshaking, hugging, or touching each other, unless the other person is your spouse/ partner. Please do not ask another hiker to get an item out of your pack and maintain social distancing.

The Hike Leader will ensure that any electronic devices, such as Club Walkie-Talkies, In-Reach, etc. will be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe before and after that day's hike. The club is purchasing additional walkie-talkies and medical kits to support additional groups and we encourage members to purchase and carry their own walkie-talkies.

Per club Standard Operating Procedures, the hike leader and sweep retain the right to deny participation because of group size limitations or request a hiker sit out or step back from a hike if the hiker is deemed not physically capable or is lacking proper equipment or adequate water or food.

Traveling to the Trailhead:

The club recommends that Hikers use their own personal vehicles to travel to the Trail Head; spouses/partners may travel together. If non-spouse Hikers choose to travel with each other, we recommend that they wear facemasks while in the vehicle. The driver should wipe with disinfectant the door handles, seats and other items touched in the car before and after the hike. Please do not ask to ride with another hiker at the meet up, if you want to share rides, arrange this personally in advance.

If hikers choose to ride with someone, please sort out an equitable approach, e.g., take turns driving or sharing expenses, on your own. The club will not provide the suggested driver donation.
The Hike Leader should communicate with the group to make sure no one feels pressured to take someone in their car if they have chosen not to do so.

Hiking:

Hikers should maintain a social distancing of at least 6-feet while hiking. When encountering other hikers or bicycles, hikers should step at least 6 feet off the trail if possible or put on their mask. At breaks, please maintain a safe distance by sitting/standing at least 6 feet away from other hikers. Hikers are welcome to wear face masks while hiking if they choose to do so. Please be aware that others may not be wearing masks.
If you cough or sneeze, do so into a handkerchief or your sleeve to reduce the spread of droplets. If you feel unwell during a hike, inform the Hike Leader immediately. All hikers must carry a mask and disposable gloves on every hike in case of an emergency. In case of a first aid scenario, the person(s) rendering first aid should wear disposable gloves and a facemask. Disposable gloves, hand- sanitizer and/or wipes also need to be added to the required items to carry for each Hiker. Wearing glasses or goggles is also recommended. Each hiker should carry an empty plastic bag to dispose of items needed to render first aid.

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****NOTE TIME CHANGE AND PARKING LOT CHANGE!!!!

Beginning Monday, September 21st, C and D hikes will meet in Tuscany Falls Sales Office/Model Homes parking area.  Group 1 will meet at 6:30 am and depart at 6:45 am and group 2 will meet at 7 am and depart at 7:15 am.***

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Monday, September 21 

Sonoran Loop -Competitive Track (White Tank Mountains). Rating C.

This is a 7 mile loop hike with an elevation gain of 700 ft. This is the old orientation hike. This is a one-way competitive bike trail with plenty of ups and downs through washes plus one climb near the midpoint of the hike. On top of the hill is a good place to stop for a snack. Along the second half of the hike is a Crested Saguaro. There’s a porta-john at the trailhead. There is a $7.00 park entrance fee. Driving distance is approximately 30 miles

RT.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/WhiteT ankMountainRegionalPark/Sonoran- Loop

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/WhiteT ankMountainRegionalPark/Competitive- Loop

Directions to White Tank Mountains Regional Park

Take 303 North (right). Exit at Northern (next to zoo) and turn left (West). Turn right on Cotton.

Turn left on Olive and follow it to the park gate.

Park fee is $7.00/car for all trailheads (except from the library which is $2.00 per hiker). Restrooms are at the trailhead for each of the hikes (inside the library for the hikes from the library). Sonoran Loop Trail is at the end of the main road, slightly right off the end of the paved road. The restroom on this hike is a porta- john.

Monday, Sept. 21 Go JohnTrail to Maricopa Trail (Cave Creek Rec. Area). Rating B. This is a 10+

mile hike with an elevation change of 500 ft. The trail is marked, and is in good condition. The

trail starts out with a 400 ft climb over a ridge, before descending back down to meet the

Maricopa trail. On the return from the Maricopa trail you can turn left and add a mile plus to the

hike passing 3 Saguaros the look a lot like the PCHC symbol. Restrooms are located at the

trailhead. There is a park entrance fee of $7.00 per car. Driving distance is 93 miles

RT. https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/CaveCreekRegionalPark/Cave-Creek-Regional-

Park/GoJohnOvertonQuartz-and-Variat

Directions to Cave Creek - Overton/Go John Trailheads

Take Loop 303 to I-17.
Go North on I-17.
Turn right on Hwy 74 (Carefree Highway).
Turn left onto 32nd Street and continue into Cave Creek Regional Park.
There is a $7 fee required to enter the park.
Continue along the main park road - just before the horse staging area, you will see the access road for the Go John Trailhead on the left (Tonalite Dr).
There is a restroom near the trailhead.

Tuesday, Sept 22 – Sonoran Loop - Competitive Track - Short Version (White Tank Mountains). Rating D. This is a 4.2 mile loop hike with an elevation gain of 250 ft. This is a one-way competitive bike
trail with a few ups and downs through washes. The high point gives you nice views back to the
east. A short detour on the second half of the hike takes you to a Crested Saguaro. There’s a porta-john at the trailhead. There is a $7.00 park entrance fee. Driving distance is approx 30

miles RT

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/WhiteTankMountainRegionalPark/Sonoran-Loop

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/WhiteTankMountainRegionalPark/Competitive-Loop

Directions to White Tank Mountains Regional Park

Take 303 North (right).
Exit at Northern (next to zoo) and turn left (West).
Turn right on Cotton.
Turn left on Olive and follow it to the park gate.
Park fee is $7.00/car for all trailheads (except from the library which is $2.00 per hiker). Sonoran Loop Trail is at the end of the main road, slightly right off the end of the paved road. The restroom on this hike is a porta-john.

Wednesday September 23, 2020: Dinosaur Wash/Box Canyon Loop (Wickenburg), Rating B. This is a 9 mile hike w/an elev. gain of about 600 ft. At least 2 mi. is on soft sand along the Hassayampa River and in Dinosaur Wash. This is a very scenic hike, quite different than most desert hikes because of the canyons & water. This is an area where the river is above ground, but it’s not very deep except after a rain. There are several slot canyons along Dinosaur Washand two areas called narrows along the river. The box in Box Canyon is a short canyon somewhat hidden behind a stand of large trees. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, but there are restrooms at a Dairy Queen/gas station you drive past about 8 miles from trailhead. No park fee. Driving distance is 105 miles RT.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Wickenburg/Dinosaur-WashBox-Canyon

Directions to Wickenburg - Dinosaur Wash/Box Canyon TH

Take Loop 303 north to U.S. 60.

Turn west (left) onto U.S. 60.

Turn right just past McDonald’s (restroom stop) on Highway 93.

Go 4.6 miles to MP 195 & turn right onto unpaved Scenic Loop Drive. [this is the first road going right that is past the Dairy Queen on the left)

Scenic Loop Drive is a dirt road (you might need an SUV after heavy rains)

Drive 6.4 mi. to a wide wash leading off to the right (6 mi. from end of asphalt). 

Park here and hike .4 miles through a slot canyon to the top of the box canyon.

Return & drive another 0.7 mi; veer right onto an unmarked 1 lane road at 7 mi.

(At the turn, there normally is a sign indicating “No Dumping”)

Parking area is .1 miles ahead on the rim of the canyon (no restroom).

The trail leads off down the old jeep trail to the right.

Wednesday Sept. 23. -Goldwater Lakes Rating C+

This is an 8-mile loop hike with an elevation gain of about 700 ft. The hike goes through a pine forest and then skirts the two

Goldwater lakes. After a break at picnic tables at the lake, the hike continues around and through a wooded section with groups of granite boulders. Trail condition – good hiking trail. Restrooms are at the trailhead. More restrooms and soda machines are at the lake where we will take our break. Park Fee is $2.00. Driving distance is 200 miles RT. https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Prescott-1/Prescott-Circle-Trail-PCT

Directions to Prescott: Goldwater Lakes Trail & Quartz Mountain Trail

Turn right on Pebble Creek Pkwy to Indian School. Turn left on Indian School.
Turn right on Loop 303.
Turn right/then go left on U.S. 60 West.

Turn right on 93/89.
Turn right on 89 and go into Prescott.
Turn right into White Spar Campground (south end of parking lot).

THURSDAY Sept. 24 Daisy Mountain (Anthem Area) Rating B. This is a 7.2 mile lollipop loop hike with an elevation gain of 1570 ft. The first 2 miles go through a rolling hills area before heading steeply uphill. There are two summits on this trail - the first one has a US flag on it, while the second, slightly higher summit is Daisy Mountain itself. There are great views of the Anthem and Cave Creek area. No park fee. No restrooms. Driving distance is 70 miles RT.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Anthem-Area/Daisy-Mountain
Directions to Daisy Mountain Trailhead
Take 303 North to I-17.Take I-17 North (left).Turn right on Anthem Way and go .2 miles to first traffic light.Turn left on Navigation Way and drive .6 miles.The TH is on the left at the intersection of Navigation Way and Livingstone Way. Take the first right off Livingstone (Rushmore) and park on south side of street. There are no restrooms at trailhead.

Thursday, Sept 24. Dogbone Marty’s Loop.  Rating D. This is a 4.5 mile lollipop loop on good, relatively flat, trails with about 300’ of elevation gain. There are interesting rock formations and good views to the White Tanks to the North. No park fee and no restrooms at the trailhead.

Directions to Dog Bone Joe Fosse Trailhead (Buckeye) Go West on I-10 to Highway 85. Drive South on Hwy 85 for about 9 miles. Turn left opposite the Buckeye Hills regional Park (and Joe Fosse Shooting Range). Park on the left just before the fence. The trail starts on the other side of the fence heading left (parallel to Hwy 85). 

Friday, Sept 25th

Deem Hills Circumference Trail & Ridgeline Loop (Phoenix). Rating C. This is a 6.5 mile loop hike around the Deem Hills Recreation area with an elevation change of 560 ft. There are distinct vegetation areas on the different sides of the hills. There would be good wildflowers after a wet winter. Good views from the top showing the area north of 101 and west of I-17. Restrooms are at the trailhead. No Park Fee. Driving Distance is 65 miles RT. http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/DeemHillsPark/Circumference-Trail 

Directions to Deem Hills Park

Take 101 North 

Turn North on 59th Ave 

Turn North (left) on 55th Ave. 

55th Ave becomes Deem Hills Pkwy. The park is on the right. 

There is no park fee. Restrooms are at the parking lot.

Alternate Directions to Deem Hills Park

Take 303 North. 

Turn East (right) on Happy Valley Parkway. 

Turn North (left) on 55th Ave. 55th Ave becomes Deem Hills Pkwy. 

The park is on the right.

Saturday, Sept 26 - Estrella Foothills Park Blackjack Loop Plus CO/BJ/WU/UT/GU/SU/CO Loop Plus (Estrella Mountains). Rating B. This will be an 8.5+ lollipop hike with an elevation gain of 1030 ft. The hike starts at the Elliot Trailhead. We will be climbing Black Jack in reverse. This trail offers outstanding views of the entire southwest valley. The hike is in typical desert terrain. Trail condition - mostly an excellent hiking trail with one section of edginess across the ridgeline. No park fee. Restrooms at the trailhead. Drive distance is 20 miles RT.

https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Estrella-Foothills

Directions to Estrella Foothills Park - Elliott Trailhead

Turn left out the main gate onto Pebble Creek Pkwy (south)

PCP becomes Estrella Pkwy on the other side of I-10.

Continue up the hill into Estrella Mountain to the shopping area

Turn left on Elliott (light just past the shopping area)

Park at the far end. No bathrooms at TH. No park fee.

Saturday Sept. 26 Buckeye Skyline Park Quartz Mine/Tortuga/Old Road/Lost Creek/Turnbuckle Loop (Skyline Regional Park).  Rating C.   This is a loop hike of 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1200 ft.  This hike does a loop up to a high point in the park and then circles back through a valley.  There are lots of views of the west valley.  Trail condition – average hiking trail with two uphill sections.  Restrooms are at the trailhead.  There is no park fee.   Driving distance is 30 miles RT.  

https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Skyline-Park/Outer-Loop-Trails 

Directions to Skyline Regional Park Trailhead 

Go West on I-10. 

Turn north (right) on Watson Road. 

Drive to the end of road and trailhead parking. 

Facilities are at the trailhead.  

WEEK 2

Monday, September 28 – Blackjack Trail at Estrella Foothills off Elliott Road – Rating C+ hike 6.7 miles with 900 ft elevation.

Park along side of Elliot Rd. Then we start out on Coyote trail to hook up trail to saddle up trail to Blackjack trail to Carren Canyon trail to giddy up trail to whats up trail to surfs up and back to coyote trail. This hike goes up and across the highest ridgeline (Blackjack trail) in this area and makes a small loop around the top. This part of the trail offers outstanding views of the entire southwest valley. The hike is a typical desert terrain but the blackjack trail has one section of edginess across the ridgeline. No park fee. No restrooms at trail head. Driving distance 27 miles RT.

Directions to Estrella Foothills off Elliott road

Turn left out of the main gate off onto Pebblecreek parkway (South), which becomes Estrella Parkway on the other side of I10

Continue on Estrella Parkway thru the Estrella MT. Development until you come to Elloitt Rd which is across from the Safeway Store

Turn left onto Elliott Rd and go straight into the trailhead parking.

Tuesday, Sept 29 - Fantasy Island North Singletrack (FINS) North loop (Estrella Mountain Ranch). Rating D. This is about a 4 mile loop hike with an elevation gain of about 400 ft on several trails in the Western part of the FINS bike trails system. The trails meander through several desert hills with many rock formations. There is an interesting area - an enchanted forest of stuffed animals. Trail condition - this is also a biking trail. No park fee. No restrooms at the trailhead. 

Driving distance is 27 miles RT  

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/EstrellaMountainRanch/ Fantasy-Island-North

Directions to FINS - Fantasy Island Trailhead 

Turn left out the main gate onto Pebble Creek Pkwy (south), which becomes Estrella Pkwy on the other side of I-10. 

Continue for approx. 12.5 miles from Eagle’s Nest. 

Turn right on West Westar Drive. 

Go approx. 1.1 mi. and turn left into the parking lot (this turn is easy to miss so turn just before a one-level concrete maintenance building; there is also a tall steel tower for power lines). 

No restrooms. No park fee. 

Wednesday Sept. 30

Toothaker/Gadsden/Butterfield Loop (Estrella Mountains). Rating C. Approx 7 miles, out and back, with an elevation gain of 750 ft.  We will follow the trail to a large wash, and parallel the wash for 2 miles or so. The trail is relatively flat, with long views of the Estrella Mountains and valley to the East & West. There are foothills to the left and larger mountains to the right as you travel east on the Gadsden Trail. Porta-Johns are located at trailheads. Park fee is $7.00 per car.  Driving distance is 20 miles RT.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/EstrellaMountainRegionalPark/Coldwater-GadsdenButterfield 

Directions to Estrella Mountain Regional Park - Toothaker/Rainbow TH

Turn left out the main gate onto Pebble Creek/Estrella Pkw (south)

South of I-10, turn left onto Vineyard Ave. just across the Gila River.

Turn right into Estrella Mtn Park and pay park fee of $7.00 per vehicle. 

Drive around the park to the left. 

Trailheads and rest rooms are on the far (West) side of rodeo arena.

Daisy Mountain (Anthem Area) Rating B. This is a 7.2 mile lollipop loop hike with an elevation gain of 1570 ft. The first 2 miles go through a rolling hills area before heading steeply uphill. There are two summits on this trail - the first one has a US flag on it, while the second, slightly higher summit is Daisy Mountain itself. There are great views of the Anthem and Cave Creek area. No park fee. No restrooms. Driving distance is 70 miles RT.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Anthem-Area/Daisy-Mountain

Directions to Daisy Mountain Trailhead

Take 303 North to I-17.
Take I-17 North (left).
Turn right on Anthem Way and go .2 miles to first traffic light.
Turn left on Navigation Way and drive .6 miles.
The TH is on the left at the intersection of Navigation Way and Livingstone Way. Take the first right off Livingstone (Rushmore) and park on south side of street. There are no restrooms at trailhead.

Thursday, Oct 1. Rainbow Valley/Dysart/Toothaker Loop (Estrella Mountains).  Rating D. This is a 4 mile loop with a 400 ft elevation gain.  Beginning on the west side of the rodeo. The Rainbow Valley trail is wide and relatively flat. It intersects the Dycsart Trail. Turn left onto the Dysart Trail to the Toothaker Trail. Turn left on the Toothaker Trail and head back to the rodeo.  Trail condition - good hiking trail.  A restroom is at the trailhead.  Park entrance fee is $7.00 per car.  Driving distance is 20 miles RT. 

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/EstrellaMountainRegionalPark/Rainbow-Toothaker 

Directions to Estrella Mountain Regional Park - Toothaker/Rainbow TH

Turn left out the main gate onto Pebble Creek/Estrella Pkw (south)

South of I-10, turn left onto Vineyard Ave. just across the Gila River.

Turn right into Estrella Mtn Park and pay park fee of $7.00 per vehicle. 

Drive around the park to the left. 

Trailheads and rest rooms are on the far (West) side of rodeo arena.

FRIDAY, Oct. 2. Beardsley/Morgan City Wash Lollipop Loop (Lake Pleasant Regional Park). Rating C. 

This is 7.6 mile lollipop hike with an elevation gain of 840 ft. The hike starts out crossing a road and then travels through a Saguaro forest. Along the trail are some very interesting Saguaros. Morgan City Wash is an unusual overgrown riparian area that has over 100 species of birds. There are several creek crossings over a year round creek. There is a good chance to see wild burros on the Beardsley trail. Trail condition- Beardsley is a good hiking trail while the wash is through a wooded area. Restrooms with water are at the trailhead. Trail condition - good hiking trail. Park fee is $7.00. Driving distance is 80 miles. http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Other-12/Beardsley-Trail

Directions to Ramada 8 (Desert Tortoise), Lake Pleasant Reg. Park

Drive north on 303 to Lake Pleasant Road.
Turn left (north) on Lake Pleasant Road to Arizona 74.
Turn left (west) and continue to Castle Hot Springs Road and turn right (North). Go 2.1 miles and turn right onto Lake Pleasant Access Road.
Pay $7.00 park fee then turn right on South Park Road.
Turn left on Desert Tortoise Road.
Trailhead is on the right.

Saturday 10-3-2020: Maricopa Trail South w/bushwhack extension (White Tank Regional Park).  Rating B. 8+ miles in & out with >500’ elevation gain.  Good trail for most of hike; then bushwhack very steep up to saddle. Start at the White Tanks Library/Visitor Center or the Sout Trail; take Mule Deer Trail South to the Maricopa Trail out of the Park. Once out of the park we will follow service roads and bushwhack.  Restrooms at the visitor center.  Driving distance: 30 miles RT.   

Directions to White Tank Mountains Regional Park

Take 303 North (right).

Exit at Northern (next to zoo) and turn left (West).

Turn right on Cotton.

Turn left on Olive and follow it to the park gate. Park fee is $7.00/car. 

Library trailhead: the sidewalk on the left of the building.turn right just before the gate and park on the left side of the library.