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 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 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.

--Important note for this week:

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Note:  For November club hikes meet at 6:45 am and depart at 7:00 am.  If there are two groups, the second group meets at 7:15 am and departs at 7:30 am.  “A” Hikers meet at Eagles Nest at 5:45am and leave at 6am. B hikers meet at the Eagles Nest Clubhouse parking area.  C & D hikers meet at the Tuscany Falls models/sales office parking area.  Hike leaders may arrange early meet and depart times for cross town or distant hikes; these are noted in the hike list below.

Monday, November 23, 2020 - Bluff Springs Mountain via Miners Needle and Crosscut Return (Superstitions).  Rating A.  EARLY DEPARTURE meet at Eagles Nest at and 5:45 am and leave at 6am. Neal Wring leads.  This hike is 30% Partly Trail-less and is 15+ miles and 3500 feet elevation gain. Restrooms are at the trailhead.

Directions to Superstitions - Peralta Trailhead

Take I-10 east to Hwy 60 east (HOV all the way).

Go 8.5 mi past Apache J to the Peralta Rd turnoff (approx. 32 mi. from I-10).

Turn left and the trailhead is about 9 miles north on this road.

The last 8 miles are on a well-maintained dirt road.

Monday, November 23, 2020 - Mountain Top from Steps (Verrado). Rating B.  Marilyn Reynolds or Bill Halte will lead.  This hike is 10 miles with 1100 feet of elevation gain.  Round trip driving distance is 18 miles. There is no park fee and there are no restrooms at the trailhead.

Directions to Trailhead at Verrado West

Go West 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 Raven at Verrado golf course to get to the trailhead.

Monday, November 23, 2020 - Victory View & Stairs Loop (Verrado). Rating C.  Ron Leads. This hike is 7.4 miles and 900 feet elevation gain. The hike goes through typical west Valley desert terrain. It goes up 330 stairs to an overlook with views of the Victory develop, golf course and clubhouse. The hike gives you great views of the white trail you see from I-10, though not the part you see from Pebble Creek. The C version makes a loop over to and on the SOB trail. No facilities at the trailhead. No park fee. Driving distance is 18 miles RT.

https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/WhiteTankMountains-Verrado/VerradoVictory

Directions to Trailhead

Go West 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 Raven at Verrado golf course to get to the trailhead.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020 - Deem Hills Inner Circumference Trail (Phoenix). Rating D+. Kay Thomas leads.  This is a 4.1 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

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…No park fee.

Restrooms are at the parking lot.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 - Toothaker/Pedersen/Gadsden/Butterfield Loop (Estrella

Mountains). Rating B. Eileen Lords Mosse or Kris Raczkiewicz will lead.  This is a 10.2-mile loop beginning on the west side of the rodeo grounds. This hike is relatively flat with 612 ft elev. gain. Follow Toothaker Trail from the TH until it intersects with the Pedersen Trail. Turn right on the Pedersen Trail. Turn left on the Gadsden Trail, then right on the Butterfield trail and head back to the rodeo. A restroom is at the trailhead. Park entrance fee is $7.00 per car. Driving distance is 20 miles RT.

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 Avenue 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.

Wednesday November 25, 2020 - Lizardhead/Chimney rock/Thunder Mountain Loop (Sedona).  Rating C.  EARLY DEPARTURE – meet at 6:00 am and depart at 6:15 am.  Kerry Walsh will lead.  This is a 7-mile lollipop loop with an elevation gain of 900 feet.  This is a very scenic hike on the edge of Sedona.  There are lots of views of Red Rock formations and Sedona from above.  Trail surface - the overall trail is an average hiking trail with the quarter mile of stair-like steps.  Restrooms are at trailhead. There is no park fee with a Senior Parks pass. Driving distance is approximately 250 miles RT. 

Directions to Sedona - Dry Creek Vista Trailhead 

Go West (left) on Indian School Rd to Loop 303.  

Go North (right) on Loop 303 to I-17 North. 

Go North (left) on I-17 to exit 287 (Camp Verde). 

Go west (left) to Cottonwood. 

Turn north (right) on 89A. 

Turn left onto Dry Creek Road 

Turn right on FS 152  

Go about .2 miles to trailhead parking on the left. 

There are restrooms at the trailhead and there is a McDonalds at I-17 exit 287.

Thursday, November 26, 2020 – THANKSGIVING DAY – No B hike.

Thursday, November 26, 2020 – THANKSGIVING DAY APPETIZER HIKE   Maricopa Trail-Tres Rios Wetlands.  Rating D.  This is a 5 mile in and out hike with about 50’ of elevation gain.   This trail 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’s 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.  No entrance fee.  No restrooms. 

 Directions to Tres Rios trailhead.   

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.  Continue past the Phoenix Raceway and turn right into a parking area just past the grandstand and before the river bridge. 

Friday November 27 - Arnett Canyon & Picketpost Loop Trail (Superior).

Rating B.  EARLY DEPARTURE – meet at 6:15 am and depart at 6:30 am. Lynn Warren will lead.  This hike is 11.5 miles with 1100 ft. elevation gain and is an interesting loop around this impressive mountain…could have some fall colors. Arnett canyon

is similar to West Fork of Oak Creek canyon with a few creek crossings (seasonal),

many cottonwood trees, and red rock formations. Telegraph canyon is a bare rock

wash with lots of trees, and the rest is a typical desert hike with many Saguaros.

There are lots of interesting views of the surrounding area - bring your camera.

Trail condition – average hiking trail plus the creek crossings with some

bushwhacking on the south side of Picketpost. Restroom at the trailhead. No

park fee. Restrooms are at the trailhead. No park fee.

https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Superior/Picketpost-Mtn-Arizona-Trail/Picketpost-Loop

Directions to Picketpost Trailhead (Driving distance is 160 miles RT)

Take I-10 east to Hwy 60 east (HOV all the way).

Go approx. 50 mi. and turn right just before Boyce Thompson Arboretum (watch for

brown sign indicating Picketpost)

Follow signs for a couple of miles to the parking lot.

Friday, Nov 27, 2020 - Windgate Pass/Gateway trails McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Scottsdale).  Rating C+/B.  Ann Rohlman leads. This is a 7 to 8+ mile hike with an elevation gain of 1300-1600 ft.  The C version of the hike goes to Inspiration Viewpoint, which gives nice views of the desert valley, Tom Thumb Peak and Scottsdale.  The B version goes to the saddle at Windgate Pass giving views of Four Peaks and Weavers Needle.  Both versions start at the Gateway trailhead area and pass through a typical Saguaro forest.  This part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has many crested barrel cacti.  Trail condition - trail surface is typical desert but it is basically a steady uphill hike to the viewpoint or saddle.   Restrooms and water are at the trailhead.  No park fees.  Driving distance is 88 miles RT.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/McDowellSonoranPreserve/Windgate-Pass

Directions to McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Gateway Trailhead

Take Hwy 101 north all the way around to Scottsdale.

Exit at Princess/Pima-Bell road (exit #36). 

Continue straight through the light to get to Bell Road.

Turn east (left) on Bell Road and go approx. 1.4 miles.

Turn north (left) onto Thompson Peak Parkway.

Turn right into trailhead parking 0.5 mi. up the road.

Restrooms and water are at the trailhead.

Saturday, November 28, 2020 - Verrado/Central Wash (Verrado). Rating B. Eileen Lords Mosse or Kris Raczkiewicz will lead.  This hike is 9 miles with a 1200 ft elevation gain. It is from the Bill Halte Classic Collection; a combination of trails and dirt roads. The hike is typical desert terrain. No park fee and no restrooms at the trailhead. Round trip distance is 18 miles.

Directions to Trailhead at Verrado West

Go West 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 Raven at Verrado golf course to get to the

trailhead.

Saturday November 28 - Fantasy Island North Singletrack (FINS) loop (Estrella Mountain Ranch).  Rating C+.  Marilyn Reynolds will lead.  This is a 7.5 mile double loop hike with an elevation gain of 1250 ft on several trails of the FINS bike trails system. The trails meander through several desert hills with many rock formations.  There are also a couple of interesting areas - an enchanted forest of stuffed animals and a boneyard of dozens of cow bones. Trail condition - overall, this is a good biking trail.  No park fee.  No restrooms at the trailhead.  Driving distance is 30 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.  There is no park fee.