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:

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

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

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

A hikes (up to 16 miles) 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 coming week, A and B Hikes will meet in the Eagle’s Nest parking lot.  C and D hikes will meet at the Tuscany Falls parking lot.  Hikers will leave the parking lots at 6:30 a.m.

Monday, October 25, 2021—Highway 93--Joshua Tree North Monolith. Rating B.  Marilyn Reynolds will lead.  This is a 6 to 7-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1200 feet.  It utilizes old, unmarked Jeep roads, marked regular trails, sandy washes, and short climbs to summit the Shiprock Monolith.  This area is part of the Tres Alamos Wilderness that marks the confluence of the Sonora and Mojave deserts.  There are good examples of saguaros and Joshua trees living side by side in the desert.  The rock outcroppings are very scenic as are the Joshua trees.  There is a short climb and scramble to reach the top of Shiprock Monolith.  A bushwhack connects the peak back to the Jeep road.  There are no restrooms at trailhead.  There is no park fee.  Driving distance 160 miles roundtrip. http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Hwy93/Joshua-Tree-North

Directions to Wickenburg - Joshua Tree North Trailhead--Take Loop 303 north to U.S. 60. Turn west (left) onto U.S. 60 for approx. 28 miles. Turn right on Highway 93. Go approx. 36 miles to a pull-off area on the left just before MP 163. No restrooms…might want to stop at McDonald’s in Wickenburg.  Suggested driver donation is $10.00

Monday, October 25, 2021—Estrella Foothills off Elliott Road--Blackjack Trail--Rating C.  Challenge due to some edginess.  Dana leads.  Hike 6.7 miles with 900 feet of elevation.  Park along side of Elliot Road.  Then we start out on Coyote Trail to Hook Up Trail to Saddle Up Trail to Blackjack Trail to Up There Trail to Giddy Up Trail to What’s 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.  There is no park fee.  There are no restrooms at trailhead.  Driving distance 27 miles roundtrip.

Directions to Estrella Foothills off Elliot Road—Turn south out of the main gate off onto PebbleCreek Parkway (South), which becomes Estrella Parkway on the other side of I-10.  Stay on Estrella Parkway through the Estrella Mountain Development until you come to Elliot Road which is across from the Safeway Store.  Turn left onto Elliott Road and go straight into the trailhead parking.  Suggested driver donation is $2.00.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021—Phoenix--Deem Hills Inner Circumference Trail.  Rating D Challenge.  Kay Thomas will lead. This is a 4.1-mile loop hike around the Deem Hills Recreation area with an elevation change of 560 feet.  There are distinct vegetation areas on the different sides of the hills.  Good views from the top showing the area north of 101 and west of I-17.  Restrooms are at the trailhead.  There is no Park Fee.  Driving Distance is 65 miles roundtrip. https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/DeemHillsPark/Circumference

Directions to Deem Hills Park--Take 101 North Turn North on 59th Avenue.  Turn North (left) on 55th Avenue.  55th Ave becomes Deem Hills Parkway.  The park is on the right.  There is no park fee.  Restrooms are at the parking lot.

Alternate Directions to Deem Hills--Take 303 North. Turn East (right) on Happy Valley Parkway.  Turn North (left) on 55th Avenue.   55th Avenue becomes Deem Hills Parkway.  The park is on the right.  Suggested driver donation is $4.00.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021--Usery Mountain Park--Pass Mountain + Wind Cave Trails--Rating B.  Kris Raczkiewicz or Eileen Lords Mosse will lead.  This is an 11-mile hike.  The Wind Cave Trail is a 3.2 mile round trip in and out hike with an elevation change of 650 feet.  The trail begins relatively flat then climbs steadily to a large overhanging rock.  Pass Mountain is a 7.4-mile loop, with an elevation gain of 1900 feet on a trail in good condition, with great scenery.  The trail encircles Pass Mountain and starts through a Saguaro Forest.  It offers nice views on clear days of other distant mountain ranges.  This is a long hike–bring plenty of water.  Restrooms are at the trailhead.  The Park fee is $7.00 per vehicle.  Driving distance is approximately 110 miles roundtrip. http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/UseryMountainRegionalPark/Pass-Mountain-Trail

Directions to Usery Mountain Trail--I-10 HOV east to Loop 202 (HOV exit on left).  Loop 202 to Power Road (exit 23A), turn right (south).  In a few blocks turn left onto McDowell Boulevard East.  Turn left onto Usery Pass Road (“T” intersection).  Turn right onto Usery Park Road (across from the “Phoenix arrow”).  Turn left onto Wind Cave Drive West to the trailhead.  Suggested driver donation is $7.00.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021—Estrella Mountain Regional Park--Rainbow Valley, Toothaker Loop Trail.  Rating C.  Barbara Kripps leads.  This is a 6.7-mile loop hike beginning on the west side of the rodeo grounds.  It has an elevation gain of 800 feet. The trail goes through typical desert terrain. The Rainbow Valley Trail is wide and relatively flat.  It ends at the Toothaker Trail. Turn left onto the Toothaker Trail to return to the rodeo grounds. Trail condition - very good hiking trail.  There are restrooms andwater are at the trailhead.  Park entrance is $7.00 per car.  Driving distance is 20 miles roundtrip.

Directions to Estrella Mountain Regional Park--Turn south out the main gate onto Pebble Creek Parkway/EstrellaParkway.  South of I-10 turn left on Vineyard Avenue across the Gila River.  Turn right into Estrella Mountain Regional Park.  Suggested driver donation is $2.00.

Thursday, October 28, 2021—Cave Creek--Blue Wash, Camp Creek Falls Trail.  Rating B.  Clare Bangs will lead.  This is a 9.8-mile loop hike with an elevation gain of 900-1000 feet.  It goes down a series of dry waterfalls to an intersection with Camp Creek.  Just past the intersection going up the ridgeline is a section of the Maricopa Trail.  We take that up to the road.  On the return we stay in an interesting wash, which comes out at Camp Creek.  Then we go up Camp Creek about a third of a mile to a wet waterfall of about 15 feet.  Beyond that the creek stays above ground and meanders through a lush riparian area to a campground.  The return goes up the ridge running parallel to Blue Wash, providing views of the whole area.  Trail condition – part is in a sandy wash and part is an average trail with one steep section going out of the main wash.  There are no restrooms at the trailhead.  There is no park fee.  Driving distance is 122 miles roundtrip. http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/CaveCreekRegionalPark/Cave-Creek-Other

Directions to Cave Creek - Blue Wash/Camp Creek Trailhead--Take Loop 303 North to I-17.  Turn North (left) on I-17.  Turn right (east) on Carefree Highway (74) and drive to the end.  Turn left on Tom Darlington/Scottsdale Road.  Turn right on Cave Creek Road and continue past the turnoff to Bartlett Reservoir.  Drive just over 2 miles past that turnoff.  The trailhead will be on the left just past the Blue Wash #1 sign.  No restrooms at the trailhead.

Alternate Directions to Cave Creek - Blue Wash/Camp Creek Trailhead--Take Loop 101 North.  Turn left on Loop 101 to Cave Creek Rd. Turn left on to Cave Creek Rd. Turn right on Carefree Hwy (Hwy 74). Turn left on Tom Darlington/Scottsdale Road.  Turn right on Cave Creek Road.  Stay on Cave Creek Road past the turnoff to Bartlett Reservoir.  Drive just over 2 miles from that intersection.  Trailhead will be on the left just past the Blue Wash #1 sign.  There are no restrooms at the trailhead and there is no park fee.  Suggested driver donation is $8.00.

Thursday, October 28, 2021—Lake Pleasant Area—Frog Tank, Beardsley, Morgan City Wash.  Rating D.  Dennis Zigmunt will lead.  This is a 4-mile lollipop loop hike with an elevation gain of about 450 feet.  The hike starts at the north end of the Frog Tank Trail between areas 10 and 11.  It goes downhill to the Beardsley Trail, turns right for .2 miles, then turns left to go along an interesting canyon.  The canyon ends at the Morgan City Wash Trail signs. We then turn left and follow the trail through MCW before reconnecting with the Beardsley trail.  Turning left on Beardsley we return to the Frog Tank Trail and back to the trailhead.  There is a very nice dry waterfall area just off the Beardsley trail with some interesting rock formations.  MSW is an interesting “jungle” area with a running creek.  Trail maintenance has recently been completed to make MSW a very nice hike through the “jungle” area.  Restrooms with water are at the trailhead.  Park fee is $7.00. Driving distance is 80 miles roundtrip.

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/LakePleasantArea/Morgan-City-Wash-Maricopa

Directions to Ramada 12 (Frog Tank), Lake Pleasant Regional Park--Take Loop 303 north to Lake Pleasant Road.  Turn left (north) on Lake Pleasant Road to Arizona 74.  Turn left (west) and continue to Castle Hot Springs Road (Lake Pleasant Regional Park turnoff) and turn right (North).  Go 2.1 miles to the park, turn right on Lake Pleasant Access Road.  Pay $7.00 park fee. Turn Right on South Park Road...the trailhead is on the left at the top of the hill.  Trailhead is a large parking lot overlooking the lake.

Friday, October 29, 2021—Granite Mountain, Trail #261 (Prescott).  Rating B.  Lynn Warren will lead.  This is an 8-mile out and back hike with an elevation gain of 1500.  We hike west from the trailhead gate a little more than 1.8 miles to the junction at Trail 37 and 261.  The trail to the right is 261.  Walk through the wooden chute and hike up 1.3 miles of moderate switchbacks and a 1200 feet ascent to Granite Mountain Saddle. We continue hiking another mile through the ponderosas to Granite Mountain Overlook.  Trail condition - most of it is a typical trail, but the last part is loose stone and very steep.  Restrooms are at the trailhead.  Park fee is $5.00 (free on Wednesday).  Driving distance is 215 miles roundtrip (using Hwy 89).

http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Prescott-1/Granite-Mountain

Directions to Prescott - Granite Mountain West—Take Indian School Road to Loop 303.  Drive North on Loop 303 to I-17.  Turn left onto I-17 towards Flagstaff.  Take I-17 North to Prescott exit #262.  Turn North (left) on SR 69 to Prescott.  Turn right on Fain Road.  Drive to the end of the parkway (it changes name to Pioneer Parkway).  Turn left on Williamson Valley Road. Turn right (north) on Iron Springs Road.  Turn right at the Granite Basin Lake turn-off (this is FSR 374).  Follow FSR 374 for 5 miles to Granite Mountain Metate Trailhead #261.  Parking will be on the left. Restrooms are at the trailhead.  It is 260 miles roundtrip.  Fill out envelope completely; pay $5.00 fee and place flap on dash so it can be read.  Parking is free on Wednesdays or with a Golden Age or Golden Eagle Pass.  Suggested driver donation is $12.00.

Friday, October 29, 2021—Estrella Foothills--Cairn Canyon Loop – SR, PA, RR, GR, UT, PC, JL Loop (Estrella Mountains).  Rating C.  Dana Thomas will lead.  This is a 6.4-mile loop hike with an elevation gain of 600 feet.  The hike starts at the parking lot of the Estrella Foothills High School and goes through several washes and up over a couple of saddles. The hike is in typical desert terrain.  Trail condition - average hiking trail. There is no park fee.  Restrooms are t the trailhead.  Driving distance is 27 miles roundtrip.

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

Directions to Estrella Foothills Park - High School Trailhead--Turn south out the main gate onto PebbleCreek Parkway, which becomes Estrella Parkway on the other side of I-10.  Continue through the Estrella Mountain development.  Turn left into the parking lot before the Estrella Foothills High School.  Park at the far end of the parking lot.  Restrooms are on the left by the ballpark.  There is no park fee.  Recommended driver donation is $2.00.

Saturday, October 30, 2021—White Tank Mountains/Verrado -- Verrado West Loop -- Rating B.  Kris Raczkiewicz or Eileen Lords Mosse will lead.  This is a 10.4-mile loop hike with an elevation gain of 1508 feet.  The hike goes up to the top of the ridge, drops down the other side and loops back towards Buckeye.  It then goes back up to the first saddle before returning to the trailhead.  The loop portion of this hike is steep in both directions and the middle section goes through a sandy wash.  Trail condition – an average hiking trail.  There are no restrooms at the trailhead.  There is no park fee.  Driving Distance is approximately 18 miles roundtrip. http://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/WhiteTankMountains-Verrado/Verrado-West-Loop

Directions to Lost Creek Trailhead at Verrado--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 Verrado Founder’s Golf Course to get to the trailhead.  Suggested driver donation is $2.00.

Saturday, October 30, 2021—Skyline Regional Park--MW, TB, GF, CW Loop.  Rating C.  Marilyn Reynolds will lead.   This is about a 7-mile loop hike with an elevation gain of about 1200 feet in the western part of Skyline Regional Park.  Trail condition - good hiking trail.  There is no park fee.  Restrooms are at the trailhead.  Driving distance is 30 miles roundtrip. 

https://pchikingclub.smugmug.com/Skyline-Park

Directions to Skyline Regional Park Trailhead--Go West on I-10.  Turn north (right) on Watson Road.  Drive to the end of road.  Suggested driver donation is $2.00.

Marilyn Reynolds, President

PebbleCreek Hiking Club

REVISED 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 Marilyn Reynolds PCHCPres@gmail.com or (208) 484-3156. 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.

Traveling to the Trailhead:

Hikers may use their own personal vehicles to travel to the Trail Head or carpool with other hikers.  Please do not ask to ride with another hiker at the meet up, if you want to share rides, arrange this personally in advance.

Hiking:

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. 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 are recommended to be added to the required items to carry for each Hiker.

Please do not bring guests until Covid protocols are lifted.