Remember: All hikers meet at the central mailboxes at about 7:30 a.m. to sign up, pay their membership fee ($10.00 for the season), sign their waiver, receive their sticker and have their vaccination cards validated for carpooling. We leave at 8:a.m. sharp and return somewhere between 2-4 p.m. All hikers caravan from Palm Creek to the trailhead with the leader heading the caravan. A caravan sweep vehicle will be determined at the mailboxes.
Medium Hike: Fat Man's Pass Approximately 4.5 miles
Hike the National Trail from the Buena Vista Lookout and the Hidden Valley Trail to Fat Man's Pass. For the most part, this is an easy hike with great views of the Phoenix area. The return trip is more uphill and steeper in parts but they are not too steep or very long. There are some interesting rock formations along the trail in addition to the tunnels and passes you navigate.
Long Hike: Fat Man's Pass 8.1 miles
Hike from Dobbin's Lookout to Fat Man's Pass hiking the Holbert Trail, the National Trail and then the Hidden Valley Trail to Fat Man,s Pass.
Both the medium and long hikes offer fantastic views of the Phoenix area from South Mountain. Both offer Fat Man's Pass, a very narrow gap between rock faces that hikers must squeeze through (There is a way around if necessary), another narrow gap where you slide under a rock face on a smooth rock, and a tunnel about 100 feet long. Washrooms are available for both groups at the gatehouse and Dobbin's Lookout.
Directions to Medium and Long Hikes
Take I-10 north to exit 155, Baseline Rd. Go left on Baseline and proceed to Central Ave. Turn left on Central Ave. and follow it to the gate at the entrance to the park. Proceed on the paved road to Summit Road and at the top turn left for Dobbin's Lookout. The roads are well marked but narrow and twisting. A good GPS is Dobbin's Lookout
Short Hike: Casa Grande Mountain 3-4 miles
A short hike around the trails on Casa Grande Mt. led by Denis and Reno. Their hike averages 3-4 miles and they are usually back to Palm Creek by noon. This hike leaves from the central mailboxes at 8:00 a.m. on Fridays and hikers must have a Palm Creek Hiking Club Waiver. Try to be sure to be at the mailboxes by 7:45 a.m. to secure waivers.
January Hikes
January 21th, Dynamite Trail at San Tan. This is only a medium hike.
January 28th, King's Canyon. Both a medium and long hike.
Remember: If for some reason a hike must be cancelled, you will receive an email by 6 a.m., Friday morning so you can go back to bed!
Jerry's Cell 307-630-0252
John's Cell 207-446-0650
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