Hiking, Carpools, Blog and Guests

Know your Limits 

The location and level of difficulty are provided prior to each hike on weekly mail outs and on the blog to help hikers determine if the hike fits their hiking stamina. It is up to each hiker to participate in hikes that are within their abilities. 

It is recommended that hikers do the Casa Grande Mountain hike prior to hiking with the club in order to determine their hiking ability. If not you should go with the short hike as a first hike, then gauge which group would be best for you. 

The level of the hike is graded as A, B, C, D. "A" being the most difficult and "D" being the easiest. Most of our hikes are B and C levels. These levels are based on elevation gain, the difficulty of terrain and distance. 

Be Prepared 

Each hiker is responsible for carrying an adequate amount of water, food and a basic first aid kit. Hike length and time can vary substantially from estimates, due to weather, rest breaks, and events on the trail. It is a good idea to carry more water than you think you need. 

Select clothing and footwear that are suited to the terrain and weather; such as substantial hiking shoes or boots and layers of lighter weight clothing. 

Carry emergency contact information and health insurance card, if from outside the US, in the event of injury or illness. 

Car Pools 

We need volunteer drivers. The directions to the trailhead and type of road surface are provided on the mail out.

One of the leaders will drop off the Sheet for the SPOT at the front gate. This car should be first in the Caravan.  

The cars are to travel as a caravan toward the trailhead, if possible. When you arrive at the trailhead, if possible, try to park close the other hikers. This helps the leaders make sure that all cars have arrived and hikers accounted for. 

When there are two groups one group often returns to the trailhead earlier than the other. Consider choosing a vehicle with hikers who are going on the same hike as you are. 

Before leaving the trailhead at the end of the hike, the drivers should confirm that all passengers are accounted for. 

Passengers 

Please provide $10.00 to the driver for each hike. Return in the same car you travelled to the trailhead, unless on the rare occasion when the leader and driver have to make other arrangements. Communication with the hiking leader is necessary if there are circumstances that a hiker leaves early or goes in a different car. 

Cell Phones and email

It is recommended to have the leader’s cell phone number in your phone. Make sure you have your phone charged and have a charger with you. If you are using hiking apps, this takes battery power. It is good to have your phone on airplane mode so that the battery is not drained by trying to find a tower to work from. 

Members may be sharing email addresses and phone numbers for membership and communication purposes. If you do not want your email shared, please let us know. 

Hiking Blog 

A blog is written after each hike to show pictures and information about the hike. If you would like contribute to the blog directly, please let Nancy, Jerry or John know. 

If you do not want your picture on the blog please inform us. Information about future hikes is also posted on the blog. 

Guest Policy 

Guests are welcome. They need to follow the same guidelines as the rest of the group except for the $10.00 membership fee.