Hidden Canyon, Bowen and Yetman Trails - February 12, 2021

This is an easy to moderate hike, approximately 6 miles, through typical vegetation of the Sonoran Desert. There are only a few areas with slight elevation gain. The hike forms two loops or a figure-eight by starting at one trailhead where we park and ending at another only a couple blocks away. About halfway through the hike, we visit the Bowen homestead, a house build of native stone but at one time suffered fire damage. Although there is no roof, the sturdy walls and fireplaces remain. No Pit Toilets but plenty of bushes. 

All Trails - Hidden Canyon Loop - Bowen Stonehouse Ruins via Yetman Trail

Hidden Canyon 

                  

Directions: Palm Creek to Florence Blv. and to I-10E for Tucson. Continue on I-10 for 64 miles to exit 259, Starr Pass Blvd. Use the right lane to merge onto Freeway and W. Starr Pass Blvd. There will be a Waffle House on the left. Continue 4.2 miles to the end of the road where there is a huge Marriott Hotel at Starr Pass. (Good GPS address, 3800 W. Starr Pass) 

Don't forget our Friday Morning short hike around Casa Grande Mountain led by Reno and Denis. This hike averages about 3 miles and hikers are usually back by noon. The group will leave from the mailboxes at the same time as the regular hike (8 am) and must have a Palm Creek Hiking Club Membership Waiver signed. 

Remember if for some reason a hike must be cancelled, we will email you by 6 am on Friday. 

Upcoming hikes:

Feb 19, 2021

The Gold Mine Trail at San Tan. Approximately 7.2 miles. (Loop). Rated moderate. Parking fee $7.00 per vehicle. (Neat Trailhead with restrooms, plenty of parking and outside attractions to view)

February 26, 2021 

Picketpost. (Clockwise loop) Approximately 8.5 miles. Rated moderate. Pretty much flat but a longer hike. (Pit Toilets) 

Jerry's Cell 307-630-0252

John's Cell 207-446-0650

Lost Goldmine Trail from Peralta Road- February 5, 2021

This trail offers an easy walk and an ever-changing view of the multicolored cliffs, escarpments and rock formations of the south side of the Superstition Mountains. There is abundant desert vegetation in the area with a wide variety of trees, cactus and shrubs. About a half-mile from the trailhead the trail passes right by a Saguaro Cactus with a number of arms (?28). Approximately 7.2 miles in and out!

Jerry's Pictures 

Mary Anne's Pictures 

Directions: Travel the back roads like we had for the Hieroglyphic Trail to Florence Junction. West on Hwy 60 to the first traffic light, Peralta Road, and turn right. Proceed through the residential area and past the school, then on the graded road to the Lost Goldmine Trailhead with parking on the left. 

If for some reason a hike must be cancelled, we will email by 6 am on Friday.

Upcoming Hikes:

February 12, 2021 - Hidden Canyon, Bowen, Yetman Trail (Figure-eight) Approximately 6 miles. 

February 19, 2021 - The Gold Mine Trail at San Tan. Approximately 7.2 miles. (Loop) Parking fee $7.00 per vehicle. 

Jerry's Cell 307-630-0252

John's Cell - 207-446-0650

Butterfield Stage Trail January 29, 2021

Butterfield Stage Route Trail - 8 miles

A bit of history from Mary Ann

Juan Batista traveled through in 1775 to establish a mission in San Francisco. In 1846, the Mormon Battalion went through to San Diego in the Mexican American War. Pony Express passed through in 1857 and the Overland Stage Route in 1858.

This trail is found in the Sonoran Desert National Monument

John's All Trails Butterfield Pass Afternoon Drive (link will be redirected)

West Butterfield Road Parking area on Sonoran Desert National Monument - Link will be redirected

These photos were taken by John, Jerry and Mary Ann. I have put them in order of time from the photo information except for the first photo. The hike started at about 9:30, arrived at the historical sign at 10:30, had lunch at 11:00 and arrived at the Kimpel Stake Boy Scouts Marker at 11:45.

Trailhead has bathrooms.