Hiking Hikers Hiking Group ("3H")

Join 3H for some social fun. Happy hour/dinner Isabella's Kitchen reservation @ 5pm (Ask for Tracie's table @ host stand) and then music 7:30/8pm @ HandlebarJ's Yacht Rock.

⭐⭐⭐Music @ HandlebarJ's Yacht Rock 730/8pm. If you're not interested in HH/dinner, feel free to join for HandlebarJ's. There's no reservation. May be standing room.

Because people will inquire. Based on who's joined for previous hike's I would suspect age range is 40's-50's.

⭐Arrival 5pm
Isabella's Kitchen
8623 E Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

⭐Arrival 7:30pm/8pm
HandlebarJ's
7116 E Becker Ln,
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

In Short:

This is a fast-paced fitness hike of about 6.5 miles and 1200 feet of elevation gain. Be sure to bring plenty of water, a headlamp in the winter months. Don't miss the after-hike beers & chow

Where is it?

Visit: http://goo.gl/maps/bjRZD to view on Google Maps. The trailhead is located at the parking lot just north & west of 19th Ave/Chandler Blvd at the Western Edge of Ahwatukee. Take west Chandler Blvd until you reach the 19th Ave, turn right at 19th Ave, and then an immediate left into the parking lot. Overflow parking is on Chandler Blvd just east of the parking lot - sometimes we queue up there before walking through the parking lot to the trailhead.

The Hike

Pyramid is a steep, well groomed trail. It is steep enough to make it a heart pounding fitness hike, but well groomed, so you can go as fast as your lungs and legs will allow. It is a 6.5 mile out and back and is generally completed in about two hours.

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/7/f/2/event_211294802.jpeg

The steepest part of the trail is shown above, where you gain 1,000 feet in about one mile.

Detailed Description:

The first part of the hike is easy with rolling washes and small hills. The group tends to stay together. The next section is steep. You gain about 1000 feet in a mile and the group tends to split apart into two groups. No worries, if you fall behind, we will wait for you at the top. If you can not make it to the top, let someone know and you can backtrack to the trailhead. The third section is rolling with some quick ups and downs. The pace really picks up here. If you can not complete this section, we will pick you up on the way back. There is a quick detour onto the National Trail. Take a left from Pyramid to the National and in a few hundred yards, you will see panoramic view of Phoenix. After a short rest, we turn around and head back on the same trail(s).

Important Note: If you feel uncomfortable hiking alone, let someone know! You do not have to complete this hike. Although it is well marked, it is possible to take a wrong turn and end up in a neighborhood. If you are unsure, stop and wait for the rest of the group to catch you on the way back.

What to bring:

Water
Headlamp
Cell phone for emergencies.

Caveats and Addendums:

This is a fast paced fitness hike. Sometimes, you will find hikers post they are 'beginning early' to get a head start. If you are new to this hike, you can generally meet up earlier. Just post it on the board.
If the group agrees, sometimes we will mix it up and hike Dos Eliminator or Old Mine or Lost Camp. There is a general agreement at the trailhead.
If you hike at a moderate speed, we still would like to see you! There are plenty of folks that do not complete the hike. We never discourage anyone and you will improve every week. The goal is cardio fitness, good conversation offset by some light drinking.

This is cross post with Take a Hike Meet Up.

Join us for a moderate evening hike at Shaw Butte.

We will meet at the DOLLAR TREE PARKING LOT closest to North MTN Park and take the trail into the preserve. When we hit the #306 we will take it clockwise around and up the trail leading to the top. Then come down around the other side along the service road and pick up the levee which leads us back to the Dollar Tree parking lot.
The beginning is flat which allows for a warmup, but then the majority of the climbing is packed into the middle and is very steep with loose rocks. The trail down the other side is more gradual and solid.

Bring at least 2 liters of water and a flashlight. We will be hiking in the dark.
Be sure to be well hydrated.

If you do not hike elevation hikes this one may not be for you. We will make a few stops and catch our breath and make sure we are all together. Please stay with the group.

DISTANCE: 4.5 miles round trip
ELEVATION Gain: 800 feet
DURATION: 2 hrs or so
FACILITIES: Yes
DOGS : Not recommended unless the temp is below 90

** if the group is too slow for you and you decide to go ahead, please let someone in the group know. We typically finish by 8:30pm.

Moonrise is at 5:11pm so we will likely see the moonrise on the way to our destination.

On occasion, ringtail (https://www.azlibrary.gov/state-symbols/state-mammal) (state mammal of AZ) will join us after dark looking for crumbs.

If you are a frequent hiker, the hike out isn't too strenuous; it's not a fitness hike. However, it is uphill most of the way and we do gain decent altitude; it's WAY more than just a walk in the park, so evaluate your abilities. It is just about 1.5 miles to reach our picnic area and we'll probably spend 30 minutes to an hour at that location before starting back (normally between 8-8:30pm).

Here's an ancient link showing approximate elevation gain:
https://www.strava.com/activities/401827298

Bring whatever you would like to consume... suggestions are cheese and crackers, fruit, vegetables, beef jerky, chocolate, rice crispie treats, pork rinds, pea soup, caviar, bucket of chicken (original recipe), pizza, pickles, olives, cottage cheese, sushi, edamame, donuts, chili, chicken and waffles, pop tarts, twinkies, tacos, cheetos, chili-cheese dog, cream of wheat, white castle, etc.. Be cautious... grape juice can ferment if left too long in the container!

Please, no glassware or breakables but juice boxes and plastic cups are fine. And you may be interested to know that many steel water bottles hold 750ml of liquid; which is coincidentally the same size as a bottle of wine.

Because of the combination of 100 foot cliffs and darkness, bringing children is discouraged.

You all probably already know how to get to Dreamy Draw Park... most online map programs don't give very good directions at all for this location. To keep it simple, here are your directions, from SR-51, go east on Northern Avenue until you reach the parking lot. Easy!

We typically will wait 5 minutes past GO time for those who RSVP "Yes". If you're running late, call me at 623.776.6724 and we'll figure out something.

Another chance to experience this 3H gem! Let's, once again, hike to the highest peak in the Goldfield Mountain range. We'll even throw in another arch, though the view is from a distance. The area we will traverse is situated just north of the fabled Superstition Mountains. From the peak, we will enjoy 360 degree views of the entire area, and those views are spectacular!

DIFFICULTY: Moderately difficult with some short, strong climbs and descents with, perhaps, some light off trailing with a little bushwhacking. Although long pants are not required, there are a couple spots where you might brush through some bushes (though, less so as the years go on). Sticks/poles are quite useful here. This is not a good hike for you if you have a strong fear of heights. There are some slippery/scree sections, so make sure your shoes have good treads. If you are unsure of your ability, and have taken the time to put in your profile some of the places you have hiked, or if you've hiked with us before, we can help you determine if this hike is right for you. Just ask!

TRAIL LENGTH: 6 to 6.5 miles.
ELEVATION GAIN: 1210 feet.
HIKING TIME: Expect 4 to 5 hours for this hike.
WHAT TO BRING: Water, sunscreen, hat, camera, snacks/lunch, and sturdy footwear. We will break for lunch/snacks/photos and exploring at the top.

MEETING SPOT: There is a very small parking lot, along a hard to find short, dirt road to the trailhead on this one. Route is passable by car. So, let's all meet at a central location and carpool to the trailhead. We will be meeting at 8:00 AM at the end of Meridian Rd., two miles north of the intersection of Brown Rd. and Meridian Rd. From there, we can carpool to the trailhead.

Here is the general directions to the carpool spot: From the 202 (Red Mountain Freeway), take Brown Rd. east, about four miles to a four way stop, and turn north (left) on Meridian. Follow Meridian to the end at the trailhead. Overflow parking is along the road on either side. For those that like to use MapQuest/Google, use the address 2744 N. Meridian Rd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120. This is the closest house to the trailhead. However you chose, just get to the north end of Meridian.

SPECIAL NOTE: There are no marked trails in this region, and several trail junctions along the way, so let's try to stick together, or, at least, not get too far ahead of the pack. We will stop at each junction to assure we have everybody, but if you are ahead of the hike leaders, you are on your own.

Note: There are no facilities at this trailhead. Plan accordingly and bring plenty of water (we would suggest at least 3 liters).

Please understand, hiking has its dangers. By signing up and attending this, and any 3H events, you are responsible for your own safety, and organizers and their assistants cannot be held responsible for any injuries or other mishaps that may occur.

This is going to be a very challenging hike!

We will start from the Cholla trailhead at 2:30 PM and make our way 1.5 miles to the summit. Following a brief rest, we will then make the quick 1.3 mile descent to the Echo Canyon trailhead, and then turn around and head back up to the summit, which should put us there right in time to enjoyt the sunset. We will then make our way back down to the Cholla trailhead, and for those who are interested, grab some (much needed) food and drink nearby.

As I stated above, this is going to be a tough hike, so consider your limitations before signing up (this is not for new/beginning hikers). Additionally, ensure that you bring at least 1-2 liters of water, along with snacks and electrolytes. Parking can also be a bit of a challenge at times on the Cholla side of Camelback, so plan on getting there at least 10-15 minutes before our start time (parking is only available on Invergordon, and it is about a 1/2 mile walk to the trailhead).

Meeting time: 2:30 PM
Meeting location: Cholla trailhead facility area
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: 5.6 miles out and back
Total Elevation Gain: 3200 feet

This is a 2.9 mile nonsweep fitness hike loop. We start by going up Marcos De Niza, across the ridgeline to the stone houses and then return to the parking lot down the road. There are a 4 up climbs and 1 down climb. We start promptly at 5:30pm from the bathroom Ramada at the Pima entrance trailhead off 48th St. In Ahwatukee between 48th St & Guadalupe Rd. Phoenix). We try and complete this hike within 1 hour. Please bring a headlamp and plenty of water.

This event is cross-posted with Take a Hike meetup @ https://4142298.xyz/Take-a-Hike/events/vlxplsydcdbkb/

Please join us for an evening fitness hike through Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail at South Mountain Preserve. This is considered a moderately challenging hike at 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 925 ft. Most of the elevation gain will be in the first mile. All are welcome, of course, however please note this is a fitness hike with the group likely finishing in 90 minutes, moving at a brisk pace.
Hidden Valley has amazing rock formations, a natural tunnel and the well-knows " Fat Man Pass" between two massive boulders. Seeing the sunset during the hike will only add to the natural beauty and experience.
We will meet at the ramada which is adjacent to the parking lot and trailhead.
Be sure to bring headlamp/flashlight, at least 2 liters of water and whatever you need to stay hydrated !

Distance: 3.6 miles (Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail)

Elevation Gain: 925 Ft

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Facilities: No facilities at Trailhead

Parking: Parking lot available with additional street parking.