West Valley of Phoenix Hiking and Beyond Group

Hike begins at the Cottonwood Day use area with a .2 mile walk on Pipeline Canyon Trail to the Yavapai Point junction. Here, the trail swerves toward the water following the cliffs above the lake. A scenic viewpoint at roughly the half mile point serves as an appetizer for what awaits at the trail's end. From here, the trail becomes an edgy switchback ridgeline climb with views of Cottonwood Creek, Fireman's Cove, and Pipeline Canyon. The payoff is a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding desert mountains on the breezy summit. Possibly will encounter burros as well, Common in the area.
We will ADD THE PIPELINE TRAIL down to the Pontoon bridge.
Total Hike out & back .....5 miles ------ Moderate Hike
Elevation change approx 400 ft

GPS________ 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd
This GPS will take you to he main entrance. Don't turn there, but go several more miles to the North entrance. No address available for the north entrance.

We will meet at the end of the parking lot by restrooms, at the pipe line trail head. It's about 1 mile after you go thru the Park toll booth.

This hike has a Max of 10 hikers. The first 10 hikers to RSVP on Meetup are in.

Reminder----we all hike at our own RISK . By joining this hike, you accept responsibility for your own safety. As with any physical activity, there is always some chance of injury. You agree not to hold the trip leaders or organizers responsible if you get injured.
Must be 18 yrs old or with a parent.

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

Let's meet at 9:50 am so we can get started by 10:00
We will leave at 10:10 am if we don't hear from you.
You can call me or text at 480-257-6161 with questions or problems.

This is a Maricopa Regional park, so a $7. daily fee, per vehicle,
if you don't have a pass.

Come join Dave and I for a morning hike before it's time to eat that big meal.

Please be sure to get to the trailhead 10 mins before 7 am so we can begin the hike at 7 am.

Inspiration Point is a 5.7, moderate hike located on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale, Arizona.

You'll begin your hike at the Gateway area, where you can find a parking lot and bathrooms. Start on the Saguaro trail which leads to the Gateway loop trail, you can go left or right, left will be shorter, right will be longer; this trail connects with the Windgate Pass Trail, Inspiration Point can be found on this trail. It's roughly a 1,000 ft. elevation gain.

The trails are VERY rocky, but well-maintained, and clearly marked. The path winds up to a bench overlooking the city-filled valley and around to another bench that is surrounded by other peaks and valleys filled with nature. Inspiration Point is less traveled than Gateway loop, which is always crowded and is a popular tourist/family hike, thus Inspiration is a more quiet and secluded spot to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.

Let's all dress up in our best Christmas hiking attire and head out for a fun filled hike. You can wear your ugly sweater, Christmas hat, socks, or whatever festive wear you like for this event. I think I'll wear some crazy leggings, socks, and hat for this one 🤣

Hike: Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W Vineyard Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338. There is a $7 park entry fee. Full bathrooms at trail head.

Agenda: We will meet at the Rodeo/Staging Arena and hike the big loop of the Rainbow Valley trail back to the parking lot.

Rating: Moderate. Trail is rocky, loose gravel, and steep at times. This is roughly a 6.4-mile hike. There is some moderate elevation gain, beautiful mountain peak views, some old Indian fort ruins, and large washes.

Time: We will meet at the Rodeo Arena and leave promptly at 7:15am. It can be tricky to find, but it is the last trail head in the park. Follow the outer park road all the way around the park until the very end. You will come to a fork, take a right and up to the parking lot. You can see the staging area from the road. You can also get directions and/or a map at the entrance. If you have any problems, feel free to message me at 480-257-6161.

What to bring: Hydrate! The morning should start out cool, but it will warm up. Bring plenty of fluids with you and hydrate the day before (especially if you have not been out), sunscreen/protective clothing, hat & sunglasses, poles if you use them, camera, wear sturdy shoes, and snacks!

RSVP: Please keep your rsvp current. This allows for others to get in off the waitlist when there is a cancellation, helps the host in planning, and it's polite!

**Responsibilities: We all hike at our own risk, know your limits. By signing up for an event, you agree that you are solely responsible for your own health and safety and agree not to hold Meetup, the host, or WVOPHAB liable for any personal injury or damages.