Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch
Arizona’s deserts, canyons and mountains, together.
Over 200 neighbors who love the outdoors, with hikes planned for every pace, from easy social strolls to full-day summits.
OCT27-28
Upcoming club trip
Fall Adventure to Chaco Canyon
Log in to the club calendar for details and to reserve your spot.
Who we are
A hiking community right here in Anthem.
The SCAMR Hiking Club brings together more than 200 members who enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of Arizona. We organize hikes of different lengths and difficulty so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re just getting started or chasing bigger climbs.
Membership is open to all Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch activity card holders. Hikes are for active club members only.
200+active members
6hike levels
2-14miles per outing
Find your level
Start small, then work your way up.
Every club hike has a level based on mileage, terrain, elevation and pace. Our desert terrain can be tougher than it looks, so pick a hike that fits you today.
Level 1
Short
Distance2-4 mi
Elevation< 400 ft
On trail, great for first hikes and easy social outings.
Level 2
Casual Intermediate
Distance3-6 mi
Elevation< 800 ft
On trail with some climbing, a relaxed step up.
Level 3
Intermediate
Distance4-8 mi
Elevation< 1,200 ft
Longer trail days with steady elevation gain.
Level 4
Upper Intermediate
Distance6-12 mi
Elevation< 2,000 ft
Mostly on trail, big climbs for regular hikers.
Level 5
Advanced
Distance6-14 mi
Elevation< 3,000 ft
On and off trail, possible bushwhacking and scrambling.
Watch the calendar for Special Hikes too, one-off outings and trips that fall outside the regular levels.
New to the club?
Getting on the trail is easy.
1
Have your activity card
Membership is open to every SCAMR activity card holder.
2
Register and pay dues
Sign up online and pay your dues, Zelle works great.
3
Attend orientation
New member orientations run from October through the season.
4
Pick a hike
Log in and sign up for hikes on the club event calendar.
Bulletin board
New club T-shirts in Heather Red
Order your club tee for $20 each by October 19, 2026. Choose your neck style, fit, and size on the order page.
Joined over the summer?
Orientation takes a summer break and picks back up in October.
Trail trivia
There are 24 different types of hiking trails. How many can you name? And a thank you to trail volunteers everywhere, who give millions of hours each year keeping trails in shape.
Welcome, new members
- Bill and Linda Jones
- Bob Colegrove
- Debbie Whitt
- Steve Biaggi
- Cheryl Brown
- Mark Martinez
- Jeaneanne Simpson
- Sandy Kohler
- Doug Gamblin
- Ann Patounas
- Carole Fischer
See you on the trail!
From the trail
Share your hike photos on Cluster.
Cluster is the club’s official photo sharing site. Browse past outings and add your own shots.