Hike Detail Sheet,  Hikes,  Special Hike

Guided Bird Hike at Salt River (SP)

Date:Destination:Salt River Granite Reef Recreation
Level:SpecialArea:Mesa
Approx hike distance in miles:2Hike leader:
Low to high elevation gain:n/aHike leader phone:
Accum elevation gain in feet:n/aHike leader email:
Departure time - Union Center parking lot:Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in
Recommended gas donation:$10
Unpaved miles:0Park entry fee per vehicle:Tonto Nat'l Forest or US Recreation Pass
Road conditions:ExcellentWebsite for reference info:http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/granite-reef-recreation-area.htm
High clearance vehicle req'd:NoTrailhead GPS coordinates:33.47023, -111.68670


TRAIL CONDITIONS
Maintained Trail:YesUneven Footing:No
Steep Side Drop-offs:NoSteep Trail:
No
Off Trail (scratchy):NoSlippery Trail Surfaces:No
Use of Hands Required:NoBoulder Hopping:No
Difficulty :EasyWater Crossings:No
Restrooms at Trailhead:YesGloves Required:No

 

Special Instructions:

Kathe Anderson will guide this 2 hours bird hike along the Salt River.  If you have a spotting scope or binoculars bring them.  In the past, we’ve seen 30-40 species including waterfowl, osprey and bald eagles.  There is no fee for the guide, but she will happily take donations for the American Bird Conservancy.  Bring a snack and water.

  • There is a 10 participant limit on this Special Hike.

Directions:

We plan to meet Kathe Anderson at the Granite Reef Recreation Area, however, since there is limited parking at the site, we will meet at the Union Center parking lot at 6:45am and carpool to the Recreation Area parking lot. Directions to the Granite Reef Rec. Area are:
Drive to Felix Road and turn right on Arizona Farms Road.  Travel 5.5 miles to AZ-79 and turn north(left).  Drive 10 miles and turn west on US-60 towards Phoenix.  Travel 20.2 miles and take Exit 190-A to AZ-202 Loop North.  In 6 miles take Exit 23-B and turn left on McDowell Road.  In .5 miles turn right on North Power Road.  In 3.5 miles merge right onto Bush Hwy.  In .4 miles the Granite Reef Rec. Area parking will be on your left.
*If the parking lot is full, make a U-turn and drive @1,000 feet back to the Bush Hwy Trailhead.
*Don’t forget your US Recreation Pass.