Special Instructions: This is a short distance hike to a private local site with archeologists Don and Marsha Simonis. They will discuss the ruins found on the site. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about our local history. Bring water and a snack. Directions: Driving directions will be given out the morning of the hike.

Special Instructions: This hike will be led by a retired Park Ranger on the Discovery Trail in Lost Dutchman State Park. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the edible native plants we see on our hikes. There will be ample time for questions and picture taking. Bring water. This hike is limited to 13 participants. Directions: Drive north on Felix Road to Arizona Farms and turn right. Follow Arizona Farms for 5.4 miles and turn left onto Hwy 79. Travel 9.7 miles on Hwy 79 then merge onto US 60 west. Drive 12.6 miles and turn right on S. Mountain View Road (just past Silly Mtn). In 4.6 miles turn right onto AZ 88. Drive 1.8 miles and turn right into Lost Dutchman State Park. Go through gate. Follow road to the Saguaro Day Use Area.

Special Instructions: For hikers who enjoy viewing Fall colors, this hike will follow the trails through Boyce Thompson and Wallace Gardens to see the changing leaves and view the wildlife. There will not be a Boyce Thompson tour guide with our group. The cost to enter is $25.00 per person or your Boyce Thompson pass. Bring water and a snack. Directions: Take Felix Rd north to Arizona Farms Rd. Turn right. Turn left (north) on AZ 79. Take the right ramp onto Hwy 60 East toward Globe. Just past milepost 222, turn right. Sign says Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Entrance to the Arboretum is on the right in approximately 0.5 mile. Total Mileage: 31 miles.

  SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: This group hike will be for all levels. The Short hike will be a 1 ½ mile out and back hike to the Fire Wave. The Intermediate hike will be a 2 ½ mile loop hike to the Fire Wave and Seven Wonders. See spectacular views of the surrounding area while hiking on white, pink, and red rocks. Bring water and your camera. DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: From Mouse’s Tank picnic area, drive north on Mouses Tank Rd approximately 3.5 miles to Fire Wave Trailhead. Parking areas on both sides of the road

  Special Instructions: This is a loop hike at Gilbert Water Ranch. Our guide will be Kathe Anderson, a local birder who leads guided tours for the Audubon Society. The Water Ranch is one of the best bird-viewing places in our area. There is no fee, however, there will be a $5.00 contribution to the Audubon Society, which the hike leader will collect. This hike is limited to 8 hikers. Kathe requests all hikers have a mask available. Bring a camera, binoculars, water and a snack. Directions: Turn right (north) on Hunt Hwy and follow for 18 miles. Turn left on Rittenhouse Rd and follow for 3.5 miles. Turn right on Power Rd and follow for 5.7 miles. Turn left on Guadalupe Rd and follow for 2.6 miles. Destination is on the left: 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ.  Entrance is in the front as you enter the parking lot off Guadalupe Rd.

  Special Instructions: This SPECIAL out and back hike will focus on landscape photography. The hike is along the Salt River to a sandy wash (you will be hiking in the sand) and to a lime oven. You will have river and mountain views. Pass by a huge saguaro, possibly see wild horses, and pass by the famous Heber-Reno Sheep Driveway. Roger Degler, a professional photographer, will accompany the group to assist all hikers with the composition of their photographs. This is not a lesson on how to use a camera or cell phone, but how to capture the beautiful scenary in the area with whatever device you use to take pictures. This hike is for the photo enthusiasts. Roger’s work can be seen at AZsunsets.blogspot.com. Bring water, a snack, and a camera or phone for your pictures. Limit of 8 hikers. Directions: Turn right (north) on Hunt Hwy to Gary Rd and turn right. Follow Gary Rd (becomes Rittenhouse Rd) to Ellsworth Rd and turn right. Follow Ellsworth Rd north past Hwy 60. Ellsworth Rd becomes Usery Pass Rd.  Turn right at stop sign onto Bush Hwy towards Saguaro Lake. After crossing the Salt River via bridge, take the first left into parking lot.

Special Instructions: Each hiker will receive instructions and download a recommended app on their phone prior to the hike. This will be hands on training as hikers walk a route and learn how to use the GPS app in the field. Bring your phone and water.   Directions: Take Hunt Hwy north to Thompson Rd. Stoplight at intersection. Turn left on Thompson and follow to Phillips Rd. Turn right on Phillips and follow to entrance of park and parking lot. This hike requires an entry fee ($7/car) or a Maricopa County Park Pass.

  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.