Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8am to hike the wooded Rucker Canyon trail, along a creek bed and under steep overhangs to several grottoes. It's a 7.8 mile hike with more than average difficulty. Bring water, lunch and maybe walking poles. Dogs ok. Back late afternoon. Meet Feb 24 at 8am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (about 90 minutes each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Guy at gplaa@comcast.net or 541-513-9775.
Hike Difficulty: 3.0 (See index)
0.5 - 1.5 Beginners... 2.0 - 3.5 Intermediate... 4.0 - 5.0 Advanced
Elevation: 6580-6590 feet Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Driving Directions:
Double Adobe, N Central Highway, 191 to Border Police Station, right on North Rucker Canyon Road then on to East Rucker Canyon Road until you reach the campground at the end of the road. No high clearance vehicle needed.
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BACKTRACK - Laura's Loop
On Feb 17, 12 Mules and 3 dogs took our alternate hike which replaced the rain delayed San Pedro picnic hike. We took Laura's Loop starting at the end of OK Street and along the side of the hills with very pretty views up toward the ridge and down to Zack canyon. About three miles long, clear and well-marked. Weather was better than we expected and no rain. We dropped down into Zack Canyon to Brewery Gulch. About half the group chose to add another mile and take the City Trail to the end of High Road. The rest stayed on Brewery and went their own ways. All together, a pleasant relaxing hike. -Doug
Scroll across the photo to see 'Jesus & the 12 disciples & their dogs'.
SIDETRACK - Hike Changes
Doug's picnic hike was postponed Saturday because of the weather, and he led another hike instead. If you subscribed to the blog page you should have been notified by email. If you're a non-subscriber and you have future concerns about the weather, please contact the hike leader or check the blog page for any updates.
SIDETRACK
Chiricahua National Monument Offers Expanded Ranger Programs
Chiricahua National Monument is pleased to announce an expanded schedule of free ranger-led programs this spring. Acting Superintendent Matt Stoffolano welcomes visitors to “take advantage of the many programs the park offers and gain a new appreciation for the wonders of Chiricahua National Monument.” The spring program schedule will run through May 31, 2018.
Faraway Ranch House tours are now available Thursdays through Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm. Beginning in March, the tours will be offered Thursdays through Mondays. The exhibit building at Faraway Ranch will be open on tour days.
Campground Evening Programs are offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, at 7 pm in Bonita Canyon Campground’s amphitheater. Beginning in March, evening programs will be offered additional days. These programs are a great way to learn more about a variety of topics including natural and human history.
Full Moon Walks are scheduled on Thursday March 1, Saturday March 31, and Sunday April 29. Walks begin at 8 pm and last about an hour. Space is limited to 20 participants. Register up to seven days in advance, either in person at the visitor center or by calling 520-824-3560 x9302. A shuttle will be available for up to 14 passengers, but you can also drive your own vehicle to Massai Point, where the half mile walk begins. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
Sunday Bird Walks begin at 9 am at the Faraway Ranch Parking Lot, and are perfect for novice and experienced birders alike! Chiricahua has four different biomes coming together, and a wide variety of birdlife, especially during migrations. These easy bird walks last about two hours.
On March 3rd, April 7th, and May 5th, from 10 am to 1:30 pm, join a ranger for a five-and-a-half-mile walk from Massai Point to Inspiration Point and back. This hike will explore the connections between physical and mental health, creativity, and the outdoors. Participants will have the opportunity to write, draw, photograph, and do watercolors at various points along the trail. All art supplies (and inspiring scenery) will be provided. Space is limited to 25 participants. Register up to seven days prior to the program in person at the visitor center or by calling 520-824-3560 x9302. Dress for the weather, bring food and water, and wear sturdy shoes.
Explore the dark night skies of Chiricahua on Saturday, April 14 with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) and park staff. Telescopes will be set up in the Faraway Ranch Parking Lot from 6 pm to 9 pm. Participants should bring drinks, snacks, a portable chair or blanket to sit upon, flashlight with a red filter if possible, and dress warmly.
Nicknamed the “Wonderland of Rocks,” Chiricahua National Monument was established in 1924 to protect the fantastic rhyolite rock formations known as “The Pinnacles.” The park also features the Faraway Ranch Historic District, 17 miles of hiking trails, and a 25-site campground. The monument is located four miles east of the junction of Arizona Highways 181 and 186. The Visitor Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. There are no services (fuel, food, or drinks) available at the park. For more information, contact park staff at (520) 824-3560 ext. 9302 or visit www.nps.gov/chir.
CALENDAR
Mar 3 - Joe's Canyon/Coronado Peak in the Huachucas with Sandy
Mar 10 - Heart of Rocks in the Chiricahuas with Brad
Mar 17 - Art Stairs hike in Old Bisbee with Larry
Mar 24 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Loretta
Mar 31 - Hunter Canyon in the Huachucas with Jan B
Apr 7 - San Pedro hike and riverside picnic with Doug
Apr 14 - ?
April 20-21-22 - Silver Peak camp-hike in the Chiricahuas with Brad
...??
Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry
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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear
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