Mural Hill

NEW YEAR'S DAY HIKE TO MURAL HILL aka LOS CHRISTOS

Ring in 2022 with the Muleteam on Saturday with a hike to this exposed fin of rock (6,502' -- USGS) that is so noticeable from the traffic circle. The route is a mix of desert trail and unused dirt road, with a short, steep scramble to the top, where we'll break to enjoy views and fossils. Bring water, lunch, poles if you use them, and dogs if you have them; the hike is free. Wear long pants, the catclaw is fierce. The round trip from our meetup at the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain is approximately 8 miles and 1,500' of altitude gain; we will return mid-afternoon. Meet Jan 1 at 9 a.m.; text questions to Lindsay at 954-770-2221.

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BACKTRACK - Bisbee Cross

Only six intrepid Mules took part in the Annual Holiday Cross Hike this year, and that was because of two reasons: [1] it was on Christmas Day, so most people had other plans for family events and [2] the day started off cloudy, windy and chilly - not very inviting. Nonetheless, we had a great time, and the weather improved as the day went on. Our small group included two Newbies, so we took it slow and got to know each other and spent lots of time showing them details of the Cross and the nearby Buddhist shrine, as well all the great views of Bisbee from the Cross and City Trail. It was a very good morning, and by the time we returned to the Courthouse it was sunny and warm. -- Doug

PEGGY SCANLON MEMORIAL 

A memorial lunch for Muleteam hiker Peggy Scanlon will be held in Tucson Saturday, January 8. For more details including carpooling from Bisbee contact Larry Milam at 520-224-4951 or larryjmilam@gmail.com.

CALENDAR -- hikes needed!!

Jan. 8 - ?

Jan. 15 - ?

Jan 22 - ? 

Jan 29 - Council Rocks with Carol

Feb 5 - Boston Mill with Sandy and Ken

Feb 12 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Bisbee Cross

CHRISTMAS DAY HIKE TO THE  BISBEE CROSS

This is a short local hike (with a slightly steep final ascent to the Cross) ending in the very best views of Old Bisbee. The Cross is surrounded by generations of commemorations and artifacts; a classic not-to-be missed Bisbee site. When we return to Brewery Ave, we have the option of returning directly downtown or taking the equally scenic City Trail extension along the hillside to High Road and back to our starting point.

Meet at the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain at 9:00AM on December 25th. No driving needed. Return at about noon to the Courthouse, in plenty of time for other holiday gatherings. Any questions, contact Doug at (520) 432-0307 or reiniger@wyoming.com. 

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BACKTRACK - Patio Peak a.k.a. Beer Can Hill

Our hike up Patio Peak began with 13 hikers but grew to 15 as we were joined by two more along the way.  Everyone made it to the top despite a couple of off-trail starts and a lot of rocks!  Lunch was at the top around what's left of the "patio."  Views of the surrounding Mule Mountains, Warren, San Jose and Sulphur Springs Valley were stunning.  Unlike last time, we didn’t hear anyone say “I’m never doing this one again.”  

Seasons greetings to all,  

Ken and Sandy

CALENDAR -- more hikes needed for January

Jan. 1 - Mural Hill with Lindsay

Jan. 8 - ?

Jan. 15 - ?

Jan 22 - ? 

Jan 29 - ?

Feb 5 - Boston Mill with Sandy and Ken

Feb 12 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Patio Peak

 HIKE TO PATIO PEAK (a.k.a. BEER CAN HILL)

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a local hike from Yuma Trail in Warren through Gold Gulch and by Gold Hill to a distinctive peak in the southern Mule Mountains.  The hike goes up and down trails and an old mining road. Total distance is about 6 miles with a challenging uphill, rocky section and 1200 ft. elevation gain. Have lunch by the “patio” on top and enjoy a view of Bisbee from a different angle. Dogs welcome.  Bring water and poles if you use them. Free. Back mid afternoon.

Meet at the old Bisbee courthouse fountain December 18 by 9:00 a.m. to carpool or follow to the trailhead. For more information contact Ken or Sandy at 520-432-9152 or kenheusman@yahoo.com.

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BACKTRACK - Mount Ballard

Perfect day.

14 Mules and Louie got as high as they could get.  ( Mt. Ballard, the highest peak in the Mule Mountains.)

What did you think I meant ?

All hikers reached the summit at their own pace.  Lunchtime turned out to be story hour.  Very pleasant for sure.

Views … Old Town, Warren, the B way down there, Huachucas, Chiricahuas with snow, Santa Ritas, Rincons ….

Mexico … San Jose, Mariquitas, Elenitas, Sierra Madres …

* Everyone knows that I always preach hazards and safety.  All too often, I try to get the message across by demonstrating what not to do.

**   And thanks for the help my good friends. 

John 

CALENDAR 

Dec. 25 - Bisbee Cross with Doug

Jan. 1 - Mural Hill with Lindsay

Jan. 8 - ?

Jan. 15 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Mount Ballard

MULETEAM ASCENDS MOUNT BALLARD

Join the Muleteam this Saturday to hike to the highest point in the Mule Mountains, west of the "Divide" with outstanding views of Bisbee, Mexico and the Huachuca Mountains. This is a strenuous hike on a natural path with several steep sections, about 3.4 miles total. Bring water and snack or lunch. Back early afternoon. Free. Dogs welcome but be aware that there are lots of cholla along the narrow trail.

Meet December 11 at 9 a.m. by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool to the Divide. Alternatively, hikers may head straight for the Divide and park there. For more details contact John at 520-366-1099 or lilguyly@gmail.com.

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BACKTRACK - Heart of Rocks

Twelve hikers enjoyed some of the most spectacular scenery in the state on Saturday. We started from the Echo Canyon trailhead and took the Ed Riggs trail, then the Mushroom Rock trail and then the Big Balanced Rock trail to Heart of the Rocks, where we did the loop and ate lunch overlooking rock pinnacles and the valley to the west.

Some of us saw the Punch and Judy rock formation toward the end of the loop, while others were well on their way back on the trail.

To anyone who has not hiked in Chiricahua National Monument, I say, get out there now!

Thanks to Elizabeth and Larry for help with navigation and thanks to those who have posted their photos of the hike at muleteam.shutterfly.com   -- Molly

SIDETRACK - Training for beaver survey

This coming Sunday, Dec. 12, Mike Foster is offering a training session in how to survey for beavers along the San Pedro. This would be in preparation for next year's survey. If you are interested, please contact me at ebernstein2001@yahoo.com. -- Elizabeth

CALENDAR 

Dec. 18 - Patio Peak with Sandy & Ken

Dec. 25 - Bisbee Cross with Doug

Jan. 1 - Mural Hill with Lindsay

Jan. 8 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Heart of Rocks

 HIKE TO THE "HEART OF ROCKS"

Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8:30 AM for a hike in the Chiricahua National Monument to a scenic area of unique natural rock formations. This is a 7.3-mile hike with hills and moderate elevation gain. Bring water and lunch but no dogs. Back late afternoon. Meet Dec. 4 at 8:30 AM by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (almost 2 hours each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. Alternatively, hikers may meet at the Echo Canyon parking area at 10:30 AM. For more details contact Molly at 208-720-7518 or eeo.source@gmail.com. 

When we get to the Echo Canyon trailhead, we may shuttle a car or two to the Massai Point parking area. That will enable drivers to get a lift back to Echo Canyon at the end, and then return to Massai Point for their passengers. This will shorten the hike a bit at the end.

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BACKTRACK - Bisbee Stair Sights

The weather was perfect for the Bisbee Stair Sights hike with 13 people. Our general route was Laundry Hill, Roberts Ave and over to check out the Women's Club auction. Then Harry described his mural and showed us his bees - up to High Road and to the end of Opera, over to the Buddha shrine, the outside art gallery on the Broadway stairs, the angel sculptures, Fred Albert's mosaic walls and lunch with a view on Castle Rock. Lots of photos were taken, and nearly everyone discovered something new.

Curtis took the group photo, and Jacquita took most of the others at muleteam.shutterfly.com

--Larry

CALENDAR -- more hikes needed

Dec. 11 - Mt. Ballard with John W.

Dec. 18 - ?

Dec. 25 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Stair Sights

OLD BISBEE "STAIR SIGHTS" HIKE

Join the Muleteam this Saturday to explore some unique art & unusual views by way of Bisbee's most interesting stairs. Be prepared to climb at a reasonable pace with planned stops for less than 4 miles. Bring water, lunch and maybe a camera, but no dogs. Back early afternoon or drop out when you want. Meet Nov 27 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to begin the hike. Free. For more details contact Larry at 520-224-4951 or larryjmilam@gmail.com. 

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BACKTRACK - Holenstein Mine

With a last minute scramble to find substitute hike headers due to illness, Ken, Lindsay and Jan agreed to take on the task. Fourteen people began the hike to the Holenstein Mine (no dogs), most made it all the way up. It was a new hike for some and one we hope to repeat in future years. The red and orange colors were still hanging onto some trees and a real crispness was in the air. Most folks agreed that it was a slog to get to Holenstein, but worth the effort. 

More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

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SIDETRACK - New beaver survey opportunity

I previously posted information about a beaver survey along the San Pedro organized by the Watershed Management Group in Tucson. Our friend Mike Foster has now been in touch to say that he covers stretches of the River which WMG doesn’t complete. He is looking to do some surveying next week, between Nov. 29 and Dec. 3, and would welcome help from any Muleteamers who are interested. If you would like to walk and survey with Mike, or even if you are available just to shuttle him, please contact him at 520-508-3727 or sarjuesos@gmail.com (email preferred).

In addition, Mike has indicated that on Sunday Dec. 12 he would be available to do a beaver-survey training session for Muleteam. This would prepare us for next year's survey. If you are interested in participating, please email me at ebernstein2001@yahoo.com. I will let Mike know what response I get.  -- Elizabeth

CALENDAR 

Dec. 4 - Heart of Rocks with Molly

Dec. 11 - Mt. Ballard with John W.

Dec. 18 - ?

Dec. 25 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Holenstein Mine

HIKE UP MILLER CANYON TO THE HOLENSTEIN MINE

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike up the Miller Canyon trail to the old Holenstein Mine. The mine dates back to the 1880's with little ore produced. An interesting note I discovered—"the existence of a road up Miller Canyon to the mine and the presence of a large ore bin are inconsistent infrastructure for the size of the workings, indicating a possible stock scheme!"

The trail has a little of everything, some easy footing and some rocky uphill for a roundtrip of about 5 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 1,450 feet. Dogs welcome on leash (wilderness area rules). Bring water, lunch, and poles if you like. 

Meet November 20 at 9:00 a.m. by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will drive to the trailhead. Alternatively meet at 9:45 at the Miller Canyon Trailhead parking area at the END of the road. For more details contact Sandy at 520-353-5124 or slajudice@yahoo.com.

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BACKTRACK - Mule Mountains Meander

Fourteen intrepid hikers and Louie (the dog) embarked on a new-to-the-Muleteam outing off of Juniper Flats Rd. We headed down a road into Soto Canyon (thanks to John W. for identifying the canyon), eventually taking a left turn onto a trail that took us to the bottom of the canyon. The canyon floor is home to several mature sycamore trees, and a treehouse nested in a couple of the sycamores was our destination. Although veteran Muleteam hikers knew that they'd ventured into Soto Canyon before, the route had previously been combined with a loop up and out through Wildcat Canyon, and no one knew the history of the treehouse. Following a snack and water break on the treehouse platform, half of the group opted to follow Lindsay to investigate a nearby mine adit, and the other half of us made our way up and out of the canyon, retracing our steps back to the cars. All in all a beautiful day with wonderful hiking companions.  -- Deb

More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

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CALENDAR 

Nov. 27 - Old Bisbee Stair Sights with Larry

Dec. 4 - Heart of Rocks with Molly

Dec. 11 - Mt. Ballard with John W.

Dec. 18 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Mule Mountains Meander

 HIKE FROM JUNIPER FLATS

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a local adventure with a mystery destination off Juniper Flats. The hike starts out downhill, with a 700-foot elevation gain on the way back. Total mileage out and back is about 3 miles, with an option for further distance. Footing is on a dirt road and a decent trail. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for optional explorations. Bring water and a snack, and poles if you'd like. Dogs welcome. Back by late morning. Free. 

Meet Nov. 13 at 9:00 AM by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will carpool, AWD/4WD vehicles preferred. For more information contact Deb at 802-777-1499 or debvanschaack@gmail.com.

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BACKTRACK - Brown Canyon

Brown Canyon was its usual shady delight that we enjoy every autumn.  It's an excellent hike when the weather can still be very warm.  Twelve hikers and two dogs set out, with 1 turning back rather soon, 3 returning after hiking to "the trough", while the remaining 8 had their picnic lunch at the incredible view spot. A hardy three continued on up, one of them even going on solo for a while.  Happily, everyone came back down to the old ranch house and the parking lot with no problem. It was blissfully uneventful and everyone seemed to agree that the day was lovely. -- Laura

Photos are at muleteam.shutterfly.com

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SIDETRACK - Beaver Survey

The Beaver Survey at the San Pedro sounded very interesting, and I thank those of you who contacted me about it. It turned out, however, that the Watershed Management Group had very few slots available for Nov. 20. We will therefore be scheduling a regular (but new to us!) hike that day -- thanks, Sandy!

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PEGGY SCANLON MEMORIAL 

There will be a memorial luncheon for Peggy Scanlon in Tucson on Saturday January 8, 2022.  The family has reached out to Muleteam to share this information with her friends. Those who would like to attend may contact Peggy's daughter Sylvia for more information, sylvia.milescpa@gmail.com.

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CALENDAR 

Nov. 20 - Holenstein Mine with Sandy

Nov. 27 - Old Bisbee Stair Sights with Larry

Dec. 4 - Chiricahuas with Molly

Dec. 11 - ?

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Something different Nov. 20?

BEAVER SURVEY ALONG THE SAN PEDRO

As of now we have no hike planned for Nov. 20. I have just learned that there is an event at the San Pedro that day that might be of interest to Muleteamers. This is the Binational Beaver Survey sponsored by the Watershed Management Group. As you can see at the link, the event involves hiking the River to look for beaver dams, lodges, and chews.

Given how often we hike the River, I thought a number of Muleteamers might be interested in this. The registration page indicates that participants may be assigned routes of up to 3 - 7 miles, but also provides an option for "I prefer a shorter route." It also asks "Is there someone who is registered that you’d like to be in the same group with?" We could use this field to indicate "Muleteam hiking club."

Please use the comments or email me at ebernstein2001@yahoo.com to let me know if you are interested in this. Depending on the response, we might not want to have a separate hike that day.

- Elizabeth

CALENDAR 

Nov. 6 - Brown Canyon with Laura

Nov. 13 - Mule Mountains Meander with Deb

Nov. 20 - ?

Nov. 27 - Old Bisbee Stair Sights with Larry

Brown Canyon

HIKE THE BROWN CANYON TRAIL

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike through a unique and scenic wooded canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. This trail has some long uphill sections and part follows a running creek making a roundtrip of about 6 miles. Bring water and lunch, back mid-afternoon. Dogs welcome with leash. Meet November 6 at 9 a.m. by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will drive to the trailhead. Alternatively meet at Brown Canyon Ranch at 9:45 a.m. The Forest Service is now charging an $8 per car fee for parking at the Ranch. Fee waived if you display a Coronado National Forest or Interagency pass (America the Beautiful, Golden Age, etc.); else deposit envelope with cash or check. For more details contact Laura at 206-715-6589 or mssmithlg@aol.com.

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BACKTRACK - Old Mule Pass Road

Eighteen saunterers (and two javelina) enjoyed a perfect Autumnal day along old Mule Pass Road on October 30, 2021. Though the road was completed in 1914, it was the first time some veteran Bisbee residents made the trip. That's one aspect of the Muleteam that I love: there's such a depth of trail knowledge here, and there's always a new route someone is willing to share. When we reached Route 80, we agreed to spend part of the uphill trek in silent contemplation. (See https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/palmer_sauntering.aspx for the rationale.) Upon reaching the Divide, a group of four hadn't had enough exercise, and did some up-and-back on Juniper Flats Road. Another lovely Muleteam outing -- Lindsay

SIDETRACK - Muleteam Photos 

Remember that you can download photos from the Muleteam Shutterfly page, muleteam.shutterfly.com, or add your hike photos by joining with your email address. Also Shutterfly has a "Share Sites" app for your iPhone or Android to make viewing photos much easier on your phone. 

CALENDAR -- hike needed for Nov. 20

Nov. 13 - Mule Mountains Meander with Deb

Nov. 20 - ?

Nov. 27 - Old Bisbee Stair Sights with Larry

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Mule Pass Road

HIKE OLD MULE PASS ROAD

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike on the old Mule Pass Road. Starting from the Divide, we will hike downhill first, about 1.5 miles to where we meet up with Highway 80. We will return the way we came for a round-trip distance of 3 miles and elevation gain of just over 400'. The hike is part wild and part residential, but there is good footing throughout. The road was the original track over Mule Pass, improved for vehicles in 1913-14. Leashed dogs are welcome (coyote and javelina have been seen on this route, and there are dogs and livestock at some of the residences). We will return to the Divide mid-morning. From there, those who'd like to hike farther or tackle some more elevation gain can walk up and back on Juniper Flats Road.

Meet Oct. 30 at 9 AM by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will drive to the Divide. Bring water and snack. Free. For more details, text Lindsay at 954-770-2221.

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BACKTRACK - Laura's Loop

The 2021-2022 Muleteam got off to a spectacular start on October 23, 2021. We had an excellent turn-out of 21 hikers and 3 dogs, with about 5 newbies. Everything went perfectly. Blue sky, warm weather with a soft breeze. The 4-mile trail was a wonderful introduction for the newbies to the scenic Mule Mountains. It was great exercise, but we took frequent breaks, and no one was stressed. In fact , there were raves all-around for such a fantastic experience and a hard-to-beat beginning to our 22nd Season. - Doug

A twenty-second season folder has been added to our photo album at muleteam.shutterfly.com

TECHNICAL MATTERS

I believe that many of us are now receiving multiple email notificationswhen these blog posts are published.

In previous years, the service which sent notices of these posts to our inboxes was Feedburner, a Google product. Earlier this year Feedburner informed us that it would discontinue that service in July. For that reason over the summer we began with a new service, Follow.it.

It appears that Feedburner has not in fact stopped sending emails. I am now receiving two notifications of each post, one that says "This email was sent by follow.it," and one that says "Email delivery powered by Google." 

Going forward, it is the Follow.it feed that we will be relying on. I don't know when the Google feed might end, nor do I know of any way that new subscribers can sign up for that one. I also have access to the list of subscribers for Follow.it but not for Google. 

If you are receiving emails from both sources and no longer wish to do so, my recommendation would be to unsubscribe from the "powered by Google" emails.

CALENDAR 

Nov. 6 - Brown Canyon with Laura

Nov. 13 - Mule Mountains Meander with Deb

Nov. 20 - ?

Nov. 27 - Old Bisbee Stair Sights with Larry

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Laura's Loop

 HIKE FROM OLD BISBEE TO THE HILLS ABOVE ZACATECAS

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for the first hike of our 22nd season, from Old Bisbee to the hillsides above Zacatecas Canyon. Starting at the courthouse we'll walk city streets to the end of OK St. From there we'll follow a trail northwards along the sides of the hills, with views up to the Ridge and down to Zacatecas. The return route will be via Zacatecas Canyon and Brewery Gulch. About 4 miles total. Bring water and a snack, back by lunchtime. Dogs welcome. Meet October 23 at 9AM by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to start the hike. Free. Optional lunch at High Desert Market. For more information contact Doug at 520-432-0307 or reiniger@wyoming.com.

Photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

CALENDAR

Oct 30 - Old Mule Pass Rd. with Lindsay

Nov 6 - Brown Canyon with Laura

Nov 13 - ?

Nov 20- ?

Nov 27 - ?

Keep on trekking, 

Elizabeth

22nd Season Begins

Hey Muleteam!

Another hiking season is about to begin - this will be the 22nd!
The first hike is planned for Oct 23, and more details on that later.

Share this general info with others who may be interested.

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

ebernstein2001@yahoo.com
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THE GROUP
Hiking in the area around Bisbee AZ since 2000, the Muleteam is a bunch of unique individuals that is always changing, which keeps things kinda interesting. It's not a club and there are no dues, meetings or members. Anyone is invited to join us, but each hiker is responsible for their own safety and comfort.

THE HIKES
The Muleteam hikes through the cooler months from the end of October to early May, and various hike leaders offer a wide range of hikes. Some trails are easy and flat, some are hard, and 5-7 miles roundtrip is average. There are about 30 regular hikes on our list - in the Mule Mountains, the Huachucas, the Dragoons, the Chiricahuas, along the San Pedro River...and new ones are introduced every year. The hike schedule is created from past favorites and new interests, so suggestions are always welcome.

MEETING DETAILS
Current hikes are announced weekly in the Bisbee Observer newspaper or online at muleteam.blogspot.com. We meet 9am (or maybe 8am) every Saturday in front of the Old Bisbee courthouse, off Tombstone Canyon. From there we drive to the trailhead. Meeting at the trailhead can be arranged with the hike leader.

EMAIL
Subscribers to this blog will receive email notification whenever a new post is published. You can subscribe above right, where you see the words "New email subscription service." We began with this new service during summer 2021; previous years' subscriptions are no longer expected to work.

PHOTOS
The Muleteam photo webpage - www.muleteam.shutterfly.com - contains hike photos since 2000. You can download your favorites, order photos online or add your own hike photos to the page by joining the Shutterfly site. And if available, a previous-hike photo is added to the next-hike post.

From Peggy's family . . .

Larry and Jan have been in touch with Peggy Scanlon's daughters. For those wishing to make a charitable donation in Peggy's memory, the family suggests a gift to the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum or to UNICEF's Syrian Refugees Appeal. A memorial service is planned for January 8, 2022 in Tucson.

One of Peggy's daughters has written a remembrance describing her mother's fascinating life, including her upbringing in mining regions around the world, her education as an architect and experiences as a pilot, her treks in Cochise County and in the Himalayas, her extensive travels in the Middle East, and her work as a watercolorist and photographer. I am happy to share this with anyone interested, and also have available the address to which condolences may be sent. Please email me for those at ebernstein2001@yahoo.com

-Elizabeth

Farewell, Peggy

 Peggy Louise Scanlon

July 5, 1938 - April 15, 2021

We have just learned that Peggy passed away earlier this year.

I knew Peggy as a Muleteam mainstay, an incredibly energetic hiker who told fascinating tales of her far-flung travels. Before leaving Bisbee in 2018, she welcomed Muleteam into her home many times for our holiday potluck. In Muleteam's early days she was among the pioneers who blazed many of our trails.

Rest in peace, Peggy, you will be missed!

- Elizabeth

Sign up to continue receiving emails

Friends,

As many of you know, the service that sends this blog post into your inbox, called Feedburner, will stop doing so next month.

The blog itself will continue on as before. Whether or not you receive emails, you can always see the blog content by navigating to muleteam.blogspot.com.

If you do wish to continue receiving posts by email, you will need to sign up again. Your old Feedburner subscription will not carry over to our new provider, “follow.it.”

Although the next Muleteam season will not begin until October, I would encourage all those interested to go through the sign-up process soon. Among other things, that will allow me to see if everything is working as it should be.

If you are reading this at the blog page, all you need to do is to enter your email address above where you see the words “New email subscription service.” You will then receive a confirmation email with a link to click on.

If you are reading this as an email, click above on the title of the post – Sign up to continue receiving emails – and you will be taken to the webpage where you can follow the instructions above.

I will publish a new post to this blog soon for verification purposes, so that those who have signed up for email subscriptions can see that the new post does in fact arrive.

Hope you are all having a great summer,

Elizabeth

Testing

I am testing to see if those of us subscribed to Muleteam by email get notice of this post.

If we do, I will be publishing another post, hopefully soon, about how to update our email subscriptions.

No need to contact me -- I will be watching my own email to see if the notice comes in.

-Elizabeth

End of Season

 BACKTRACK -  Coronado Cave Hike and Potluck

It was a warm, breezy day for the cave hike & picnic with 15 people gathered at the trailhead. After a short hike everyone climbed down to the cave floor and explored the wide tunnel walking with our lights. The huge room at the end had smaller side tunnels including one that led to sunlight. On the return we turned off all our lights and saw the glowing teeth of the 'dragon' rock formation, and Lucia was brave enough to crawl through the narrow 'tube'. Then back to join a few others at the picnic area for the Muleteam's first potluck in over a year. This hiking season was challenging with masks and limited carpooling, and it was so nice to see faces and socialize normally again. We ate and drank and talked and laughed. Carol received a cake for her birthday, Elizabeth was applauded for her administration work and the day ended with John's bag toss game. An encouraging day for the next hiking season. See you then. -Larry

Additional photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com. 

HIKE LEADERS and the number of hikes they led this season...
Doug Reiniger - 3

Anne Reiniger - 2

Carol Chandler - 1

Lindsay Koehler - 1

Susan Mayes - 1

Stephen Sklarow - 2

Laura Smith- 3

Alice Klarke Heinecke - 1

Molly Smith - 2

Jan Bolduc - 1

John Wasser - 2

Sandy Heusman -2

Sue Logan- 1

Ken Heusman - 1

Larry Milam - 3

Paul Phillips - 1

Elizabeth Bernstein - 1

John Broz - 1

Cara Flickinger - 1

Thanks to you all, we made it through a challenging season. I look forward to seeing you all again in the fall, when hopefully things will be easier. Have a great summer, and look for us to start again in October! 

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Coronado Cave

CAVE HIKE AND POTLUCK

This is the Muleteam's last hike of the season. Join us this Saturday in the Huachuca Mountains for a short, uphill hike (one mile total) and an easy 30-minute stroll through the spacious Coronado Cave. Some boulder scrambling at cave entrance. No dogs, but a good one for kids. Bring FLASHLIGHT, water and food/drink for an optional potluck picnic after the hike. Back mid-afternoon. Meet May 15 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain, or 9:30 at the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center parking lot. For more details contact Larry at 520-224-4951 or sunstudio@cableone.net. 

👉If you have kids or know someone who does, please invite them. Kids love the cave.

👉And don't forget your flashlight!

POTLUCK ONLY

You can also meet us after the hike for the potluck only. The cave hikers should be back about noon or soon after, and we'll meet at the picnic area across the road from the visitor center. I'll bring the plates, cups, etc. and guacamole of course. - Larry

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BACKTRACK - Spring Canyon

Hikers were unable to complete the Spring Canyon hike. They turned back after an encounter with local landowners who said the hikers were on their property.

SIDETRACK - Aravaipa Canyon

Six Muleteamers took a recent backpacking trip into Aravaipa Canyon. There is an album of photos from that trip, in addition to the regular Muleteam album, at muleteam.shutterfly.com.

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Spring Canyon

HIKE SPRING CANYON

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a local hike beginning at the end of Spring Canyon and continuing to the ridgeline overlooking Bisbee from the west. The hike proceeds from an easy uphill trail climbing many mid-1930’s WPA stone dams, to a steeper vegetation-shrouded canyon, followed by a scramble at the end to the enchanted cholla forest on the ridge line between Mt. Ballard and Mt. Martin. From there we will have views of Bisbee, Sierra Vista, Mexico, and the mountains to the East. The hike is less than three miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of about 1300 feet, shorter and a bit steeper than hiking Mt. Ballard. Bring liquids and lunch. Back before 3 PM.

Meet May 8 at 9 a.m. by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will arrange transportation to the trailhead. For more details contact Steve at 520-432-7770 or sss@theriver.com.

In past years this was part of a two-canyon Muleteam shuttle hike which included Abrigo Canyon on the western side. The miners on the west side of the Mules used this route  as a shortcut to Bisbee instead of taking what is now Highway 92.

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BACKTRACK - Chiricahua Peak conquered at last!

Ten members of the U.S. Muleteam  expedition gathered at base camp for a final meal before the May 1 attempt of Chiricahua Peak. Great food . . . great company.

At the crack of 9:30 a.m. , the team set out on the first leg of the journey. 

Long Park.

All went according to plan thanks to their super genius leader.  Soon the party arrived at Fly Peak junction and then on to Round Park.

All decided on a final push to the summit. The victory and the views were celebrated with a well-deserved lunch.

The weather broke (wind).  And the climbers descended at a leisurely pace.

Congratulations to all - John W.

More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

CALENDAR 

May 15 - End-of-Season picnic

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Rustler Park Campout

CAMP FRIDAY,  HIKE SATURDAY

Calling all Mules!

Campout…Friday April 30   Rustler Park (fee area)  no water  25 sites  tables  bring Senior Pass

                  Wildflower meadow  rest rooms 

Hike…Chiricahua Peak trail   11.7 miles out and back   rated moderate  dogs on leash (wildlife)

                 Chiricahua  9800 feet - Rustler 8500  = 1300 feet elevation gain     (piece of cake)

                        

Dinner…Friday potluck  bring something easy to share  I will bring some hamburgers and mustard

                  Other meals you are on your own

Directions…from Sunizona  181 to Chiricahua National Monument

                     from Willcox  186 and then 181

                     Forest Road 42 leaves 181 just before the Monument entrance station

                     FR42  dirt road 12 miles to Onion Saddle    easy for cars

                     Don’t go to Portal   Take a right and go uphill 2.5 more miles to Rustler Park

Remember……Jacket   8500 feet

See you there - JOHN W.

                    520-366-1099, johnwasser@hotmail.com

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BACKTRACK - Charleston

Thirteen people and one happy dog rambled along by the river and crossed it several times on logs or through the water. Then through the mesquite to find adobe wall ruins and ancient petroglyphs. As the day got warmer we passed the stone walls of the old mill and took refuge in the big graffiti tunnel for a shady cool lunch by the river. Cara's ice cold drinks were waiting at the cars for the after party. Lots of photos were taken > muleteam.shutterfly.com - Larry

CALENDAR 

May 8 - Spring Canyon with Stephen

May 15 - Coronado Cave hike and potluck

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Charleston

DISCOVER THE RUINS OF CHARLESTON

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike along the San Pedro River to the site of an old mining town lost in the woods, mill ruins and ancient petroglyphs. This is an easy, flat hike only about 3 miles total, but the trail is sometimes vague and may involve wet feet. Bring water and lunch. Good dog or kid hike. Back mid-afternoon. Free.

Meet April 24 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will car-caravan to the trailhead. Alternatively, hikers may meet us at 9:30 at the parking lot off Charleston Road on the east side of the San Pedro. For more details contact Larry at sunstudio@cableone.net or 520-224-4951.

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BACKTRACK - San Pedro House Trails

Eighteen hikers and 5 dogs started the hike, which included looks at Garden Wash, Black Phoebe Pond, Kingfisher Pond, and the River where we snacked. The dogs enjoyed the water and Sara’s dog, Rosie, demonstrated dog paddling at its best. Cara F. provided much appreciated cold drinks at the finish. 

Flashy birds appeared as  predicted anchored by a long and graceful flyby of a Great Egret. - John B.

More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

CALENDAR 

May 1 - Rustler Park campout/Chiricahua Peak hike with John W.

May 8 - Spring Canyon with Stephen

May 15 - End-of-Season picnic

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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San Pedro House

 HIKE THE SAN PEDRO HOUSE TRAILS

Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8:00 AM for a leisurely hike on the flat trails near San Pedro House. This will be a 3.5-mile hike through grasslands and desert wash, by a pond and along the River. With the spring bird migration underway, we can expect to see a flashy bird or two. Bring water and a snack. Back late morning. Free. Dogs OK with leash.

Meet April 17 at 8:00 a.m. by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will car-caravan in our separate vehicles to San Pedro House (no carpooling at this time). Alternatively, hikers may meet us at the San Pedro House parking area at 8:30 AM. For more details contact John at 319-325-3605 or johnbroz1944@yahoo.com.

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BACKTRACK - Fort Bowie

Seven hikers made the journey to Fort Bowie and had a leisurely hike on the loop to the visitor center.  The group stopped frequently to see the ruins and read the historical signboards at the cemetery where Geronimo's young son is buried, the clear water flowing from the rock face at the site of Apache Spring, and all manner of ruins along the way that informed of mining activities, the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage, military construction  for trading, storage of weaponry and the expansive fort during 20 years of conflict with the local Chiricahua Apaches.  Then followed a lunch in rocking chairs under the covered porch of the visitor center with a cool breeze while some wandered the fort ruins and small museum.  It was a much slower pace than the average Muleteam hike as the group followed the loop behind the visitor center back to the parking lot with half the group awaiting the much slower second half back at the trailhead.  One hiker headed back to Bisbee before we were able to take a group photo.  Thanks to everyone for the enjoyable hike & reliving some local history. - Cara

More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

CALENDAR 

April 24 - Charleston with Larry

May 1 - Rustler Park campout/Chiricahua Peak hike with John W.

May 8 - Spring Canyon with Stephen

May 15 - End-of-Season picnic

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Fort Bowie

 EXPLORE HISTORIC FORT BOWIE

Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8:00 AM to hike Fort Bowie National Historic Site. The trail will take us to the Visitor Center and ruins of the old Fort, passing Apache Spring and intersecting the route of the Butterfield Stage along the way. Interpretive signs and museum exhibits recount the history of warfare between the U.S. Army and the Chiricahua Apaches. The trail, including the ruins of both the first and second forts, is about 4.5 miles total. Our return route will be by the upper trail along Overlook Ridge (total elevation gain on hike about 600 feet), but those who prefer may return the same way we came.

Meet April 10 at 8:00 AM by the Old Bisbee Courthouse fountain.  From there we will car-caravan in our separate vehicles (no carpooling at this time). Hikers may also meet us at 9:45 AM at the Fort Bowie trailhead. Back late afternoon. For more details contact Cara at 818-303-4175 or caraldawn@gmail.com.

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BACKTRACK - Crest Trail

“Sweet 16” hikers (later joined by two others) set off on the Crest Trail, soon revealing the Jekyll and Hydes that reside in us all.  Jekyll exclaimed over the breathtaking panoramic views, then the Hyde in us would mumble, “I thought she said this was a moderate-to-easy hike along the ridge! Wow, this is nothing but a continual uphill! My God, we are going up there??” But then, our inner Jekyll would murmur, “Oh, a lovely breeze. Oh look, a patch of shade! Over there, that’s Baboquivari.”  Hyde took over and dealt out a twisted ankle, heat exhaustion, beet red faces, and extreme fatigue from Covid vaccinations the day before.  One hiker offered that he had a gallon of ice water in his truck if anyone needed it.  Then, a lovely lunch spot at the boundary of the forest and congratulations all around upon learning that we had gained 1,300 feet in elevation. How far did we hike? 1.9 miles.  Aaaaargh!!  Group chorus: That’s all??  Back at the parking lot, someone pulls out a cooler of drinks to share.  Aaaahh..... Good hike, Laura!  We loved it!! Thank you, thank you! 

More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com

CALENDAR 

April 17 - San Pedro House trails with John B.

April 24 - Charleston with Larry

May 1- Rustler Park campout/Chiricahua Peak hike with John W.

May 8 - Spring Canyon with Stephen

May 15 - End-of-season picnic

......

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Crest Trail

MULETEAM HIKES THE CREST TRAIL

Join the Muleteam this Saturday to hike the Crest Trail in the Huachuca Mountains. The trail traverses the crest of the mountains from Montezuma Pass to Fort Huachuca. We will park at Montezuma Pass, hike the first three miles, stop for lunch, then hike back. Moderate to easy, with beautiful overlooks. Bring water and a snack/lunch. Back by mid-afternoon. Free. Coronado National Memorial rules require dogs to be leashed on this trail.

Meet April 3 at 9 a.m. by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will car-caravan in our separate vehicles to Montezuma Pass (no carpooling at this time). Alternatively, hikers may meet us at the Pass at 10:00 a.m. For more details contact Laura at 206-715-6589. 

Hikers are asked to wear masks, with the exception of those who have difficulty with physical exertion while masked. The latter are asked to maintain a six-foot distance from other hikers.

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BACKTRACK - Carr Peak

The Forest Service road to the campgrounds at the end of Carr Canyon was in pretty good shape Saturday. The trail to Carr Peak was a mixture of dry earth, rocks, snow, slush and mud. Hiking poles were most helpful. Eleven of the thirteen hikers who met at the Ramsey Vista campground, as well as one dog, made the summit of Carr Peak, where we had lunch enjoying the 360 degree panorama and the close-up view of a snow-covered Miller Peak. It was well worth the hike.- Molly

CALENDAR - more hikes needed

April 10 - Ft. Bowie with Cara

April 17 - ?

April 24 - ? 

......

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Carr Peak Conditions

CARR PEAK CONDITIONS

The Forest Service reports that the road up Carr Canyon is clear but may be wet with melting snow tomorrow (Mar. 27). Some or all of the trail itself may be snow-covered. Hikers should come prepared with appropriate footwear, and we will see how far we get! We don't know at this point whether it will be possible to drive all the way to the Ramsey Vista Campground or the Carr Peak trailhead shortly before it, as we usually do, or whether it will only be possible to drive as far as the Reef Campground. Even if we can drive beyond Reef Campground, we will check there for other hikers who may be planning to meet us. 

Carr Peak

MULETEAM CLIMBS CARR PEAK

Join the Muleteam this Saturday for the spectacular view from the second highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains. The trail is only 5.5 miles total, but hiking can be difficult because the first half is all uphill. Bring water, lunch and maybe a walking stick. Back late afternoon. Meet Mar 27 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will car-caravan in our separate vehicles to the trailhead (no carpooling at this time). On the Forest Service road from Carr Canyon Road to the trailhead, high clearance vehicles are recommended. For more details contact Molly at 520-432-3902 or eeo.source@gmail.com. 

Hikers are asked to wear masks, with the exception of those who have difficulty with physical exertion while masked. The latter are asked to maintain a six-foot distance from other hikers.

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BACKTRACK - Cochise Stronghold

What a special day! Twenty-four Mules & two dogs did the six-mile roundtrip hike through a range of landscapes until we got into the open near the unique Dragoon boulder formations. It was a bright blue cloudless sky on a perfect warm-but-not-hot day. We were a little troubled because the creek was dry and the pond was completely empty - something that I have never seen in 20 years. Half of the group stopped for lunch at a nice scenic area about a half-mile from the Divide, where the rest of us had lunch and then reunited for the group photo. It was very nice to see several new people join us, as we always love to share the joys of hiking in and near our great little town.- Doug

CALENDAR 

April 3 - Crest Trail with Laura

April 10 - Ft. Bowie with Cara

April 17 - ?

......

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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Cochise Stronghold

HIKE COCHISE STRONGHOLD

Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8:00 AM for a hike into the heart of the Dragoons. The Cochise Stronghold trail will be about six miles, through beautiful hillside rock formations, a deep valley and a pond midway. It’s a clear, moderate walk with some uphill, but nothing extreme. We should be back mid-afternoon.

Meet March 20 at 8:00 AM by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there we will car-caravan in our separate vehicles to the Stronghold Campground/parking area on the east side of the Dragoons (no carpooling at this time). There are two reasons we’re leaving early: one, it’s an hour-plus drive; and two, parking spots fill up soon. We travel on Route 80 toward Douglas, left on Double Adobe Road to the end, left on the highway past Elfrida and Pearce. The road to the Stronghold is just past Sunsites. We’ll meet at the campground near the restrooms for those who start elsewhere.

There is an $8 day-use fee for parking at the campground/picnic area, waived if you display a Coronado National Forest or Interagency pass (America the Beautiful, Golden Age, etc.) For more details contact Doug at 520-432-0307. 

Hikers are asked to wear masks, with the exception of those who have difficulty with physical exertion while masked. The latter are asked to maintain a six-foot distance from other hikers.

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BACKTRACK - Little Boquillas and Beyond

Neither snow nor rain nor ..... stays these Mules from the swift completion of their hike.  Nine people and three dogs braved the cold and snow to hike this week. I think we made record time, walking swiftly to keep warm.  The snow stopped and the sun poked her head out once or twice just to give us hope.  We hiked through the Little Boquillas Ranch and continued on to the old car down by the river.  After having some fun checking it out we went to the river and decided it would be warmer to have lunch back at the ranch.  After lunch we made it back to our cars just as the snow began to fly again.- Sandy

CALENDAR 

Mar 27 - Carr Peak with Molly

April 3 - Crest Trail with Laura

April 10 - Ft. Bowie with Cara

April 17 - ?

......

Keep on trekking,

Elizabeth

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