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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