Fairbank Picnic

13th ANNUAL SAN PEDRO HIKE & PICNIC
Join the Muleteam this Saturday March 4th for a special relaxing and fun event: our 13th Annual Potluck Riverside Picnic along the San Pedro River. We start at the Historic Fairbank Townsite and walk along a flat and easy trail, first to see the 100+ year old cemetery and then then mill ruins until we get to the river in only about 1½ miles. At the riverside, we spread out the tablecloths, put out the food and drinks and have a long, relaxing lunch. We ask that everyone bring some food or drink to share. Rumor has it that beer & wine have usually been smuggled in. All the plates, utensils and glasses will be provided. After lunch, everyone has the option to either return to Fairbank the way we came, or continue the longer loop route along the river (about 4 more miles). Meet March 4th at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse, from which we can car pool to the Fairbank Townsite parking lot. For any questions, contact Doug at (520) 432-0307 or reiniger@wyoming.com.

Alternatively, hikers may meet us at about 9:40am at Fairbank. The trip is about 40 minutes from Bisbee: Route 80 past Tombstone, left on Route 83 across from the Checkpoint for about 6 miles. Fairbank lot is on the right.

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BACKTRACK - Guindani Canyon

Carpooling to Kartchner Caverns State Park we met up with more hikers from Whetstone and Sierra Vista until we numbered 17 hikers and 1 poodle. Under cloudy skies at the start we went around the backside of the mountain and ah, the sound of waterfalls, water babbling over rocks, such a precious sound here in the desert were we treated to for almost half of our hike.  We must have crossed the running creek at least 20 times before we started up the mountain.  Going up the wooded side with oaks and conifers we were treated to the manzanitas in bloom.  Up on the saddle we lunched with much more sun than we started with and just a few interesting clouds that were fun to look at.  Then down the sunny, open side of the mountain with gradual switchbacks where we noted outcrops of petrified wood which is what then geology student Richard Thompson was in the Whetstones to study in 1995 when he discovered what would become the Arizona state dinosaur, Sonorasaurus thompsoni.  Water, rocks, flowers, sun and clouds: that’s what makes hiking more than a cardio workout.  - Monica

All current season Muleteam photos are now at Photos 2022-23. Add yours.

Before March 25 save your favorite past photos from muleteam.shutterfly.com.

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SIDETRACK - Muleteam Shirt Deadline 

Free shirt for all hike leaders this season! Doug Reiniger has offered to pay for your Muleteam shirt, so let me know your size now or you miss out on this offer.

Muleteam Shirt only $10

Place your order before March 1 for a new printing of Muleteam shirts. 100% heavy cotton, natural color.

Sizes S, M, L, XL, or XXL ($2 extra). Text or email with your name, quantity and sizes.

Pick up and pay at courthouse fountain before a hike (no special deliveries).

Text: 520-224-4951  Email: larryjmilam@gmail.com

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SIDETRACK - CorpsAfrica reception

Friday, March 3, 3-5pm at the Courtyard in Brewery Gulch

CorpsAfrica recruits, trains and sends college-educated Africans to live in remote villages in

their own countries to facilitate small-scale, high-impact projects that are identified by local

people. Please join us to learn about this innovative new effort, which we hope you will support.

The reception will include a silent auction with exotic items from Africa and Roka treats.

RSVP to Anne Reiniger at areiniger@wyoming.com or call/text (307) 690-6625.

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FLASHBACK - First Annual Muleteam Fairbank Riverside Gourmet Picnic 2010

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REMAINING SEASON 2022-2023

MARCH
11 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
18 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Brad
25 - Miller Peak in the Huachucas

APRIL
1 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
7-8 - Chiricahua overnight at Turkey Creek with Carol
15 - Parker Canyon Lake and wine tasting with Doug
22 - Wood Canyon Plus with Lindsay Susan and Deb
29 - Hike and Carr House presentation with Mike Foster

MAY
6 - Palominas San Pedro hike and farewell picnic with Ken

Guindani Canyon

HIKE GUINDANI TRAIL
Join the Muleteam this Saturday February 25 for a hike in the Whetstone Moutains beginning in Kartchner Caverns State Park. The Guindani trail is a 4.2-mile loop. The elevation ranges from 4709 to 5619 feet for an elevation gain of 910 feet. One half is in the shade of a treed canyon with a steep hike. The other half is in the sun with very gradually lowering elevation. We will lunch on the saddle with lovely views. 
Meet Feb. 25 at 9:00 AM by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain. From there it is about a one-hour drive to Kartchner Caverns, on Hwy 90 almost to Benson. Dogs on leashes welcome. Bring water and lunch. There is a $7 per car fee for entrance to the Park. Back around 3:30 PM. For more details contact Monica at 520-461-6799 or sometimesthelight@hotmail.com.

The Whetstone Mountains are named for a common rock there, novaculite, also called flint, used to sharpen knife blades.  The Whetstones are also notorious for being where Wyatt Earp shot and killed Curly Bill Brocius.  And what’s more, the dinosaur fossil, Sonorasaurus thompsoni from the Cretaceous Period was found there in 1998. 

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BACKTRACK - Laura's Loop

It was a perfect hiking day for the Muleteam.  Many, many happy hikers gathered at the fountain, and then we picked up more as we moved our ranks up and over Clawson, down to the Gulch and then the most enjoyable part, up Youngblood to OK Street.  Our ranks swelled even more as we started our Loop at the end of the street, topping out at 27 people (and one quite handsome poodle) when we picked up yet one more along the path (hint: his name starts with B and ends with D).  Merrily we proceeded along the little loop through the beautiful Mules and then onto the City Trail for some, while others opted to zoom along to town on Brewery Gulch.  The ultimate cap to the local hike was our lunch spot on Larry's side deck, enjoying the view, the sun, the sangria and the peanut butter cookies.  It was generally agreed that we should, indeed, make this a February tradition.  The total mileage was 3.6 miles.  Note: Ann Reiniger invited us to attend her daughter Liz's reception for Corps Africa, to be held at the Courtyard from 3 - 5 on March 3. No charge and food will be provided by Roka!  Rsvp to Anne if you would like to attend.   Submitted by your humble hike leader and the most wonderful "sweep". - Laura and Sara

All current season Muleteam photos are now at Photos 2022-23. Add yours.

Before March 25 save your favorite past photos from muleteam.shutterfly.com.

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SIDETRACK - Muleteam Shirt only $10

Place your order before March 1 for a new printing of Muleteam shirts. 100% heavy cotton, natural color.

Sizes S, M, L, XL, or XXL ($2 extra). Text or email with your name, quantity and sizes.

Pick up and pay at courthouse fountain before a hike (no special deliveries).

Text: 520-224-4951  Email: larryjmilam@gmail.com

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REMAINING SEASON 2022-2023

MARCH
4 - Fairbank and riverside picnic with Doug
11 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
18 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Brad
25 - Miller Peak in the Huachucas

APRIL
1 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
7-8 - Chiricahua overnight at Turkey Creek with Carol
15 - Parker Canyon Lake and wine tasting with Doug
22 - Wood Canyon Plus with Lindsay Susan and Deb
29 - Hike and Carr House presentation with Mike Foster

MAY
6 - Palominas San Pedro hike and farewell picnic with Ken

Laura's Loop

HIKE FROM OLD BISBEE TO THE HILLS ABOVE ZACATECAS CANYON

Join the Muleteam this Saturday, February 18th for one of our easier local hikes which we call Laura’s Loop in honor of the favorite hike of our neighbor Laura, who will lead the hike on Saturday. Starting at 9:00am at the Courthouse we'll walk city streets to the end of OK Street. From there we'll follow a trail northwards along the sides of the hills, with great views of the Mule Mountain Ridge and down to Zacatecas Canyon. At the end of the Canyon, we’ll have the option to pick up City Trail (with different views of downtown Bisbee) to High Road and then on the street to Larry’s house for lunch (bring your own). For those who don’t want to hike City Trail, you’ll have the option to walk through downtown and Main Street or return directly to the Courthouse. About 4 miles total. Bring water and a snack (or lunch for those stopping at Larry’s). Back before 1:00pm. Dogs welcome. Free. For more details call or text Laura at 206-715-6589 or mssmithlg@aol.com.

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BACKTRACK - Slavin Gulch

Brad was not able to lead the hike to China Camp, so...

This Saturday eight members of the Muleteam unanimously voted to change our destination from China Camp to Slavin Gulch. There was plenty of sunshine and only a slight breeze as we set off, and coats and long sleeves didn't last very long.  A good portion of this trail follows along a stream, whose gurgling waters flow under and around massive boulders and even form many shallow pools in the sandy stream bed.  Shifting our gaze upward, we found ourselves surrounded on three sides by the ancient and intricate rock formations so characteristic of the Dragoons, replete with house-sized rocks perched in ways that seem to defy gravity.  As we approached the top (where we would find the ruins of an old mine), the sun dipped behind dark clouds, the wind picked up, and we feared rain.  Thankfully though, no rain came, and soon we were once again removing our coats and long sleeves for our downhill return.  Weary from approximately eight miles of hiking and headed back for Bisbee, five of us stopped off in Tombstone for a beer and some laughs and more conversation.  A great hike and a great day!  - Terryl

All current season Muleteam photos are now at Photos 2022-23. Add yours.

Before March 25 save your favorite past photos from muleteam.shutterfly.com.

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SIDETRACK - CorpsAfrica Reception

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FLASHBACK - Cananea Observatory 2011

Beyond the nearby border wall is somewhat unknown territory to many of us, but for a few years we had a couple of guys from Mexico, Guillermo and Jose joining the Muleteam hikes. We were delighted when they organized hikes on their side of the border including San Jose Peak, the mysterious mountain looming above Naco, Sonora. This photo was taken after a hike up a mountain road near Cananea for a tour of the Observatory. 

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REMAINING SEASON 2022-2023

FEBRUARY
25 - Guindani Canyon in the Whetstone Mountains with Monica

MARCH
4 - Fairbank and riverside picnic with Doug
11 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
18 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Brad
25 - Miller Peak in the Huachucas

APRIL
1 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
7-8 - Chiricahua overnight at Turkey Creek with Carol
15 - Parker Canyon Lake and wine tasting with Doug
22 - Wood Canyon Plus with Lindsay Susan and Deb
29 - Hike and Carr House presentation with Mike Foster

MAY
6 - Palominas San Pedro hike and farewell picnic with Ken

China Camp

CHINA CAMP HIKE IN THE DRAGOONS

Join the Muleteam this Saturday February 11th for a hike in the Dragoon Mountains on an old mining road with wonderful views. This hike will be pretty long (about 8 miles total) but only moderately uphill with an optional steep climb on road to the peak. It’s down and back the same way, so you can stop anytime you want and meet the group on the way back. Bring water and lunch. Meet at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (over an hour each way). Back by late afternoon, and historically some have chosen to stop in Tombstone for a snack on the way home. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Brad at bradward.j3@juno.com or 432-2476.

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BACKTRACK - Cochise Stronghold

Two dogs and fifteen humans (ranging in age from 10 months to 74 years) were rewarded with an absolutely perfect hike to the Cochise Stronghold divide. The weather was sunny and warm, but not hot. Many people (myself included) find this the best Muleteam hike of all. It’s a well-marked moderate hike starting through a slightly wooded path by a creek to a pond and then into the open with spectacular (and close) views of the unique Dragoon boulder rock formations. This was one of those days that makes Muleteam hikes so special.  - Doug

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SIDETRACK - Photos

All current season Muleteam photos are now at Photos 2022-23. Add yours.

Before March 25 save your favorite past photos from muleteam.shutterfly.com.

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FLASHBACK

On March 22-23, 2014, thirteen intrepid Mules took on Picacho Peak. Ten of us made it to the summit on a 6.2 mile round trip, which most of us believe was our most technically difficult hike. The last mile up required climbs over steep rock walls aided only by steel cables and -toward the summit- by walking on a catwalk with frightening exposure below. In my opinion, it was the best Muleteam hike ever. Scary, challenging, exhausting. It was so good, in fact, that most of us said that we never want to do it again. - Doug Reiniger

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REMAINING SEASON 2022-2023

FEBRUARY
18 - Laura's Loop & City Trail in the Mule Mtns with Laura
25 - Guindani Canyon in the Whetstone Mountains with Monica

MARCH
4 - Fairbank and riverside picnic with Doug
11 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
18 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Brad
25 - ?

APRIL
1 - Council Rocks in the Dragoons with Carol
7-8 - Chiricahua overnight at Turkey Creek with Carol
15 - Parker Canyon Lake and wine tasting with Doug
22 - Wood Canyon Plus with Lindsay Susan and Deb
29 - Hike and Carr House presentation with Mike Foster

MAY
6 - Palominas San Pedro hike and farewell picnic with Ken