What we’re about
Our group features hikes of variable length & ability. Beginner hikes range from 2 to 4 miles, while advanced hikes may be up to 16 miles and may feature bushwacking & rock scrambling. Beginner and moderate hikes usually are a mixed group between athletic pace and slow or moderate pace. Having fun talking, taking pictures, and admiring the beautiful Sonoran desert is all part of the package deal.
Many factors determine the difficulty of a hike: mileage, terrain, elevation, and pace. The hike rating scale that we have adopted is:
A - Extreme: no limit for distance or elevation
B - Advanced: maximum 16 miles or 3000' gain
C - Intermediate: maximum 8 miles or 1500' gain
D - Beginner: maximum 4 miles or 500' gain
This group is open to new members. We hope you'll join us!
Frequently asked questions about hiking with this group answered:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jADC4K2_gRzviAznMmQWzNAbpIhPCKIpcpEetyN_AVY/edit?usp=sharing
Organizer Chel has a hiking YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPXU-ZP9hbi0dnVkjVadrVg.
Want to help support the cost of the membership of this group and/or the YouTube channel?https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TucsonAreaHiking
Assistant Organizer Larry has a hiking blog: https://daringdayhikes.home.blog/
Assistant Organizer, Bruce L. has a Reddit group you can join! https://www.reddit.com/r/Tucson_backpacking/s/P438eFoxjJ
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- The Friday Night Sabino StrollSabino Canyon Recreation Area, Tucson, AZ
Join us for our weekly Sabino Stroll! This is a great hike for new members. We walk up the paved tram road and enjoy the views of Sabino Canyon. Please note that the bathrooms near the parking lot are closed at 4:30 pm. However, there are open bathrooms along the tram road.
We have two separate groups:
6 pm Group:
- Usually led by Chel.
- Speed: 3.5 to 4 mph.
- Elevation is less than 740 feet.
- More of a fitness group and faster-paced.
- Goes all of the tram road and back (7.4 miles total)- If you are attending the 6 pm group: Please type in the comment section, "6 pm” We have a core group of hikers at 6 pm. I need to know who will be joining us! Especially if you are new or pop in and out of our Stroll events!
7 pm Group:
- Usually led by Don.
- Speed 2 to 3 mph.
- Elevation is less than 300 feet.
- The 7 pm group is best for people new to the Stroll and our group.
- Goes about 4 miles in all and walks at a more modest and varied pace.
- This group stops at the "Scorpion Wall," just beyond the 2-mile marker.- We look for scorpions on that wall by using a black light. The black light makes them glow in the dark! This is neat to see for the first time or see again! Bring a black light if you can. If not, usually there is at least one person with a blacklight.
- Most usually attend the 7 pm group, so there is NO need to comment that you are attending 7 pm It's only the 6 pm group that needs to.
MEETING PLACE:
- The covered area (a ramada) by the main parking lot.STARTING THE HIKE:
The Stroll starts on time! We begin by talking about the Stroll, safety, quick round of introductions, and then we start! If no host is present at the appointed time (+5 minutes), begin the Stroll anyways!RISKS: Like with any hiking event, there is always a risk. Depending on the time of the year, you may see a rattlesnake or other animals. My tips from being on the Stroll for almost 10 years is to keep away from the shoulder, have a light, pay attention, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife! Don't ever feed wildlife! By signing up for this event you agree to Stroll at your own risk.
PARKING FEE:
Do you have a valid Coronado National Forest pass?
America the Beautiful Pass works too (senior, military, or other).
YES - Make sure it's visible inside your vehicle. Your parking is paid for and that's it!
NO - Sabino Canyon has day & week passes available online: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74388
You can also pay in person via a self-pay station near Sabino Canyon's ramada (the covered area near the parking lot.)WHAT TO HAVE:
1 - Water (1-2 liters and make sure you have additional water during the
summer)
2 - Hiking appropriate clothes AND shoes for the weather
3 - Headlamp or flashlight
4 - If it's cloudy, be prepared for possible rain
Optional: Blacklight, if you are going on the 7 pm hike.RULES: No vaping/smoking, weapons, or dogs. Please only sign up if you know you can go.
AFTER HIKE OPTION: After The Stroll, the 6 pm and 7 pm group will gather at the Arizona Pizza Company at 4955 N Sabino Canyon Rd for food and drinks. It is about a mile south of the Sabino Canyon parking lot. I hope to see you there! https://maps.app.goo.gl/BLw9o52YRff4Bd4o9
- HIKING & CAMPING POTLUCK SOCIAL & GEAR SWAP!Reid Park, Tucson, AZ
Are you a hiking and/or camping enthusiast looking to connect/reconnect with someone? Do you have hiking/camping supplies you need or no longer need? Then this is the event for you!
What is a “gear swap?” In short, it is trading hiking/camping supplies. Bring something you no longer need and leave it in the designated area. You can then take something you need that someone else left. If you don’t have something to leave, at the end of the event, if it is still there, it’s yours! Those of you leaving item/s, please take what is left with you before you leave, so we keep the area clean!
I could not rent a ramada (covered area at a park) on the weekend. As a result, I set this up for Friday afternoon until the evening. This event will be cross-posted on Meetup and Facebook. You can join on either platform! SIGN UP HERE You can CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE BRINGING so we can avoid duplicates and ensure a variety of items at the event. PLEASE RSVP BY APRIL 10th AT 4 PM.
EVENT INFORMATION
DATE: Friday, April 11th
TIME: 4 - 7 pm
HOW TO SIGN UP: https://forms.gle/BUuWF4yP3z7avPZe6
FOOD LIST - I can only edit it: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SZQEuuBGMFDnNKZugRHOAzDF0NiZv-0JHxPO0PmcqbQ/edit?usp=sharing
LOCATION: Reid Park, Ramada #10, at the southwest corner of 22nd Street & Lakeshore Drive.
GPS LINK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gj3Kwiivsw7YSseK8 (NOTE: Parking can be found off 22nd and Country Club. See below for more.)
PARKING DIRECTIONS: Go on 22nd and turn onto Lakeshore Drive, which is across the street from McDonald's. Take the first left onto Landmark Place. There is a lot of shaded parking, but it is limited. There is uncovered parking close to the location off of 22nd and more off of Country Club.RAMADA # 10 (a covered area at a park) DETAILS
AT THE LOCATION: There are some picnic tables, BBQ grills, a drinking fountain, lights, trash cans, it is ADA accessible, and it has trees for shade
NEARBY: Lots of uncovered parking off of 22nd and off of Country Club, a ball field, and a dog training area
SHORT WALK: Bathrooms, play area for children, dog park, lake, covered parking, rose garden, bus stop
BIT OF A WALK: Zoo, horseshoe pits, and more!WHAT TO BRING:
Food to share with others, BYOB, blanket/chair to sit on, hiking/camping gear to swap, and be ready to socialize with others! OPTIONAL: Bring games to play with others. There is a nearby baseball field. NOTE: Please bring whatever you need to prepare and serve your dish. I will bring plastic utensils, bowls, plates, plastic cups, extra trash bags, ice, and rent the ramada.PLEASE DO NOT: Have weapons, vaping/smoking, littering, glass, confetti, silly string, water balloons, or alcohol (requires a permit). If you want to drink, you can have an adult beverage before coming and have someone drive you to the event. I would like to keep this a family-friendly event!
DISCLAIMER: By attending this potluck, you acknowledge that the organizer is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or illnesses. Participants are responsible for the safety of their food. By attending, you agree to hold the host harmless from any claims or damages.
