UUCP Outdoor Group Hike, March 11 at Go John Trail, Cave Creek Regional Park.
Meeting Time:
We will be at Starbucks at 8:00am for anyone who would like to join us. We can carpool from here if anyone wants to save on the entry fee of $7.00 per car. We will leave Starbucks promptly at 8:15am. For those driving to the TH, please be there by 8:30am.
Meeting Place:
Starbucks at 4815 E. Carefree Highway, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Home Depot Shopping Center on the South side of Carefree Highway between 50th Street and Black Mountain Parkway — Located in the Fry’s grocery store, NOT the stand-alone Starbucks on the north side at 53rd St.
Difficulty:
Moderate to difficult – Go John Trail
Length:
5.9-mile loop trail – Go John trail, 849 ft elevation gain total in sections.
From the intersection of 32nd St. and Carefree Highway, go north on 32nd Street. It turns into Cave Creek Parkway. Turn left onto Tonalite Road W. Turn right onto Tonalite Road E. Park in the parking lot. Very nice restrooms are located by the parking lot. Entry fee $7.00 per car.
HIKE Leader(s): Bonnie White, outdoorgroup@phoenixuu.org
Moderate to Difficult Hike: Bonnie will be leading the Go John Trail hike, the most popular trail in the park. The trail is named after George O. John, owner of the G.O. John mining claim. This trail includes several moderate climbs. This hike goes up and down some beautiful desert trails for a distance of approximately 5.9 miles. The trail is excellent. The ascents are an even, steady climb that isn’t heart stopping if you enjoy a good workout. This hike will take approximately three hours start to finish, depending on the speed of the group and how much we want to stop and look around. The views can be spectacular.
Easy Hike: The Slate Trail is another hiking possibility for those of you who are not up for the more strenuous Go John Trail. The terrain encounters a few washes that are an easy up and down. The total ascent on the Cave Creek Regional Park map indicates 88 feet. This is a comfortable stroll through some beautiful desert scenery. This is an in-and-out trail; so the hike can be as long as you want it to be. There will be no leader for this hike; however, the trail is well marked.
After the hike we can meet at Starbucks location for carpooling for coffee and conversation.
Don’t forget water, hat, sunscreen and snacks. Hiking boots or shoes are recommended for the Go John trail. If you are used to using trekking poles, please bring them.
Also, please check the calendar. If there is an open date and you would like to lead a hike, please send an email to outdoorgroup@phoenixuu.org with the date and location of the hike to be added to the calendar.
For more information, contact outdoorgroup@phoenixuu.org .