Trail Mix

Fitness for Fun Hiking Group

Nourishing Our Spirit through Fellowship & Nature

February, 2012
Mark Your Calendar

Moonlight Hikes
North Mountain or Shaw Butte

Fitness for Fun Hikes this Month

Palo Verde Trail #512

Directions from the Church to: Palo Verde Trail # 512 (at Bartlett Reservoir)
Head east on Bell Road to Cave Creek Road and turn left. Continue on Cave Creek Road through Cave Creek and past Carefree and on towards the Bartlett Reservoir area. Turn Right on the Horseshoe Dam Road, and/or follow the signs to the Bartlett Reservoir. (Note: a short cut map will be available to by-pass the Cave Creek area via: Rt on Carefree Highway, Rt on North Scottsdale Rd., Lt on East Westland Dr., Lt on Pima Rd, Rt on Cave Creek Rd.) Within about 13-miles from the turnoff you will reach the entrance area. (There is a $6.00 Fee. Please pay at the self-serve Fee Station). Then turn left on North Lake Road, then right to Rattlesnake Cove. The Palo Verde Trailhead is at the north end of the cove. (Approx distance from the church is 40-miles)

At the Trailhead: There are toilets at the Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Site

Managing Agency: Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phx, AZ 85545 Ph: 602-225-
5200

Hike Itinerary: Trail Stats

Length/Type:	Up to 7.5+ miles Out-n-Back , includes the 1.2-mile loop at the farthest end
Elev. Gain:	Plus +/- 110 feet along the trail
Trailhead Elev:	1,840-ft at the Rattlesnake Cove (same at the SB Cove end)
Skill Level:	Easy to Moderate (2.5 on a scale of 5)
Season:	Preferred: February, March, April, & October
Open for:	Hiking, Equestrian, and Dogs
Temperatures:	Same as Phoenix
Hiking Time:	3.5 to 4.5 hours (with a snack/brunch break from the loop section of the trail
Drive Time:	Under an hour from the Church - Approx. 40 Miles

Hike Itinerary:
Trail Description
This hike is the first of two hikes during 2012 that will be in the area of lakes or reservoirs. Bartlett Dam was constructed in 1939 and almost instantly the Reservoir became popular for swimming and angling. There are several trails which are in the Reservoir area and we will begin at Rattlesnake Cove and trek north on the Palo Verde Trail # 512. The trail roughly parallels the shore line winding through rocky outcrops and crosses several ridges and small hills offering scenic views during most of the entire hike.

The trail passes through the Arizona Upland Phase of the Sonoran Desert, which features saguaro cactus, mesquite, palo verde and ironwood trees. Fish species in the Reservoir include crappie, large-and-small mouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, carp, bluegill and green sunfish. The Bartlett Reservoir area is also known for its water activities, camping, picnicking and boating. You may want to plan ahead and make it an early camping weekend by arriving early, or staying over Saturday night in to Sunday.

Bring your camera to capture the views. Hope for some rain during February so we have a greener spring so the variety of desert/lake colors lend to taking great pictures.

RECOMMENDATIONS: We highly recommend sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Be prepared for a moderate amount of sunshine by bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, etc. Bring at least 1-1.5 quarts of water for the hike. There are NO trees along these trails to give any shade. The February sun can still give you a tan if not prepared. Bring your favorite trail snacks and munchies to keep your energy levels up. Meet in the north parking lot at 7:00 AM to car pool to the trailhead, or meet directly at the Rattle Snake Cover area (north end) 8:30/8:40 AM. (Reminder: Back to Regular Starting Time of 7:00 AM)

Saturdays - Hiking Group Photos

Fitness for Hiking Group
The website “Trail Mix” has been expanded to now include two or three photo's from some of the past 5 to 6 months hike. Enjoy by clicking on Hiking Group Photos above or clicking here. Share the pictures with your friends and make plans to join us on some of the upcoming hikes.

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If you wish to be on the general "Fitness for Fun Hikes" Unity Trail Mix emailing list, and are presently not receiving this information, please let me know so that your address will be on our list for monthly Hiking News. Thanks for sharing this information with others.

*Don Clausing
(Unity Fitness for Fun Hiking Group)
602-866-0285 or email at: dclausing@unityphx.org

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Natural Wonders Exploration

The “Fitness for Fun” Hiking Group is always open to suggestions in going to different places to explore, but it takes individuals who are willing to organize and lead these trips to make them possible. Pick one (of another favorites) that you would like to help organize and we will work to make it happen. Suggestions include Karchner Caverns, Chiricahua Mountains, Canyon De Chelly, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs (Slot Canyons), Havasupai Indian Reservations, Grand Canyon-North Rim, or, for overnight camping outings. This is just part of a list of potential places to explore. What it takes is a group of willing people to do the planning.

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