Backpacking the Santa Rita Crest

TRIPS & EVENTS

Backpacking the Santa Rita Crest

Backpacking

DATE: May 17, 2019 Friday

END DATE: May 19, 2019 Sunday

Trip/Event Location: Phoenix AZ

Trip Leader(s)

CJDGO
Phoenix, AZ United States

Meeting Time: 7:00 AM

Max # People: 6

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level:

Strenuous

(Do you qualify to attend with this trip difficulty rating? Click Here.)

Region: Southwest

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Disclaimer: The club and its members take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during club events. Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By joining the club or participating in any events posted on the GayOutdoors web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Anyone with an internet connection can post a trip on the GayOutdoors web site. It is your responsibility to determine if this person has the experience and competence to lead the trip. GayOutdoors does not certify or confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.

Be Prepared: Please be prepared to be self-sufficient. Have your own provisions such as first aid kit, food, water, extra clothing for unplanned weather, etc. Have your EMERGENCY CONTACT SHEET completed and in your backpack; it may save your life, and help reach someone who greatly cares!

Pace: There may be activities when the group is either slower or faster than your current ability. Please know that because this is a group activity, it's hard to accommodate everyone's pace perfectly. Our desire is not to leave anyone, however there have been times when it is in the best interest of all to split up. Please do your part by knowing your own abilities, communicating with the organizer head of time if you would like to start early and have us catch up or fine with finishing on your own.

Summary

Cool mountain sanctuaries in the middle of the sweltering desert, the Sky Islands are stepping stones to the tropics, allowing exotic creatures like elegant trogons and even jaguars to visit Arizona. One of these ranges, the Santa Rita Mountains lie just miles from the Mexican border and are one of the stomping grounds of El Jefe, the first jaguar to be seen in the United States in several years.

Depending on water and vehicle availability, we’ll improvise a loop through lovely Florida and Madera Canyons, enjoying ravishing views across the desert into Mexico. Waking up to the chorus of tropical songbirds, we’ll summit Mt. Wrightson on our layover day -- at 9,456’ the tallest point in the Santa Rita Mountains.

This will be a strenuous two-night backpack, covering over 20 miles at high elevation over three days at a purposeful pace over very rugged terrain, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in good condition. Because of the strenuous nature of this trip, the leader reserves the right to qualify participants. This is a consciously low-impact outing, so carpool participation is encouraged and participants are urged to contribute to their vehicle’s shared mileage, gas and parking costs.

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of rain within 72 hours of our start will cancel or re-route this trip at the discretion of the leader, as will fewer than three confirmed signups as of 8:00pm, Wednesday, May 15. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any shared meals, so please plan to provide your own supply of food.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We’ll meet at the Shea/SR-51 (Dreamy Draw) Park-and-Ride at 10418 N 33rd St at 7:00am (SHARP!) on Friday morning. Tucson-based hikers, please contact leader for alternate meetup.