Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Gila River Backpack
when Saturday/ Sunday, March 25 - 26, 2023
where Gila River on the Arizona Trail
the hike     This is an easy backpack of 6 miles per day. Making it a C+ or B- backpack. We will be 100% on Passage 16 of the Arizona Trail. Passage 16 was the last passage of the Arizona Trail to be done. We will pass the Golden Spike marking where the northern part meeted the southern part of the trail.
This part of the trail runs between the river plants and animals and the desert plants and animals. Our camp site is in a wash just off the Gila river. We may see some animals coming to the river to drink. This is in the dark sky part of Arizona, so the night sky will be ablaze with many stars. Food should only need hot water, we will not have any pots and pan for cooking

    This is a good beginners hike. Low elevation change with good trail.
The club has backpack gear to loan to club members. Email the hike leader to ask.
The hike leader has a detailed list of equipment that he will email persons going later.
After the backpack, if the group wants we can stop for pizza in Kearny. They can deliver to the local Arizona Trail head, but we will eat in their dining area.
Required:
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Backpack gear
• Rain poncho
• Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
• Food and snacks for 2 days
• Camera
• Hiking Poles
• Your smiles :-)
distance 6 miles per day
time 2 days
EC +-500' elevation change per day
elevations 1,800' (Passage 16 south Trailhead) to 2200' (Golden Spike)
starting at
Passage 16 south Trailhead
on trail 100% – Passage 16 of Arizona trail.
rating "C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs? no
cost Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Kearny, Az
leader   
meet 8:00 AM at Home Depot in Mesa on the southeast corner of Power and US 60
drive
•  US 60 east to Superior. (AZ 177).
• South on AZ 177 to Florence / Kelvin Highway.
• If you try to cross railroad tracks, you have gone too far.
• We will stop here and convoy to the parking lot.
• The last 0.5 miles is on a dirt road, only the last part needs some clearance
• There are no toilets at the trailhead.
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updated Febuary 26, 2023 © Copyright 2023, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.