UPCOMING ARIZONA TRAIL TREK 2014 DAYHIKES

UPCOMING ARIZONA TRAIL TREK 2014 DAYHIKES

AZT near Sandy's Canyon

During the month of May, Arizona Trail thru-hiker Sirena Dufault will be trekking north over the Mogollon Rim and through Flagstaff on her way to the Utah border. She'll be stopping along the way for meet-and-greet events and day hikes with supporters. Here's just a sampling of upcoming AZT Trek events for you to connect with outdoor enthusiasts, learn about the trail and speak with Sirena to understand how this program will benefit the 817-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. Sirena’s objective is to raise $20,000 for the maintenance, promotion and protection of the AZT. So far, the fundraising effort is at 25% of goal. All events are free, however, donations are appreciated, and if you cannot get to an event, you can donate online by clicking the link below. If you're reading this blog, you must be a hiker---so, please step up and help support Arizona's premier trail. 

Sunday, May 4, 2014:  Llama Dayhike from the Pine Trailhead

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-llama-dayhike-from-the-pine-trailhead-registration-10711501389

Thursday, May 15, 2014: Sandy’s Canyon to Flagstaff

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-sandys-canyon-to-flagstaff-registration-10707032021

Saturday, May 17, 2014: Schultz Pass Road to Snowbowl Road

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arizona-trail-trek-schultz-pass-road-to-snowbowl-road-registration-10707363011

DONATE:

http://www.aztrail.org/azttrek/donate.html

BLACK CANYON HERITAGE PARK

BLACK CANYON HERITAGE PARK

Black Canyon City

A sign at the park entry urges visitors to close the gate to “keep the cows out”. Here, in a valley between I17 and the Bradshaw Mountains, there may well be marauding bovines, however, Black Canyon Heritage Park is all about sheep, fish and preservation of a rare stream side ecosystem.

Spawned by a generous donation of land, community activism and the help of numerous grants including one from the National Park Service Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, this 25-acre park opened in November 2012.  Thus far, 23.5 acres of riparian desert along the Agua Fria River have been restored with constructed streams, lush vegetation and ponds stocked with native fish. Two barrier free loop trails wander among cattail coves, willow-cottonwood forests and a pine-shaded picnic area with interpretive signs detailing the area’s sheep herding heritage. Located just over a mile north of a major trailhead for the Black Canyon National Recreational Trail, this pretty little place makes for an interesting side trip or post hike lunch spot.

LENGTH: 0.8 mile

RATING: easy, barrier free

ELEVATION: 1915’ – 1945’

FEES: none, however donations can be made online
DOGS: not allowed

Red-winged blackbird

GETTING THERE: 33955 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City.

From Phoenix, go north on I17 to exit 242 for Rock Springs/Black Canyon City. Go west (left) to Old Black Canyon Hwy. (Frontage road), turn right (toward BCC) and continue 1.2 miles to the park on the right just north of Schoolhouse Road.

INFO:

http://blackcanyonheritagepark.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/blackcanyonheritagepark
MORE PHOTOS:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200755189760840.1073741932.1795269672&type=1&l=2a64409da6