Highlands Hiking Club
December 2020 Hike Schedule
WE DO URGE ANYONE WHO IS NOT FEELING 100%, or WHO HAS BEEN
EXPOSED TO RISKY PEOPLE, TO STAY HOME. PLEASE DON’T PUT YOUR
FELLOW HIKERS AT RISK!!
Reminders:
• You must be a member of the club, or guest of a member, to join a hike (except for
“Orientation” hikes).
• Email/Phone the assigned Hike Leader to sign up, or for questions.
• Departure is ALWAYS from the Clubhouse parking lot at time listed. (There have been 1 or
2 exceptions in the last 10 years. If NOT the clubhouse parking, the hike description will clearly state.)
• Please be there 10 minutes early to check-in. • ALWAYS bring enough WATER to last for the time your hike takes, ENERGY SNACKS, & LUNCH if lasting over the noon hour.
ORIENTATION HIKE: For your safety & to facilitate enjoyable group hiking, we require that everyone do
an “Orientation Hike” before signing for hikes. If you or someone you know wants to do an orientation hike, call
or email Gordon Hanson 520-744-4510 gordonphanson@gmail.com.
Hiking Photos:
Hiking photos from the past 12 months are stored in a “Flickr” photo storage area. You can access these photos
from the Hiking Club web site- HighlandsatDoveMountain/Resident Login/ Lifestyle/Clubs/Hiking Club. Under
“Hike Photo Albums” click
Recent Hike Albums (2017 forward). (Or paste https://www.flickr.com/photos/144132723@N07/albums into your
browser)
Monday, November 30
Sunset and Full Moon Hike in the Tortolita Preserve Pace:
Moderate,
Level C, 5 miles, 270ft. Max of 10 hikers per hike leader. Hike Leader: Gary
Kvasnica (920) 740-7643 kvasnica@live.com Depart: Torlolita Preserve Gate off of
N. Buckhorn Cholla Dr at 4:30 pm, Est. time of return 7:30 pm
This is a really cool, easy hike that will allow us to see a great sunset (5.18 pm) and full
moon (5:43 pm) within 30 minutes of each other. We will depart from Tortolita Preserve
Gate off of N. Buckhorn Cholla Dr. (Limited parking on road so you might want to
carpool or walk). From there we will hike about 2.5 miles to the Strongarm Saguaro
landmark, maybe a little further, enjoy the views, take some photos and have some
refreshments. We will then head back the same way we came using the moon and
headlamps as our guide. Bring refreshments, a camera and headlamp. No carpool fee
Tuesday, December 1
Hike Leader Meeting, 4:00 Tortolita Room, Highlands
Clubhouse
Tuesday Dec 1 Jolly Rancher-Old Thornydale Loop Hike: Moderate to Leisurely,
Level C+, 6 miles, 350 feet
Hike Leader: Ken Rogner 708-205-6721 kwrogner@gmail.com
Depart: Highlands parking lot at 8:00 am Est. time of return: 11:00 AM
This hike departs from the Highlands parking lot, crosses Dove Mountain Blvd and
wanders through the future site of the Tapestry development. Previously this hike had a
turnaround point at Fry’s Starbucks or McDonalds for coffee but due to Covid-19
restrictions, it now wanders through the old ranchland then up the original 2-track
Thornydale Drive and connects to the new paved N Thornydale Rd then down to a
connecting trail and back up and returns to the parking lot. We hike through the desert
with one steep and rocky incline and descent that is more comfortable with hiking poles.
You have a good chance of seeing wildlife, javelina, deer and coyote. A really great view
of the Highlands from the top. This is a great hike for new hikers or new members to
club. Wear good boots and bring water so you can enjoy the Jolly Rancher at the halfway point. No carpool fee.
Thursday, December 3
HIGHLANDS RESIDENTS ONLY
Highlands Golf Course Pace: moderate/steady or set you
own pace. Level C+, 3.3 or 6.6 miles, 500ft
Hike Leader: Claudia Holzemer (520) 744-6063 Depart: 7:30am Est. time of
return: 10:00am
Bert Nestor 630-740-0605 Depart: 8:00a Est. time of return: 11:00am
Be aware- we want to retain the privilege of walking on the golf course this one morning
of the week. There are workers or golfers on the course, we have to watch for their
vehicles and move out of their way. For December, golf starts on #10. (Check the Week
Ahead to confirm). We start there also, and must be finished with this part by 9:00am,
and be off the course by 10:30am. You can choose to stop at the half-way point. We
leave together from hiking meeting spot in the clubhouse parking lot. It is not necessary
for everyone to go at the same pace, since we can always knock on a neighbor’s door in
case of emergency. When you show up PLEASE wear a mask at the meeting location in
the parking lot to check-in for miles walked credit. You can hike on your own. If you
want Hiking Club miles credit, send an email to Dennis Eberlein (dcwe514@aol.com).
No sign up needed. No carpool fee
Friday December 4
Cochie Trail- Jed’s Peak-Loop (Tortolita’s) Pace: Steady Level:
A, 11 miles, 2800 Ft
Hike Leader: David Rogers 579-2585 drogers5190@gmail.com Depart 8:00 Est.
time of return 3:00 pm
Stronger hikers will want to check out this great loop hike close to home. We go to the
Cochie Canyon windmill, and up the steep so-so connector trail (bring your hiking poles
and long pants) to a rocky peak- the highest point in Wild Burro Canyon. Great views.
Then we take the Wild Mustang back to the parking. No car pool fee.
Friday, December 4
Lower Javelina Trail (Orientation Hike) Pace:
Leisurely
Level: D, 2.8 miles, 280 ft. Hike Leader: Gordon Hanson 744-4510 (home)
gordonphanson@gmail.com Depart 8:00am Est. time of return: 10:00am
Orientation hikes are offered to members new to the Club, new to hiking in the desert, or
current hikers looking for a pleasant short hike. Orientation Program consists of a
discussion and a sample 3-mile hike. Contact Gordon Hanson by Thursday to sign up.
We will meet in the Highlands parking lot before departing to the Ritz trailhead in Wild
Burro Canyon. We’ll take the west portion of Lower Javelina trail gaining a little under
three hundred feet, then drop back into Wild Burro Wash to return using the Wild Burro
trail. Bring water and a snack. No carpool fee.
Covid standards for mask and social distancing are reinforced.
,December 5 : Ritz coffee shop to Alamo Springs via the Alamo Spur and return via
the Wild Burro Spur and trail. Est 6 miles and 1000 feet elevation..Meet at
coffee shop at 7am outside, hike at 8am. Sign up ahead of time with Co-hike leaders Jim
Githens at jgithen5@aol.com and Gary Kvasnica at kvasnica@live.com
Saturday, December 5
Ritz coffee shop; 3 mile loop Wild Burro, Dove Mtn and
Secret Springs Drive
Level E (Easy) Meet at coffee shop 7:30am. John Skillicorn (320) 282-8463
Tuesday, December 8
Chiricahua National Monument – Heart of Rocks Loop
(a.k.a.”The Big Loop”) Level: B+, 8.4mi Elevation 1900′ Pace: MODERATE (we
won’t push but we won’t poke) Depart before 7:30 Return after dark. Hike
Contact: Sharon Christensen christensens51@yahoo.com (616) 581-3700 and Dennis
Eberlein dcwe514@aol.com (248) 895-4045
It’s been awhile since this hike has been on the schedule so we’re excited to offer this
spectacular outing. It will be a long day (300 miles round trip) but the rock formations are
why we go. This popular route makes a long loop, visiting the most spectacular rock
formations in the Monument consisting of columns, spires, and hoodoos. For those
wanting to see “everything” and make the most of the trip to the Monument, this is the
way to go. We’ll begin at Echo Canyon Trailhead, a spur off the Bonita Canyon Road and
will travel on eight different trails. One of the highlights of this route is the Heart of
Rocks Loop where you will see formations named Punch and Judy, Duck on a Rock,
Thor’s Hammer, and Kissing Rock to name a few. Along the way we’ll be hiking in
forests of Apache Pine and Arizona Cypress topping out an elevation of 7055′. Be aware
—- temperatures in this area are typically much cooler. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks and
lunch. Both hiking boots and poles recommended. Golden Age Passport required.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, we are limiting the number of hikers to 10 (plus
hike leaders). We will not be offering organized carpooling. However, if you would like
to co-ordinate transportation on your own, hike leaders will provide a hiker roster (with
emails and phone numbers) by request.. This is about an 2 1/2 hour drive so you will
need to depart from Dove Mountain in enough time to meet us at the Echo Canyon
Trailhead by 9:30 AM (more details about this will be provided after sign-up). This will
be a full day adventure and we will most likely return after dark.
Thursday, December 10
Lower Javelina Trail (Orientation Hike) Pace:
Leisurely Level: D, 2.8 miles, 280 ft. Hike Leader: Gordon Hanson 744-4510
(home) gordonphanson@gmail.com Depart 8:00am Est. time of
return: 10:00am
Orientation hikes are offered to members new to the Club, new to hiking in the desert, or
current hikers looking for a pleasant short hike. Orientation Program consists of a
discussion and a sample 3-mile hike. Contact Gordon Hanson by Wednesday to sign up.
We will meet in the Highlands parking lot before departing to the Ritz trailhead in Wild
Burro Canyon. We’ll take the west portion of Lower Javelina trail gaining a little under
three hundred feet, then drop back into Wild Burro Wash to return using the Wild Burro
trail. Bring water and a snack. No carpool fee. Covid standards for mask and social
distancing are reinforced.
Thursday, December 10
HIGHLANDS RESIDENTS ONLY
Highlands Golf Course Pace: moderate/steady or set you
own pace. Level C+, 3.3 or 6.6 miles, 500ft
Hike Leader: Claudia Holzemer (520) 744-6063 Depart: 7:30am Est. time of
return: 10:00am
Bert Nestor 630-740-0605 Depart: 8:00a Est. time of return: 11:00am
Be aware- we want to retain the privilege of walking on the golf course this one morning
of the week. There are workers or golfers on the course, we have to watch for their
vehicles and move out of their way. For December, golf starts on #10. (Check the Week
Ahead to confirm). We start there also, and must be finished with this part by 9:00am,
and be off the course by 10:30am. You can choose to stop at the half-way point. We
leave together from hiking meeting spot in the clubhouse parking lot. It is not necessary
for everyone to go at the same pace, since we can always knock on a neighbor’s door in
case of emergency. When you show up PLEASE wear a mask at the meeting location in
the parking lot to check-in for miles walked credit. You can hike on your own. If you
want Hiking Club miles credit, send an email to Dennis Eberlein (dcwe514@aol.com).
No sign up needed. No carpool fee
Friday, December 11
Douglas Spring Trail to Cow Head Saddle (Rincons) Pace:
Steady Level: A, 12.4 miles, 2,000Ft OR 18.2 miles, 3,790 ft Hike Leader: Jackie
Craig 572-9663 jackiehc@yahoo.com Pace: Steady Depart 7:00 Est. Return 5:30 p
Depending on the wishes of those who sign up, this can be a 12 mile/2,000ft or an 18
mile/3,790ft hike. We will begin at the Douglas Spring trail head at the East end of
Speedway Blvd. The hike will follow the foothills of the Rincons providing views of the
Catalina Mountains as well. The scenery is a mix of saguaro and desert grasses. We take
a rest at the Douglas Springs Campground (4800 ft), and then proceed to our destination
at 6100 ft. Carpool with masks. Carpool Fee $3 (75 Miles)
Friday, December 11
Gould Mine Trail(Tucson Mtns) Pace: Leisurely.
Level: D, 3.5 miles, 300 ft Hike Leader: Linda Hanson 744-4510
lindahanson913@gmail.com Gordon Hanson 744-4510
gordonphanson@gmail.com Depart: 8:00am Est time of return: 12:30pm
For a change of pace, we will do this hike in reverse. We will walk up Kings Canyon,
pausing to look at ancient grinding slicks, bedrock mortars, and the petroglyphs along the
canyon wall. After climbing up to the high point at the Mam-A-Gah picnic area for a
view of Avra Vally and the settling basins of the CAP, we will take a short snack break.
Then we will follow the Gould Mine Trail to the site of an abandoned silver mine and
back to the parking area. (52 miles) Due to Covid-19 concerns we will not be offering
carpooling and are limiting the numbers to 10 including hike leaders. We will practice
social distancing when hiking but please bring masks to wear when in groups.
Saturday, December 12
Upper Javelina to Wild Mustang trail first Bench. Return
same route. East 6.5 miles, 1200 elevation.Meet at North side of Caytons parking lot at
7:30 am. Please sign up ahead of time with either of Co-hike leaders Jim Githens at
jgithens5@aol.com and Gary Kvasnica at kvasnica@live.com.
Monday, December 14
Hamburg Trail (aka-Ramsey Canyon Trail) Miller Peak
Wilderness, Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Level: C+ 5.6 miles 1350 ft.
Pace: Moderate Hike Leaders: Claudia Holzemer @ cholzemer@comcast.net
(520) 744-6063 and Dennis Eberlein @ dcwe514@aol.com (248) 895-4045
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, we are limiting the number of hikers to 10
(plus hike leaders). We will not be offering organized carpooling. However, if you would
like to co-ordinate transportation on your own, hike leaders will provide a hiker roster
(with emails and phone numbers) by request.
This is about a 2 hour drive so you will need to depart from Dove Mountain in enough
time to meet us at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve by 8:30 AM (more details about this will
be provided after sign-up or call a hike leader with questions.
Arizona Highways Magazine declared this to be one of the most scenic and diverse hikes
in AZ. New hike for leaders so you can also consider this an “Adventure Hike”. The first
part of the hike crosses the Ramsey Canyon Preserve which is considered one of the best
bird-watching sites in the world. The trail begins at the Visitors Center near Ramsey
Creek, a key tributary of the San Pedro River. Soon we’ll come to the James Cabin, built
in 1902 and a sycamore dating back to 1760. That’s old We’ll climb some switchbacks
into the Coronado National Forest and Miller Peak Wilderness and be rewarded with
great views of lower Ramsey Canyon and the San Pedro River Valley. The trail drops
back down to the creek and follows it through a riparian zone as lush and beautiful as any
you’ll find in the Southwest. The trail then climbs toward the upper elevations of the
Huachuca Mountains, eventually intersecting with the Wisconsin Trail, which leads into
Wisconsin Canyon. This will be our turnaround point where we’ll stop for lunch. Don’t
forget to layer up and bring water, snacks and lunch. (215 miles round trip). No car pool.
Tuesday Dec Dec 15
Jolly Rancher-Old Thornydale Loop Hike: Moderate to
Leisurely, Level C+, 6 miles, 350 feet
Hike Leader: Dennis Eberlein @ dcwe514@aol.com (248) 895-4045
Highlands parking lot at 8:00 am Est. time of return: 11:00 AM
This hike departs from the Highlands parking lot, crosses Dove Mountain Blvd and
wanders through the future site of the Tapestry development. Previously this hike had a
turnaround point at Fry’s Starbucks or McDonalds for coffee but due to Covid-19
restrictions, it now wanders through the old ranchland then up the original 2-track
Thornydale Drive and connects to the new paved N Thornydale Rd then down to a
connecting trail and back up and returns to the parking lot. We hike through the desert
with one steep and rocky incline and descent that is more comfortable with hiking poles.
You have a good chance of seeing wildlife, javelina, deer and coyote. A really great view
of the Highlands from the top. This is a great hike for new hikers or new members to
club. Wear good boots and bring water so you can enjoy the Jolly Rancher at the halfway point. No carpool fee.
Thursday, December 17
HIGHLANDS RESIDENTS ONLY
Highlands Golf Course Pace: moderate/steady or set you
own pace. Level C+, 3.3 or 6.6 miles, 500ft
Hike Leader: Claudia Holzemer (520) 744-6063 Depart: 7:30am Est. time of
return: 10:00am
Bert Nestor 630-740-0605 Depart: 8:00a Est. time of return: 11:00am
Be aware- we want to retain the privilege of walking on the golf course this one morning
of the week. There are workers or golfers on the course, we have to watch for their
vehicles and move out of their way. For December, golf starts on #10. (Check the Week
Ahead to confirm). We start there also, and must be finished with this part by 9:00am,
and be off the course by 10:30am. You can choose to stop at the half-way point. We
leave together from hiking meeting spot in the clubhouse parking lot. It is not necessary
for everyone to go at the same pace, since we can always knock on a neighbor’s door in
case of emergency. When you show up PLEASE wear a mask at the meeting location in
the parking lot to check-in for miles walked credit. You can hike on your own. If you
want Hiking Club miles credit, send an email to Dennis Eberlein (dcwe514@aol.com).
No sign up needed. No carpool fee
Friday, December 18
Ventana Canyon to Window (Catalina’s) Pace: Steady
Level: A+, 12.8 miles, 4,050ft
Hike Leader: David Rogers 579-2585 drogers5190@gmail.com Depart:
7:00am Est. return: 5:30pm
In Spanish, ‘ventana’ means window. It’s also the destination of this very strenuous hike.
We’ll take the Ventana Canyon Trail with its fabulous rock formations and great vistas.
There are sections of very steep climbing with high step-ups. Long pants suggested for
the bushy vegetation. Bring plenty of water, and extra layers- it might be windy and
chilly. Carpool with mask. $2 per person carpool fee. (49 miles).
Friday, December 18
Lower Javelina Trail (Orientation Hike) Pace:
Leisurely Level: D, 2.8 miles, 280 ft. Hike Leader: Gordon Hanson 744-4510
(home) gordonphanson@gmail.com Depart 8:00am Est. time of
return: 10:00am
Orientation hikes are offered to members new to the Club, new to hiking in the desert, or
current hikers looking for a pleasant short hike. Orientation Program consists of a
discussion and a sample 3-mile hike. Contact Gordon Hanson by Thursday to sign up.
We will meet in the Highlands parking lot before departing to Ritz trailhead in Wild
Burro Canyon. We’ll take the west portion of Lower Javelina trail gaining a little under
three hundred feet, then drop back into Wild Burro Wash to return using the Wild Burro
trail. Bring water and a snack. No carpool fee.
Covid standards for mask and social distancing are reinforced.
Friday, December 18
Annual Christmas Cookie Hike Pace: Moderate/or set your
own Level C, 5.6 miles, 280 feet. Max of 10 hikers per hike leader.
Hike Leader: / Gary Kvasnica (920) 740-7643 kvasnica@live.com
Depart: 8:00 am Est. time of return: 11:00 am.
Get some exercise, have Christmas Cookies with friends, and be back to finish your
morning chores. Hike will depart from the Highlands Clubhouse parking lot to the Dove
Mountain Plaza and back. The route will be modified this year to take advantage of two
new community trails. We will stop for some delicious Christmas Cookies at the halfway
point and then complete the loop back to the Clubhouse. No carpool fee.
Monday, December 21
Bear Canyon to Sabino Canyon Loop Pace: Steady Level:
A, 17 miles, 2,400f Hike Leader: Jackie Craig 572-9663 jackiehc@yahoo.com
Depart time 7:00am Est return time: 5:00pm
For your spirit, there are fantastic views, and much of the hike is within earshot of
running water. For your fitness, your will burn a lot of calories, and give your heart and
legs a workout. We’ll do this hike counter clockwise, starting with Seven Falls. Next we
do Thimble Flats, and then on to Sabino Canyon. We walk the tram road back to the
Visitors center. Carpool with mask. $2 per person carpool fee. (50 Miles)
Tuesday, December 22
Brown Mountain Level: C, 4.8 miles, 400ft Hike Leader:
Chuck Fish, 651-815-3895, charlesfish01@yahoo.com Departure 8 AM, Return
12:30
You will enjoy great views of the Tucson Mountains. The trail is well established with
several short rocky climbs. We will hike a loop starting at the trailhead in the Gilbert Ray
Campground, 8458 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85743, just off of Kenny Road. The
hike takes us northwest over Brown Mountain descending into the Juan Santa Cruz picnic
area just east of the Sonora Desert Museum. This is our turn around point overlooking the
backside of the Desert Museum. The return is a level meandering nature walk. Brown
Mountain and the hike are actually in Tucson Mountain Park where no fee is required.
Bring water and snacks, no carpool available (46 Miles)
Thursday, December 24
HIGHLANDS RESIDENTS ONLY
Highlands Golf Course Pace: moderate/steady or set you
own pace. Level C+, 3.3 or 6.6 miles, 500ft
Hike Leader: Claudia Holzemer (520) 744-6063 Depart: 7:30am Est. time of
return: 10:00am
Bert Nestor 630-740-0605 Depart: 8:00a Est. time of return: 11:00am
Be aware- we want to retain the privilege of walking on the golf course this one morning
of the week. There are workers or golfers on the course, we have to watch for their
vehicles and move out of their way. For December, golf starts on #10. (Check the Week
Ahead to confirm). We start there also, and must be finished with this part by 9:00am,
and be off the course by 10:30am. You can choose to stop at the half-way point. We
leave together from hiking meeting spot in the clubhouse parking lot. It is not necessary
for everyone to go at the same pace, since we can always knock on a neighbor’s door in
case of emergency. When you show up PLEASE wear a mask at the meeting location in
the parking lot to check-in for miles walked credit. You can hike on your own. If you
want Hiking Club miles credit, send an email to Dennis Eberlein (dcwe514@aol.com).
No sign up needed. No carpool fee
Tuesday, December 29
Full Moon Sunset Hike Chuck Cook
3 miles, 300 feet, Level C, Pace: Conversational.
We will hike 1.5 miles up Upper Javalina trail to a view site. The sunset and full moon
rise should be about the same time, roughly 5:15. Due to covid, the following guidelines
will be in effect. Any time you are within 6 feet of a hiker that is not a family member of
yours, WEAR A MASK. Try to keep a 6 feet apart when we get to the view site. In years
past we have brought food and drink to share; we WILL NOT be able to do that this year.
Wear a headlamp and/or bring a strong flashlight. We will be coming down the trail in
darkness. Meet at Caytons parking area at 4:00 pm, depart 4:15. RSVP to Chuck at
chuckcooktucson@gmail.com Maximum hikers is 8.
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