March 8-14, 2020 – Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson, AZ

The Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) travels 800 miles across the state of Arizona between the Mexican border and Utah. It highlights the diversity of wild landscapes in Arizona from the iconic Sonoran desert to deep ponderosa forests.

Join your fellow outdoor enthusiasts on a project to repair and recover the AZT in the basin of the West Fork of Sabino Creek. Home to the famous Hutch’s Pool, this is one of the most beautiful parts of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, and a favorite of hikers and backpackers from Tucson. Though you’re surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, the pool is deep enough to swim in all year, with a sandy beach for relaxing.

Maintaining the trail in this area is tough but rewarding work. Our work consists of a mixture of brushing vegetation and repairing the tread – and that means digging in the rocky desert soils. It will test you physically, but will also provide you with a moving experience in nature that you simply can’t get from a afternoon picnic or weekend backpacking trip.

Overview:

This will be a 7-day event, including the hike in and out of camp, four days of trail work and a day to enjoy the backcountry on your own. We’ll start with a shuttle to the top of the Sabino Canyon road, then hike approximately 4 miles in to our basecamp near Hutch’s Pool. It should take us less than 4 hours. Participants should be prepared to carry all of their camping gear, clothing and necessities for the hike.

Backpacks, tents and gear are available for rent through the University of Arizona’s Campus Recreation program.

Tentative Itinerary:
Prior to trip (TBA) Pre-Trip Orientation meeting
Sun, March 8 Begin 7am – Shuttle in Sabino Canyon and hike to Hutch’s Pool  – approx 4 mi
Mon, March 9 – Tues, March 10 Trail work on AZT north of Hutch’s Pool
Wed, March 11 Free day – guided hike to Romero Pass (approx 8 mi round trip)
Thur, March 12 – Fri, March 13 Continue trail work
Sat, March 14 Hike out Sabino Canyon and shuttle to parking area. Trip complete by approx 6pm.
Policies and Cancellation:
  • Trip is alcohol and drug-free.
  • Participants must travel and stay with the group for the duration of the trip. No late arrivals or early departures are premitted
  • Trip requires full payment at time of registration
  • Participants are required to attend a Pre-Trip Orientation before departure.

Please be certain that you can commit to the full event before registering. Refunds will be given as below, regardless of the circumstance in which you are cancelling your participation:

    • 100% refund for cancellations before Dec 30, 2019
    • 50% refund for cancellations prior between Dec 30, 2019 – Jan 30, 2020
    • 0% refund for cancellations after Jan 30
What You’ll Need:

A complete packing list will be emailed to trip participants upon confirmation of their registration.

No experience is necessary, but you should be in moderately good physical condition to keep up with the crew.

What We’ll Provide:
  • Shuttles within Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
  • Meals and snacks during the event (most dietary restrictions are respected)
  • Camp kitchen equipment
  • Tools / Protective Equipment
  • Leadership and Instruction
How to Register:

Registration cost: $250

Scholarships may be available to those who qualify. Please email wendy@aztrail.org for more information.

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