March 16, 17, 18Notes on Chiricahua hike - Cancelled for this weekend. We will plan for March 31 - April 2nd.

We have decided to do the 8.14 mile hike on Saturday because we only have one group. We will do the Grotto on Sunday, as well as the Natural Bridge. 

This is our weekend hike at the end of the season. You need to sign up for this hike ahead of time and make arrangements for hotel and transportation ahead of time. 

Please let Nancy (me) know if you are interested at nanc21.na@gmail.com

The Chiricahua hike is at the Chiricahua National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm 

Google Maps to all destinations.

Friday - March 17th. - Leave the Parking Lot at 8:00. Bring a lunch, just like you would on a regular hike. Cochise Stronghold /https://cochisestronghold.com/  This is a 7-mile hike out and back. 

Casa Grande to Cochise Stronghold is 148 miles (2 1/2 hours driving time). 

Arrival time: approx. 10:45.

Hiking time is approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes. 

Cochise Stronghold to Willcox is 32 miles (45 minutes).

Arrival time in Wilcox is approx. 3:30 - 4:00 pm. Check into Motel. 

We need to get sandwiches etc. for lunch and water at the nearby Safeway store.

There are several eating establishments in Willcox. We may all want to go together. It is our choice. 

Saturday - March 18th - Leave Motel 6 at 8:00 after Breakfast at McDonalds.

Drive from Willcox to Chiricahua National Monument to the Visitor Center. (We will leave one car at the bottom to take the drivers of the other cars back up to the top). Drive up East Bonita Canyon Road to the top parking lot to Massai Point.  

There is an option to hike 9.9 miles or hike 8.14 miles. 

9.9 mile hike starts at Massai Point Nature Trail. Then go straight onto Echo Canyon Trail. This takes you through the Grotto. Then go on the Hailstone trail (Not Upper Rhylite trail) to Mushroom trail. Along the way, we see a junction to Inspiration Point which is an out-and-back hike and a great place for lunch.  Once back at the junction, the trail turns into Big Balanced Rock Trail. Heart of the Rock Loop is off of this trail. Once back to the junction, this trail turns into Sara Deming Trail which meets the Lower Rhyolite Trail that takes us to the visitors center.

8.14 mile hike starts on the Massai Point Nature trail, then go left onto Ed Riggs Trail, then turn left onto Mushroom Rock Trail. (Do not take the Hailstone trail). Along the way, we see a junction to Inspiration Point which is an out-and-back hike and a great place for lunch.  Once back at the junction, the trail turns into Big Balanced Rock Trail. Heart of the Rock Loop is off of this trail. Once back to the junction, this trail turns into Sara Deming Trail which meets the Lower Rhyolite Trail that takes us to the visitors center.

Then the driver of the car left at the bottom takes the drivers of the cars left at the top and brings them down to the parking area at the visitor's center. 

Sunday - March 19- Leave Motel 6 at 8:00. Check out from the Motel. Breakfast at McDonald's. We have the option of doing one hike or two. 

Drive to the Visitors Center at the Chiricahua Visitor Center or go directly up East Bonita Canyon Road to the Sugarloaf parking area on top. This is an out-and-back hike that has views of the Chiricahua's from an old Fire Lookout station.  1.9 miles. 

Then drive 1/2 way down East Bonita Canyon Road to the Natural Bridge. This is a nice hike to a lookout where we can see a natural bridge. 4.7 miles. We drive home from here. 

We have nine hikers signed up with the possibility of three more for the Chihuahua weekend hike. 

We are leaving on Friday morning at 8:00 from the Parking Lot. The same as usual. Please prearrange a ride prior to the hike and book the motel. 

Accommodations: Motel 6. (this used to be the Best Western) -  69.95/night if you call directly at 520-766-3700. Address 1100 W. Rex Allen Dr. Willcox, AZ. Let them know you are with the Palm Creek Hiking Club, your room preference and number of nights you are staying. If you cannot get through to this number call 1-800-899-9841 and join for a discount. See website below. 

https://www.motel6.com/en/home/my6/join.html

There is no breakfast offered here.  The regular rate is $82.95 - $84.95, depending on the room requested. 

We can go to McDonald's or Carl Juniors for Breakfast before heading out to the Chiricahua National Monument.