GUIDED HIKES - 2012

Join our trained Stewards and Docents to learn about the natural and cultural history of some of your Land Trust's beautiful preserves! Guided hikes are free, although we would love for hikers to consider joining us as a member, too.

P.A. Seitts Preserve at Go John Canyon - Sat. Feb. 25, 9:00 am. Join Preserve Stewards for a guided hike at the Land Trust's largest preserve. Hikers will explore the Legacy, Menk and Military trails, with spectacular views of the surrounding mesas and mountains. This is a moderate hike on good trails.

Sierra Vista Sanctuary – Fri. March 2, 9:00 am. Hikers will explore the back side of Continental Mountain and part of Willow Springs Wash. This property is privately owned and protected by a conservation easement. It is not open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to visit this special place. The hike is rather difficult and largely off-trail, with several hundred feet of elevation change.

Preserve at the Cave - Sat. March 3, 9:00 am. Hikers will visit this unique feature along Cave Creek - source of the name of the creek and town. The cave has supported human inhabitants for centuries, as evidenced by both pictographs and petroglyphs. We will also explore the important riparian habitat along Cave Creek. This property is privately owned and permanently protected by a conservation easement held by the Land Trust. It is not open to the public. This is a relatively flat, easy hike, but it is occasionally off-trail and rocky. You should also be prepared for wet shoes if we have had recent rains!

Black Mountain Summit - Fri. March 16, 8:30 am. Hikers will trek to the top of iconic Black Mountain for spectacular views and a cardiovascular workout! The trail is rugged and the elevation change is significant, so prepare for a difficult, but beautiful and rewarding hike.

Saguaro Hill Preserve - Sat. March 17, 9:00 am. Join Preserve Stewards for a guided visit to this beautiful preserve adjacent to the Desert Foothills Library. You'll learn more about the plants and animals in the preserve, and see the spectacular 360 degree views of Black Mountain and the mountains to the north. This is a relatively easy hike, with one steep slope at the very beginning of the trail.

Preserve at the Cave - Sat. April 14, 9:00 am. Hikers will visit this unique feature along Cave Creek - source of the name of the creek and town. The cave has supported human inhabitants for centuries, as evidenced by both pictographs and petroglyphs. We will also explore the important riparian habitat along Cave Creek. This property is privately owned and permanently protected by a conservation easement held by the Land Trust. It is not open to the public. This is a relatively flat, easy hike, but it is occasionally off-trail and rocky. You should also be prepared for wet shoes if we have had recent rains!

Black Mountain Summit - Fri. April 20, 3:00 pm. Hikers will trek to the top of iconic Black Mountain for spectacular views and a cardiovascular workout! The trail is rugged and the elevation change is significant, so prepare for a difficult, but beautiful and rewarding hike.

Registration for guided hikes is required. Please e-mail us at hikes@dflt.org at least one day before the hike to let us know how many people will be attending with your group. This allows us to share the meeting location, directions, special instructions or cancelations with you.

Several of our preserves are open to the public — please see below for trail information, directions, rules and descriptions of these properties. We will also post information about upcoming guided hikes on our Facebook page. Enjoy!



PRESERVES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

You are always welcome to enjoy our trails at the Jewel of the Creek, PA Seitts Preserve at Go John Canyon and Saguaro Hill. Preserves are open year round, dawn to dusk.

Driving directions to Jewel of the Creek

PA Seitts @ Go John Canyon - Please park along Cloud Road in Cave Creek

Access to Saguaro Hill is at the Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N.Schoolhouse Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 85331