EVENTS

Take Action: Events

Exciting Wilderness Service Projects, Special Events, and Volunteer Opportunities All Year Long!

Contact information and how-to for these events is listed at the end of each entry. Be sure to check back for an updated list of outings. Conditions such as weather, fire restrictions, and other factors can change our trips on short notice.

Project Difficulty Ratings

* Bluebird: 0-4 miles hiking, minor trail work, day packs not backpacks.
* Raccoon: 3-6 miles hiking and trail work, but with options for easier or more skilled work; backpacks for shorter trips and horse support for longer trips.
* Elk: 6-12 miles hiking, strenuous and/or skilled trail work, remote setting, backpacking likely with horse support.
* Lobo: 12+ miles of hiking, multiple days, strenuous and/or skilled trail work, backpacking possibly with horse support, remote setting.

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2012 Trips

Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 5th - AWC Wilderness Stewards Program

Granite Mountain Wilderness, Restoration and Site Monitoring

Prescott National Forest

Difficulty: ELK--8 miles total hiking, day packs; trail work, monitoring, tool use; horse support

Trail #308 is an old trail in Granite Mountain Wilderness and it could use some upkeep. AWC is partnering with Back Country Horsemen of Central Arizona to maintain the trail and also monitor for any recreation sites that might have popped up as well as non-native plants. This event is a short drive from Prescott and will offer stunning view of the less visited north side of Granite Mountain.

To register and get details: Sam Frank, Central Arizona Director, sfrank@azwild.org, or 928-717-6076

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Saturday, February 18th - AWC Wilderness Stewards Program

Wet Beaver Wilderness, Restoration and Site Monitoring

Coconino National Forest

Difficulty: RACCOON—5 miles total hiking, day packs; trail work, monitoring, tool use

Wet Beaver Wilderness is a beautiful canyon draining off the Mogollon Rim, characterized by lush riparian habitat, abundant wildlife, and stunning geologic formations. A swimmers paradise in the summer months, this wilderness sees far fewer visitors in the winter months, which makes it a great time for AWC and volunteers to collect some data on recreation sites and the presence of non-native Tamarisk in the riparian area.

To register and get details: Sam Frank, Central Arizona Director, sfrank@azwild.org, or 928-717-6076

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Saturday, March 24th and Sunday, March 25th - AWC Wilderness Stewards Program

Mazatzal Wilderness, Multiple Trails, Restoration and Site Monitoring

Tonto National Forest

Difficulty: LOBO—14-16 miles totalbackpacking; recreation site and non-native plant monitoring; horse support

AWC's first-ever LOBO rated event, this one is only for experienced backpackers. AWC and Back Country Horsemen of Central Arizona (BCHCAZ) have become co-segment stewards for the Red Hills section of the Arizona Trail, which lies within the Mazatzal Wilderness. This 14-mile stretch of trail is remote, high elevation, and overlooks the Verde River drainage. As co-segment stewards, we need to check on the trail and give it some TLC as necessary.

This hike will cover some of the most rugged and high-elevation terrain in the Mazatzal Wilderness and possibly anywhere in central Arizona. Weather conditions will play a huge role in deciding exactly where we go so stay tuned as the event date draws near.

To get more details: Sam Frank, Central Arizona Director, sfrank@azwild.org, or 928-717-6076

Saturday, April 14th and Sunday, April 15th - AWC Wilderness Stewards Program

Munds Mountain Wilderness, Jacks Canyon (#55) and Munds Mountain (#77) Trails, Restoration and Site Monitoring

Coconino National Forest

Difficulty: ELK—10-12 miles total backpacking; recreation site and non-native plant monitoring

Did you miss AWC’s trip to Munds Mountain Wilderness in December 2011? Well, this is your chance to join us as we once again head out into the heights of red rock country. Unlike our last trip up Woods Canyon, this backpack will take us up the Jacks Canyon trail and further up to the mesa top of Munds Mountain. We will be keeping an eye out for recreation sites and non-native plants along the way. It's recommended that you bring extra socks because the views along this hike are guaranteed to knock off the ones you’re wearing!

To get more details: Sam Frank, Central Arizona Director, sfrank@azwild.org, or 928-717-6076