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Hiking Arizona's Sonoran Desert: Exploring the Superstition Mountains |
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Program Number: |
19723RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
6 nights |
| Location: |
Mesa, Arizona
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| Price starting at: |
$897.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Walking/Hiking
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Activity Level: |
n (see description) |
| Meals: |
17;
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Experience spectacular desert hiking during five days of exploration amid some of the most beautiful country in the Southwest. Trek through the south, north, and eastern sides of the Superstition Mountains while you make your way through the rugged, cactus-laden landscapes of the Superstition Wilderness, home of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine and the mysterious Weaver’s Needle.
Highlights
• Spend five days hiking in the Sonoran Desert in the Superstition Wilderness area with wilderness experts.
• Explore facets of the varied geology, desert ecology and fascinating human history of the area as you cover its unique and varied terrain.
• Journey to the shores of Apache Lake and its resort on the north side where you spend two more days hiking in the Salt River Canyon.
Activity Particulars
Daily hikes of 5-10 miles on trails over uneven terrain requiring agility. Some rock scrambling, a few sustained uphills. Elevation changes up to 1,200 feet.
Come prepared to hike with proper equipment and in good physical shape through regular aerobic exercise. Hikes will be on both established trails and “off trail” routes with uneven terrain, high steps, desert vegetation and rocky areas. Hikes are usually conducted as one group with a hike leader and a sweep. See the Daily Schedule for more detailed information.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival Mesa/Phoenix, 3 nights; van to Superstition Mountains, 3 nights; return to starting hotel and/or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for departures.
Coordinated by Northern Arizona University.
Mesa
The Hohokam Indians settled what is now Mesa 2,000 years ago, constructing a canal system that exists to this day. Apaches, Spanish explorers and Mormon pioneers followed in the footsteps of the Hohokam. Currently, Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Superstition Mountains
This range of mountains is a hiking paradise virtually in the backyards of Phoenix residents. Located in the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area, the mountains are crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails. On Superstition Mountain lies Lost Dutchman State Park, named for a miner who, legend has it, discovered a mother lode in the area.
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Accommodations
Mesa: Modern motel with swimming pool/spa; Superstition Mountains: Secluded motel with lake and mountain views from all rooms.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Mike Young
| | Mike Young has lived in Arizona for 40 years, and taught math and geology at Yavapai College prior to his work with Road Scholar. To convey the Arizona landscape, Mike uses a broad range of topics including botany, natural history and geomorphology. He has worked as a commercial boatman, designed and constructed his own home, and conducted field exercises throughout the intermountain west. He is an accomplished hike leader who challenges hikers of all skill levels. | | | | Jeff Strang
| | Jeff Strang's knowledge of the environment stems from over 35 years of hiking, paddling, and photography in the outdoors, his extensive experience as a naturalist, as well as from his education at the University of Oregon and Lewis and Clark Law School. In 1987, Jeff filed a precedent-setting lawsuit against Oregon polluters under the Clean Water Act. Jeff has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2002. In his free time, Jeff enjoys biking to work, hiking, kayaking, outdoor photography and studying geology. | | | |
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