Arizona Trail News News and Information from the Arizona Trail Association Autumn 2014 | Volume 22, No. 3

Arizona Trail Junior Explorer Handbook

cooperation with the Borderlands, Sky Islands, Gila land); drawing a sound map Service and National Park Arizona State Office River, Mogollon Rim, San (encouraging seldom-used senses Service. Handbooks are made In of the Bureau of Land Francisco Peaks, Grand Canyon to experience the environment); available to youth free of charge Management (BLM), the Arizona and Arizona Strip. These sections and many more. and will be distributed at numerous Trail Association (ATA) is proud are richly illustrated with the outlets statewide, including BLM to announce the release of the unique plants and animals that are The Handbook also includes field offices, US Forest Service Arizona Trail Junior Explorer found nearby, and activities that Junior Explorer Questions that offices, National Park visitor Handbook. This educational support Arizona science standards encourage critical thinking about centers, select Arizona State Park publication is intended for youth at the 6th – 8th grade levels. Just natural processes, environmental locations, Western National Parks ages 12-16, but kids and adults a few of the activities participants issues, and how to affect positive Association gift shop, Arizona of all ages will find much to learn are encouraged to do include change. These questions can be Trail Association office, The and enjoy within its 20 colorful creating your own watershed answered online and all partici- Summit Hut and special events pages. It will inspire readers to (teaching the importance of water pants receive a Junior Explorer throughout the year. They will get out on the trail to experience awareness and conservation); patch for completing activities also be mailed to individuals, the natural wonders between making a biotic community chart and answering questions. Patches schools and youth groups upon Mexico and Utah, and learn more (demonstrating the variety of life are sent through the mail at no request. A digital version of the about the biodiversity that makes at elevations throughout the state); cost to participants, along with a handbook can be viewed online Arizona unique. tracking felines such as mountain full-color map of the AZT. and printed from home, too. lions, bobcats, ocelots and jaguars The first printing of Junior The Handbook is a virtual (encouraging awareness of subtle To learn more, visit Explorer Handbooks is estimated adventure from border to border, signs along the trail); cream-filled at 32,000, thanks to support from www.aztrail.org/juniorexplorer/ and each section highlights cookie plate tectonics (explaining the BLM and supplemental different geographical areas, how the earth’s forces shape the including the Arizona-Sonora funding from the US Forest The Arizona National Scenic Trail Our Vision... …a continuous, non-motorized trail traversing 800+ miles from Dear Friend of the Arizona Trail, Mexico to Utah, linking deserts, Autumn is my favorite season in Arizona. From the golden grasslands of the south to the changing mountains, forests, canyons, communities and people. colors of the central mountain ranges, to the snow-capped peaks up north, this might be the best time of year on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Hopefully you are able to find many opportunities to Board of Directors get out and enjoy the 800+ miles between Mexico and Utah. Eric Hiser, President When you’re on the AZT over the next few months, you’ll probably notice the impacts from this Fred Gaudet, summer’s storms. Some sections of trail were completely obliterated by the monsoon season that was Vice President of immediately followed by an unusual hurricane season. Repairing the damage will require considerable Trail Operations resources, so I am inviting you to help. David Salisbury, Please report overgrowth, downed trees and unpleasant trail conditions to the Trail Director and Vice President of Regional Stewards through www.aztrail.org; join us for upcoming trail work events, which are Financial Development advertised on our Events Calendar online; and donate to our Trail Operations Fund by mailing a Larry Snead, check or making a donation online. Working together we can assess the areas of greatest need, get Vice President of boots and gloves on the ground, and pay for professional trail crews to repair the stretches that are Board Development beyond the ability of volunteers. Your investment of time and dollars benefits thousands of outdoor Jan Hancock, Secretary enthusiasts (and wildlife) every year. C.W. Payne, Treasurer We have put more energy into making the Arizona Trail News a truly comprehensive resource. Inside these 12 pages you’ll find lots of interesting people, places, events and news. And since we Board Members can’t fit 800+ miles of information into one dozen pages every season, please stay tuned to Arizona Steve Anderson Trail happenings through our website and Facebook. The more you know the more you’ll realize Gary Hohner what an incredible resource the AZT is, and how hard the ATA is working to protect it. Rob Mason John Rendall Never forget that you are an important part of the Arizona Trail. Volunteers, stewards, members, Denis Ryan donors, business partners, legacy partners and our small but dedicated staff all work together to Todd Sadow maintain, promote, protect and sustain the Arizona Trail as a unique encounter with the land. Bernie Stalmann The trail would not exist without you. Lirain Urreiztieta Enjoy this beautiful season on the AZT, Staff & Support Matthew Nelson, Executive Director Shawn Redfield, Trail Director Matthew J. Nelson Debbie Thorman, Executive Director Membership & Administration P.S. Please share this newsletter with others and invite them to participate in the Arizona David Babcock, Trail experience! Web Master Sirena Dufault, Gateway Community Liaison To Print or Not to Print? Rebecca Patterson-Markowitz, Want to receive the Arizona Trail News by email instead? Youth Outreach & Education Coordinator (Southern AZ) Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll email directions on how to read the full-color version of Sabrina Carlson, the newsletter online. The “paperless” option saves the ATA printing and postage expenses so we can Youth Outreach & Education direct more resources toward the trail. Coordinator (Northern AZ) Aaron Seifert, GIS Director Mel and Marlene Betani, Arizona Trail Association Keepers of the Tools PO Box 36736 | Phoenix, Az 85067 | 602-252-4794 | www.aztrail.org Phyllis Ralley, Special Projects

Autumn 2014 2 Arizona Trail Association News of trail (typically 3-12 miles in extremely important. GPS Summer Storms Wreak length) while others are folks coordinates, photographs and a who attend trail work events description is greatly appreciated Havoc on Arizona Trail held throughout the year. and assists our volunteer corps Many individuals reach out to in addressing priority needs Regional Stewards and offer to along the trail. help with a particular part of the trail that is important to them. The AZ Trail to Go App for your smartphone is another If you, your family, hiking club, valuable tool to use, as it was business, or any collection of specifically designed to allow motivated individuals would trail users to report on trail like to help repair the damage conditions and problem areas. from this summer’s devastation, You can download it for free we’d like to hear about it. And if here: AzTrailToGo. you don’t have time or ability to azurewebsites.net. help, but care about the Arizona Trail as the amazing resource it For projects beyond the reach is, then please consider making a of volunteers or that require donation today. With your help, specialized skills and/or heavy we can not only restore but machinery, the ATA employs improve the Arizona National professional trail crews to do the Scenic Trail for all. hard work. Sometimes these are youth crews who learn valuable skills while working with hand A long summer of intense storms has negatively impacted many passages tools in remote regions of the of the Arizona Trail. Segments that boasted sinuous singletrack earlier trail, and other times they are this year are now badly eroded and in desperate need of help. mechanized crews. Both are a Shawn Redfield Photo necessary part of trail maintenance. And both cost a In September, Arizona’s Arizona Trail earlier this year lot of money. Each year, the ATA Governor declared a state of (and over the past few years). dedicates a large portion of its emergency when Hurricane The result is degraded trail Trail Operations budget to trail Norbert slammed into Arizona. conditions and vegetation choking crews. Your help is needed in Nearly three inches of rain fell the trail corridor. Even areas that helping to fund this effort, as near Phoenix in a single storm, were trimmed by volunteers in much of our 2014 budget has flooding highways and leaving the springtime have grown back already been exhausted. tens of thousands of people with a vengeance. It’s going to without electricity. It was just be a long, arduous season of Donations can be made online one of many storms that affected trail maintenance. A mountain biker pushes his way through PayPal or by sending a areas throughout the state through the thick vegetation along check to the ATA. If you would That’s where you come in. the AZT corridor near Antelope between July and September. Peak. This normally rideable like to specifically dedicate your In the dry Southwest, rain is We know you care about the passage is now choked with catclaw donation to trail operations, just always a welcome element. But Arizona Trail, but do you care acacia, mesquite and prickly pear. note that on your check or in the when long periods of drought enough to volunteer a few days AZT Expeditions Photo comments section of the PayPal per year or donate a few dollars are followed by intense storms, To volunteer, get in touch with transaction. We will put 100% impacts to trails can be to help our Trail Operations of your donation into the Fund? Your support has never a regional steward and/or local devastating. Despite its trail stewards near you through maintenance and sustainability sustainable design and frequent been more important than of the trail. right now. the ATA’s website: www. maintenance by dedicated trail aztrail.org/at_stewards.html. Building the Arizona Trail took stewards, the Arizona National You can also check the ATA’s The vast majority of the AZT an enormous amount of time and Scenic Trail suffered from this Events Calendar online (www. was constructed by volunteers, effort, but the hard work is far summer’s brutal weather. aztrail.org/calendar.html) to and is maintained by those who from over. Now that we have a see what organized events are As if rain falling like a fire hose delight in keeping the trail completed trail from Mexico to already scheduled. Often times, wasn’t bad enough, erosion along corridor safe for hikers, mountain Utah, let’s keep the momentum trail work events are a result of the AZT was made significantly bikers and equestrians. Some of going to maintain and sustain the trail users reaching out and worse from the many wildfires these are volunteer trail stewards Arizona Trail for present and offering to help, so reporting that burned on or near the who care for specific segments future generations. on current trail conditions is

Arizona Trail Association News 3 Autumn 2014 Gateway Community Spotlight: Superior

the renovation of the historic Magma Hotel, originally opened in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. by Sirena Dufault There’s no shortage of places to explore near Superior, from The friendly town of Superior the cliffs of the Apache Leap is the Gateway Community to a to colorful wildflower blooms stretch of the Arizona Trail that on Peachville Mountain. Rock will delight hikers, mountain climbers can explore many bikers, and equestrians alike! routes in Queen Creek and Whether you’re looking to canyoneers can rappel the plunge spend a couple hours or a couple pools within Devil’s Canyon. days on the trail, the Picketpost For a more relaxed outing, don’t Trailhead (six miles west of miss the Boyce Thompson Superior on Highway 60) is a Arboretum, where you can great place to start. For the Picketpost Mountain is the most prominent geological feature in the area. learn about the fantastic plants Fred Gaudet Photo premiere experience, take the of the world’s deserts. time to travel both the Alamo Canyon and Gila River Canyons Superior was the first Gateway After an outing on the trail, stop passages south from the trailhead, Community to build a connector for tasty treats at Felicia’s Ice about 38 miles in length. The trail trail from the Arizona Trail Cream downtown or choose swoops through incredible stands into town. The Legends of from a number of delicious of saguaros, colorful canyons, and Superior Trail (LOST) travels restaurants such as Jade Grill, contours along the Gila River on six miles through the ruins of Porter’s Cafe or Los Hermanos. its way to Kelvin-Riverside. historic Pinal City and through The town celebrates the natural Queen Creek on its way to the beauty and history of Superior The monolith of Picketpost Arizona Trail. The area is rich each February with the Legends Mountain towers over the trail in mining history and an of Superior Eco-Tourism and can be seen for miles. The interpretive brochure takes you Festival, and next year’s event summit can be reached by a through the different points of will be held on February 21. steep two-mile scramble from interest on the LOST. The town is eagerly awaiting the Arizona Trail, where a mailbox full of summit logs and a wrought-iron bench await. Rappelling into the plunge pools Plan on spending time on top of Devil’s Canyon just a short to soak up the incredible views. distance from Superior. Matthew J. Nelson Photo

Superior is a prime destination most of the year, especially during the cooler seasons of autumn and winter.

For more information about the town and its services, check out the Gateway Community page at: www.aztrail.org/gateway/ superior.html

Equestrians enjoy the fantastic or refer to page 322 of Your riding opportunities near Picketpost Passages 16 and 17 are among the most popular mountain biking Complete Guide to the Trailhead. Matthew J. Nelson Photo destinations along the AZT. AZT Expeditions Photo Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Autumn 2014 4 Arizona Trail Association News LF Ranch: An Oasis in the Wilderness Ocelot on the by Sirena Dufault Arizona Trail Your trip through the wild and matriarch of the ranch, and an Once at the ranch, there are Over the past five months, an rugged Mazatzal Wilderness on assortment of friendly dogs, many places to explore nearby. ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) has the Arizona Trail isn’t complete cats, peacocks and chickens. There are swimming holes in been photographed in the Santa without a stop at the LF Ranch. A signpost at the ranch has the the East Verde River and Rock Rita Mountains southeast of The ranch was homesteaded in mileages to Mexico and Utah as Creek, and a nice afternoon Tucson near Passages 4 and 5 1909 by the Fuller family. well as signs pointing the can be had walking along the of the Arizona National Scenic When the Mazatzal Wilderness directions to other notable banks of the East Verde River Trail. Considered one of the was designated in 1964, the landmarks on the ranch. – one of Arizona’s most rarest cats in the United ranch and its 37,000 acres that precious waterways. States, ocelots have rarely been straddle the East Verde River In addition to being a working documented in the Southwest were “grandfathered” in. In 1976 cattle ranch, there is a small Undoubtedly one of the most over the past 50 years. it was bought by the Pratt bunkhouse with showers to interesting things about the LF is According to the U.S. Fish and family, who own and operate the house weary hikers or Maryann herself. Get her talking Wildlife Service, the ocelot was ranch to this day. They manage horseback riders who arrange and you’ll realize the strength photographed by a federally 160 head of cattle on the Bull to stay over on their journey. and tenacity it takes to run a financed project whose remote Springs Allotment. It’s not fancy, but even the most ranch in such a remote location. cameras have also repeatedly spartan accommodations feel The ranch is powered by solar taken pictures of an adult male There’s no easy way to get to the like such a luxury in the middle panels scattered around the jaguar in the same area. ranch – the closest access is a of the wilderness. Picket lines property and the occasional four-mile hike or horseback ride are available for horseback generator. Constant vigilance from the locked wilderness riders and their steeds. is required to chase away boundary gate off of Doll Baby predators that might want to eat Road outside the town of Payson. Meals are also available, but only at the LF Ranch Smorgasbord. From the north, you’ll have to by prior arrangement, and the Just rounding up cattle and hike in 11 miles on the Saddle ranch also accepts resupply moving them from one area to Ridge Trail. From the south, packages. Many weary travelers another is an extreme event, it’s 36 tough miles on the have shown up to the ranch given the rugged nature of the Arizona Trail from the Mount house hoping to get a ride out landscape. Yet Maryann still Peeley Trailhead. to the wilderness gate or into finds the time to care for the This is only the fifth ocelot Arizona Trail in her own documented in Arizona in five backyard: she is a trail steward years. The Arizona Game and for Passage 25a (Whiterock Fish Department reported two Mesa, from East Verde River to ocelots in the Huachuca Rock Creek Ridge). Mountains; the Sky Island Alliance conservation group So if you’re going to be “in the photographed one in the neighborhood,” hiking the Red Whetstone Mountains; and Hills and Whiterock Mesa another was discovered after passages, follow the barking being killed by a car near Globe. dogs and peacock calls to the LF Ranch. You’ll be glad you did. Rare cats on the Arizona Trail A resident peacock greets hikers as they arrive at the LF Ranch, one of are further proof that the AZT the gems along the Arizona Trail. Sirena Dufault Photo For more information, visit is an important wildlife corridor Earlier this year during my town, but unless you’ve made www.lfranch.com. in addition to a recreation trail. thru-hike (the AZT Trek), I prior arrangements, don’t get Since jaguars once roamed as Sirena Dufault works as the arrived at the LF Ranch after your hopes up. The closest store far north as the Grand Canyon, Gateway Community Liaison for four days of solitude. As I neared in Payson is an hour and a half they may someday return to the Arizona Trail Association. the ranch house I heard the drive away on a bone-jarring their historic range thanks to She also works with Arizona Trail peculiar calls of peacocks, an road. The day-to-day chores of the 800-mile trail from Mexico Business Partners, coordinates the alien sound in the middle of the running the LF are endless and to Utah. ATA’s Social Media efforts, and desert. After going through a the folks on the ranch are organizes numerous Arizona Trail gate that says “Hikers Welcome” almost always busy. events throughout the year. I was greeted by Maryann Pratt,

Arizona Trail Association News 5 Autumn 2014 Putting Youth to Work on the Arizona Trail by Matthew J. Nelson

Segments of the Arizona at a time addressing critical National Scenic Trail within needs along the most neglected Tonto National Forest have long segments within Tonto National held the reputation as being the Forest. In addition to maintaining most formidable in the entire and improving the Arizona Trail, state. Dense vegetation, steep an important element of any hillsides, rocky terrain and badly 21CSC project is employing eroded tread are just a few of the youth and helping them connect defining features that have to America’s great outdoors. discouraged many from visiting Pablo’s grant was approved for this seldom-traversed region. $200,000, with 100 percent of Although the natural setting is grant funds going to Arizona absolutely gorgeous, the journey Conservation Corps (AZCC), has always been a serious whose employees are carrying AZCC Youth Corps on the AZT endeavor. Thanks to a grant out the work between September Matthew Roberts Photo from 21st Century Conservation and December of 2014. Service Corps (21CSC), nine of era military veterans with worth knowing that during the the AZT’s passages could soon AZCC is the combination of conservation service work time of the CCC, nearly 3 be transformed. two youth corps programs that projects on public lands. Like million young Americans have done an enormous amount other conservation corps, AZCC planted 3 billion trees to help Paul “Pablo” Burghard of the of work on the Arizona Trail continues the rich legacy of the reforest America, constructed Tonto National Forest, Globe over the past decade: Coconino Civilian Conservation Corps of more than 800 parks nationwide, Ranger District, submitted an Rural Environment Corps the 1930s and ‘40s. upgraded most state and county ambitious proposal earlier this (CREC) and Southwest parks, updated forest fire year. The vision was numerous Conservation Corps (SCC). For anyone that isn’t already fighting methods, and built a youth crews working on the AZCC is focused on connecting familiar with the Civilian network of service buildings and Arizona Trail, spending weeks youth, young adults and recent Conservation Corps (CCC), it’s public roadways in remote areas.

Autumn 2014 6 Arizona Trail Association News volunteers were sent into the critiquing their work, debriefing field to flag, photograph, and the experience after the end of prepare detailed reports on the hitch, and reporting to the current trail conditions. ATA and Tonto National Superstar volunteers Donnie Forest. Since each youth crew and Barbie Borinski and their will work for a total of four dog, Mate, hiked the entire hitches, the goal is to educate length of the project area over and inspire them so that their many weeks. The information skills and confidence improves they gathered helped the with each day on the trail. ATA’s Trail Director and Pablo Burghard develop a Here is a recent report from comprehensive work plan. one of Matthew’s field visits on the Highline Passage near Putting young people to work and helping them connect to America’s great outdoors are the main objectives of the 21st Century Conserva- Given the number of youth Bray Creek: tion Service Corps. crews in the field, the massive Matthew Roberts Photo scope of the project area, and The crew did a good job of routing the importance of this once-in- the trail out of several deep gullies Many of the trails and facilities attention to the trail’s remote a-lifetime grant opportunity, and creating new tread on the we use today are a result of the passages that will help sustain the ATA realized it was wise to sloped side of these erosion scars. hard work of the CCC. It was a the Arizona Trail into the future. hire a project manager. Among This way the old trail acts as a bold initiative that helped employ drain and provides a side slope Although none of the 21CSC a cadre of talented applicants, young men during the Great for the new tread. Rubble rock grant funds directly benefit the the contract was awarded to Depression while implementing check dams were created within Arizona Trail Association, nor Matthew Roberts of American a natural resource conservation the gullies to begin the healing can any of the funds be used for Conservation Experience. program within every state process by trapping silt and management of the crews, the Matthew is responsible for and territory. encouraging plant growth. Most ATA and Tonto National Forest meeting the crews upon arrival of these reroutes were in the first Now, 80 years later, a new have been working diligently to in the field, helping them mile or so east of Bray Creek. version of the CCC is gaining ensure the project will be a understand the importance of the project and how it affects momentum through 21CSC. success. Relying on knowledge On one steep wash crossing the the entire Arizona National The goals of the program are and experience, trail steward crew built a very high quality Scenic Trail, giving them some to build America’s future by assessments and trail user reports, dry stone staircase of eight steps. skills-specific training, checking developing natural and cultural priority areas were identified The structure will reduce erosion on them after a few days and resources stewards; put youth on a map. Then, trained on this steep downslope into and veterans to work by the wash. providing training and employment opportunities; and The quality of the corridors preserve, protect and promote brushing was good and the trail America’s greatest gifts through was very easy to follow. increased public access and use to public lands. (You can learn The Mazatzal Mountains, Highline and many other more by visiting www.21csc.org). passages of the AZT will always From now through the end of provide wild and primitive the year, a total of 16 youth corps backcountry experiences that hitches will be out on Passages challenge all who attempt this 17 - 26 of the Arizona Trail. rugged terrain. But after the Each hitch is a crew of 8 people hard work of AZCC’s youth working for 80 hours. Many crews this season, everyone crews are in the field visiting the trail within Tonto simultaneously, working and National Forest in the near camping for a week in whatever future may wonder why the conditions Arizona’s autumn harsh reputation. and winter seasons offer. For the participants, it will be the experience of a lifetime. And Dry stone masonry features are among the many improvements to the for Arizona Trail enthusiasts, AZT happening throughout the Tonto National Forest this year. it means some much-needed Matthew Roberts Photo

Arizona Trail Association News 7 Autumn 2014 Seeds of Stewardship by Matthew J. Nelson

The Arizona Trail Association’s Seeds of Stewardship program has enjoyed a few busy months with youth from the communities of Flagstaff, Superior, Tucson and Vail. The mission of the program is to provide educational and meaningful outdoor experiences that empower youth to become the next generation of stewards of Arizona’s wild landscapes.

A student from Superior High School enjoys a quiet moment atop a boulder during a recent Seeds of Stewardship outing. Matthew J. Nelson Photo Coordinators have organized and into the outings and use the to teach concepts like the Bureau of Land Management, led many successful outings on AZT as an outdoor classroom. interconnectedness and and from contributions of the the Arizona Trail, including a After a few educational outings, biodiversity while encouraging ATA’s members and donors. To hike along the San Francisco stewardship activities are healthy habits.” learn how you can support the Peaks passage with 6th graders organized that allow youth to get program, please visit from Mount Elden Middle their hands dirty doing trail Seeds of Stewardship outings are School, a hike along the Alamo maintenance and invasive species made possible from a grant from www.aztrail.org/donate.html Canyon passage with students removal. The goal is to engage from Superior Junior & Senior each participant 5-7 times High School, and a hike along throughout the school year on the Santa Catalina Mountains day trips and overnight adventures. passage with youth from City High School. Each outing “In order for the hard work of provided participants an Dale Shewalter, Teddy Roosevelt, opportunity to connect with the John Muir and others like them natural wonders that exist in to benefit future generations, their own backyards. we need to work diligently to make sure youth are getting The three-tiered program focuses outdoors,” said Matthew Nelson, on experience, education and the ATA’s Executive Director. stewardship. After youth “The Seeds of Stewardship experience the Arizona Trail on program works wonders in foot and mountain bike, program helping youth connect to their Subjects like mathematics and science are easily taught while using the coordinators work with teachers natural environment, and the Arizona Trail as an outdoor classroom. to integrate existing curriculum Arizona Trail is an ideal place Matthew J. Nelson Photo

Autumn 2014 8 Arizona Trail Association News VolunteerMel Profile & Marlene Betani by Natalie Muilenberg

Their stories of the places extra mile. They drive thousands they’ve been, things they’ve done of miles to work events, expos and people they’ve met are and socials. They see what needs endlessly entertaining.” doing and then set about doing it!”

In addition to transporting, In addition to their trail duties, sharpening and maintaining Marlene enjoys bringing goodies the ATA’s tools, the Betanis are from her kitchen and garden to trail stewards on the Mormon the Lakeview Campground Lake Passage (30e) who have hosts, and Mel is an avid Arizona organized major volunteer Trail runner. events including one for a new connector trail near the Lakeview “Marlene and Mel make the ‘face’ Campground south of Flagstaff. of the ATA warm and welcoming, the reputation of the “Events like these are how the ATA caring and trustworthy,” Arizona Trail was constructed Michaels said. in record time, and it’s great to see how the Betanis’ enthusiasm When they’re not on the trail, and leadership inspires others,” the Betanis enjoy fishing, said Matthew Nelson, Executive camping, hiking and backpacking Director of the ATA. “They on the weekends. Even though Mel Betani Marlene Betani show up at every Arizona Trail they still have their “day jobs,” event and are easy to recognize the Betanis find time to If you’ve volunteered for the those that come after us. We just by their great big smiles. They contribute to the ATA. Arizona Trail Association like doing what we can to help love the Arizona Trail and have “We’ve found in volunteering (ATA), chances are you’ve seen the ATA and the trail thrive.” become an integral part of the that we receive more than we the welcoming smiles of Mel and ATA community.” give,” they said. “It can be Marlene Betani. Since 2010, the The Betanis found out about difficult, dirty and exhausting Betanis have been regular trail the ATA from a newspaper Andrea Michaels works closely work, but the feeling of stewards and keepers of the tools advertising a “Close the Gap” with the Betanis as Northern accomplishment we get in for the ATA. Not ones to brag, project that would complete Regional Chief Steward. They return is worth it. One gets a the Betanis don’t do the work for the Arizona Trail. With their first met each other at a “Close sense of pride when the section the glory, but for another reason. kids now out of the house, the the Gap” event. Back then, the Betanis took the opportunity Betanis were used to the of trail that we worked on “We enjoy being outdoors, and and have been involved in the outdoors, but had no previous weathers the monsoons well. the ATA is an organization of ATA ever since. trail work experience. No matter, The teamwork required to move exceptional people doing noble because according to Michaels, big rocks or plan an event builds work,” they said. “The very idea “Our favorite thing about the they quickly mastered the skills. strong bonds of respect and of a trail that goes from Mexico ATA is the people we have friendship. Bottom line though, to Utah through so many scenic gotten to know, and the new “We are so fortunate to have a it’s just fun.” and wild sections of our state is people we meet each time we host of hardworking, dedicated If you’re interested in exciting and inspiring. It’s the attend a work event,” they said. volunteers,” Michaels said. “Mel volunteering for the ATA, ATA’s job to constantly improve “The volunteers love the and Marlene exemplify those visit the Volunteer page at the trail and its access so that it outdoors as much as we do and special individuals who have been everywhere that’s wild. unflinchingly go more than the will last far into the future for www.aztrail.org

Arizona Trail Association News 9 Autumn 2014 Arizona Trail Featured in New Book Celebrating National Scenic Trails

National Scenic Trails, including Literally tens of millions of to end. America’s Great Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific tourists and hikers visit these Trails is perfect for anyone Crest Trail, Continental Divide trails each year, some of which interested in outdoor recreation Trail, North Country Trail, Ice wind through the country’s most and conservation. Proceeds from Age Trail, Potomac Heritage scenic natural wonders and the sales of books benefit the Trail, Florida Trail, Natchez virtually every major ecosystem Partnership for the National Trace Trail, Arizona Trail, in America. Each featured trail Trails System (PNTS), of which Pacific Northwest Trail, and has its own section, complete the Arizona Trail Association New England Trail. Full-color with a map and photo gallery, is a member. photographs demonstrate the and the reader explores what biodiversity and adventure makes it one of the most Available at bookstores online available throughout America’s magnificent hiking experiences and throughout America, this America’s Great Hiking Trails trails, and once you open the book anywhere in the world. Trail hardcover book weighs nearly by Karen Berger (Author), you won’t be able to put it down. histories accompany detailed five pounds and retails for $50.00. Bart Smith (Photographer) hiker-friendly descriptions that Advance copies are available as and Bill McKibben (Forward) The book is a hiker’s bucket highlight the most scenic spots, thank you gifts to the first 10 Rizzoli Press, 336 pages, hardcover, list embodied in a lavishly with suggestions for shorter individuals making a donation $50.00 illustrated collection of more weekend and day hikes. to the Arizona Trail Association Rizzoli Press is proud to than 50,000 miles of America’s of $500 or more before the end announce the release of one of most iconic trails. Celebrating The stunning photographs take of the year. You can donate the most beautiful and inspiring the 40 most important trails in the reader on a visual adventure online or by mailing a check to books ever published – America, this volume takes the conducted by Bart Smith, the the ATA. America’s Great Hiking Trails reader through 49 states and first person to hike all 11 – celebrating all of America’s eight national parks. National Scenic Trails from end

The organization chooses sites at the night skies without a lot Oracle Famous that have exceptional starry skies of light pollution — and that’s and natural nocturnal habitat a really wonderful thing,” said for Dark Skies where light pollution is mitigated Ellen Bilbrey, spokeswoman for and natural darkness is valuable Arizona State Parks. “It’s also as an important educational, exciting because this is the first cultural, scenic and natural Arizona State Park to get resource. Among 16 parks that dark-skies designation.” have been awarded Dark-Sky status by the association are “The designation will yield Big Bend National Park in tremendous benefits to the Texas, Chaco Culture National Park, the Oracle community, Historical Park in New Mexico, Pinal County, and the State Galloway Forest Park in of Arizona,” said Michael Scotland and Eifel National Park Weasner, Chairman of the in Germany. Oracle Dark Skies Committee. The Committee is working Anyone who has ever traveled along the Arizona Trail at night Special nighttime events are with area residents, business between Oracle and Superior knows that it is one of the darkest being planned at the park and owners and government offices places in this part of the world. Far from cities and other sources will allow the public to take to reduce or eliminate light of light, the dark skies are just one of the natural resources that advantage of dark skies there pollution in the Oracle area to make the Arizona Trail special. The rest of the world may soon for star parties and other maintain the dark skies. learn more about this as the International Dark-Sky Association astronomical gatherings. Board of Directors recently named Oracle State Park an “Oracle State Park is ‘behind’ A celebratory event at Oracle “International Dark Sky Park.” the mountain from the city of State Park is being planned and Tucson, so it can provide a look will be announced through the ATA Events Calendar. Michael Weasner Photo

Autumn 2014 10 Arizona Trail Association News RememberingMarc Buckhout by Brad Buckhout

bushwacking through the deserts Summerhaven is one such I will always treasure the time and forests. At the time we were example. A Rim to Rim hike we spent together sharing the hiking there were many proposed of the Grand Canyon, Marc’s beauty and solitude of Arizona. sections with start and end points second crossing, was another. Marc Buckhout on the Arizona but no defined trail, including Brad and Karen Buckhout are Trail. Buckhout Family Photo the 33 miles of desert south of We completed our trek together Marc’s parents, and are also on June 5, 2004. Marc was the stewards for Passage 27a (Highline, In 1999, I discovered the book I-10 near Tucson. from Pine Trailhead to Red Rock by Kelly On the Arizona Trail Spring). In cooperation with the Tighe and Susan Moran. My son, Tonto National Forest and Arizona Marc, had just graduated from Trail Association, the Buckhout Northern Arizona University, Family is coordinating the and I half-jokingly made the construction of a memorial stone comment, “We should do that bench at the Pine Trailhead. It is someday.” in a location that will allow hikers My wife Karen, the organized to contemplate the solitude of the one of our family, encouraged us forest and to rejuvenate the spirit. to make a commitment to this rather daunting task. Marc agreed Marc (left) and Brad (right) were the first father and son team to complete to join me and was always a the entire Arizona Trail. Buckhout Family Photo willing hiking partner even though he frequently had little As we would start each section 29th hiker to have hiked the idea what I was getting us into. Marc would ask for my estimate entire Arizona Trail (seven years of the time it would take. After before the trail was officially We began our hike on January several trips I learned that he had completed) and I am proud to say 22, 2000 and continued in a begun to add three hours to my that we remain the only father series of day hikes and weekend estimate to mentally prepare for and son team to have done so. adventures, using a GPS unit to the day. This kind of adventure Marc considered completion of ensure that we did not skip any was transformative and pushed the Arizona Trail to be one of Marc and Brad celebrate their completion of the AZT at the trail sections. Marc was the us to the edge of both physical the crowning achievements of Stateline Campground. leader for all of the 51 days of and mental endurance…the day his life, which ended too soon Buckhout Family Photo hiking and was very comfortable we hiked from Molino Basin to when he passed away this year. Honoring Those Who Have Passed On

The community of people personal stories, photographs, amounts are not included). or charity, such as the Arizona connected to the Arizona Trail and information that may help All donations are 100% Trail Association. You may is as long and diverse as the trail inspire others. tax-deductible. To learn more, bequeath a specific asset, a dollar itself. As we lose members of our click the “donate” button at amount, a percentage of your community, the ATA There is also a way to make www.aztrail.org. estate or the remainder of your memorializes individuals through donations in remembrance of estate after all other gifts have our In Memoriam webpage: those who have passed on. Also, please consider a bequest to been distributed. This is a www.aztrail.org/memorial.html. Upon receipt of memorial the Arizona Trail Association in wonderful way to be part of the donations, a letter is mailed to your estate planning. A bequest enduring Arizona Trail legacy. If you know someone who a designated family member, is a provision in your will or More information is available should be added to this page, with a listing of all donors’ living trust that directs a portion from your attorney, and at please contact us. We encourage names and addresses (monetary of your estate to a named person www.aztrail.org/bequest.html.

Arizona Trail Association News 11 Autumn 2014 Arizona Trail Association PO Box 36736 Phoenix, Az 85067

Thank You to Our Generous Arizona T rail Supporters! Absolute Bikes Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution REI American Conservation Experience Fleet Feet Sports of Tucson Reevis Mountain School of Self Reliance Arizona Horse Lovers Foundation Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Resolution Copper Arizona Office of Tourism Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce Rosemont Copper Arizona Partsmaster Green Valley Hiking Club Southwest Solutions ASARCO Hancock Resources, LLC Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. Asian Cuisine, Indian and Thai Food High Jinks Ranch Summit Hut Babbitt Ranches Inn Suites Hotels and Suites Sunnyside Medicenter - Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Thrasher Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn InterWealth Management That Brewery Beyond Bread It’s Greek To Me The Wildland Trekking Company Bright Angel Bicycles, LLC Jade Grill Asian BBQ Trans-Canyon Shuttle Bureau of Land Management Jorden, Bischoff & Hiser, PLC Tucson Saddle Club Camp Colley Juan Jaime’s Tacos and Tequila United States Forest Service Cirrus Visual Communication, Inc. Mountain Bike Association of Arizona Valley Toyota Dealers Colorado River Discovery Oracle Land & Homes/A Diamond Ranch Wanderlust Brewing Company Diversified Print Solutions, Inc. Oracle Ford We Cook Pizza & Pasta El Rancho Robles Oracle Patio Café Westwind Solar Electric, Inc. Emmitt Barks Cartography Peace Surplus, Inc. Woolston & Tarter, P.C. Endurance Rehabilitation, LLC Pink Jeep Tours Epic Rides Porter’s Café