Trail News News and Information from the Arizona Trail Association Spring 2015 | Volume 23, No. 1

Help Identify and Document Trail Values 2015, the USDA Forest Service will begin a major In analysis of all of the resources that make the Arizona Trail unique. This will be integrated into the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Arizona National Scenic Trail – the foundational document that will help guide its management and protection into the future. While the Forest Service will be able to identify data like cultural sites, threatened and endangered species, and other resources that have been previously studied and identified, they are going to rely on the Arizona Trail Breathtaking view of the Gila River near the spot where the Arizona Trail was officially completed. Love this view! ATA photo community to identify all other “trail values.” That’s where we need a seasonal water source, unusual Photographs, written descriptions your help. plants, rare animals, natural quiet, and GPS coordinates are all very dark skies, historic and prehistoric important. The next time you’re on Jaguar tracks in the Since you are the eyes and boots artifacts found nearby…really the trail, think about all of the things , Passage 4. on the ground the Arizona Trail anything significant. And it doesn’t around the trail that influence the Association is requesting that you have to be on the trail; anything trail experience. Start recording report on all of the significant within a ½-mile of the trail is that information and submit your resources that make the AZT valuable information. What we’re findings. special. This can be everything attempting to do is create an from particularly incredible views, inventory within the Arizona Trail corridor.

We’d like to receive all of this information before October 2015.

Either use the AZ Trail To Go app or submit the information on this page: www.aztrail.org/trail_values.html. You can also email your information to [email protected]. Just be sure to include GPS coordinates and a complete written description. Photos are nice, too.

Thank you in advance for helping document trail values. It might be Red Pineapple (Echinomastus intertextus Decorated ceramics found 150 feet the most important project we’ve embarked on since constructing acunensis), an uncommon cactus flower- north of trail along Passage 20. the trail. ing in late March along Passage 7. Matthew J. Nelson Photo Matthew J. Nelson Photo 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, mountains, forests, canyons, Springtime is the busiest season along the Arizona Trail, and I sincerely hope you have been able to communities and people. enjoy some quality miles somewhere between Mexico and Utah. These past few months have seen a Board of Directors record number of individuals attempting a thru-hike or thru-ride of the AZT, and we’ve heard from dozens of people who have successfully completed the entire trail after many years of ticking off one Eric Hiser, President passage at a time from their list. This is a grand accomplishment – congratulations! Beginning in June, Fred Gaudet, we will offer a Completion Award to anyone who has traveled the entire length of the AZT. Look for VP of Trail Operations more information at www.aztrail.org and in the next issue of the Arizona Trail News. Larry Snead, As one of the most recently designation National Scenic Trails, the Arizona Trail is in a very unique VP of Board Development and important phase of its development. As you probably read on page 1, we need your help in identifying Jan Hancock, Secretary the unique resources that make the AZT and its corridor special. Please take some time over the next C.W. Payne, Treasurer six months to help us document the trail values that will help protect the trail into the future. Board Members It’s been a long and colorful spring, and now that temperatures are beginning to rise it’s time to head to Steve Anderson higher ground and explore the northern passages that are just now coming into season. We hope you’re Ambika Balasubramaniyan planning an Arizona Trail getaway over the next few months to places like Happy Jack, Mormon Lake Rob Mason and Walnut Canyon. The biodiversity of Arizona never ceases to inspire, and the AZT is an excellent way to experience much of this incredible state. Ben Murphy John Rendall Enjoy this issue of the Arizona Trail News and hopefully our paths will cross somewhere out on the trail. Denis Ryan Todd Sadow Sincerely, Bernie Stalmann Lirain Urreiztieta Jeff Whitney

Staff & Support Matthew J. Nelson Matthew Nelson, Executive Director Executive Director Shawn Redfield, Trail Director Debbie Thorman, Membership & Administration Sirena Dufault, Gateway Community Liaison Wendy Lotze, Volunteer Coordinator Rebecca Patterson-Markowitz, Youth Outreach & Education Coordinator (Southern AZ) Sabrina Carlson, Youth Outreach & Education Coordinator (Northern AZ) David Babcock,

Spring wildflowers near American Flag Ranch Trailhead. Shannon Web Master Marshall Photo Aaron Seifert, GIS Director Mel and Marlene Betani, Keepers of the Tools Arizona Trail Association PO Box 36736 | Phoenix, Az 85067 | 602-252-4794 | www.aztrail.org

Spring 2015 2 Arizona Trail Association News Annual Report

2014, the Arizona Trail Association experienced growth in income and expenditures in support of our In programs, including Trail Operations, Gateway Communities and Seeds of Stewardship. Thanks to the generous support of individuals and business partners, the ATA was able to accomplish many important goals in the maintenance, protection and promotion of the AZT.

Approximately 1,600 volunteers contributed more than 15,000 hours to the Arizona Trail, the equivalent of $320,000 in savings to Federal land management agencies. And these are just the individuals who reported their volunteer hours. Please remember to log your volunteer hours online and help us document all the great things you do for the Arizona Trail. The strength of the ATA remains within our amazing volunteer corps.

Significant improvements were made to the Arizona Trail along most of its passages, with major projects happening in the Tonto These charts help demonstrate major sources of income and National Forest. In addition to expenditures from 2014. While the ATA experienced a 54% increase tread work, eight steel gates were in income, and thus, our ability to put more resources toward our installed to protect the trail from core mission, our membership continues to decline (from 1075 OHV abuse and accommodate a individuals in 2013 to 950 in 2015). Your suggestions on how to variety of trail users, and 10 new boost membership within our organization are welcome and interpretive signs were installed appreciated. Some good news is that although our total membership at key locations along the trail. numbers declined, many members renewed at higher donation levels. The Seeds of Stewardship We sincerely appreciate your continued support of the ATA and program helped introduce hope you’re proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. hundreds of youth to the Arizona Look for a comprehensive Annual Report with audited financial Trail, and assisted them in information online later this year at accomplishing rewarding service projects throughout the state. www.aztrail.org/annual_reports.html The Gateway Community program continues to flourish, with new partnerships being developed in many of the Arizona (From Top to Bottom) Trail’s 33 gateway communities. Volunteers sustain the Arizona The interpretive display within Trail. REI Photo the National Geographic Visitor AZCC youth crews at work on the Center – Grand Canyon, Tonto National Forest. ACE Photo installation of new Gateway New trailhead signs throughout Community signs, and Southern Arizona. ATA Photo integration of the AZT into (On the Right) towns’ economic development Seeds of Stewardship introduces plans are just a few of the youth to the Arizona Trail. ATA highlights from 2014. Photo

Arizona Trail Association News 3 Spring 2015 Gateway Community Spotlight: Pine/Strawberry

One of the biggest events in Pine the Pine Trailhead. For more Springs, 8.6 miles round-trip, is the Fire on the Rim mountain information and to register, to see stands of bigtooth maples bike race, a benefit for PSFR, visit fireontherim.com. and a beautiful little meadow which will happen on September near the spring. It’s a great trail The Gateway Communities of 11-13. There is a full weekend Pine has also has the distinction for a fall foliage fix. Pine and Strawberry are nestled of free camping that starts with of being the starting point for beneath the Mogollon Rim in a beer garden hosted by That the Zane Grey 50. The 26th The Pine Strawberry Trail is a the dense forest that helps define Brewery – a favorite among annual event on April 25 is four-mile trail that connects the this region. In recent years, they Arizona Trail users for their regarded as one of the toughest, two Gateway Communities. have truly embraced what it means Arizona Trail Ale, tasty food, roughest and most beautiful To do this trail in a downhill to be a gateway to recreation in and hospitality. That Brewery 50-mile trail runs in the country. direction, start at the Strawberry the Rim Country by building and donates a portion of all Arizona The course follows the Highline Trailhead off Highway 87 and promoting a network of trails to Trail Ale sales to the Arizona passage of the Arizona Trail to take the Pine Strawberry Trail encourage ecotourism. Travelers Trail Association, so drink up the Christopher Creek Trailhead. into the upper reaches of the on the Arizona Trail will find and help the trail when you’re Strawberry Hollow drainage. The Highline can be used to everything they need to rest, in the neighborhood! The trail leaves the drainage to create a number of different refuel and resupply in these two contour around the eastern flank shuttle hikes along the Arizona friendly towns. On Saturday, riders can choose of Strawberry Mountain on its from a 15, 30 or 45-mile course, Trail. An overnighter with way to the southern trailhead Pine/Strawberry is situated which loops through Pine and expansive views of the Mazatzals off Hardscrabble Mesa Road within the largest ponderosa pine Strawberry. Food Wagons, a beer to the south, running creeks and with views of the Mogollon Rim forest in the world, and is garden and live music happen areas of Sedona-esque red rock and forested drainages. considered high risk for forest from 1 p.m. into the evening, and can be had by traveling the 17 fires. The nonprofit organization there will be a kid’s race at 2 p.m. miles between the Pine and Whether you’re on foot, bike, or Pine/Strawberry Fuel Reduction The camping and fun continue Washington Park Trailheads. horse, you’ll find the Gateway (PSFR) was formed to mitigate on Sunday until 3 p.m. and Communities of Strawberry and Take the Arizona Trail from the risks and educate the public people are encouraged to ride Pine a perfect getaway from the Pine Trailhead south to Oak about fire danger. For years PSFR the new sections of trail from ever-rising heat of the season. has worked to build and maintain new trails – which act as fire breaks and add recreational resources close to home.

Pine/Strawberry’s newest addition, thanks to PSFR, is the Bearfoot Trail. The trailhead is at mile post 270 on the east side of Highway 87. Go through the gate, veer right and hike 0.2 mile on the powerline road to a four-way junction. Pick up the trail heading right. The trail continues 5.6 miles on a forested ridgeline above Pine to the end of the trail at the junction with the Pine Canyon Trail #26. You can either return the way you came, or set up a shuttle at the Pine Trailhead and continue 8 miles south on the Pine Canyon Trail to your vehicle. Mogollon Rim country is one of the highlights of the Arizona Trail, and the best way to experience it is from the gateway communities of Pine and Strawberry. Andrew Pielage Photo

Spring 2015 4 Arizona Trail Association News Trail Yoga by Lara Painter Swinarton

I’ve been studying yoga for eight To take them out of their comfort years, teaching for three. Not so zone and show them that nature strange then that I find yoga to be is a reflection of our deeper selves the answer for almost everything has proven to be precious. Even in life. Digestive issues? Try wind in its stillness, nature, like us, is relieving pose! Tight hips and alive and vibrant. hamstrings from that long run? Whether you choose a more Open them up with a warrior athletic practice (vinyasa, power, sequence! Back problems? Legs ashtanga) or something more up the wall! Depression? Okay, calming (hatha, yin, restorative, let’s breathe. gentle) isn’t important. We will Something as powerful as yoga all relate to a different style of —that gets our body and energy yoga, a different teacher or a moving, our circulation flowing, different studio. No matter which cleansing our blood, our organs, we choose, we win. We learn our lungs and more, while through breath to find quiet. simultaneously strengthening We learn through posture to hold muscle and bone and teaching steady when the going gets tough. us to find the quiet and the calm We calm our energy physically in the storm of our lives—is through grounding down and certainly something to consider breathing. We strengthen and adding to your outdoor routine. stretch, becoming more flexible in body and mind. I know…yoga seems to be on Integrate yoga into your outdoor routine to help ensure many more every street corner, social media years of pain-free activity on the Arizona Trail. Southwest Adventure Consider trying a class and stick feed and the latest greatest thing Yoga Photo with it for a while. Try out to do, but I say, that’s for good different teachers, styles, and Running, cycling, hiking, trail don’t want to spend down time reason. I am a runner. Yoga has venues, to find what fits your riding – they are all yoga in their in a building packed with other kept me injury free out on the individual needs the best and own way. Yoga may be an ancient yoga students, and show them trails and soothed my sore tired keep showing up. Just like that practice, intended to tire the this beneficial and beautiful muscles as I fought to get from trail you love, or the peak you body and mind in preparation for practice where they are a 1-mile to a 2-mile, and now up want to get to the top of, or the meditation, but it’s a valid practice comfortable: outdoors. I desired to a 5-mile run. I am also a hiker. running mileage you’d like to even today. In the Sanskrit to take yogis who have never I swear to this day, the 18-mile gain; yoga is the same. Just show language, yoga means “yolk,” or experienced the raw beauty of roundtrip trek to the top of up, take it one step at a time. “union”, joining body, breath and our desert and mountains and Bassett Peak where I rolled my Your muscles, connective tissue, spirit. Those of us who find that show them how beautiful it is. ankle on loose rock did not end joints and your easily quieted peace on the Arizona Trail, or in disaster because my ankles are mind, will thank you for it. by feeling the wind in our faces limber and strong from years of in the quiet as we ride our bikes, I’ll see you on the Arizona Trail grounding through my feet in we get it. We’ve discovered already (hopefully with your yoga mat)! standing asana and balance poses. that beautiful balance of focus, And I am also an equestrian. strength, gratitude, breath, and My hips, inner thighs and calves reconnecting to oneself. A regular are strong and flexible, my spine For questions or to share your yoga practice isn’t meant to lengthened, and my body limber comments please contact Lara replace this; rather it enhances to balance and flow with the at southwestadventureyoga@ these experiences for us. movements of this powerful gmail.com or (520) 495-9293. animal. My mind is quiet I started my own company here More information about her enough to hear the delicate in Tucson called Adventure Yoga outdoor yoga practice can be communication between horse for this very reason. I desired to found here: take outdoor enthusiasts who and rider. www.southwestadventureyoga.com

Arizona Trail Association News 5 Spring 2015 AZT Expeditions – Dori Pederson Photo Arizona Trail Just grab what you need for the “After leading trips around the have been very popular on the The Association is very day and hit the trail. An AZT Southwest for the past seven Colorado Trail and it’s a great excited to announce a new Expeditions leader drives all years we have found that most way to help people experience program that will allow hikers, your food and gear to camp each people don’t want or need a trail the Arizona National Scenic runners and mountain bikers night, sets up a deluxe kitchen guide, they just don’t want to Trail who would normally be opportunities to enjoy some of and bathroom, and waits for you carry the weight,” said Matt intimidated by transportation, the most scenic segments of the to arrive. You move along the McFee, President of AZT logistics and pack weight. The Arizona National Scenic Trail trail at your own pace, assemble Expeditions. “We have been AZT is tough enough as it is, without carrying the weight. your own tent, cook your own operating a 5-day adventure on and having AZT Expeditions The pain of carrying a heavy food, and create your own the Arizona Trail between bear the burden so you can hike, backpack, organizing multi-day AZT experience. Oracle and Superior for the past run or ride down the trail meets trip logistics and arranging few years and it has become one a demand we have been hearing shuttles to and from remote of our most popular trips. Now about for years.” trailheads will now be completely we are excited to help more eliminated with the help of people experience the hidden Commonly referred to as “slack AZT Expeditions. That gives gems of the Arizona Trail while packing,” the idea of traveling you the opportunity to focus on AZT Expeditions is a partnership giving back to the organization light is not a new concept. In fact, the trail experience. between the Arizona Trail responsible for this incredible most people who complete all Association (ATA) and Hermosa trail system.” 800 miles of the Arizona Trail These self-guided adventures are Tours, LLC. Working together, do it one section at a time. ideal for individuals, couples, we have designed 5 separate A portion of proceeds from each After a few out-and-back families and groups of friends itineraries for hikers, mountain AZT Expedition benefits the adventures it becomes clear that who are independent and bikers and trail runners which ATA, and the trip registration if you can have someone pick you adventurous enough to travel feature some of the most scenic fee includes a one-year up or drop you off, or arrange a long distances on the Arizona passages of the Arizona Trail. membership to the organization. car shuttle with a trail buddy, Trail without a guide, but who Itineraries range between three “We are very excited about this you can cover twice the distance would rather not carry all of to five days with very affordable partnership,” said Matthew in a single day (otherwise you end their food, water and camping pricing and group sizes are limited Nelson, the ATA’s Executive up hiking or riding the entire gear to each day’s destination. to 12 or fewer. Director. “These types of offerings trail twice). And while one-day

Spring 2015 6 Arizona Trail Association News adventures are fun, the richest AZT Expeditions also provides to Utah: A Trail Running experiences come from sleeping custom-made maps for each four-day trip across the Kaibab under the stars, waking up in day. Perhaps most importantly, Plateau and all the way to the the wilderness, and doing it all AZT Expeditions provides AZT’s northern terminus at the over again. Since most people fresh drinking water – an element Utah state line. find it challenging to be away entirely absent along much of the from life’s responsibilities for Arizona Trail. Mountain Biking more than just a few days, the AZT Expeditions itineraries Permits from federal and state allow you to turn a long weekend land managers are in process and into a grand adventure. AZT Expeditions anticipates being able to offer most of their trips throughout the summer and autumn of 2015. Others might have to wait until 2016. Here are just a few of the itineraries to choose from: Hiking

Running long distances is now a little bit easier. ATA Photo Santa Ritas to Saguaro: A four-day trip through the Santa Rita Mountains and lush Sonoran Desert. Mountain biking on an AZT Expedition. Hermosa Tours Photo Antelope to Picketpost: Look Ma, no pack! ATA Photo A four-day trip from Antelope Santa Ritas to Saguaro: A Peak to Picketpost Trailhead The structure of the trips allows three-day trip through the through the Gila River Canyons. each individual to have as deluxe northern portion of the Santa or dirtbag of an experience as Rita Mountains and lush Superstitions to : they desire. You buy and cook Sonoran Desert. A four-day trip through two of your own food, so the menu is Central Arizona’s most rugged completely up to you (Top Ramen Oracle to Picketpost: A four-day and beautiful mountain ranges. or top sirloin?). You provide your Hiking virtually weight-free. trip across the most popular ATA Photo own camping gear, so the comfort mountain biking terrain in this Flagstaff to Grand Canyon: level is yours to decide. You bring Mexico to Patagonia: A four-day part of the state. A four-day trip from the San your own beverages to enjoy at trip from the U.S./Mexico border Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff the end of a long day, but AZT to the town of Patagonia. Flagstaff to Mormon Lake: all the way to the South Rim of Expeditions keep ‘em cold. AZT A four-day trip through the Grand Canyon. Santa Rita Passage: A three- Expeditions provides a deluxe ponderosa pine forest south day trip that traverses the length kitchen and all of the pots, pans, of Flagstaff. Kaibab Plateau to Utah: of the Santa Rita Mountains. skillets, utensils and other A four-day trip across the Kaibab Flagstaff to Grand Canyon: cooking necessities. They also Plateau and all the way to the Antelope to Picketpost: A A four-day trip from the San bring along a backcountry privy AZT’s northern terminus at the four-day trip from Antelope Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff so you don’t need to dig catholes Utah state line. Peak to Picketpost Trailhead all the way to the South Rim of when it’s time to use the through the Gila River Canyons. Grand Canyon. To learn more, please visit: bathroom (this also minimizes the impact to the natural resources Superstitions to Four Peaks: Grand Canyon to Utah: www.aztexpeditions.com near the trail). Folding chairs, A five-day trip through two of A four-day trip from the North firewood and a friendly leader Central Arizona’s most rugged Rim of Grand Canyon to the are also part of the package. and beautiful mountain ranges. Utah border.

Arizona Trail Association News 7 Spring 2015 On the Trail with the Warrior Hikers by Sirena Dufault

As detailed in the Winter issue The next morning, we started until descending into Sunnyside There was thunder and lightning of the Arizona Trail News, the out on the Crest Trail and headed Canyon, where we found running and we even got hailed on! At one Arizona Trail Association is into the . water in abundance. As we hiked point, the ground was so saturated supporting the Warrior Hike No matter how well we try to along Scotia Canyon in the that the trail became a running “Walk Off the War” program. explain the difficulty of the first afternoon it began to drizzle. creek. Wet and waterlogged, we This important program helps ascent, people are always As we set up camp in the rain, sloshed toward the Harshaw recently returned combat veterans challenged by it. The combination both Shawn and Josh said that Road Trailhead. Thankfully the adjust to life outside the military of a 2,500-ft. climb combined they thought that Arizona was rain stopped for the last hour of with long walks along America’s with the altitude made for slow going to be hot, flat, and dry and our hike and we were met at the National Scenic Trails. This is going for Shawn and Josh, who that they were surprised that so trailhead by Bill Piper of VFW the first year the Arizona Trail both live near sea level. We took far it had been none of the above. Post #10432. As we were is being used for this important our time, resting often to catch devouring plates of Mexican food program. The Warrior Hikers our breath on the relentless The next morning, we packed up at Mercedes Cafe, the sun was are Josh Brewer and Shawn ascent. We reached the Miller soggy tents and made our way to shining and the guys reflected on “Greyhound” Murphy. Josh comes Peak junction, happy that the Parker Canyon Lake. It rained how different their first from upstate New York and this experience on the Arizona Trail is his first long-distance hike. had been from their expectations. Shawn is from the Puget Sound area of Washington and has hiked It was a lot of fun seeing Josh and the Pacific Crest Trail and Greyhound surprised and excited Continental Divide Trail. Neither about the diversity and beauty on had hiked in Arizona before. the Arizona Trail and I wish them the best on their journey to Utah! Sean Gobin, founder of Warrior For the calendar of events, visit Hike, ordinarily joins his veterans www.warriorhike.org/calendar/ on the first leg of their journey, arizonatrail but with the program expanded to include more trails this year, If you are interested in providing he wasn’t able to fit it into his support to the veterans on their schedule. So I volunteered for the hike, please contact me at duty and was fortunate enough [email protected] to be able to hike alongside them Josh, Sirena and Shawn in the Huachuca Mountains during the beginning during their first four days on of the 2015 Arizona Trail Warrior Hike. ATA Photo or Shane Glynn at the trail. [email protected] toughest part of the day was on and off all day as we hiked Our journey began on March 15 behind us. There was the tiniest through the . The at Montezuma Pass. We were Support bit of snow left on the north- good part was that we hardly had greeted by 30 mph winds at the facing slopes as we headed to to carry any water because there Warrior Hikers trailhead and quickly hiked down Bathtub Spring, where we refilled were so many sources. As we to the Mexican border monument our water and cooked dinner. climbed in the rain toward the Donations are being accepted with some members of the We camped at the Carr Peak Canelo East highpoint, the to support this year’s Warrior Huachuca Hiking Club. After junction and enjoyed a spectacular temperature suddenly dropped Hikers and future Warrior taking the requisite pictures at sunset before the temperatures and what had been a steady Hikers on the Arizona Trail. the border, we went back to Sierra dropped and sent us running for sprinkle became a downpour. Your financial support helps Vista for their kickoff event at our warm sleeping bags. We made camp on the ridge and purchase gear, meals, VFW Post #9972. These events got out of our damp clothes and transportation and other are a wonderful chance for As we were leaving our camp tried to stay warm. necessities for veterans. Warrior Hikers to connect with the next morning, we were Make a donation today (with local veterans and share their visited by a doe and her fawn. Waking up to more rain and Warrior Hike in the memo) at experiences. soggy clothes motivated us to push We continued on the Crest Trail www.aztrail.org/donate.html into Patagonia the fourth day.

Spring 2015 8 Arizona Trail Association News Business PartnerSunnyside Spotlight MediCenter, P.C.

For many years, Dr. & Mrs. makes regular appearances on the after-hours triage care; after- Dennis Thrasher have Arizona Trail and at ATA events. hours drug testing; on-site supported the Arizona Trail Along with her mini donkey OSHA testing; OSHA physicals; Association (ATA) through Jasmine, who helps carry water, employment physicals; employee in-kind contributions, financial snacks and supplies, Leigh Anne drug testing; DOT physicals; donations and many acts of has been section-hiking various DOT drug testing; Arizona Post kindness on and off the trail. passages of the AZT. The dynamic examinations; HAZMAT They are just one of the Arizona duo is featured on page 66 of physicals; Medical Review Officer businesses that believe in the the guidebook (Your Complete Services (MRO); breath alcohol mission of the ATA and whose Guide to the Arizona National testing; X-ray services; medication generosity benefits Arizona Trail Scenic Trail). dispensary; minor surgery thru-hikers, trail stewards, staff Sunnyside MediCenter’s general theatre for laceration repair, and volunteers alike. eye injuries, etc.; audiometric Leigh Anne and Jasmine on the medical care services include adult Arizona Trail inside Colossal Cave From occupational health services wellness examinations; routine testing; spirometry testing; lab Mountain Park. ATA Photo for businesses, to wellness checks follow-up care; medication services; heavy metals testing; an Arizona Trail Gateway and everyday appointments, management; specialty referrals; immunizations and vaccinations; Community sign near the Sunnyside MediCenter offers a same-day appointments; self-pay travel physicals; on call Physician entrance to town. full range of health services, school sports physicals; flu shots; available 24/7; no appointment including DOT and FAA and vaccinations. They accept necessary for treatment of To learn more about Sunnyside certification physicals. With over most major insurance plans, industrial injuries; and extended MediCenter’s staff and their 25 years of experience and a including Blue Cross Blue Shield, office hours. specialty services, please visit professional and friendly staff, United Healthcare, Aetna and When they’re not assisting them online at Sunnyside MediCenter is the others. patients in Tucson, Dr. & Mrs. www.sunnysidemedicenter.com leader in Tucson occupational Their occupational health services Thrasher escape to the high healthcare. include injury care; injury county within the Arizona Trail Led by Dr. Dennis Thrasher, prevention consultation; disability Gateway Community of who works tirelessly caring for examinations; impairment Summerhaven where they are patients, everyone who walks ratings; fitness for duty active in promoting the Arizona through the door at Sunnyside examinations; return to work Trail and taking care of weary MediCenter is sure to recognize examinations; independent thru-hikers. In fact, Leigh Anne Leigh Anne Thrasher, who medical examinations (IME); has been a major force in getting approval for the installation of NEW Arizona Trail T-Shirts New for Spring of 2015, the ATA This shirt was originally designed McGlamery for contributing is excited to announce our new for women, but once we saw and her talent to this design. T-shirt design! Featuring felt how great they were we Proceeds benefit the Arizona mountains, desert, sunset, the decided to have them printed in Trail Association, so order a few Arizona Trail and a red-tail hawk, men’s sizes and colors, too. For for friends. They are available this original design captures the women, they are available in red, for $20 each on the Shop page. freedom found on the AZT. teal and charcoal. Men’s shirts Printed in six beautiful earth and are available in brown, navy and They are available for $20 each sky colors on front of shirt (no red. We have found that with on the Shop page: design on back), we are convinced this particular style of shirt that www.aztrail.org/store/ this will become one of your women’s sizes run one size small at_store.php favorite shirts while on the trail and men’s are a little large. or in town. Material is a super soft Please order accordingly. 50% cotton/50% poly blend that wicks moisture well and is Thanks to Tucson-based artist unbelievably comfortable. and trail enthusiast Shauna

Arizona Trail Association News 9 Spring 2015 Spring 2015 10 Arizona Trail Association News Arizona Trail Association News 11 Spring 2015 Arizona Trail Association PO Box 36736 Phoenix, Az 85067

Thank You to Our Generous Arizona T rail Supporters! Absolute Bikes Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution Pink Jeep Tours Alliance Bank Garmin International Pioneer Title Agency All Star Grand Canyon Tours Gossamer Gear Porter’s Café American Conservation Experience Grand Canyon Whitewater Priority Lending, LLC AndersonBaron Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce Recreational Equipment, Inc. Arizona Conservation Corps Green Valley Recreation Hiking Club Reevis Mountain School of Self-Reliance Arizona Horse Lovers Foundation Hancock Resources Resolution Copper Arizona Office of Tourism High Jinks Ranch Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists Arizona River Runners Hudbay Minerals Southwest Solutions AZ ASARCO, LLC Inn Suites Hospitality Trust Southwest Trekking Asian Cuisine Indian & Thai in Page, AZ Interwealth Management Sulphur Springs Valley Babbitt Ranches It’s Greek to Me Electric Cooperative, Inc Best Western Pony Soldier Inn & Suites Jade Grill Asian BBQ Summit Hut Best Western Premier Jorden, Bischoff, & Hiser, PLC Sunnyside Medicenter, P.C. Grand Canyon Squire Inn Juan Jaime’s Tacos and Tequila THAT Brewery Beyond Bread Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company The Wildland Trekking Company Bright Angel Bicycles National Geographic Trans-Canyon Shuttle Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center-Grand Canyon Tucson Saddle Club Camp Colley Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust United States Forest Service Cirrus Visual Communications Old Time Pizza in Kearny, AZ Valley Toyota Dealers Colorado River Discovery Oracle Ford We Cook Pizza and Pasta El Rancho Robles Guest Ranch Oracle Land & Homes/A Diamond Ranch Wheeler Foundation Emmitt Barks Cartography Oracle Patio Cafe Western Spirit Cycling Endurance Rehabilitation Peace Surplus Westwind Solar Electric, Inc. Epic Rides Pima Trails Association Zach MacDonald – Tierra Antigua Realty