I hope you are taking advantage of this amazing weather and hitting the trail. I was out with a group this morning and it was 47*, but as soon as we hit the trail I was regretting my gear choices. By the time we finished at about 930am, it was just a stunning morning.

In this week’s edition:

Thank you for being here, see you out there! 🙏

A popular trailhead east of Apache Junction has reopened after being temporarily closed due to a series of bobcat encounters that injured three hikers. Officials say safety measures and monitoring are now in place, but hikers are still encouraged to stay alert, hike in groups, and keep a safe distance from wildlife when hitting the trails. (link)

This post by the Pinal County Sheriff cracked me up. The sticker says ‘I FAILED THE FLATIRON’ 🤣

Someone at the State Park gave our Search and Rescue deputies these awesome stickers. On January 9, a 19-year-old man went hiking BORSTARphon Draw. The hiker wasn’t experienced and went off trail and up steep, loose terrain. The best decision he made was realizing he was in trouble and calling for help. Deputies, along with our partners with USBP BORSTAR, were able to make it to the subject and conduct a hoist rescue.

Pinal County Sheriff also rescued a 19-year old hiker on January 13th who got lost on the Picketpost trail. (link)

A powerful reminder of what determination can achieve. British war veteran Hari Budha Magar has become the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest peak on every continent, completing the legendary Seven Summits challenge. His story is an inspiring testament to resilience, grit, and the idea that mountains are for everyone. (link)

I’ll remember this the next time I am whining about my hike being too hard…

Find us on Instagram, we’d love to connect with and follow more local hikers!! Send a DM saying you get the newsletter! 🙏

Join the Hike for Hearts event, a community hike that raises awareness and support for families affected by congenital heart disease. This feel good outdoor fundraiser brings hikers together to make a real impact, one step at a time, while enjoying Arizona trails for a great cause. The event is on February 7th, registration is now open. (link)

The Arrowhead Hiking Club had their first group hike of the year a couple weekends ago, and it didn’t go well from a route standpoint. A variety of hikers at a variety of speeds led to some confusion, and an important lesson. (link)

Looking to graduate from day-hiking to backpacking? This may be the class for you.

How to start backpacking with confidence. This class covers the fundamentals of backpacking & simplifies the process so you can focus on the fun and hit the trail safely.

This class is being held on Wednesday, January 21st at their store in Phoenix and is just $35. (link)

Arizona Hiking Shack offers hands on classes that cover the basics of gear, packing, trip planning, safety, and comfort on the trail. These small group sessions are perfect for new backpackers or anyone who wants to feel more confident before heading out on an overnight adventure.

The Arrowhead Hiking Club is launching the 2026 Summit Challenge, a simple, fun goal built around hiking some of the best mountains close to home, which can be completed throughout the year.

The challenge includes eight different hikes to eight local summits, all in and around Glendale and the surrounding area. Each hike offers its own views, terrain, and sense of accomplishment, giving members a reason to stay active and discover some new trails you may not have experienced yet.

The 2026 Summit Challenge is about enjoying the desert, setting personal goals, and hiking alongside others who love the outdoors, one summit at a time.

The Arrowhead Hiking Club is open to residents from all corners of the Valley. Most of our hikes are in the NW Valley, but we’re building out the rest of our spring schedule, which will include some more centrally located hikes in Phoenix.

Learn more about what this club is up to here.

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a New Deal program created in the 1930s that put young men to work building trails, roads, and park infrastructure across the country. In the Phoenix area, CCC crews helped shape early trails and stonework in places like South Mountain, laying the foundation for many routes hikers still use today. Their work played a major role in preserving desert landscapes while making outdoor recreation accessible to future generations.

The previous trivia question was ‘What percentage of hikers rescued by the Phoenix Fire Department, are out of town visitors?’

✅ Answer: 25-30%

This was surprising to me when i first saw the stat, but I guess it makes sense that most of the traffic on Phoenix trails are locals.

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