The Pack 253 Hiking Program
In 2008 we decided that there needed to be a more organized hiking program for our Scouts. Based on feedback, ideas and a story in Scouting magazine we came up with a plan. We would hold hikes a couple of times during the year and at our family camping trips. The goal was to get our boys used to hiking so when they crossed over into Boy Scouts they would be more acclimated to the hiking and back packing that the Troop boys do.
All of our hikes are open to all the boys from Tigers up to Webelos II. Parents are expected to accompany their boys on these outings as Cub Scouts is a family activity. Since parents are going, siblings are often on these hikes as well and in some cases leading the charge and others napping in the baby carrier...
So far we have had over 10 hikes mostly on different trails. In fact when adding up all the miles that the Scouts have traveled, not including parents, siblings, leaders, etc, our boys have hiked over 180 miles in just 8 trips out. With the diverse landscape here in the Valley of the Sun we won't be repeating many hikes too often although Fat Man's Pass might be the first...
All the participants in the hikes need to adhere to the following rules and guidelines to make it as much fun for everyone involved:
Hiking boots are encouraged for the Scouts but not required (mainly no flip flops, open toe shoes or heelies, etc)
Scouts should be wearing their Class B uniform for all hikes unless otherwise specified (parents can wear theirs too...)
Bring plenty of water, yes even in winter
Bring some snacks (trail mix, energy bars, etc)
Stay with your parent, guardian, leader at all times unless other arrangements are made
Listen to the leader's instructions (you never know when you might make a wrong turn Shannan...)
Leave no trace, in other words take out what you brought with you and help those who don't understand this idea
Hiking boots are encouraged for the Scouts but not required (mainly no flip flops, open toe shoes or heelies, etc)
Scouts should be wearing their Class B uniform for all hikes unless otherwise specified (parents can wear theirs too...)
Bring plenty of water, yes even in winter
Bring some snacks (trail mix, energy bars, etc)
Stay with your parent, guardian, leader at all times unless other arrangements are made
Listen to the leader's instructions (you never know when you might make a wrong turn Shannan...)
Leave no trace, in other words take out what you brought with you and help those who don't understand this idea
Here are some of the hikes that we have done with length of the trail.
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Name/Location of hike
Wupatki (Sunset Crater)
Sharp Creek Campground Wind Cave (Usery Mountain Park) First Water Trail Blevins Trail (Usery Mountain Park) Ponderosa Campground (Tonto Nat'l Forest) Roper Lake State Park Mormon, National & Hidden Valley Trails (South Mountain Park) Horton Creek Trail (East of Payson) Hoyer Campground, Greer Full Moon hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park Scenic Trail (McDowell Mountain Regional Park) Full Moon hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park Mormon, National & Hidden Valley Trails (South Mountain Park) Horton Creek Trail (East of Payson) |
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Fat Man's Pass
One of the more popular hikes, this is about 4 miles or so depending on who you ask. The map to the right is setup with way points at each trail intersection. It starts in the parking lot at 24th Street and East Valley View Drive in Phoenix. We start heading up into South Mountain Regional Park on the Mormon Trail. Continuing past the Mormon Loop Trail until coming to the 'T' for the National Trail and heading right (west). Follow the National Trail until reaching the marker for the Hidden Valley Trail. Immediately off to your right on the trail is Fat Man's Pass. It's a natural rock formation that has a narrow cleft between two massive rocks and under the third is a short rock slide. Continuing on the Hidden Valley Trail you will eventually come to a rock tunnel before arriving back at the National Trail. Head back west (left). When you reach the Mormon Trail head north (right) and follow it back to the parking lot. There are some great stopping points for views of the city and to just relax along the way.
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