Wilderness Stewardship Program

Superstition Wilderness

Paradise & Bull Basin Trail Maintenance

April 2-3, 2016 (Saturday – Sunday)

Difficulty: Advanced - Arduous Camping: Back country dispersed

Mileage: Approx. 12+ Total Mileage

Day 1: 7+ miles Hike

Day 2: 5+ miles Hike

Time: Start 8:00am Saturday

End 4:00pm Sunday

About Superstition Wilderness

Although there is no guarantee that you'll find buried treasure in the

Superstition Wilderness, you are sure to discover miles of desolate

and barren mountains, haunting canyons, raging summer

temperatures, and a general dearth of water. Even the area's earliest

known inhabitants, the Hohokam and Salados peoples, established

only very small villages and cliff dwellings in this harsh and fabulous

country between 800 and 1400 a.d. The Wilderness value of the

Superstitions has long been recognized. Established as a Primitive

Area in 1939, it was named a pre-Wilderness Act "wilderness" in

1940, and became an official wilderness area in 1964. Elevations range from approximately 2,000 feet on

the western boundary to 6,265 feet on Mound Mountain. In the western portion rolling land is surrounded

by steep, even vertical terrain. Weaver's Needle, a dramatic volcanic plug, rises to 4,553 feet.

Trip Description

This Wild Stew event will be an overnight backpack trip to carry out some much needed trail maintenance on

one of the wildest trails in the Eastern Superstitions. This trip will consist of light brushing while continually

advancing our overnight gear down the trail. Participants need to be prepared to hike up to approx. 12

miles, (at a minimum) along rugged and at times steep terrain with overnight backpacking gear and lopping

tools. We will be starting at the Miles Ranch trailhead, following the Paradise trail (271) south, tie in with

the Bull Basin trail (270) and work our way back west then north back to the starting point.

AWC will NOT be providing dinner on this trip. Water will be available in the spring with filtration. All

necessary tools and training will be provided. You must wear closed toed shoes, long pants, and eye

protection to participate.

As always, no recreational drug use will be allowed while participating.

Wilderness Stewardship Program

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

For Superstition Wilderness, April 2-3, 2016

Questions? brian@azwild.org

Itinerary

Saturday, April 2nd Approx. 7+ miles hiking

8:00 am Rendezvous At the Pinto Valley Road (287) and Hwy 60, directions below

8:15 am Drive to the Miles Ranch Trail head

9:00 am Safety talk and briefing

Start hiking the Paradise trail working as we go

12:00 pm Lunch along the trail

Continue advancing down the trail

4:00 pm Find a suitable camp spot

Dinner on your own

Sunday, April 3rd Approx. 5+ miles hiking

7:30 am Breakfast & break down camp

8:00 am Continue hiking the Bull Basin trail

12:00 pm Lunch along the trail

After lunch finish the trail and end at vehicle or hike the road back to the vehicles

4:00 pm Arrive at vehicles. Thanks for participating!

Gear List

Overnight back pack to carry supplies on hike (water, food, camera, Sleeping kits, shelters etc.)

Water — 4-6 liters/day.

Food — Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. AWC will NOT provide dinner Saturday night.

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (NO SANDALS). Under our volunteer agreement with the Forest Service,

you must wear closed-toe shoes or you will not be able to join us.

Appropriate clothing. Warm layers for the evening. See weather link below to plan appropriately.

Wilderness Stewardship Program

Sun protection (sun screen, sunglasses, hat, etc.)

Camping equipment: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent/shelter, flashlight (batteries), plate/bowl,

utensils, toiletries/toothbrush, and first aid kit, other?

Optional items

Camera/Binoculars

Hiking pole(s) or stick

Weather

As the event gets closer, please check the weather to ensure you are properly prepared. We will be camping

in a drainage, so expect temperatures to be slightly cooler than indicated. Elevation is 4,000 ft. The weather

forecast nearby: Superstition Wilderness, 04/2-3/2016

Driving Directions

We will be meeting at the Pinto Valley Road and State Hwy 60. And drive to the trailhead together.

From Phoenix metro area -

1. Take AZ-60 East towards Apache Junction

2. Continue east passing Hwy 177, on Hwy 60 leaving Superior

3. Continue on Hwy 60 approx. 12.4 miles to Pinto Valley Mine Road.

4. Turn Left

This is where we will be meeting, then drive together to the TH

Volunteers DO NOT need a Tonto Pass to park

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

For Superstition Wilderness, April 2-3, 2016

Questions? brian@azwild.org

Trip Leader: Brian Stultz (775)340-9154 (cell)