Trail Work Events

Reports from the Field

Older reports can be found on page 2

Steward Training
January 28-29, 2012

The ATA held the annual Steward Training at historic Kannally Ranch, Oracle State Park, Jan. 28-29. Saturday, veteran trails instructor Bruce Weidenhamer, the ATA Regional Stewards, and passage 31a co-steward Andrea Michaels presented the fine points of trail construction and maintenance in the classroom and on the trails near the ranch house. The ATA provided pizza lunch in the group camp site ramada and John Rendall demonstrated the joys of carsonite sign installation.
On Sunday the stewards learned the tricks of successful event organization, trail segment assessment, working with land managing agencies and the inner workings of the ATA. Special thanks to Terri Gay for handling breakfast, coffee and lunch for the 30 students and instructors. If you missed this training, watch the calendar for another session in Pine later this year.

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons - Trail Completion Dedication
December 16, 2011

The ceremony was a small one but the occasion was monumental. The Arizona Trail, a continuous 817 mile path from Mexico to Utah, was completed on this day. The ceremony was held high on a remote mountainside, overlooking the Gila River, in the Gila River Canyons passage of the Arizona Trail, not far from tiny Kelvin, Arizona.

“This trail connects mountains, desert, rivers, and canyons - but what it really connects is people” said Arizona Trail Association president Emily Nottingham. Many agency partners and volunteers worked together to complete this path used by hikers, bikers, and equestrians. 26 years ago, Flagstaff teacher Dale Shewalter walked from Mexico to the Utah border to scout out a route that would ultimately become the Arizona Trail. Shewalter died in 2010 but founding member of the Arizona Trail Association Jan Hancock said, “Dale’s spirit was felt today”.

Several long-time Arizona Trail supporters and activists constructed the final stretch of trail, followed by installation of a commemorative Bureau of Land Management brass cap monument set in concrete.

Photos by Mike Bieke.

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons - Penultimate Gap Closure
December 12, 2011

As Arizona Trail Passage 16 was finished along the Gila River and north towards Red Mountain, an uncompleted 150-foot gap heading off a two-track trail was discovered. Inquires revealed it had been left undone to prevent users from accessing an unconnected section of trail; but it was forgotten as the three other trail construction projects were underway. With plans moving swiftly to celebrate the “Copper Stake Moment,” when ALL gaps in the Arizona Trail would be closed, this would not do!

So, not-so-bright but early Monday morning seven volunteers gathered in a light drizzle at Battle Axe road and headed west. Battle Axe road is tough going and runs through several washes, so everyone kept at least one eye on the clouds as the vehicles crept over the steep, rocky road. The trail route was staked and flagged so, eventually, finding it was no problem. The crew quickly chopped out the brush, rolled away rocks, and cut in a wide bench. Two carsonite sign posts were hammered in and appropriate decals attached to ensure users navigate the road-to-trail, or vice versa, route. Project completed, the crew headed home over somewhat more squishy road.

Thank you to John Rendell, Fred Gaudet, Lee Allen, Tom Kimmel, David Rabb, Andy Claus, and Shawn Redfield.

Building the last piece.

Smoothing out the tread.

Inspecting the work.

Packing up the tools.

Brand new trail ready for use.

Group shot.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
June 25, 2011

June 25 "Close the Gap" was the final volunteer event in the four-year series to complete the San Francisco Peaks Passage. The serious planning began early in 2008, and the result was a focused, cooperative effort of Arizona Trail Association members, the Flagstaff Ranger District and a core leadership group of ATA Trail Stewards. We more than met our goal of 50 volunteers for the first event, and contagious enthusiasm kept us on track over the next four seasons. Volunteers came from all over the State and beyond and represented many organizations. Flagstaff Biking and Northern Arizona Trail Runners joined in the leadership of the July events each of the four seasons. Arizona Outdoor Travel Club regularly sent volunteers and was an important part of that inaugural event in 2008. This season's June 25 event was an exciting conclusion to a successful team effort.

Chambo and Beverly Chambers were the event leaders for June 25, and once again their experienced leadership produced a great event. Another piece of the "Gap" was built and a gate was installed. A celebration lunch was served by the Flagstaff Ranger District's summer resident volunteers to about 80 appreciative workers. A departure from the usual work weekend routine, instead volunteers on Sunday morning enjoyed the new trail. There were bike rides, and hikers enjoyed the stunning view from the "overlook" on Segment 34B. The June 25 "Close the Gap" was bittersweet, as many did not want these events to end. Never fear! There will always be trail maintenance and improvements to do.

The Peaks Passage is complete. It is time to say "thanks" to the hundreds of volunteers, the leadership of ATA Trail Stewards, and especially to the focused efforts of the Flagstaff Ranger District. AZ Trail users are now able to go from Schultz Pass to Utah on the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Other missing links of the AZ Trail have been completed also as of December, 2011; all volunteers at the many work events (both maintenance and new trail building) all up and down the State can be very proud, as well as the many supporters of the Arizona Trail. Each one can truly say that "I helped complete the Arizona Trail". It is time to celebrate.

Please plan to join the celebration on February 4. Celebrate Dale Shewalter's "dream come true", and continue his legacy of teamwork as we maintain and improve the AZ Trail. Thanks again to all our old friends and new friends and to each and every volunteer.

"Dale's dream came true", but volunteers will continue to make the Arizona Trail happen! When you support the ATA or volunteer to maintain and improve the AZ Trail, you sustain a lasting icon for Arizona and for trail users to enjoy. Camaraderie, new friends and a sense of accomplishment are fringe benefits.

Thanks to Chuck Williams for these photographs.

Gay Hohner

Celebration lunch
group June 25.

"Gate" crew.

Sunday hikers on the
new segment 34B trail
June 26, 2011.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
June 4, 2011

This year's National Trails Day brought 177 volunteers to help "Close the Gap". This was a team effort of the Arizona Trail Association, Flagstaff Biking Organization, and many other community groups directed by the Flagstaff Ranger District. Flagstaff's NTD continues to be a popular community event and also draws a lot of state-wide volunteers. Some other supporting groups included: American Conservation Experience (ACE), Arizona Outdoor Travel Club, Coconino County Parks & Recreation, Coconino Horsemen's Alliance, Coconino Rural Environment Corps (CREC), and Coconino Trail Riders. A lot of progress was made to "close the gap."

Volunteers appreciated the morning coffee from Kick Stand Kafe, and they were treated to a grilled lunch served by the Elden Camp summer volunteers from the Flagstaff Ranger District. A fun conclusion to the day was the raffle; the numerous raffle prizes included some very nice donations from REI.

Thanks to Chuck Williams for these photos.

Gay Hohner

177 volunteers at Safety Meeting.

Off to work.

Many hands shape the new tread.

Coming home - view to the Peaks from 34A.

VIP's.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
May 21-22, 2011

The fourth and final year of "Close the Gap" events began the weekend of May 20-22. The event leaders were trail stewards Andrea and David Michaels and Gay and Gary Hohner. Saturday there were 64 volunteers, and Sunday there were 39. The volunteers plus the Flagstaff RD crew made a good dent in the "Gap" with about another mile of new trail built. Thanks to the Flagstaff Ranger District for their leadership and support and for the continued enthusiasm of all our volunteers.

As has become traditional, the campers enjoyed a fun social time, and the Saturday evening pot luck was a feast. Thanks to Andrea M. for her delicious soup and to everyone who brought food and pitched in to make it happen. Thanks to Wildflower Bread Company who supplied morning treats.

Special thanks to Dave Burkett who spent all day Friday on the site to sharpen all the tools in the ATA tool trailer.

Thanks to Chuck Williams for these photos.

Gay Hohner

FS leader and volunteers, morning organization meeting.

Safety lecture.

Find your crew leaders.

Off to work.

Carsonite crew.

Clearing and shaping the trail.

CREC volunteers - serious rock work.

Volunteers, rock bars and more serious rock work.

Saturday workers at lunch break.

Snow-capped
Peaks - May 21, 2011.

Passage 32 - Mt Elden
July 30, 2011

The team effort of NATRA, FBO and ATA under the guidance of the Flagstaff Ranger District accomplished a lot of restoration work along "Little Elden" segment 32B in a short time. Thanks to each of the 64 volunteers and to our Forest Service crew. Thanks everyone.

The Schultz Fire plus flooding did extensive damage last year, and the "Little Elden" work site was in a closed, restricted area. The work was among scorched trees and evidence of debris flow. Volunteers rebuilt tread and installed erosion controls. The AZ Trail between Highway 89 and Schultz Tank remains closed to the public until repairs and restoration are completed.

Thanks for the leadership of ATA trail stewards Anthony Quintile of Flagstaff Biking Organization and Neil Weintraub of Northern Arizona Trail Runners. Thanks to FBO event sponsors Camelbak, Fratelli Pizza, and Kick Stand Kafe. Lucky volunteers took home raffle prizes supplied by NATRA.

We were pleased to welcome 15 REI employees and friends from the Paradise Valley and Tempe stores; it was fun to have them with us at the work event and at the camp site. Thanks also to that enthusiastic group of Boy Scouts from troop 742, Lake Pleasant District. We are grateful to each and every one of the 64 volunteers; each of you made this event successful.

Thank you Neil for these photos. More photos are available at Neil's Gallery.

Gay Hohner

Morning meeting among scorched trees.

Climbing up the hill.

Reclaiming the trail. Some scorched trees, but lush understory.

Logs came in handy.

Large rocks needed to stabilize the trail.

Many hands and many rocks to control erosion.

Passage 7 - Las Cienegas
November 13, 2010

A group of volunteers came together on Saturday, November 13th to build a bypass trail for equestrians. The main Arizona Trail goes through a long tunnel to get under the I-10 freeway. Horses cannot go through the tunnel so a trail was built that bypasses the tunnel and instead goes under a bridge and re-joins the main trail on the other side of I-10.

Photos by Michelle Caprari.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
August 28-29, 2010

Many thanks to AZ Trail Stewards Chambo and Beverly Chambers, the August event leaders. This was a very successful event. Again there was a large group of enthusiastic volunteers. Old friends and new friends had a productive weekend.

Friday afternoon we had a little rain, and this resulted in good soil conditions for trail building over the weekend. We were fortunate to have perfect weather. Trail builders continued working eastward on Segment 34A and produced a little over one mile of new trail. Everyone was especially appreciative after the frustrations of the June fire cancellation and the July "rain out". Late Saturday afternoon was a fun social time. Campers enjoyed the traditional pot luck feast. A large group also worked on Sunday morning, and when they returned from the trail they enjoyed special treats from the Wildflower Bread Company; thanks to Wildflower and to those NAU students who delivered these contributions.

The "Close the Gap - Finish the AZ Trail" project is a cooperative effort of the Peaks/Mormon Lake Ranger District and the Arizona Trail Association. The trail-building weekends are led by Trail Stewards for the Arizona Trail. The events are supported by ATA volunteers from the Flagstaff area and statewide, as well as volunteers from several other organizations. This month we welcomed back volunteers from the "R2R" Hiking Club; this is the third year they have worked on "Close the Gap". Thanks to Chambo and Beverly for their leadership, and thanks to each and every volunteer and to the team effort which makes these events successful. Special thanks to all those who helped close down the camp site and pack up all the supplies.

Check the Events Calendar for fall and winter work events in other parts of the state. Stay tuned for 2011 events to help "Close the Gap - Finish the AZ Trail".

Thanks to Chuck Williams for these photos.

Gay Hohner

Saturday lunch group.

"R2R" hiking club.

Follow the green flags.

The dirt miners.

Rock stars.

Some of the Sunday morning crews.

Event leaders.

Enough for today.

Passage 30 - Mormon Lake
August 14-15, 2010

On the weekend of August 14-15 about a dozen volunteer gate builders gathered at Mormon Lake to help Segment Steward Doug Parch install two new gates on Passage 30 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Laddie Cox and grandson Harry came from Tucson to help teach the crew how to properly install gates on the AZT. These gates were the twenty-ninth and thirtieth gates Laddie has helped to install on the Arizona Trail. Sean Murphy and Jim McGeorge from the Peaks RD provided much appreciated logistics help by using the Forest Service ATV and trailer to move heavy posts, wire, pipe, concrete mix and tools to the gate sites.

A big thank you is due all the volunteers who helped complete the project in one weekend.

See the ATA Events Calendar for other opportunities to volunteer in helping to build and maintain the Arizona National Scenic Trail across Arizona.

Gary Hohner

The gate crew.

Installing the gate.

Old gate.

New gate w/ATV bar.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
July 31, 2010

This is the third year Flagstaff Biking and Northern Arizona Trail Runners have been event leaders for the "Close the Gap" project. A nice tradition, this is an example of the team spirit that makes the AZ Trail happen. The "Close the Gap" events are a cooperative effort of the Peaks/Mormon Lake Ranger District and the Arizona Trail Association. Trail stewards for the AZ Trail serve as event leaders. We are glad that the uncooperative weather is not a tradition.

Saturday, July 31, the tools were all laid out, and an enthusiastic group was primed to help build trail. Many campers had arrived on Friday and had traveled a great distance, from as far away as Oklahoma. Friday evening was pleasant. In spite of the threatening weather forecast, we had a large group of volunteers present Saturday morning. The deluge started during registration. Many huddled under the canopy. The snacks quickly disappeared, and FBO's coffee from Late for the Train was welcome. Everyone was hoping that the rain would pass, but the ground soon turned to mud. Water was running everywhere, and it was clear that the event must be cancelled.

There were a lot of disappointed volunteers. Before everyone left NATRA's Neil Weintraub rewarded the volunteers with Soulstice/Flagstaff Urban Trail System raffle prizes. Aaron Seifert announced that volunteers could go to the volunteer center for the Schultz burned area.

Thanks to each and every volunteer who came to this event, and thanks to Aaron Seifert and Anthony Quintile of FBO and Neil Weintraub of NATRA for their planning and publicity work.

Thanks to Chuck Williams for the photos below. Neil Weintraub's rainy-day photos are available here.

Gay Hohner

The rains came. Water everywhere.

Hoping the rain will stop.

Some seek shelter.

Putting the tools
away in the rain.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
June 5, 2010

Flagstaff's National Trails Day on the Arizona Trail is one more example why the AZ Trail is 96% complete. Dale Shewalter has left a legacy of cooperative grass roots efforts to build and maintain the AZ Trail. Led by Sean Murphy of the Coconino National Forest, many organizations and agencies supported the June 5 event. Some of these were American Conservation Experience (ACE), Arizona Highways magazine, Arizona Outdoor Travel Club, Arizona Trail Association (ATA), Coconino County Parks & Recreation, Coconino Horsemen's Alliance, Coconino Rural Environment Corps (CREC), Coconino Trail Riders, and Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO).

Flagstaff's National Trails Day was dedicated to the memory of the late Dale Shewalter. Inspiring tributes were given by Zane Shewalter and David Boone. About 200 volunteers from the community and state-wide built over one mile of trail to help "Close the Gap" in the San Francisco Peaks passage.

Since 1993 National Trails Day has been promoted and publicized by American Hiking Society. National Trails Day has its roots in a report of President Reagan's 1987 Commission on American Outdoors. The recommendation became known as Trails for All Americans.

Thanks to Chuck Williams for all of these photos.

Gay Hohner

Flagstaff's National Trails Day was dedicated to the memory of Dale Shewalter.

Schultz Tank, Agassiz Peak, Humphreys in background.	Event leader explains work and fun.	Crew leaders are ready.
More leaders.	ATA volunteers.	CREC crew.
Cutting trail.	More rocks.	Smokey.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
May 22-23, 2010

The "Close the Gap" events are a team effort of the Coconino National Forest, the Arizona Trail Association, many organizations, and enthusiastic volunteers. Flagstaff area trail stewards serve as event leaders. The May event leaders were ATA trail stewards Andrea and David Michaels and Gay and Gary Hohner. This was another very productive event; a large number of volunteers turned up for Sunday am also. Saturday evening pot luck was a yummy and welcome break from all the hard work; thanks to Andrea and David Michaels for delicious minestrone.
Check out the ATA Event Calendar for opportunities to participate in maintenance, trail building and other ATA activities.

Thanks to the photographers for these photos: Chuck Williams, Tom Kimmel and Case Coniglio.

Gay Hohner

Off to work. Photo by CW.	The view from Segment 34A: Ponderosas and Agassiz Peak. Photo by CW.	Challenging rocks. Photo by CW.
Photographer. Photo by GH.	Not the Hard Rock Cafe. Photo by CC.	New trail. Photo by CW.
Team effort. May 22 crews. Photo by CW.	The tool guy. Photo by CW.	Tom Kimmel's yummy art work. Photo by TK.

Passage 22 - Saddle Mountain
April 17-18, 2010

On Saturday and Sunday April 17 and 18, 13 volunteers hiked in 3 miles and were able to clear brush through about one mile of trail in the most remote section of Passage 22. We also were able improve about one mile of trail through a rock strewn two track section of the segment north of the Mormon Grove TH. Six new volunteers representing the Mountain Bike Association of Arizona (MBAA) showed up to show their support for the trail. With the help of veteran volunteers to assist with the instruction and encouragement of the newcomers, a lot of work was accomplished. The entire 16 miles of this passage has now been cleared of brush at least once in the last year and is now more than passable. I would like to personally thank all those who assisted in helping to clear the trail through this segment during the past year. I, obviously, could not have done it without you. It is because of people like you the Arizona Trail is able to succeed. Thank you.

Patrick OConnell

Colossal Cave Mountain Park - REI Day
April 3, 2010

Over 130 volunteers contributed to a "colossal" trail work day east of Tucson on REI Arizona Trail Day, April 3, 2010. Work ranged from informational signage and gate installation to trail maintenance and clean up at many locations from Saguaro National Park East to a section of the Arizona Trail just north of I-10.

Terri Gay

Trail work involves more than grubbing trail! Bob and Jan Fusinati and Martha Lemen celebrate their newly planted mesquite at Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

Scott Regan hammers and Mike Powell steadies a support for an information kiosk installation.

Laddie Cox and volunteer crew pose in front of the result of their day's work on April 3 at Three Bridges Trailhead near Tucson.

AZ Trail REI Day group.

Passage 15 - Tortilla Mountains - National Trails Day
March 27, 2010

On Saturday March 27th, Pinal County and the Arizona Trail Association hosted almost 70 volunteers for a morning of trail building and fun. The group began constructing a portion of a re-route which takes existing trail off of a two track and will build single track to connect with the future trailhead off of the Florence/Kelvin Highway. On this wonderful spring morning our volunteers constructed almost one-half mile of new trail. This event continues the wonderful partnership the ATA has with Pinal County and introduced the Arizona Trail and the fun of trail work to many first timers. Stay tuned as we plan more events to finish this 1.5 mile re-route.

Kent Taylor

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons
March 6-13, 2010

Last week, March 6-13, 2010 trail construction was started on Section ‘A’ of the Gila River Canyons Project. This one week project included 19 volunteers from the Sierra Club and 9 from Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania, plus a few others that showed up for a day or two during the week. In spite of three days of rain and below freezing temperatures almost every night, we managed to complete the goal of constructing new trail on the BLM land, just to the south of the Gila River at the Kelvin Bridge. The construction required a steep, rocky hillside climb which had 12 members tied up for 4 days. This section is labeled as Section ‘A’ of the entire 22+ miles through the Gila River Canyons Passage and is critical to ‘Make the Connection’ in linking up with newly constructed Alamo Canyon (Passage 17) to the north in Tonto National Forest. Once completed, it will also link up to the new (yet to be constructed) 1.7 acre Trailhead at the Florence-Kelvin Hwy to the south. Additionally, Pinal County assisted in installing two large concrete culverts to help us avoid a very deep drainage near the Kelvin Bridge.
Stay tuned as there will soon be another work session planned to complete the remaining mile along with constructing a gate and barriers to keep ATV’s and motorcycles off the trail.

John Rendall

Passage 22 - Saddle Mountain
November 14-15, 2009

On Saturday and Sunday November 14 and 15, a great group of volunteers showed up at Passage 22 to assist me with my first official work event. I can not tell you how pleased I was with the response. On Saturday we worked on a section of trail that was a two mile hike in from the northern terminus of the segment. We were able to clear about a mile of trail that was severely over grown. I do not know how it would have been cleared without their efforts. John Rendall and a few volunteers also greatly improved the Thicket Springs trail junction. It too was overgrown and new signs were installed to help direct hikers through an area which had previously been confusing. On Sunday we worked on the lower section of the trail clearing brush, building cairns and repairing some tread. John Rendall and his group did some much needed work on the access trail to the Cross F trail head. So, I would again like to say thank you to all those volunteers who came out and helped make my first work event a success. I would also like to say thanks to Gary Hohner for his assistance. Amy and Mark from the Tonto Forest, Mesa Ranger District, showed up on Saturday to help with a safety lecture on tool use. Thank you both.

Patrick OConnell

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
August 29-30, 2009

The "Close the Gap - Finish the Arizona Trail" effort in August moved to Segment 34A; this is between Snowbowl Road and Schultz Pass. Again a large group of volunteers turned out for this very successful and last "Close the Gap" for the 2009 season. In spite of the rocky challenge of this particular part of Segment 34A, the volunteers constructed about .67 miles of new trail over the weekend. The August event leaders Paul Conn and Dorothy Boulton were joined by members of the Flagstaff Hiking Club, many Flagstaff area volunteers, and numerous Arizona Trail Association members and friends from all over the State. Thanks to Paul and Dorothy for their leadership.
The "Close the Gap" events are a cooperative effort of the Coconino National Forest and the Arizona Trail Association. Trail Stewards for the Arizona National Scenic Trail serve as Event Leaders. These events owe their great success to the spirit of teamwork and to many enthusiastic and loyal volunteers.
We are grateful to each and every one of our volunteers and for their continued support. Over the last two seasons some volunteers have attended as many as six, seven or eight of the eight "Close the Gap" weekends. It is amazing how much fun you can have getting dirty. When you build, maintain or improve the AZ Trail, you not only help to build a lasting icon for Arizona, but camaraderie, new friends and a sense of accomplishment are fringe benefits.
We look forward to the completion of Segments 34A and 34B; when these two segments are completed, you will be able to go from Schultz Pass to Utah on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. This will also mark the completion of all the Arizona National Scenic Trail in the northern part of the State. Stay tuned for events to help "Close the Gap - Finish the Arizona Trail" in the San Francisco Peaks Passage.

Thanks to Chuck Williams and to Laddie Cox for the photos below.

Gay Hohner

Some of the volunteers after work Saturday. Photo by CW.	Crew leader with great posture wields a pick mattock. Photo by CW.	Four Bar Rock. Photo by CW.
Rock Team. Victory over another rock. Photo by CW.	Lunch break. Photo by CW.	More rock work Sunday morning. Photo by LC.
	View from Segment 34A - one of the Peaks through the ponderosas. Photo by CW.

Passage 5 - Santa Rita Mountains
July 30, 2009

On Thursday, July 30, we did some more great repair work on the Santa Rita Mountains passage near Box Canyon road.

Lee Allen

The work site at full throttle.

Zac Ribbing and Tom Kimmel discussing the trail.

Bernie Stalmann with a load of dirt for some very serious trail repair work.

Laddie Cox hauling a load of rocks for the repair work.

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
July 25-26, 2009

Enthusiastic volunteers combined with perfect weather resulted in a very productive weekend; not only was the goal of completing the last mile to reach Kelly Tank met, but also the Sunday volunteers were then free to do some much needed maintenance on Segment 34D north of Kelly Tank.
The "Close the Gap" events are a cooperative effort of the Coconino National Forest and the Arizona Trail Association and volunteers from many organizations. Trail Stewards for the AZ Trail serve as Event Leaders. The leaders for July's "Close the Gap" were Aaron Seifert of Flagstaff Biking Organization and Neil Weintraub of Northern Arizona Trail Runners; they were joined by a large group of volunteers from the Flagstaff area as well as many other ATA members and friends state-wide, plus several out-of-state guests. Volunteers included several families and at least three mother-daughter teams.
Flagstaff Biking Organization and Northern Arizona Trail Runners organized the morning coffee and lunch and held a fun raffle during lunch. There was a stampede for the pizza when it arrived, and the volunteers very much enjoyed the lunch. Thanks to Fratelli's Pizza for their generous donation. During lunch hour volunteers continued to sign a poster greeting card to say "thanks" to Dale Shewalter, founder of the AZ Trail.
By mid-afternoon Saturday, the trail was complete to Kelly Tank. Campers enjoyed a social time and a pot luck Saturday evening. There was a wonderful volunteer group again on Sunday morning who worked on Segment 34D just north of Kelly Tank. This was another popular and successful "Close the Gap" weekend. Thanks are due to Aaron Seifert of FBO and Neil Weintraub of NATRA for their leadership. Thanks to all our volunteers who make it happen. Thanks to Neil Weintraub and to Terri Gay for these photos.
To see more of Neil's July 25 photos go to his Picasa webpage.
Stay tuned as the trail building effort now moves to the other end of the Gap (Segments 34A and B between Schultz Pass and Aspen Corner).

Gay Hohner

Team effort: Forest Service, ATA, FBO, NATRA and many volunteers make the AZ Trail happen! Photo by NW.	Get to work. Photo by NW.	First you pull the Sweco berm back onto the trail tread. Photo by TG.
Next you work up and down the length of the trail. Photo by TG.	Six-year-old smooths and finishes the surface. Photo by NW.	Packing the trail tread. Photo by NW.
Dusty work. Photo by NW.	Volunteer and necessary tool, the McLeod. Photo by TG.	Completed trail and clowns appear at quitting time. Photo by NW.
We want you to volunteer! Photo by NW.	Volunteers send thanks to Dale, the AZ Trail's founder. Photo by TG.	Sunset shadows on the Peaks. Photo by TG.

Passage 5 - Santa Rita Mountains
July 16, 2009

We did some great work repairing some badly eroded trail just off the Box Canyon Road (FR 62) near the Greaterville turnoff. The other great thing about working there is it is higher elevation and therefore cooler, plus it is very close to the road with only a two minute walk to the work site.

Lee Allen

Tom Kimmel hefting some good
sized rocks.

U.S. Forest Service, Zac Ribbing, always a helping hand.

Lee Allen, the Thursday Crazies Team Leader.

Trail Work Events

Reports from the Field

Steward Training January 28-29, 2012

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons - Trail Completion Dedication December 16, 2011

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons - Penultimate Gap Closure December 12, 2011

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks June 25, 2011

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks June 4, 2011

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks May 21-22, 2011

Passage 32 - Mt Elden July 30, 2011

Passage 7 - Las Cienegas November 13, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks August 28-29, 2010

Passage 30 - Mormon Lake August 14-15, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks July 31, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks June 5, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks May 22-23, 2010

Passage 22 - Saddle Mountain April 17-18, 2010

Colossal Cave Mountain Park - REI Day April 3, 2010

Passage 15 - Tortilla Mountains - National Trails Day March 27, 2010

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons March 6-13, 2010

Passage 22 - Saddle Mountain November 14-15, 2009

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks August 29-30, 2009

Passage 5 - Santa Rita Mountains July 30, 2009

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks July 25-26, 2009

Passage 5 - Santa Rita Mountains July 16, 2009

Steward Training
January 28-29, 2012

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons - Trail Completion Dedication
December 16, 2011

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons - Penultimate Gap Closure
December 12, 2011

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
June 25, 2011

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
June 4, 2011

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
May 21-22, 2011

Passage 32 - Mt Elden
July 30, 2011

Passage 7 - Las Cienegas
November 13, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
August 28-29, 2010

Passage 30 - Mormon Lake
August 14-15, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
July 31, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
June 5, 2010

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
May 22-23, 2010

Passage 22 - Saddle Mountain
April 17-18, 2010

Colossal Cave Mountain Park - REI Day
April 3, 2010

Passage 15 - Tortilla Mountains - National Trails Day
March 27, 2010

Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons
March 6-13, 2010

Passage 22 - Saddle Mountain
November 14-15, 2009

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
August 29-30, 2009

Passage 5 - Santa Rita Mountains
July 30, 2009

Passage 34 - San Francisco Peaks
July 25-26, 2009

Passage 5 - Santa Rita Mountains
July 16, 2009