Hike #3B

When:
February 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm – February 6, 2017 @ 1:00 am
2017-02-05T20:00:00+00:00
2017-02-06T01:00:00+00:00
Hike #3B @ Scottsdale | Arizona | United States

2016-2017 Family Hikes – Hike 3

Our next Pack hike is on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5. This year’s Hike #3 will be the at the Wind Cave

The long, lazy route takes its time climbing in sweeping, serpentine style from the desert floor up the cliffs of Pass Mountain to the famous cave for which it is named. Then again, the reason why this hike feels so long might be because there are so many things of beauty to behold along the way. Contorted rock formations, hefty clumps of ocotillo cactuses, blooming wildflowers and countless scenic overlooks make this trail one to savor. Given its many attributes, it’s not surprising that this trail is the park’s most popular attraction—so, you should expect a lot of company when hiking this one. As advertised, the trail ends at the “wind cave” a shallow depression in the cliff walls. Worn slick by the feet of countless visitors, the rock walls of the cave are home to dozens of chipmunks who aren’t shy about begging for the “people food” snacks that could make them sick. Please help protect the health of these amusing critters by NOT feeding them.

LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip.

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:2,020 – 2,840 feet

GETTING THERE; From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to exit 191, Ellsworth Road. Go north on Ellsworth for 7 miles to Usery Park Road, turn right and continue 1.7 miles to the horse staging trailhead. FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle

 

  • HIKE 3A: Saturday, Feb 4  @ 1:00PM Wind Cave
  • HIKE 3B: Sunday, Feb 5  @ 1:00PM -Wind Cave

These will all be in ScoutTrack, and you will receive reminders as the dates get near.

 

What to Bring

  • Plenty of water!  It can get a little warm, even on a cool day.
  • Snacks
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Backpacks or fanny packs if you want.
  • Good shoes I recommend shoes with a good waffle sole, such as hiking boots/shoes, or cross-trainers. The trails have a lot of gravel on them, and the can be a little slippery. I would not recommend flat soled shoes such as court shoes or skating shoes. Also, make sure everyone can lace up their shoes tight — loose fitting shoes also make it more difficult if you are trying to keep your footing.

Rain Days
Unless there is a huge downpour, we will still hike if it is raining. Just bring along a rain poncho, which you can get at any sporting goods location for a couple bucks.

Awards
We will wait until the April pack meeting to recognize all the boys that participate in the hikes. Each hike will be recognized with a patch segment to go around or under the Pack 88 Family Hiking patch.

Uniforms

Scouts should wear their uniforms for all hikes.  Class-B shirts (pack T-shirts) are preferred. If you don’t have the pack T-shirt yet, scouts can also wear their Class A (full uniform), but no neckerchiefs or slides are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The hikes are for the whole family to participate.  This is in alignment with our Pack 88 Mission statement to be a family oriented pack and encourage family participation.   I hope you all can make it!
  • If you or your family cannot make it but want your son to participate, please contact your den leader as they may be able to make arrangements to get your son to the hikes.
  • You do not have to do all six hikes, although you are welcome to do so.  We offer each hike twice so that everyone will get an opportunity to do each of the 3 hikes.