Southern Arizona Hiking Club

10/02/2026

Program Meeting on October 20 at 6 pm

The presentations are held at the Catalina United Methodist Church, located at 2700 E Speedway Blvd Room H230, Tucson, AZ 85716 (Parking available east of the building) starting at 6:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend.

Infamous Yosemite Plane Crash of 1976 — Butch Farabee
One winter day in 1976, a large private plane filled with drugs disappeared into a high-elevation lake in an isolated portion of Yosemite National Park. It lay undiscovered for six weeks, and its two pilots and three tons of ma*****na remained under the ice for more than six months. Former National Park Ranger Butch Farabee, was there at the very beginning, diving onto the plane wreck under the ice to recover the bodies of the pilots and to collect the drugs - minus a mysteriously missing one ton. And what a story he has to tell. In the years since, this wreck has taken on near-legendary repute in Sierra Nevada lore. Several books, as well as podcasts, a documentary and a movie have been produced based on this incident. While certainly a tragic crash, Farabee's tale also has its humorous moments. Come learn whose plane it was, where the drugs went, how the recovery was planned and executed, and what Farabee learned from the experience.

09/16/2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Annual President's Day Picnic
FALL KICK OFF
This annual event in the Santa Rita Mountains will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 and will include hikes led by guides to several inviting places in Madera Canyon. Light refreshments will be served from Noon until about 3pm at the Mt. Wrightson picnic area in Madera Canyon. Invited guests are welcome to join us and see what the club has to offer.
wwwgosahc.org for further information and hike schedule. Guests welcome but please contact the guide and introduce yourself.

09/14/2026

I'm encouraging people to go to Grand Canyon. Whether on a river trip or to the south or north rim. Unfortunately people have the mistaken notion that it's closed. The company I work for has river trips available at the end of this month and into October--see link. As for other businesses, such as Kaibab Lodge, and Jacob Lake Inn, they would love to see you up there. It won't be crowded because the whole world believes the Newsies. (Those two lodgings have had massive cancellations and are in financial danger.)
Arizona Raft Adventures' Guest-Facing Site - Arizona Raft Adventures https://share.google/VS98SxQfw8uIlLORQ

09/01/2026

Program Meeting Returns Tuesday September 15.
Time 6:00 PM
Where; Catalina United Methodist Church 2700 E Speedway Blvd
Room H230. Park East of the Church

Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know about the new Santa Catalina Trail Plan — Adam Milnor
Adam Milnor is the recreation, heritage, and lands staff officer for the Coronado National Forest. In that role he oversees several related programs across the five districts of the 1.7 million-acre forest. His primary role is overseeing and guiding the Coronado's recreation program governing approximately 1,200 miles of trail and 200 recreation sites. Among other initiatives, Milnor has helped develop the Santa Catalina Trail Plan and the Sabino Visitor Center Reimagined Project. Prior to joining the Forest Service, Adam worked for 12 years with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Arizona.

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

July has moved on! SAHC never stopped. Guides get hikers out early or higher. Introduction to Peak Bagging, Urban Trail Segments, and even some Wildlife Sightings! Another Amazing month for our club. Don't miss out on the fun. www.gosahc.org. New members welcome and appreciated!

07/14/2026

Membership in Southern Arizona Hiking Club (SAHC) is open to anyone interested in hiking, and willing to abide by the Code of Conduct below.

Membership dues are $25 per year (with 3 and 5 year discounts available).
Additional family memberships are $15 each per year.
A one-month temporary membership is $10.

The membership year runs from October 1 through September 30 for all club members. Those who join prior to July 1 will have their membership expire on September 30 of the current year. For those who join on or after July 1, the membership will expire September 30 of the following year instead. So if you join today for 1 year, then your membership will expire on September 30, 2027.

A one-month Temporary Membership is also available through the online application. An additional family member can also be included.
Code Of Conduct

I want to preserve the outdoors for the full enjoyment of others, and I will:

Respect all public and private property.
Leave all gates as found unless signed otherwise.
Build fires in a safe place and make sure they are put out before leaving.
Carry out my litter, including apple cores, banana skins, and orange peels.
Preserve wildlife and not contaminate any water supply.
On a trail hike, stay on trail and not cut switchbacks.

I will conduct myself in such a manner as not to impair the safety, health, or enjoyment of others and myself, and I will:

Accept the leadership and instructions of the guide.
Bring no pets or fi****ms. Service dogs, as defined by the American Disabilities Act (ADA.gov), are exempted.
Not participate in any outing which is beyond my physical capability.
Bring food, water, clothing and equipment which is appropriate for each outing.
Leave no one behind by always waiting for the hiker behind me at all trail junctions, water crossings, snow and other difficult sections of the hike.

To join, fill out the online form and submit your payment. Or alternatively, you can print, fill out, and mail in a paper application along with your dues.

07/03/2026

June was a phenomenal month with varied hikes in desert and mountain. The highlight was hiking in Alaska!! July bring pre renewal month. Renew now before September 30! Still only $25 per hiker with discounts for additional members. Kids under 18 hike free!! wwwgo.sahc.org for more information and photos.

06/04/2026

May was a transitional month of going from the desert to the mountains. SAHC members enjoyed picnics, concerts, races, peak bagging and relaxing. Something for everyone! Summer has begun but the fun doesn't end! Go to www.gosahc.org for more information about joining an amazing group of people .