TRAILS AWARDS BOOK GRAND CANYON COUNCIL 2013 Edited 5-27-2013 Prepared by The Trails Committee With contributions by The Order of Arrow
Table of Contents Introduction... 1 A Message from the Trails Committee... 1 The Outdoor Code... 2 BSA Wilderness Policy... 3 Leave No Trace... 4 The Trails Award Program... 7 General Requirements for Scouts & Venturers... 7 A Special Request from the Trails Chairman... 9 Grand Canyon Trails... 10 Trail Description and Requirements... 12 Grand Canyon Trails Medal... 15 Suggested Reading List for the Grand Canyon Trail Medal... 15 Topographic Map... 16 Northern Arizona Trails... 18 Bradshaw Mountain Trail... 18 Glen Canyon Trails... 20 Oak Creek Sedona Rim Trails... 22 San Francisco Peak Trails... 26 Eastern Arizona Trails... 35 Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Trail... 35 Blue Primitive Area Trails... 39 Mazatal Wilderness Trails... 47 Superstition Wilderness Trails... 58 White Mountain Wilderness Trails... 63 Valley of the Sun Trails... 70 Charles M. Christiansen Trail... 70 South Mountain Trails... 71 Squaw Peak Trails... 74 Usery Mountain Trails... 76 Historic Trails of Arizona... 82 Butterfield Stage Hiking Trail... 83 Safford Morenci Trail... 90 General Cook Trail... 93 General Cook Trail Medal... 96 Camp Trails... 98 Rainbow Trails of Camp Geronimo... 99 Camp Raymond Trails... 104 Western Region High Adventure Awards... 104 List of Awards by Council... 107 Council Contact Information... 115 Other Awards... 116 Council Aquatic Awards... 116 Arizona Trail... 117 National Camping Awards... 120 50 Mile Afoot / Afloat... 120 The Historic Trails Award... 122 U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail... 123 U.S. Mormon Battalion Arizona Company... 126 Appendix 1... 128 Appendix 2... 135 Grandview Trail, Grand Canyon National Park... 135 Bright Angel Trail, South Rim... 135 Page i
Arizona Trail (Blue Ridge Segment)... 139 Arizona Trail (Marshall Lake to Fisher Point) #87... 142 Arizona Trail (Equestrian Bypass) #87C... 145 Wilson Mountain / North Wilson Trails #10 / #123... 148 Mooney Trail #12... 151 Harding Springs Trail #51... 154 Thomas Point Trail #142... 156 Casner Canyon Trail #11... 159 Jacks Canyon Trail #55... 162 Vultee Arch Trail #22... 165 Highline Trail #47... 168 Horse Canyon Trail #36... 170 Stayhorse Canyon Trail #20... 171 West Baldy Trail #94... 173 General Crook Connector Trail #140... 175 The General George Crook Trail #140... 176 General Crook Trail #130... 178 Rim Road / General Crook Trail Loop... 181 Page ii
Introduction A Message from the Trails Committee We hope this edition of the Trails book and Camping Guide will be a valuable resource to the Unit Leaders of the Grand Canyon Council. At the present time the Committee has not hiked all of the trails listed. Trail alignments and profiles are approximate. The Quads and Forest maps, where available, should be consulted for a more exact trail location. For trail length discrepancies the distance in the trail description governs over the profile. If there are any errors, omissions or additions please contact any of the Trails Committee so we can correct them for future editions. The intent of the Trails Committee is to promote the Council Trails Awards Program and improve the outdoor activities of the units in the Council. One way we hope to do that is to visit each of the Roundtables and Huddles and display the Trail Awards and promote this book. The Trails Committee would also like to be invited to the various trainings, Council and District events and have a presentation of the Council Trails and Camping Guide. If you would like to join or volunteer some time please contact the Committee Chairman. This edition has been upgraded from the 2004 document and at this time is a work in progress. It is our hope that this will become a document on the Grand Canyon Council server to be more available to all. Sincerely The 2013 Trails Committee 2013 Trails Committee Committee Chairman: Dennis McLouth, mclouthd@infomagic.net Members: Camping Committee Chairman: Dale Lewis, dale-lewis@cox.net O A Advisor: Council Professional: Ty Page, typage@bsamail.org Page 1
The Outdoor Code To those Scout Leaders whose selfless dedication to Scouting and the Outdoor Code, has opened the wilderness to today s Scouts and preserved it for tomorrows. As an American, I will do my best to: Be clean in my outdoor manners. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage to be improved for our greater enjoyment. I will keep my trash and garbage out of America s waters, fields, woods, and roadways. Be careful with fire. I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fire in a safe place and be sure it is out before I leave. Be considerate in the outdoors. I will treat public and private property with respect. I will remember that use of the outdoors is a privilege I can lose by abuse. Be conservation minded. I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, and wildlife and I will urge others to do the same. I will use sportsmanlike methods in all my outdoor activities. Page 2
BSA Wilderness Policy Wilderness Trails and Backwoods Experiences Large numbers of Scout Troops, Varsity Teams and Venturing Crews enjoy the vast wilderness and backcountry areas across America each year. Often the size of these units reach 20 or 30 individuals, and in some extreme cases, as many as 50 or 60 hit the trail. Recent studies conducted by both private organizations and public agencies concerned with the impact of the people on our wilderness and backcountry areas indicate the need for an immediate reduction in both the overall number using specific wilderness areas as well as in the numbers in each individual wilderness group. Large numbers (larger than 8 or 10 patrol or crew size) wear out campsites by causing excessive compacting of soil, destroying ground cover, building unsightly fire places, and using up fuel wood supplies. They tend to destroy the wilderness solitude with excessive noise pollution and are not considered desirable neighbors by others using the area. Large groups tend to have a lower proportion of adult leaders for each 8 or 10 campers. This sometimes results in gross violations of wilderness manners, specified regulations of the specific area, and even irresponsible cutting or other destruction of the vegetation. In light of these facts and because we are alerted to more unfavorable situations involving scouting personnel each month, the following policy has been adopted by the Program Committee of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America strongly recommends the following procedures and practices to all units using wilderness or backcountry areas in order that they may have an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a wilderness atmosphere. Limit the size of the group to 8 or 10 with at least two adult included and preferably more. Organize each wilderness patrol or crew to function independently-i.e. plan own trip on different dates, serve own food, provide own transportation to trailhead, secure own permit, camp in separate and distinct group. When economics or logistics dictate combined transportation, planning or buying, group should still hike, canoe, camp and travel separately from other groups of the same unit. Groups should avoid meeting at the campsite. Obtain and use backpacking chemical stoves, particularly in areas where fuel supply is limited. Many wilderness areas now restrict the use of any open fires. Contact appropriate supervisory authorities of area to be visited well in advance of planned trip to become aware of and to comply with permit requirements and special regulations. Place a special emphasis on pre-trip training on the proper wilderness rules of behavior as established in the program of BSA and by the managing agency, i.e., use: biodegradable food containers, to carry out all trash, dig holes for latrines only in undeveloped areas if permissible, carry all the equipment you need, use no natural materials except firewood and when cutting dead wood is required, use a small folding pack saw, carry only one axe for splitting if needed. Place special emphasis on the need for preserving solitude, and minimizing group impact through proper camping practices, sanitation and conservation of fuel. Develop the WILDERNESS ETHIC in your Troop, Team or Crew and practice it on the trail. Match the ruggedness of high adventure experiences in wilderness and backcountry areas to the physical ability and maturity of your Scouts and leaders. More rugged trips should be limited to older Scouts in the Troop. But also be extremely aware of overexertion. Many injuries are caused by exceeding the individual s capacities. NATIONAL HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAMS COMMITTEE B.S.A. 1325 Walnut Hill Lane Irving, Texas 75038-3096 Page 3
Leave No Trace The BSA is committed to Leave No Trace, which is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics awareness program. Its seven principles are guidelines to follow at all times. Plan Ahead and Prepare Proper trip planning and preparation helps hikers and campers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while minimizing damage to natural and cultural resources. Campers who plan ahead can avoid unexpected situations, and minimize their impact by complying with area regulations such as observing limitations on group size. Schedule your trek to avoid times of high use. Obtain permits or permission to use the area for your trek. Proper planning ensures Low-risk adventures because campers obtained information concerning geography and weather and prepared accordingly Properly located campsites because campers allotted enough time to reach their destination Appropriate campfires and minimal trash because of careful meal planning and food repackaging and proper equipment Comfortable and fun camping and hiking experiences because the outing matches the skill level of the participants Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. The resulting barren areas develop into undesirable trails, campsites, and soil erosion. Concentrate Activity, or Spread Out? In high-use areas, campers should concentrate their activities where vegetation is already absent. Minimize resource damage by using existing trails and selecting designated or existing campsites. Keep campsites small by arranging tents in close proximity. In more remote, less-traveled areas, campers should generally spread out. When hiking, take different paths to avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. When camping, disperse tents and cooking activities and move camp daily to avoid creating permanent-looking campsites. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning to show. Always choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, sand, compacted soil, dry grasses, or snow. These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other areas, such as deserts. Learn the Leave No Trace techniques for your crews specific activity or destination. Check with land managers to be sure of the proper technique. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out) This simple yet effective saying motivates backcountry visitors to take their trash home with them. It makes sense to carry out of the backcountry the extra materials taken there by your group or others. Inspect your campsite for trash or spilled foods. Accept the challenge of packing out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Page 4
Sanitation Backcountry users create body waste and wastewater that require proper disposal. Wastewater. Help prevent contamination of natural water sources: After straining food particles, properly dispose of dishwater by dispersing at least 200 feet (about 80 to 100 strides for a youth) from springs, streams, and lakes. Use biodegradable soap 200 feet or more from any water source. Human Waste. Proper human waste disposal helps prevent the spread of disease and exposure to others. Cat holes 6 to 8 inches deep in humus and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites are often the easiest and most practical way to dispose of feces. Leave What You Find Allow others a sense of discovery, and preserve the past. Leave rocks, plants, animals, archaeological artifacts, and other objects as you find them. Examine but do not touch cultural or historical structures and artifacts. It may be illegal to remove artifacts. Minimize Site Alterations Do not dig tent trenches or build lean-tos, tables, or chairs. Never hammer nails into trees, hack at trees with hatchets or saws, or damage bark and roots by tying horses to trees for extended periods. Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite. On high-impact sites, clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings and log seats or tables. Good campsites are found, not made. Avoid altering a site, digging trenches, or building structures. Minimize Campfire Impacts Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Yet the naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood. Lightweight camp stoves make low-impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier. After dinner, enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire. If you build a fire, the most important consideration is the potential for resource damage. Whenever possible, use an existing campfire ring in a well-placed campsite. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce at higher elevations, in heavily used areas with a limited wood supply, or in desert settings. True Leave No Trace fires are small. Use dead and downed wood that can be broken easily by hand. When possible, burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. If a site has two or more fire rings, you may dismantle all but one and scatter the materials in the surrounding area. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is dead out. Respect Wildlife Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Considerate campers practice these safety methods: Observe wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing them. Give animals a wide berth, especially during breeding, nesting, and birthing seasons. Store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Never feed wildlife. Help keep wildlife wild. You are too close if an animal alters its normal activities. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Thoughtful campers respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Travel and camp in small groups (no more than the group size prescribed by land managers). Let natures sounds prevail. Keep the noise down and leave radios, tape players, and pets at home. Page 5
Select campsites away from other groups to help preserve their solitude. Always travel and camp quietly to avoid disturbing other visitors. Make sure the colors of clothing and gear blend with the environment. Respect private property and leave gates (open or closed) as found. Be considerate of other campers and respect their privacy. Leave No Trace Awareness Award Scout and Venturer Requirements 1. Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace. 2. On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. 3. Earn the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges, or do No. 3 under the Scouter requirements. 4. Participate in a Leave No Trace related service project. 5. Give a 10-minute presentation on a Leave No Trace topic approved by your Scoutmaster. 6. Draw a poster or build a model to demonstrate the differences in how we camp or travel in high-use and pristine areas. Scouter and Venturing Leader Requirements 1. Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace. 2. On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. 3. Share with another Scouter or Venturing leader your understanding and knowledge of the Camping and Environmental Science merit badge pamphlets. 4. Actively assist (training, advice, and general supervision) a Scout in planning, organizing, and leading a service project related to Leave No Trace. 5. Assist a minimum of three Scouts in earning the Leave No Trace Awareness Award. 6. Plan and conduct Leave No Trace awareness for Scouts, Venturers, Scouters, or an interested group outside Scouting. See the appendix for an application form. Page 6
The Trails Award Program INTRODUCTION: This is the sixth edition of the Trail Award book. Many sources are being used to compile this book. It is the hope of the Trails Committee that this book will become a valuable resource for our Scouting Units in the Grand Canyon Council. The Trails Committee has not hiked all the trails, but has used the previous edition, the Internet and other resources to compile this book. A CD is also provided which contains all the printed material, in Adobe Acrobat file format. If there are corrections on the trails or you would like to join the Trails Committee contact any of the Trails Committee members. PURPOSE: This program is intended to provide Troops, Teams and Crews with opportunities for challenging adventure and fun. We hope they will make gains in environmental awareness, wilderness experience, personal fitness, and knowledge of man s colorful history and prehistory. In return, their efforts will be recognized with our colorful and distinctive award patches and medals. ADMINISTRATION: This program is administered by the Trails Committee of the Grand Canyon Council, Inc. The trails descriptions in this book are intentionally general in nature to encourage the Scout unit to research maps and agency information as part of their mission TO BE PREPARED. Trails change with time, signs are moved, and water availability and potability are subject to change. The council cannot assume responsibility for maintenance of trails or the currency of information. ALL NECESSARY PREPARATIONS FOR USING THESE TRAILS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCOUT UNIT AND ITS LEADERSHIP. All hikes require a properly filed and approved Tour Permit. All applications for awards must be made on the form provided for that purpose at the Scout Shop at the Council Service Center or one of its satellites. There is also a copy you may reproduce as necessary in the appendix. Any comments should be submitted to: Grand Canyon Council, Inc., BSA Council Trails Committee c/o Dennis McLouth 2969 North Greenfield Road Phoenix, AZ 85016-7715 General Requirements for Scouts & Venturers INTRODUCTION: Specific requirements will henceforth be included with the specific awards, i.e. distances, hiking hours, conservation hours, conditioning requirements, etc. These requirements are intended for Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and, where applicable, Girl Scouts. 1. Changes or Exceptions If changes, exceptions, modifications, or waivers of any Award requirements are required, The Trails Committee shall make them in advance of the outing and in writing. They shall not be made by any other person, including professional Scouters, council employees, or volunteer Scouters. 2. Awards Must Be Earned No award shall be given, or otherwise made available, to any person who has not completed all of the requirements for the award, including these GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. The awards described in this booklet are often in form of general information only. It is suggested that participants contact the council for complete and current information BEFORE attempting to complete the requirements. Many awards have additional maps, brochures and help aids that are necessary supplements to the requirements. 3. Recipients Must Be Registered Only currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America are eligible to receive awards. 4. Registered Units Awards may be earned only on scheduled outings of registered units, or a district or council function. Page 7
5. One Trip/One Award Generally, only one award may be earned for one outing, unless otherwise stated in writing in the award requirements. Trail saver awards may be earned in addition to hiking awards. The awards specifically contained in this book, Awards for Scouts and Venturers, are only available to registered Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts and in specific cases, Girl Scouts. 6. BSA Tour Permit A Local Tour Permit, BSA Form 4426, issued by the council, is required if the distance is less than 500 miles and the trip is within the North American Continent, including Canada and Mexico. A National Tour Permit, BSA Form 4419, issued by the Western Region, is required if the tour is 500 miles or over or if the tour is in a foreign country. Applications for both tour permits are to be submitted in advance in accordance with local council procedures. A tour permit number is required with all award applications. 7. Other Permits Required When/where other permits/requirements are necessary they must be obtained for the trip in order to be eligible for Awards. These are "Wilderness", "Dispersed Area", "Use", "Primitive Area", "National Park", "Camping", "Fire", "State Park" permits. It is the intent that units meet and comply with the various Agency Requirements area. 8. Requirement for Adults At least two (2) adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, and a minimum of four (4) persons, per trip is required to be eligible for an Award. At least one (1) adult with the group taking the trip SHALL have at least 7 hours of training that included First Aid and CPR as a minimum. Courses offered by private corporations not issuing American Heart, American Red Cross, or National Safety Council cards are not acceptable. For those trips where "Safety Afloat" is applicable, the CPR requirement will be met. Currently practicing emergency room physicians and nurses, registered nurses, pediatricians, and family practitioners, qualified EMT s, Paramedics, Ski Patrol, Mountain Search & Rescue personnel and most law enforcement personnel are, by the nature of their jobs, qualified and should be exempt from holding additional First Aid/CPR cards. 9. Familiarity with Literature Leaders should be familiar with the B.S.A. Outdoor Skills Manuals, This Guide and other current High Adventure literature. Familiarity with the new BSA Field Book or other similar literature is encouraged. 10. Award Application Form The Award Form must be filled in completely before submitting it to the Trails Committee approval person for review and approval. All Awards must include a complete and approved Award Application. Awards can be ordered through the Council Scout Shop. 11. Safety A signed Parent Consent Form and Medical Release Form is required for each youth (under 18) going on the trip. It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings NEVER be lead by only one adult. At least two (2) adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for all trips or outings. The "Safety Rule of Four" requires that no fewer than four individuals (always with a minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition. If an accident occurs, one person always stays with the injured and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements (i.e. training) must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and/or skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge. No pets, firearms, alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or nonprescription drugs are allowed with any participant on the trip. EXCEPTIONS: Seeing Eye Dogs. Each participant, including adults, must have an appropriate medical exam within twelve (12) months prior to a long term trip, or shorter period if listed as a specific requirement for an award. Evidence must be shown if requested. 12. Conservation If a specific award requires a conservation project, the project must be accomplished prior to receiving the award. It should be authorized prior to work commencement and signed off upon completion by a representative for the Agency for which the work was accomplished. Page 8
13. National Policy Boy Scouts/Venturer Scouts are encouraged to participate in short-term (less than 6 days) and long-term (6 or more days) camps as well as wilderness expeditions and tours to develop skills essential to living in a primitive setting. Scouting provides High Adventure programs for this purpose. 14. Youth Protection National Policy is currently in effect in many Councils participating in the awards programs outlined in this booklet. Check with your local Council for current Council policy. 1. Tour Permits will be issued only to those leaders that have successfully completed the Youth Protection course. 2. The designated Trek Leader must have completed the Youth Protection Course. A Special Request from the Trails Chairman Every unit, every Scout, every Scouter is part of our council and when you are out on any of these trails or campsites you represent the Boy Scouts of America so be proud and bring honor to the Boy Scouts of America and the Grand Canyon Council. You can help us provide the services you expect by completing the trails critique form found in the appendix. You may even help expand the program by nominating new trails. There is a form in the appendix that gives you that opportunity to contribute. HAPPY HIKING Page 9