Go John Trail
Carefree Recreation Area
December 31, 2000

Tom Van Lew, Jeannie Van Lew, Adrienne Van Lew, Bob Saunders, Kenn Wright, Steve Rockwell, Darleen Lindquist, Holly Johnson, Jason Van Lew, Elaine Cobos, John Valasquez, Ben Valasquez, Anatoli Korkin, Natalia Korkin, Alisa Saunders, Lindsay Saunders, Nathan Saunders, Dave Self, Michele Kranzberg, Jim Kranzberg, John Guidorizzi, Marilyn Guidorizzi, Tracy Guidorizzi, Jackie Host, Mike Wargel, Chuck Parsons

Go John Hike was chosen as this years New Years Eve Morning Hike due to it's length and variety of scenery. We were hoping for some new hikers and even some children. Bob, wife, kids, were a welcome addition to the many active members that we can count on to join us on our hikes. We also had another unexpected guest, John Valesquez, Ben's dad. He commented on how this trail was appropriately named after him. 

From the trailhead, the trail ascends steadily for over 300' in elevation, until it opens to the north. At the pass at 0.8 mile, we noticed a trail off to the west that ascends to ???? peak. We continued north for another quarter mile as the trail descends to the junction with the Overton Trail at 1.1 miles. We continued along a wash to the 1.5 miles mark where the new trail heads east for almost a mile, then swings up to Gunsight Pass at just under 3 miles. It was at this point that we met up with Elaine and Ben's friends Marge and ???. The trail swings around into a broad valley to commence climbing westerly over a ridge, which has good views. It was at this point that we came upon a group of horseback riders enjoying the beautiful day. At 4.2 miles a jeep road led us to the final descent, where we reached the parking lot at 4.9 miles. Total ascent is 800'.

As we all gathered at the parking lot, Jim Kransburg mentioned that topping off the hike with some New Years champagne. Why didn't I think of that?? Sounds like something to plan for next year. 

We split up here as some of the club officers wanted to meet to plan the 2001 hikes. Others met at the picnic grounds for a quick lunch. 

This year's hike was well attended with a great mix of ages and abilities. Let's hope that this is a good sign for participation in the new year. 

The above listed trip reports--documenting day hikes, backpacking trips, and car camping trips organized and arranged by the Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Inc.--are meant to be more of a record of the various events performed by the hiking club and are not meant to be the only guide for anyone else wishing to do the same hike or backpacking trip. Instead, they should only be used as a supplemental to an official guidebook that addresses that specific hike or backpacking trip. Natural changes (floods, fires, windstorms, etc.) can occur and change and alter the landscape. The Forest Service sometimes changes the routing of a trail. Trail junction signs can be removed or altered. For these reasons, the hiking club's trip reports and even the official guidebooks may no longer be totally accurate in describing the trail and its layout. There is always the possibility, however remote, of a hiker sustaining harm or injury while on any hike, no matter how safe it may initially seem. The Arizona Trailblazer's Hiking Club, Inc., as well as any of its officers, directors, representatives, and designated hike leaders, disclaims any liability or responsibility for accidents, injuries, damages, or losses whatsoever that may occur to anyone using the trip reports that are available on our website. The responsibility for good health and safety while hiking, backpacking, or camping, ultimately rests with the individual.