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Hiking classes free for residents age 55 and up

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Gila Community College Hiking Classes begin 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Wellness Center on the campus on Six Shooter Canyon. Two classes are offered and will meet together for this first day. Thereafter, classes will meet at the WalMart parking lot.

Listed as Beginning Hiking I and Beginning Hiking II, the classes are conducted by Bob Zache, who has been teaching them for 10 years. Beginning Hiking I, also called Urban Hiking, features hikes closer to town, most of which are a little easier. In Beginning Hiking II, Mountain Hiking, students will experience more difficult trails in surrounding mountains.

The Mountain Hiking class schedule includes Moody Trail, Margarita Saddle, Angel Wings, Picket Post Mountain, Upper Parker Creek, Javelina Butte, and a hike around Picketpost Mountain. Urban Hiking includes Ranchers Mountain, Old Oak Lane, Diversion Dam Tunnel, Boulder Canyon, Old Superior Highway to Claypool Tunnel, Copper Crawl and the Old Superior Highway at Top of the World.

At the orientation, issues such as safety, required equipment and details of the hiking schedule will be discussed. After the paperwork is done, both classes will be transported to the first hike at Ferndell Spring near Pinal Peak. After that, the classes will be held on alternating Fridays and Sunday.

Experienced hikers may enroll in both classes. The hikes vary in time, from three to eight hours, including driving time.

All hikes are paced to participants’ abilities, with both faster hikers and those with a slower pace learning to accommodate one another. Hikes include discussion along the way of history, geology, flora, fauna and other subjects of interest. At all times, safety is emphasized. Water is always required and snacks or a lunch for the longer hikes is a good idea.

The class is free to residents 55 years or older. For those younger than 55, a one-semester-hour credit class costs $120 for Arizona residents, $360 for non-residents.

For more information or to register, contact the college at 928-425-8481 or log on at www.gilaccc.org.