PIMA — The Gila Valley Hiking Club is staying a little closer to home for its next trek.
The club will hike Turkey Creek Canyon, on the east end of Aravaipa, on Saturday, March 23.
Turkey Creek, is a small riparian canyon that flows into Aravaipa Creek. During prehistoric times the Hohokam, Mogollon, and Salado tribes lived in Aravaipa Canyon, hunting game and growing a variety of crops along the riparian zone. A small cliff dwelling remains along Turkey Creek.
Turkey Creel is lined with large sycamore, with Arizona walnut and white oak trees providing a quiet retreat for birds, as well as an occasional deer, javelina, coatimundi and other wildlife.
The hike on Saturday is relatively easy; 1.4 miles along Turkey Creek to the cliff dwelling, along a rather level road. However, there are several creek crossings and water running in the road as of last week.
Meet up is at the Pima Town Hall parking lot at 8 a.m., and the drive east will take about two hours. High clearance vehicles are required to access Turkey Creek. Hikers should wear a hat, good walking shoes and sun screen. Bring lunch, water and a hiking pole, plus a dry pair of socks and shoes for the ride home. Expect to return by 4:30 p.m.
