For several years Sky Island Alliance has been working to document springs and their surrounding ecosystems in the Sky Islands. We are planning a backpacking expedition into the Galiuro Mountains, one of the least documented of the Arizona Sky Islands, from March 2-8 to continue our springs assessments and water rights validations for the Forest Service. Due to the current government shutdown, there are still some particulars that need to be determined before everything is entirely nailed down (for instance the dates could shift a day or two), but we want to start getting interested folks in the loop. We will share more details as our plans come together.

THIS IS A 5-7 DAY, REMOTE BACKPACKING TRIP IN THE GALIURO MOUNTAINS!  WE WILL BE OFF THE GRID AND OUT OF TOUCH IN ROUGH AND RUGGED COUNTRY. PARTICIPANTS COMMITTING TO THIS TRIP NEED TO BE IN STRONG, HEALTHY PHYSICAL CONDITION. PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS OUTING CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Due to project logistics, participants need to be able to commit to the entire trip. Participants will not be able to leave unless there is an emergency situation.

This trip will require experienced backpackers who are comfortable hiking off-trail (bushwhacking) in rugged terrain. Backpacking may be on or off trail. We will likely set up a basecamp or two and dayhike from there each day. You should have most of your own gear, but Sky Island Alliance may be able to provide some items, and some others (e.g. water filters) may be shared among the group. We will be hiking from 4-12 mi per day, with longer distances being more on trail. Elevations would be from approximately 4000-6000′. We will coordinate a carpool/caravan for participants. Drivers will need a high clearance, preferably 4WD, vehicle. There is no cell phone or radio reception in this area, so we will have an inReach satellite locator for emergency purposes.

THE WORK

At the springs, we will be recording water quality and quantity, taking photographs, making a map of the spring, and documenting the flora and fauna. For these spring assessments, we are looking for people with plant, invertebrate, bird, herp, and track identification skills, and good hikers.

WHAT TO BRING

• All tents, sleeping bags, stoves, mattresses, etc. that you might bring on any normal backpacking trip. We will share a suggested packing list.
• Please plan to carry shared springs assessment gear in your backpacking pack once we’ve established base camp.
• All the food you’ll need. Bring food that will keep for the duration of the trip. There will be no refrigeration or coolers in which to store food.
• Food storage – bring a bear canister, or rope and bags in which to store your food out of reach of bears and other critters.
• Water filter (or other treatment)
• Sturdy footwear (ex. hiking boots) plus clothing for wet and cold weather, binoculars, field guides, etc.
• Long, tough pants are strongly recommended. If you have gaiters, bring them! Long sleeves are also recommended.
• Anything else you would normally bring for a day-hike.
• If you need to carry or have an EpiPen, please bring it.

PROVIDED BY SIA

Spring assessment tools and forms, cameras, GPS, maps, first-aid kits, inReach.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Due to the sensitive nature of springs, dogs are not allowed.

This trip will be led by Sami Hammer and Bryon Lichtenhan. If you are interested in joining us, contact Sami at [email protected] or call 520-624-7080, ext. 16. It’s going to be gorgeous out there!