SAFFORD — The Gila Valley Hiking Club is starting the new year with a doubleheader.
On Saturday, the club will hike the Safford Grid and, if conditions improve, McEniry’s Tunnel.
On its social media, the Hiking Club describes the Safford Grid as a checker board of rocks along the Gila River, which served to reduce soil erosion as well as reduce evaporative water loss.
The 19th century Spenazuma Mining Co. gold mining swindle, near Klondyke, was originated by Richard C. Flower. The con was exposed by the Arizona Republic in 1899, but shortly thereafter Thomas McEniry tried his own gold mining scam by constructing the McEniry Tunnel at the base of Mount Graham.
The Hiking Club will meet Saturday at the Pima Town Hall parking lot at 8:30 a.m. After signing in and arranging carpooling, the club will drive north to visit the Safford Grid, spending about an hour exploring the area.
The club will return to Pima, for those who only want to participate in one hike, before continuing south, parking at the U.S. Forest Service boundary and hiking two miles to the tunnel.
Due to the recent wet weather, the road to the tunnel may not be passable for vehicles, so a final determination on the second part of the hike will be made late Friday whether to conduct the hike or postpone to Jan. 14
There is no cost to participate, but contributions for gasoline for carpooling is recommended. Hikers should wear appropriate shoes, and bring water, snacks and a light lunch, as well as a flashlight for the tunnel. Dressing in layers is also recommended.
For more information, visit the Gila Valley Hiking Club’s Facebook page.
