By Josh Spano ’18
THE ROUNDUP
The Hiking Club, formed by Sterling Sourk ’18, takes advantage of Phoenix’s beautiful weather by going on hikes all over the Valley.
Because of the weather and environment Phoenix, provides residents with plentiful hiking trails.
Co-moderator of the Hiking Club Mr. Blair Cook said he takes notice of Phoenix’s trails.
“We are lucky to be in Phoenix. We have a lot of mountains nearby while most cities don’t. There are actually over 60 hiking trails within 60 miles of Phoenix,” Mr. Cook said.
The Hiking Club is also moderated by Mrs. Shelly Scheuring who is an avid hiker, according to Sourk.
Because of the planning of the hikes and overall schedule conflicts the hiking club shoots for one hike every two months.
“We try to get one in once every two months,” Sourk said. “Between my schedule and Ms. Scheuring schedule, one every two months is more realistic.”
The average number of students that take part on these hikes is relatively small and provides students to interact with one another while hiking.
“Usually we have between six to 12 people come on our hikes,” Sourk said.
When asked about who is in the club, Sourk said that it is composed of both Brophy and Xavier students.
“Usually it’s half and half,” Sourk said.
Mr. Cook said that most of the hikes have been pretty easy and have not presented much of a challenge.
“So far the hikes have been pretty easy,” Mr. Cook said. “The hardest hike we have done so far was Piestewa Peak.”
Depending on the climate, hikes can either start in the morning or in the afternoon.
So far the Hiking Club has had two hikes in the morning and one hike in the afternoon.
Because of the upcoming heat hikes will have to take place in the morning.
The Hiking Club is looking for one last hike before summer hits.
“I really want to get us out to Dreamy Draw,” Sourk said. “But it’s getting hotter so I want to get us doing something easy.”
While many of the hikes have not been very challenging they still provide members with a great day of hiking.
“So far we have done challenging but easy hikes anyone can do it,” Sourk said. “Everyone who does [the hikes] loves it.”