Phoenix Park Stewards Info Page

06/15/2026

ON CLOUD NINE!!!
This morning the Dueling Javelina Trail Crew worked on Trail 306 (starting from 7th Ave at Peoria) and made it all the way up to Cloud Nine. “Pure Bliss” was achieved by clearing loose rocks, creating and improving drains, trimming back trees & cholla by moving up the hilly trail and the sections that are both trail and 15th Avenue.
15th Ave. is the dirt road that was cut by the man who built a house on Shaw Butte. He rented a bulldozer and cut his own dirt road to the property. Amazing views of Phoenix, but on viewing his bank account he decided to use the house as a destination restaurant. Successful for a few years, using his 1953 Ford station wagon to ferry customers up the hill. Unfortunately the place burned to the ground. As you hike to the summit of Shaw on Trail 306, or via 15th Avenue all the way, turn south at the right moment to find the foundation, complete with steps into what was the wine cellar.

06/14/2026

Six Phoenix Park Stewards' Trail Heroes Trail Crew work on another step at Camelback's Echo Trail. Hiked another railroad tie 1/2 mile up the trail. Who needs to go to the gym after this workout!?

06/12/2026

Not exactly Phoenix, but Park Stewarding just the same!
I am a free agent Park Steward for Peoria, helping my pal Chris Keune (former Phoenix Ranger, now Volunteer Coordinator for Peoria). Chris, John and Laurel had noticed a withering saguaro next to the Calderwood Trail north of Jomax on 99th Ave. it was blocking the trail when hiked up to it. Hikers informed that it had fallen on Monday.
This was the first Steward Training opportunity and we got right to work cutting the cactus apart and rolling pieces downhill to clear the trail. Afterwards we hiked further up the trail, trimming Palo Verde back along the way.
Peoria only has 4 Rangers and this Steward program is in its infancy. If you want to check new areas with No Crowding start with the Paloma Community Park on Lake Pleasant Parkway south of the 303.

06/08/2026

Who put all these loose rocks out here?
The Dueling Javelinas Trail Crew improved Trail 306 this morning by creating drains, removing those loose rocks, trimming trees, picking up litter and removing stickers that don’t belong on trail posts. Busy Day!
Also handed out promo cards to help folks learn how to become Park Stewards.
Photos provided by Claire, Manny, Mitch and Jim.

06/01/2026

The Dueling Javelinas worked on the lower section of Trail 306 this morning. Same starting point at the dead end of 7th Ave north from Peoria Ave. Worked 6AM till 9AM.
Lots of “Thank You’s” from hikers as we cleared pounds and pounds of loose rock away from the trail. Saved the anchor stones. Trimmed back the pesky Palo Verde.
Good day, but getting hot quick!
“Stay hydrated, my friends.”

05/25/2026

Memorial Day
This morning the Dueling Javelinas Trail Crew worked on Trail 306 on the south side of Shaw Butte. Started at 7th Ave. and Peoria. Lots of history along this trail! Most computer maps show street names on the trail lines as you hike northwest from 7th Ave. The Mountain Preserves stopped home construction in this pocket.
The trail twists and turns as it climbs above where houses would have been, then connects with 15th Ave. (still a dirt road) climbing the west side of Shaw to get to the Cloud Nine location. 15th Ave was cut in with a rented bulldozer by the gent who was building a house way up the mountain. Struggling to pay for his house, he converted it into a restaurant. The foundation of The Cloud Nine is still there, left behind by a fire in the early 1960s.
Photos by Claire, Mitchell and Manny.

05/18/2026

The Dueling Javelinas trail crew met at Apache Wash (near the horse area) and hiked west on Ocotillo Trail 2 miles. We improved drains, removed loose rocks, trimmed trees and cactus- all the usual caring Steward work we do. Beautiful morning with cooler temperature and a slight breeze. In at 6AM and coffee and snacks at 9.
Thanks to all!

05/11/2026

The Dueling Javelinas at it again!
We met at 14th Street and Dove Valley Road (North side of the Sonoran Preserve). Hiked in to a very flat area where the trail had ridges left behind by bikes rolling through puddles. Knocked down the ridges, filled low spots, created drains, trimmed brush back from the trail.
Photos are from Mitch, Manny and Claire.
HOT OUT THERE!

05/04/2026

The Dueling Javelinas trail crew worked on Sidewinder Trail, north side near Carefree Hiway. Improved drains, trimmed trees, and Rescued a fallen barrel cactus. Poor old “Compass Cactus” always grow towards the sun until they fall over.

03/19/2026