April 19, 2023

Celebrating Earth Day at Desert Mountain Club

As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s important to reflect on the benefits of living in a community that is surrounded by preserved lands. At Desert Mountain, members have the opportunity to live in a beautiful desert landscape that is protected and preserved for generations to come. With miles of hiking trails, residents can explore the stunning desert landscapes, observe wildlife, and breathe in the fresh, clean air. Here’s how we’re celebrating Earth Day at Desert Mountain.

Embrace the Natural Wonders

Bordering the Tonto National Forest to the north, Desert Mountain Club offers a unique opportunity for residents to live in harmony with nature. Tonto National Park is a vast and diverse area located in Arizona, USA. The park spans over 2.9 million acres, making it the largest national forest in Arizona and one of the largest in the United States. It’s home to a wide range of natural wonders, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, expansive deserts, and flowing rivers.

One of the most notable features of Tonto National Park is the Salt River, which flows through the heart of the park. The river is a popular destination for recreational activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and rafting. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Apache Trail, which winds through the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the Salt River and the Apache Trail, Tonto National Park is home to a wide range of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry hikes. The trails lead visitors through stunning landscapes, including lush forests, towering mountains, and vast expanses of desert.

One of the most popular hiking trails in the park is the Peralta Trail, which leads visitors through the Superstition Mountains and offers stunning views of Weaver’s Needle, a towering rock formation that rises over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. The trail is just under 6 miles long and is considered a moderate hike, making it accessible for most visitors.

Another popular hiking trail in the park is the Horton Creek Trail, which leads visitors through a lush forest and past a series of waterfalls. The trail is just over 8 miles long and is considered a moderate hike, with some steep sections.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a relaxing day on the river, or a challenging hike through rugged terrain, Tonto National Park has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse array of recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder that Tonto National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona.

Quiet Conservation Area Status

Desert Mountain was the first to receive the Quiet Conservation Area Award from Quiet Parks International. Here is what Quiet Parks International says in reference to this award:

Within this private preserve of more than 3,000 wilderness acres, 12 stacked loop trails totaling approximately 25 miles wind through canyons, ascend mountain peaks and traverse lofty ridges. It lays at the interface between the nearly 5 million residents who call Phoenix and the greater Salt River Valley their home and more than 3,000,000 acres of Tonto National Forest containing seven additional wildernesses. It is also home to a wide variety of diverse wildlife and plants.

Natural quiet is an essential natural resource. Because of the aural beauty of Desert Mountain and its pristine landscape, Quiet Parks International has awarded Quiet Conservation Area status.

This effort was made possible by the Desert Mountain Desperados, spearheaded by the late Craig Mitchell, to whom this first Quiet Conservation Area is dedicated.

The Receiving, Laundry & Recycling Facility (RLRF)

Desert Mountain Club takes sustainability seriously, and that commitment is reflected in its Receiving, Laundry & Recycling Facility (RLRF). This state-of-the-art facility is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. One of the keys to this efficiency is the use of energy-star rated machines with the Opti rinse feature. This technology saves 38% of water compared to traditional washers. The dryers also have an electric bar and a lifter that detects when the laundry is dry, so it stops the cycle, saving on energy costs. Desert Mountain’s investment in energy-efficient and personalized laundry equipment has paid off in more ways than one. They were recently recognized for their sustainability efforts, receiving a national award from the Club Management Association of America (CMAA).

As we celebrate Earth Day, we’re proud to be part of a community that values sustainability and takes action to protect the planet.We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and preserving the beauty of the Sonoran Desert for future generations to enjoy.