The Legends of Superior Trails invites you to enjoy a day of history, and adventure at the Third Annual Legends of Superior Eco Tourism Festival. The day will consist of presentations, an outdoor recreation expo, history luncheon, guided hikes and group mountain biking and a group equestrian outing. Those participating in the group bike and equestrian outings must bring their own bike or horse.
The event starts out in the historic Magma Club located at 38 Kumpke Ct. with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. History lectures, recreation demonstrations and storytelling will begin at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy storytelling with Ricardo Provencio, a history of the Magma Arizona Railroad with David Lira, a photographic tour presentation of sites along the Arizona Trail, a history lecture on Pinal City, learn about the geological history of the area and learn how to plan for an extended hike during presentations held at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be several recreation booths open including demonstration booths by Audubon Arizona, Crossing Over Paranormal Society, Arizona Trail Association, The Nature Conservancy and many more.
At Noon the annual LOST Trails history barbecue lunch will begin at the Magma Club. Lunch is $10 and will include a BBQ Sandwich, cowboy beans, potato salad, desert and a drink. This year the history presentation will include a history of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Superior area. You can burn off those calories by participating in one of the many guided hikes on the LOST and Arizona Trail. Hikes will leave the Magma Club at 1:30 p.m.
This year there are seven guided hikes and walk which vary in difficulty. Easy to moderate hikes include a geology hike with ASU Professor Dr. Steve Semkin, Pinal City Hike with Tonto National Forest Archeologist Scott Wood; a short hike on the Arizona Trail near Picket Post will be guided by Arizona Trail volunteers and there will be a guided walk through the Historic Pinal Cemetery with Tonto National Forest historian Steve Germick. Hikes with more difficulty to the Old US 60 Tunnel, the Cross on Apache Leap and Arnett Canyon will be guided by local outdoor enthusiasts.
New to the LOST Eco Fest this year is a presentation and guided ghost walk of downtown Superior. This walk will begin at the Magma Club with a presentation at 4 p.m. by Crossing Over Paranormal Society who will present their paranormal research that they have completed in Superior. A guided walk of downtown Superior will follow their presentation.
Those planning on attending the hikes are asked to wear appropriate attire including closed toe hiking/walking shoes, long sleeves and pants and wear sunscreen. Some water will be available to the participants, however guests are encouraged to bring their own.
For more information on the LOST Eco Tourism Festival, reserve your meal tickets or register for one of the hikes, please contact Mila Besich Lira at 520-827-0676 or call the Superior Chamber of Commerce at 520-689-0200. You may also register online by visiting: http://conta.cc/1ftfWRr.