Desert Adventures, Inc upcoming events

Grand Canyon Camping {CANCELED DUE TO WATER OUTAGE} (09/10/2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join Paul, Jeff & Michael for a nostalgic campout at Campsite #5 at Mather campground in the Grand Canyon! We are a five-minute walk to the general store with a deli. The cafeteria is across the parking lot; so, if you don’t feel like cooking, nourishment is close by. A bus stop at the campsite will deliver you anywhere worth visiting in the park (free), so you can leave your vehicle at the main parking lot by the showers. We will only have one campsite, which means only two vehicle parking spots. We’ll need to leave those available for loading/unloading and visitors as best we can.

If you haven’t been in a while, we have been assured that the canyon is all new for 2026, so come check it out (read it on the internet). The once 20-minute walk to the rim, is now a little over 30 minutes, we’re not sure how that happened. But if you pay attention, you’ll be rewarded with deer, elk, and other flora and fauna (and attractive foreign tourist) to view along the path. Oh, and well-behaved dogs are welcome, but unfortunately are not allowed on the buses.

Jeff will be making a hearty meat-based pasta sauce for Saturday pasta dinner. Depending upon how many rsvp for dinner will determine how extravagant the spread will be. Please bring a side or dessert to share and your own beverages. If you have special dietary preferences, let us know and we will accommodate. We are a bunch of old folks cooking on cook tops in the woods, so we’re trying to keep this simple for preparation and clean up.

Itinerary

Thursday check-in time is at 2:00 pm.
Thursday night, campers can gather with their dinners and cocktails at the group site and make plans for their Friday adventures.
Friday and Saturday, everybody’s on their own to hike, shop, nap, or do some combination.
Saturday evening we’ll have happy hour around 5pm (please bring your favorite adult beverage to enjoy), followed by dinner around six. We’ll provide an Italian themed main course dinner. We ask that people bring snacks, sides, or desserts to share.
Sunday morning checkout time is 11:00am.

Amenities

The Group Site, is a tent-only campout per park policy. If you like, you may reserve a site in Trailer Village or in one of the other loops in the Mather Campground the weekend we are camping and join us for dinner and other activities. Parking at our group site is limited to two vehicles at Sage Loop Site 5, so carpooling is highly encouraged. Extra vehicles may be parked in the parking lot adjacent to Camper Services at the Mather Campground entrance.

There are potable water pumps and restrooms with electricity and running water right next to our group site. Showers, laundry facilities, and pay phones are available at Camper Services (bring quarters and flip-flops).

Market Plaza is a short walk or drive away and offers shopping and dining, as well as lodging at Yavapai Lodge. If you like, you may reserve a room at Yavapai Lodge the weekend we are camping. Market Plaza features free Wi-Fi, albeit slow and unreliable. Please note that cellular connectivity in the park can be spotty, and your campout leader(s) may not be reachable in the park. Always try texting first.

Cancellation refunds are available until August 24th.

We will have the DA propane fire pit to enjoy in the evening! Donations of/for gas are welcome.

Cancellation refunds are available until August 24th.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Paul Harper and Jeff Kita will be our Trip Leaders. Their information will be provided with your registration confirmation.

Fall Members' Party (09/19/2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Come join us for a fun afternoon in the recreation center of Roy Mead's complex in Central Phoenix. Swim or sun yourself by the pool.

Join us for food, water, and socializing with your Desert Adventures friends. DA will provide fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and water. If you require a vegetarian/vegan dish, please let us know. When registering, please indicate what you will bring.

This event is BYOB.

Members are always free. Nonmembers will be $15. Take advantage of member discount status and save on future events by joining DA for just $25. This is the same price paid in 1980.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Your host is Roy. His information will be provided with your registration confirmation email.

Cerreta Candy Factory Tour (09/25/2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

{photo and write up complements of Cerreta's Candy Co. website}\

Cerreta Candy Company is a family-owned business founded over 50 years ago by Jim Cerreta, Sr. Jim learned the art of candy production in his father-in-law’s factory in Canton, Ohio. He then passed the skill on to his children and grandchildren. Four generations of the candy business now oversee production & operations of our delightful chocolates and candy products.

Join your DA family in the fun of candy making. We are doing the VIP Tour that includes the tour, candy tasting, and chocolate making.

Barb and Deby are your trip leaders. You will receive their info when you register.

Core Group Meeting (09/27/2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

As a member, you should WANT TO BE INVOLVED in the operation of DA! The Core Meeting's success is thanks to members who choose to be more than a member. Put a notch in your belt, and choose to become an Officer. Give a year and help steer us into new adventures!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Rudy's home in Phoenix. The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Rudy's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Game Day and Potluck (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join your Desert Adventures friends for an exciting afternoon of board, card, and dice games! This event is being held in the recreation center of Roy Mead's complex in Central Phoenix. Along with what is shown in the photos above there is a swimming pool.

You are welcome to bring your favorite indoor game. Invite a friend to register and join the fun!

DA will provide Santa Fe Stew for the Potluck lunch and water (your favorite adult beverage is welcome). Please bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.

New friends that become members save on today's event and all events in the future. In addition, there are 3 FREE MEMBERS' PARTIES EACH YEAR.

Roy's contact information and address will be provided when you register.

Please take time to check out your DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Core Group Meeting (10/25/2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Deby's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Dinner at Blue Water Grill (11/07/2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Photo and write up curtesy Bluewater Grill website

The Bluewater Grill Mission

TO SERVE GREAT FOOD IN A CASUAL, RELAXED ENVIROMENT BY FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGABLE PEOPLE AT A FAIR PRICE.

We believe that fin-tastic hospitality is all about authentic relationships.

Whether that's you catching up with friends and loved ones over a meal or the connections made between our team and our loyal guests. It speaks to the collaborations we've created with longstanding partnerships with local fishermen and suppliers and the lifelong friendships that are made with the people that work to make Bluewater so great. These connections are the culture and live behind our restaurants that make us a family.

Please join your DA family for dinner at this great place.

Barb and Deby are your trip leaders for this event. Her contact information will be supplied when you register.

Core Group Meeting (11/22/2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Rudy's home in Phoenix. The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Rudy's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Thanksgiving Dinner (11/26/2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Your Desert Adventures family will once again be serving home-cooked turkey and delicious honey-glazed ham. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. We‘ll have soft drinks and water. Bring your own adult beverages.

We want to manage our Thanksgiving feast the best way possible so please list what you are going to bring when you register.

We need to limit the number of attendees to 25, including our host Barb, so if you are interested in joining your DA family for this holiday, please REGISTER! If you cannot make it after registering, please let us know so we can ensure that anyone else who wishes can join us.

Nonmembers joining Desert Adventures receive upcoming event notifications and enjoy 3 FREE Member Parties with yearly savings on paid events. Membership costs just $25.00.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Location: Barbara’s home in Phoenix (exact address to be provided with registration.

Member Holiday Dinner (12/05/2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Alexis website

Alexi’s Grill

Welcome to Alexi’s Grill, a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been a treasured Phoenix tradition for more than a quarter-century. Opened by Christo and Connie Panagiotakopoulos, of Christo’s Ristorante, in 1994, has since become a Midtown Phoenix landmark and highly-acclaimed fine dining establishment. Now, nearly 30 years after our founding, Alexi’s Grill is dedicated to continuing our longtime legacy of fantastic food, outstanding service, and a welcoming, upscale ambiance.

We are proud to have created an ideal environment for any occasion, including business lunches, special celebrations, and even romantic dates. Besides our dine-in and take-out services, we also offer catering for a wide range of events. Intimate and chic, yet decidedly relaxed, Alexi’s Grill provides a dining experience unlike any other in the Valley.

Write up courtesy of Alexis website.

Desert Adventures

Join your Desert Adventures family in celebrating our 46th Holiday Season together.

Photo courtesy of Deby

Your trip leaders are Barb and Deby.

Core Group Meeting (12/13/2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Rudy's home in Phoenix. The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Rudy's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store