Mason jars

[SouthwestNative]

I have found a few mason jars while hiking around Phoenix. There never out in the open or anything and have actually hike right past some and only seen them by heading back. All the ones I have came across you have to search for but what I'm wondering is has anyone else come a cross mason jars or just jars with pencil and a note book inside to right your name in or how your days was???

[nonot]

You mean like a summit log?

[SouthwestNative]

Yeah I didn't really know what to call it but yeah anyone else find mason jars for summit logs cause I have noticed there Not really on the popular summits but the rarely traveled ones. Usually under rocks or under trees/cactuses.

[chumley]

@SouthwestNative


Mason jars and other containers, often old metal ammo boxes, are regularly used to store paper and a writing utensil so that hikers can sign and log their accomplishment. They are most commonly found at the top of peaks, but not usually ones that are frequently visited (eg you won't find one on Camelback or Piestewa).

With the increased use of GPS units, there are also a number of hobbyists that search for geocaches placed all over with guides to their locations available online. Some geocaches may also be in mason jars.

You can find photos of summit registers posted here on hikearizona here: http://hikearizona.com/dexcoder.php?PID=411

[SouthwestNative]

Thanks chumley you just made my day, you have no idea how long I have been searching thanks again

[kingsnake]

I dunno if glass is the best idea for a summit log. Tends to get broke when hidden under the things they tend to get hidden under, like ... oh ... rocks. plz: Metal tends to rust. Why not plastic?

[johnlp]

Plastic degrades and starts leaking after a few years. I like the ammo boxes.

[sbkelley]

Many of the summits south and west of town have a system with two cans - picture old coffee cans. Both painted red: one smaller can holds the summit log, while the larger can fits over the smaller can. These hold up pretty well to the elements, and has got better longevity than plastic. The red paint hides the rust well, lol

[azbackpackr]

Geocaching is the name of the activity where people put jars out that are not on summits. Usually you are supposed to take something and leave something, a small object such as a quarter, a hot wheels, junk jewelry, etc.

It's not an activity condoned by a lot of hikers, who tend to refer to it as "geotrashing." And I think over the past couple of years it has become less popular, since I never seem to hear about it lately.

As with geocaches, summit logs should not be visible unless they are officially placed by the governing agency, (Forest Service, etc.) They should be hidden in the cairn of rocks on the summit. On less popular peaks that receive only a few visits per year I think Mason jars or old pickle jars are fine, seeing as they may get only one or two signatures per year. These jars will last for many years. I have seen them that are very old. The lids are hard to remove, however.