September Hike List 2011

Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of September 2011. The hikes listed for Fridays will be combined outings with Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be ABF members to participate on other hikes. Saturday hikes are intended for the general membership, are shorter with less difficulty, and are conducted at a leisurely pace to allow for more socializing. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the Saturday club hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellations due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of the hike. If you have questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.

This month we begin the transition from the Mount Charleston area to Red Rock Canyon. Hikes in Red Rock Canyon will occur on September 16, 29 , and 30. The primary meeting and departure location for Red Rock hikes is the parking lot in front of the Best Buy Store at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Canyon Run. This is across Charleston from the Red Rock Station Casino and the store backs up to Highway 215. Secondary meeting locations, especially for Friday hikes, will include the Siena Community Center and the Dunkin Donuts two stoplights west of 215 on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive. Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE - A special event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28. In addition to a hike along Deer Creek past several historic structures, there will be a potluck picnic at the Deer Creek Picnic Area following the hike. You will need to bring folding chairs, whatever beverage you want to drink, a cooler, and one dish with ten to twelve servings to share with others. We should be able to use the grills at the picnic area, which will require charcoal, but other field stoves would be great. Anyone planning on attending must call Chris or Diane Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 to find out what is needed.


Thursday, September 1 - Griffith Peak. This will not be the traditional out-and-back route to the peak using South Loop Trail. Instead, we will be starting from the top of the community of Rainbow and climbing along Rainbow Canyon to the saddle between Griffith and Harris Peaks. Once at the saddle, we will take the Harris Springs Trail to the south side of the peak for the ascent. The route down will follow South Loop Trail and the connector trail through the forest that is part of the Rainbow Loop. Total distance for this strenuous loop hike is 10 miles and there is about 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, September 2 - Cathedral Rock/Little Falls. This moderate 4-mile hike actually consists of two segments. The first part is a 3-mile out-and-back to the top of the rock outcropping above the west end of Kyle Canyon that provides fantastic views stretching all the way back to Highway 95 about twenty miles away. The trail for this part climbs 950 feet of elevation as it winds through Mazie Canyon. After returning to the top of the stairs above the parking lot, the group will continue to a hidden seasonal waterfall along the north side of the cliff walls. This part adds another mile and 250 feet of elevation gain. This is a joint hike with Over the Hills Hikers, who will depart from Siena at 8:00 AM. The ABF group will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart at 8:15 AM. The two groups will join at the pull-off near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, September 3 - Charleston Golf Cart Path. Join the group for an easy to moderate trek along the cart path behind Mount Charleston Resort that serviced an old nine-hole golf course. Open for a short time nearly a decade ago, the blacktop path is still clearly defined and meanders through the lower section of Kyle Canyon Wash and up through the first tier of the ridge south of the drainage. Although only 3 miles in total distance, this loop hike does have a few short and steep climb sections. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

Monday, September 5 - Bristlecone Trail. The top of Lee Canyon will be the setting for a moderate 5-mile out-and-back hike along the western section of the popular trail that is also used by mountain bikers. The trail climbs about 700 feet from the end of Lee Canyon Road near the ski resort before reaching the turn-around point at the junction with Bonanza Trail. Most of the route is on narrow dirt trail through the forest, but there are some open views of the various mountains surrounding Lee Canyon. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Tuesday, September 6 - Mummy's Nose. If you are looking for a really challenging hike that tests your climbing skills through difficult terrain, then look no further than this very strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike from a pull-off along Lee Canyon Road to the top of the peak that is somewhat separated from the rest of the head features. Total elevation gain is close to 3,000 feet and there is a very steep approach followed by a Class 3 chute at the top of the approach to the peak. Because of the severe nature of this hike, potential participants are asked to RSVP with the hike coordinator at (702) 396-2125 or by e-mail at oconnorx@cox.net. Otherwise, the group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, September 7 - South Loop 1st Overlook. Head up the South Loop Trail from the Cathedral Rock parking area to an overlook positioned at an elevation of 9,000 feet on this moderate 4.8-mile out-and-back hike. The trail climbs 1,400 feet and passes a large rock with seabed fossils midway up a series of fourteen switchbacks that provide views of the Echo Cliffs and a canyon that starts close to the summit of Griffith Peak. The overlook provides great views of the upper part of Kyle Canyon, including all of the major surrounding peaks. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Sharon Rennie & John Kammeyer.

Thursday, September 8 - South Sister. Although this is a relatively short hike at 5 miles, it seems like constant climbing to reach the distinctive peak perched on the north side of Lee Canyon. The starting point for this strenuous out-and-back hike is the Old Mill Picnic Area. After starting fairly level for the first half of the route, most of the 2,000 foot elevation gain occurs within slightly more than a mile, making this a really steep jaunt. The rocky peak has some exposure as the route climbs through a cliff to the top section where the sign-in book is located. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, September 9 - Harris Slot Canyon. With cooler September temperatures likely it again becomes possible to attempt this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike in lower Kyle Canyon which starts near the beginning of Harris Spring Road. The fairly level route follows a trail in a wash that passes through a short, narrow canyon with imposing cliff walls on either side. The usual turn-around point is near an old auto graveyard where the vehicles had been pushed over the bank on the north side of the canyon. Over the Hills Hikers will meet at Siena and depart at 8:00 AM, with Around the Bend Friends leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The two groups will join near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, September 10 - Kyle Canyon Wash. Every once in a while we find a hike that loses net elevation, and this moderate point-to-point hike drops nearly 1,000 feet of elevation over its 4-mile distance. Starting from the Echo trail head near the top of Kyle Canyon Road, most of the route is on trail as it follows the main drainage past a few campgrounds and the Mount Charleston Visitor Center. The last 3/4 mile includes minor scrambling in the gravel-filled wash before exiting near the Resort at Mount Charleston. Car shuttling is required at the end of the hike. The meeting point is at Santa Fe Station with an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.

Monday, September 12 - Deer Creek & Mormon Girls Camp. We generally have to wait until after Labor Day for this hike to allow the camp to be vacated after its heavy summer use, so it's now time to try this moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike that starts through the Deer Creek Picnic Area, following the small stream past several structures of historical significance. After following a gravel road servicing a number of private homes to its end, the route goes off-trail for a short distance before hooking up with the upper section of the camp. The only drawback to this hike is that the finish is along Highway 158 back to the start. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, September 13 - Mount Charleston. Usually this is the perfect time of the year for the hike to the highest mountain in southern Nevada as the monsoon season is generally over. The hike planned for today will be point-to-point with South Loop Trail being used for the climb and North Loop Trail and Trail Canyon Trail for the descent. This scenic route is 17 miles long, has net elevation gain of 4,360 feet, and is rated very strenuous. The car shuttle at the end is only a mile and should take relatively little time. This is an all day hike that usually takes nine or ten hours. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 5:15 AM departure. Please contact the coordinator to RSVP. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, September 14 - Rainbow Loop. Now that the popular social trail that connects South Loop Trail with the summer cabins above the community of Rainbow has mostly been cleared of storm debris, there shouldn't be much problem with doing this moderate 5.7-mile loop hike that climbs 1,300 feet of elevation on the south side of upper Kyle Canyon. Starting from the gravel pull-out on Kyle Canyon Road across from Fletcher Trail, the group will start through the Fletcher View Campground while following the main canyon drainage for a mile and a half. The descent portion of the hike passes through the summer cabins and the regular housing in Rainbow. Meet your fellow hikers at the Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

Thursday, September 15 - Bristlecone Loop Variation. This moderate 6 to 7-mile loop hike will provide you with a glimpse of the countryside surrounding the lower section of Bristlecone Trail. Starting from Old Mill Picnic Area, the group will walk along a seldom used rock bordered path that intersects with the gravel road section of Bristlecone Trail. In about one-half mile, the hikers will take a detour onto a narrow track that heads cross country to the intersection of Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails. The coordinator can decide whether to take the upper section of Bristlecone past the ski resort or return along the gravel road to the start. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Don Caldwell.

Friday, September 16 - Ash Canyon Overlook. The start of the autumn season in Red Rock Canyon starts today as the Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends combine for an easy to moderate 3-mile trek beginning at Sandstone Quarry and continuing in the area generally north of the Calico Hills. The snack spot will be on a rock outcropping above Ash Canyon and the community of Calico Basin. Following the break, there will be some further exploration in the narrow sandstone canyons and knobs east of the Turtlehead trail before retuning to the start. The Over the Hills group will depart from Siena at 8:00 AM, the ABF group will leave Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the groups will join at the Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive before heading to the starting point. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

Saturday, September 17 - Lower South Loop Loop. Ann likes to repeat the word loop in the title of this hike as it involves South Loop Trail and the route is a loop. In any event, it covers a total distance of 3 miles and climbs 800 feet to the break spot on an abandoned gravel road that once serviced a well point for the Old Town and Rainbow communities below. This short hike is rated as moderate. A recent work project by our club cleared most of the downed trees along the route, but there are still a few obstacles to be negotiated in getting around. Plan on meeting the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.

Monday, September 19 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop. Experience the best of the Bristlecone Trail at the top end of Lee Canyon on this moderately strenuous 6-mile partial loop hike. The route will follow the western section of the Bristlecone Trail through the forest to the junction with the Bonanza Trail, then climb the southern section of that trail to the saddle where No Name Trail joins from the south. Following a break, the route will start its descent on No Name Trail and continue back to the vehicles on the Bristlecone Trail that was used to start the hike. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Edwina Labrecque.

Tuesday, September 20 - Above Big Falls. Yet another very strenuous outing, this 4-mile out-and-back hike will follow the drainage back to the base of Big Falls and climb up the steep slope to the left of the waterfall for some exploration in the seldom visited upper canyon that eventually leads to the remains of the plane crash just below the Mount Charleston Peak. For the uninitiated, the steep slope next to Big Falls is where a young hiker fell to his death a few weeks ago after losing his hold on some vegetation that he didn't realize was dead and brittle. While no RSVP's have been requested, you shouldn't participate unless willing to take risks. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 7:30 AM. Coordinators - Don Caldwell and Mark Zirzow.

Wednesday, September 21 - Fletcher Canyon. This is the only time this month that our club will be offering the moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike into a dramatic slot canyon, so take advantage of the opportunity. There is only about 500 feet of elevation gain along the trail that constitutes most of the route with only a few very short but steep climb sections. The final uphill part through the narrow section of the canyon involves some minor scrambling, but can be handled by most hikers. The group will be taking a snack break near the base of Obstacle Rock before starting back down. The meeting point is at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Thursday, September 22 - Fletcher Peak. This 7-mile out-and-back hike mostly along North Loop Trail allows for probably the easiest summit of the major peaks surrounding Kyle Canyon, even though the hike is still rated as strenuous. Elevation gain is under 2,000 feet and the primary trail is well maintained. The shorter trail that accesses the peak is a bit sporadic and there is some very minor scrambling required to get to the top of the mountain. If you haven't been to the summit of this mountain and would like to try, this is an easier opportunity than the same destination the following week. Meet the other hikers at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, September 23 - Trail Canyon. Although this hike was not on the original Over the Hills Hikers schedule it will be run for their convenience with a consistent starting time for Friday hikes, even though many of the members will be attending the Lake Tahoe trip. One of the basic shorter hikes in the Spring Mountains, the participants will simply climb the entire length of the trail to the junction with North Loop before turning around and returning to the starting point. Total distance is 4.3 miles, elevation gain is 1,600 feet, and the rating is moderate, even though stretches of the trail are fairly steep. The Over the Hills Hikers will leave from Siena at 8:00 AM with the ABF contingent leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM and the two groups meeting near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Saturday, September 24 - Telephone Canyon. It's all downhill on this easy to moderate 4-mile point-to-point hike that starts from the Robbers' Roost parking area along Highway 158 and ends at Kyle Canyon Road near the police substation. Along the way there is a drop of 1,300 feet of elevation, which includes only one steep area over a distance of a quarter mile. The route passes the remains of an old cabin and winds its way through an assortment of pine, oak, mountain mahogany, and cliff rose. A few vehicles will be spotted at the end of the hike to return drivers to their cars at the starting point prior to passenger pickup. Meet at Santa Fe Station for the customary 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.

Sunday, September 25 - Mummy's Head. If you are willing to try something really difficult, consider joining today's coordinator for an exploratory hike starting in Lee Canyon and ascending to the backside of Mummy's head. This is a very strenuous hike that will include significant sections of scrambling and exposure. Total distance is expected to be in the range of 8 miles and the elevation gain is around 3,500 feet. Because of the nature of this hike, you must receive clearance from the coordinator to participate. His phone number is (702) 510-0875 and his e-mail address is br3vs@yahoo.com. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - John Snail.

Monday, September 26 - Cathedral Rock. If you are looking for a laid back hike to start off the week, then join the group for a moderate 3-mile trek through avalanche prone Mazie Canyon to the top of the distinctive rock outcropping at the top of Kyle Canyon. Elevation gain is 950 feet, which means the average vertical gain on the trail is fairly steep. Getting to the top for the sensational view of Kyle Canyon is a good reward for the effort. Although the aspen trees seem to have recovered, most of the pine trees along the trail were devastated in a massive 2005 avalanche that roared down the canyon. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Tuesday, September 27 - Fletcher Peak via Hummingbird Gulch. Scrambling is the key to climbing through the steep canyon known as Hummingbird Gulch used as a route to Fletcher Peak. Elevation gain is around 2,600 feet and the climb rate is one of the steeper ones in the Spring Mountains. Besides loose rock, there is a tremendous amount of brush, and long pants are recommended. The return will be down the North Loop Trail that was used exclusively on the previous Thursday hike to the same destination. This is a very strenuous hike of 7 miles that will leave even the "pros" tired. The group meeting location is Santa Fe Station and the departure time is 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, September 28 - Deer Creek & Potluck Picnic. Join your fellow club members for a fun-filled day in the Spring Mountains. We will start with a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike through the Deer Creek Picnic Area and along a gravel road, passing several historical structures along the way. Following the hike will be a potluck picnic along Deer Creek that should take us to early afternoon. The group will meet for the hike at Santa Fe Station, departing at 8:00 AM. If you don't want to hike but would like to attend the picnic, you should show up around 11:15 AM at the picnic area along Highway 158. No reservations are necessary for the hike but are required for the potluck. Call Chris or Diane Dempsey at 823-2355 with any questions or to RSVP for the potluck portion. We will be assigning what to bring (such as side dish, salad, or dessert) but the early sign-ups should get a choice. You will also need to bring folding chairs, coolers, and your beverage of choice. Some grilling meats will be provided, but you may have to bring any veggie burgers, chicken, or other specialty meats. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

Thursday, September 29 - White Rock Hills Loop. The return to Red Rock Canyon from the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains continues this week with a jaunt around the two cream colored sandstone peaks at the north end of Red Rock. At 6.4 miles, this moderate loop hikes provides a great workout for average hikers, as it has about 900 feet of elevation change between the lowest and highest spots. Also remarkable about this hike is the stark contrast between the creosote desert on the south side of the mountains and the lush vegetation on the north side that generally sees twice as much precipitation. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Sharon Rennie.

Friday, September 30 - Oak Creek Canyon. Finish off the month with the Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends as the two groups combine for a 4 to 5-mile trek along Oak Creek to an idyllic spot in the drainage at the beginning of the canyon. The moderate out-and-back hike is completely on trail with only 300 feet of elevation gain and is suitable for most hikers. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure, the Around the Bend Friends will leave from Best Buy at 8:05 AM and the two groups will get together at the Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive shortly thereafter. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Please note that there are several multi-day trips scheduled in September for regional destinations. Kay Blackwell is coordinating a trip to Zion National Park from September 8 to September 11. Contact Kay at 256-8985 for more information or lodging options. Dick Brown from Over the Hills Hikers is coordinating a trip to Lake Tahoe in conjunction with Around the Bend Friends for September 19 to September 23. Contact Chris Dempsey from ABF at 823-2355 for more information or lodging options for that outing. Jane Davis is coordinating a camping trip to Bryce Canyon from September 23 to September 25. If you are into camping and hiking, contact Jane at (410) 299-7049 for information on that trip.

The October hike list is now open for suggestions. While there may be a few Mount Charleston area hikes to view fall colors scattered throughout the month, most of the club activities will be scheduled for the Red Rock Canyon area. We will be offering at least two and possibly three hikes to choose from on Saturdays in the Red Rock area to alleviate congestion on any particular trail. The main hike departing at 8:30 AM will be a shorter social hike for the general membership and rated at moderate or less. Earlier hikes on Saturdays will tend to be slightly longer and may be rated up to moderately strenuous. We will probably repeat this process when we start scheduling Lake Mead hikes on Saturdays in December. Tuesday and Thursday hikes are generally moderately strenuous or greater. Hikes on other days of the week can vary, depending on the wishes of any volunteer coordinators. If you would like to suggest any hikes, either as a coordinator or a participant, please send Chris Dempsey an e-mail at dempseylv@aol.com or call him at 823-2355.