December Hike List 2011

This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities, along with a contact list for members of the group. All club members should view the attachment sent out by the newsletter editor each month and print whatever pages they feel are pertinent so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for the month of December 2011. The hikes listed for the first three Fridays will be combined outings with the 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 members to participate on other hikes. Two hikes are offered each Saturday in both Red Rock Canyon and the Lake Mead area. The earlier hike is a general hike that will be conducted at a moderate pace while the later hike is intended for the general membership and is conducted at a more leisurely pace. The later Saturday hikes conducted in or near Red Rock Canyon will also tend to be shorter and less difficult than the earlier hikes. 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 the leisurely 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 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike. If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.

Hikes scheduled during December will be in a variety of locations with different assembly points. The hikes near Red Rock and some other locations will have a primary meeting location at the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store on Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino. Lake Mead hikes will generally meet under the outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta on Lake Mead Parkway near the intersection of I-215 and I-515, especially if the hike is on the south side of the lake. Hikes north of Lake Mead will generally meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood on the east side of Las Vegas. Valley of Fire hikes will assemble at the Lucky Club Casino near the intersection of I-15 and Cheyenne. Secondary meeting locations will include the Siena Community Center near the main entrance to Siena, the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive, the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway, or at one of the Mile Markers along Northshore or Lakeshore Drive at Lake Mead. Be at the selected designated location at least five to ten minutes prior to the departure time listed to allow for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.


Thursday, December 1 - Tank Discovery Scramble. This strenuous hike is almost pure scrambling but generally follows the Calico Tanks Trail through the Calico Hills in Red Rock Canyon. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route climbs and descends three times with an average ascent of 450 feet each climb. There is some serious exposure which can be bypassed using an alternate route for any squeamish participants. With the prospect of some precipitation, each of the five main tanks along the way may contain water. Total distance is about 4.5 miles. The group will be meeting at Best Buy with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, December 2 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. The Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends will be combining forces for a moderate out-and-back hike that will cover a distance up to 7 miles. Starting from the lower parking lot near the Alan Bible Visitor Center, participants will head through five tunnels created for the railroad line that took supplies to Black Canyon during construction of Hoover Dam about eighty years ago. Highlights of the hike include a walk across the new bridge connecting Nevada and Arizona that provides an excellent view of the face of the dam. Around the Bend Friends participants will meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure to Siena, from which the entire group will leave at 8:00 AM. South side residents should be under the large outdoor sign at Henderson Fiesta for a pickup about 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, December 3 - Calico Tanks. The early group this Saturday will be heading to Sandstone Quarry for one of the classic hikes in Red Rock Canyon. The moderate 3-mile out-and-back route through a colorful canyon within the Calico Hills gains approximately 800 feet as it heads toward a natural depression in the sandstone, known as a tank, that has no outlet and holds water seasonally. Trail builders have inserted a number of stone stairways to aid in the climb. The official trail ends at the tank, but a short and intense scramble through boulders to the right of the tank leads to a ledge above Ash Canyon and Calico Basin with excellent views stretching to Arizona. The group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.

Saturday, December 3 - Sandstone Quarry Loop. The parking lot at Sandstone Quarry will be filled with Around the Bend Friends vehicles as the second group of the day heads there for an easy to moderate loop hike in the sandstone bluffs north of the Calico Hills. About 2 or 3 miles in length, this hike has minimal elevation gain but explores some of the side canyons between the quarry and Turtlehead Peak. Some minor scrambling is involved, although most folks should not have any difficulty in dealing with the terrain. Participants will meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.

Monday, December 5 - SMYC Trail. Looking for an easy jaunt away from civilization to start off your week? Then consider taking in this out-and-back hike of 2.2 miles that will start from the Lost Creek pullout along the spur road to Willow Springs. The SMYC Trail spans the distance between Ice Box Canyon and Lost Creek on the northern section of the longer Escarpment Base Trail. There is about 200 feet of elevation change during the course of this hike over gently rolling terrain. Parts of the trail are isolated from the humdrum of the scenic drive and provide a sense of being out in the wilderness. The group will be assembling at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Tuesday, December 6 - Brownstone Canyon. At 8 miles in distance this strenuous loop around Turtlehead Peak will take the group into some interesting back country places not accessed by many people. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route heads east past Red Cap and drops into Gateway Canyon for some serious scrambling up a number of dry waterfalls. That scrambling continues over the sandstone above Gateway and drops into Brownstone Canyon near a wall of protected pictographs. Some amazing petroglyphs in the vicinity are another highlight before the trek continues toward a saddle at the base of La Madre Mountain and a return to the starting point. Meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, December 7 - Pine Creek. Explore one of the more popular areas on the west side of Red Rock Canyon on this easy to moderate jaunt past the foundation of an old two-story home built approximately eighty years ago. The meadows behind the homestead and along the creek still has one apple tree remaining from the days when an orchard filled the spot. Closer to the road is a slight ridge that was used for shooting much of the 1968 western "The Stalking Moon." A couple of possibilities exist for the section of the hike past the foundation but total distance will be between 2 and 3 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Wednesday, December 7 - Turtlehead Peak. If you have ever thought about climbing to the top of this daunting peak on the north side of Red Rock Canyon but have been concerned about holding a group back, then here is your opportunity. The pace today will be accommodating and there will be people to assist on this hike sponsored by Lone Mountain Hiking Club with an invitation extended to Around the Bend Friends. The strenuous out-and-back hike up the regular approach will cover a total distance of 5 miles and gain 1,900 feet along the way. Hiking sticks are recommended. The main meeting location will be the lowest parking area at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, located at the intersection of Sun City and Thomas Ryan Boulevards, with an 8:00 AM departure. ABF members not wanting to meet there will be picked up at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 8:10 AM. The stop at Dunkin Donuts will be quick so don't be late. Coordinator - Terry Hirni.

Thursday, December 8 - Fracture Ridge Peak. On the south side of Sun City Anthem is a ridge with volcanic origins and a number of peaks that have dramatic views south stretching past Searchlight along with views to the north covering most of Las Vegas. Fracture Ridge Peak is among that group. The strenuous out-and-back hike to the top covers a total distance of 7 miles and gains about 1,700 feet in the process. While the great majority of the route is on trail, the final ascent requires picking your way over a lava boulder field. The initial meeting point for west side participants will be at Best Buy with a 7:50 AM departure. The primary assembly point will be at the Walgreens Drug located at Anthem Parkway and Hampton with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Parking at the trail head is extremely limited so we will maximize the carpooling arrangements from Walgreens. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, December 9 - Liberty Bell Arch. The Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers will be heading to Arizona today on a joint hike that will take the group to a broad plateau overlooking the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. Along the way the group will pass the remains of an old mining operation and the distinctive hole in a ridge that provides the namesake for this hike. The new trail head has created a route that starts down White Rock Canyon toward the Arizona Hot Springs. Overall, the moderate out-and-back route covers a distance of 5 to 6 miles with several up and down sections in the 300 foot range. The initial meeting point will be Best Buy with a 7:45 AM departure, with those participants stopping at Siena for a full group departure at 8:00 AM. One final stop will be made at the Henderson Fiesta about 8:30 AM to collect any south side participants. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, December 10 - Echo Canyon. The last Saturday in the Red Rock area until mid-February will open with a moderate hike that penetrates a canyon behind the horse stables on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill. Although there is scrambling involved getting up some short dry waterfalls and around limestone boulders, only a few of them have any amount of difficulty. The route will climb through the canyon to the top before joining the Fossil Ridge Trail on the descent portion. Total distance for the loop hike is around 4 miles. The group will be assembling at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.

Saturday, December 10 - First Creek. If we happen to have any early winter precipitation along the escarpment there is a good chance that water will be flowing over the 15-foot waterfall in the hidden grotto along the drainage about a mile off the highway. Participants who opt for this hike will get a chance to find out before continuing on toward the base of Indecision Peak farther up First Creek Canyon. This area has had several bighorn sightings in the past and another is certainly possible. Total distance for this reasonably level hike will be 3 to 4 miles with a rating of easy to moderate. The group will depart from the Best Buy parking lot at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Monday, December 12 - Keystone Thrust & Cactus Hill. This moderate 2.5-mile hike definitely has some highs and lows. The highs will come as you stand on the top edge of Cactus Hill with the magnificence of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley spread out below you. The lows come as you climb down a trail on the edge of a network of sandstone slabs to stand at the base of a 30-foot seasonal waterfall. From this point you are also able to observe up close how the Keystone Thrust Fault has placed older limestone directly on top of younger sandstone, leaving this transition open to viewing. Meet the other members of the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Tuesday, December 13 - Pumpkin Parfait Canyon. Also known as the Rogers Spring Loop, this moderately strenuous hike will cover a distance of roughly 7 miles as it passes the spring area and explores a couple of interesting canyons that exhibit ancient fossils. Ultimately, the route arrives at Pumpkin Parfait Box Canyon, an area resplendent with an explosion of colorful formations. Due to the distance from Las Vegas, some additional time is required for the drive. North and west side participants can meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood and leave from there at 7:30 AM. There will probably not be a coordinator at this site, so timing will be up to those who meet there. Other participants can drive directly to the main meeting spot, a pull-out located at Mile Marker 4 on North Shore Road. The entire group will depart from there at 8:00 AM. The start of the hike is located at Mile Marker 40. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

Wednesday, December 14 - The Muffins. Today's group will be heading to the cowboy stables parking area on the north side of Blue Diamond Hill for a moderate out-and-back hike of 4 miles that climbs up to a set of caliche boulders on the north end of the ridge overlooking the Red Rock Visitor Center. The ascent to the boulders gains about 800 feet of elevation. Those going on the hike are requested to bring muffins or other breakfast type food items for a snack. The descent will return the group to the parking lot on the same trail. Participants should meet at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

Thursday, December 15 - Valley of Fire Peak. The hike to the highest point in Valley of Fire State Park is only about 4.5 miles long with 1,800 feet of gross elevation gain, but it will probably take about six hours to accomplish because of the level of scrambling involved. Because it is very strenuous in nature, only experienced hikers should participate in this effort. There is minimal exposure along the route that will be used, but long pants, shirts with sleeves, and lots of water are recommended. When you combine the hiking time with nearly three hours of drive time, this jaunt will take most of the day. West side participants can meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage for carpooling with a 6:30 AM departure. The primary meeting location will be the parking lot at the Lucky Club Casino on Cheyenne and I-15. The entire group will leave from there at 7:00 AM. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

Friday, December 16 - Moenkopi/Calico Hills. The final joint hike of the year between Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers will start at either the Red Rock fee booth parking lot or at the Visitor Center and follow the trail clockwise to the northwest of the Visitor Center and onto the 100-foot ridge with the overlook bench on the point. The route will then head across to the Calico I Overlook and take the Calico Tanks Trail toward Sandstone Quarry. Somewhere between Calico II and Sandstone Quarry, the group will take a snack break before heading straight back toward the vehicles. Estimated distance is about 5 miles with a moderate rating. The Over the Hills group will meet at Siena for an 8:00 AM departure, the ABF contingent will leave from Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the two groups will get together in front of Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, December 17 - Black Mountain (Boulder City). The Saturday season at Lake Mead begins today with a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike to the Black Mountain observation point above Boulder City in the River Mountains. Elevation gain along this well-maintained trail is 1,100 feet getting to the spot that affords a delightful view north toward Las Vegas as well as most of Lake Mead's Boulder Basin to the east. An early assembly of west side participants will occur at Best Buy and they must depart no later than 7:40 AM. The main meeting location will be under the large outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta Casino. An early group consisting of the faster hikers will leave from there at 8:15 AM with the group of slower hikers leaving at 8:30 AM. Boulder City residents should be at the River Mountains trail head no later than fifteen minutes later than the appropriate group departure from Henderson Fiesta. Carpooling from Best Buy should reflect the two different finishing times, which are likely to be an hour apart. Coordinators - Guy Galante (first group) and Chris Neinaber (second group).

Sunday, December 18 - River Mountains Trail & Champagne Brunch. To work up an appetite, the group will start with an easy to moderate 5-mile point-to-point walk along a paved section of the River Mountains Trail between the parking area adjacent to St. Jude Children's Ranch and the Railroad Pass Casino. The last half of the trail runs fairly close to the restored rail line that is used for excursions on the weekends with a turn around near Railroad Pass. After retrieving the vehicles, participants will enjoy the champagne brunch at Railroad Pass Casino along with each others' company. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure to the main meeting location at the Henderson Fiesta, from which the entire group will depart around 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Monday, December 19 - Turtlehead Peak. This trip to the top of the distinctive peak on the north side of Sandstone Quarry will probably be a bit faster than the same hike twelve days earlier, but it won't be any easier. At a total distance of 5 miles, this strenuous out-and-back hike with 1,900 feet of elevation gain will still provide a challenge to the more intrepid individuals in the club because of the steep terrain getting to the saddle behind the peak. Views from the top are sensational and are an ample reward for the effort. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Tuesday, December 20 - Red Cap, Calico Peak, and Calico II Overlook Peak. Participants will get a chance to climb to the top of three of the sandstone peaks in the Calico Hills on this very strenuous 5-mile loop hike. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the group will head around to the back side of Red Cap for an ascent along a seldom used route. Descending from the summit, the route will pass a number of natural tanks and deal with an exposure issue getting to the top of Calico Peak. The route then crosses the Calico Tanks Trail and climbs another peak on the west side of the hills. After exerting a lot of energy scrambling over the sandstone ledges, the group will descend through the steep canyon toward Calico II Overlook before looping back to Sandstone Quarry. This hike is only open to serious hikers who are not concerned with difficulty and exposure. Otherwise, the group will meet at Best Buy and depart for the hike at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, December 21 - Krafft Mountain Loop. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club will be combining forces for a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike around the magenta colored peak north of Calico Basin that involves about one mile of scrambling in the lower section of Gateway Canyon. Come along and find out why this colorful canyon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful accessible areas in the vicinity of Red Rock. The Lone Mountain contingent and any nearby Around the Bend Friends members will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for an 8:00 AM departure to Best Buy, where the main ABF contingent will accumulate. The combined group will then depart at 8:15 AM for the trail head. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, December 22 - Arizona Hot Springs. The loop version of the hike to this popular destination in Arizona helps ease the strain on the legs by eliminating the return climb through loose gravel in White Rock Canyon that is part of the out-and-back version. However, to accomplish this the group must climb the ladder in the side canyon and wade through the pools of hot water generated by the springs. There is some moderate scrambling along this route but the buddy system helps considerably. Total distance is 6 miles with a moderate rating. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure. The entire group will leave from the Henderson Fiesta at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, December 23 - Black Mountain (Henderson). The southern end of Sun City Anthem provides the starting point for a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike to a prominent peak with excellent views in all directions extending out for at least fifty miles. The first half of the route is somewhat relaxed as it begins to climb the main ridge approaching the peak but most of the elevation gain of 2,100 feet occurs in the second half of the climb. This entire slope is known for the hodgepodge of volcanic boulders and the presence of silver cholla. A west side group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:50 AM departure. All other participants should drive directly to the main meeting point at the Walgreens Drug on Anthem Parkway and Hampton for an 8:30 AM drive to the trail head. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Saturday, December 24 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. The split outing along the old railroad bed used during the construction of Hoover Dam starts from the lower parking area near the currently closed Alan Bible Visitor Center. In either case, the moderate hike will probably cover a distance of 7 miles as it includes a walk onto the new bridge and a possible ramble down onto the dam. West side residents should meet at Best Buy for a 7:40 AM departure to Henderson Fiesta, which will be the main meeting location. A faster group will leave there at 8:15 AM with a more leisurely group going at 8:30 AM. Carpooling from Best Buy should reflect the different finishing times. Boulder City residents could go directly to the Alan Bible parking lot but should be there by 8:30 AM or 8:45 AM respectively. Coordinators - Steve Anderson (first group) and Guy Galante (second group).

Monday, December 26 - Grand Staircase in Calico Basin. Starting from Red Spring Picnic Area, this short 2 to 3-mile boulder scrambling route climbs up the sandstone face of the southern end of the Calico Hills, gaining about 1,000 feet in the process. Some of the sections carry a Class 3 rating, meaning use of hands is required, and there is some exposure involved. Overall rating for the hike is strenuous. Views from the top extend both east to Las Vegas and west to Red Rock Canyon and the Wilson Cliffs. The descent section of the loop hike has somewhat easier terrain to negotiate. Overall, the hike should take under three hours to accomplish. The group will meet at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Tuesday, December 27 - Modified Mother Loop Trail. The starting point for this strenuous 8 to 10-mile loop hike through the River Mountains starts at the trail head parking lot near St. Jude Children's Ranch. The route climbs to the saddle between Red and Black Mountains, crosses the caldera on the back side of the saddle, and follows a series of mountain biking and fainter trails through the western section of the range toward Railroad Pass, returning above Cascata Golf Course via Bootleg Canyon. An early group from the west side can meet at Best Buy for a 7:15 AM departure to meet up with the main group at the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure. Participants from Boulder City should be at the trail head parking lot by 8:15 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

Wednesday, December 28 - Echo Canyon. For the second Wednesday in a row the Around the Bend Friends will be joining forces with Lone Mountain Hiking Club for an outing in the Red Rock area. The offering today will be a moderate 4-mile loop hike that ascends about 500 feet through a limestone canyon containing some ancient seabed fossils. Some minor scrambling is required. After exiting at the top of the canyon, the group will return to the starting point along Fossil Ridge. The Lone Mountain group and nearby ABF members will meet up at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, departing at 8:00 AM for Best Buy, where the Around the Bend group will assemble. The combined group will leave there at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, December 29 - Gold Strike Hot Springs. The club participants will be off to the canyon on the Nevada side of the Colorado River near the Hacienda Casino that leads down to the river passing a number of hot springs pools. The 5-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderately strenuous and there is some serious scrambling going both ways in the canyon. A few sections are rope aided as they scale the sides of 12-foot boulders and ledges that block the way. West side participants will meet at Best Buy and leave at 7:45 AM for the main departure point at the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:30 AM exit. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, December 30 - Siena Ridge. It's almost an uneventful trip along a desert ridge across Town Center Drive from Siena until you reach the edge of what some members of the last group to do this hike called the "Little Grand Canyon." Below your feet at this point is a deep canyon with a flood control dam connecting the two sides and protecting an area of Summerlin that includes the campus of Bishop Gorman High School. Although there is not a lot of boulder scrambling, most of the hike is on faint or no trail through the desert or along recreational gravel roads. Distance is about 5 or 6 miles depending on the route and is probably considered moderate in terms of difficulty. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure or drive directly to the parking lot for the Siena Golf Course where the group will start the hike around 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, December 31 - Liberty Bell Arch. Finish off the year with a trip past a World War II manganese mine and the distinctive arch shaped like the Revolutionary War Liberty Bell and wind up on a broad plateau nearly 800 feet above the Colorado River for a snack break. As on the previous two Saturdays, the group will be divided according to speed, with the faster group leaving a bit earlier. The west side group will leave from Best Buy at 7:40 AM but should set up carpooling based on the two departures from Henderson Fiesta. The early group leaving at 8:15 AM should include the faster hikers while the 8:30 AM departure is for the more leisurely hikers. Coordinators - Kay Blackwell (first group) and Guy Galante (second group).


At this point, very few specific hikes have been scheduled for January 2012, so any of the members has a chance to contribute their favorite Lake Mead or Red Rock hikes, either as a suggestion or as a volunteer coordinator. Please contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or dempseylv@aol.com with any offerings.