April Hike List 2012

This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities.  All club members should at least review the newsletter when it is sent out each month so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of April 2012.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club.  Two hikes are usually offered each Saturday during the seasons at Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead.  The earlier Saturday hike will generally be rated somewhere between moderate and strenuous and will be conducted at a moderate pace.  The later hike that day is intended for the general membership, is rated no more than moderate, and is conducted at a leisurely pace.  Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderate, although more difficult hikes may be scheduled from time to time.  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 later Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult offerings.  No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below.  Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of the hike.  Whenever possible, e-mails will be sent out through Yahoo Groups informing of any cancellations.  If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.

Almost all the hikes scheduled this month will be in the Red Rock area, with the staging point to be used in front of the Best Buy store on Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino.  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.

Monday, April 2 - White Rock Hills Loop.  Leading off the month is one of the old standard hikes in the Red Rock area.  By far the most used starting point for this moderate loop hike is Willow Springs Picnic Area, located at the end of the paved spur road just past Mile Marker 7 on the scenic loop, which will be the case today.  Join the group and see how just a short relative distance can result in a total change of vegetation due to differing precipitation levels on different sides of the mountains.  Total distance is 6.4 miles and there is 900 feet of elevation gain getting to the usual snack spot near the northeast corner of the two peaks.  The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Tuesday, April 3 - Two North Peaks.  We started offering this double peak hike to our members last year about this time and it has become very popular.  Total distance for the partial loop hike is 11 miles.  The elevation gain getting to the limestone North Peak is about 2,800 feet and the transition to the sandstone North Peak gains several hundred more.  Overall, the hike is rated as strenuous.  Over half the distance covered will be along Rocky Gap Road coming out of Willow Springs Picnic Area.  Views from the top of each peak stretch across Las Vegas to the Lake Mead area and take in three states.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, April 4 - Ash Canyon Overlook Extended.  Today's offering will be a joint hike with the Lone Mountain Hiking Club out of Sun City Summerlin.  It will be a new version of an old destination, with the group starting from the gravel extension of the paved road at the northwest corner of Calico Basin.  This will be an out-and-back route that follows the trail up Five Stop Hill to Gateway Saddle, descends into Gateway Canyon, and heads west toward the base of Red Cap.  Turning left above Ash Canyon, the route will pass the normal break spot for the overlook and continue on to a rock slab above the community of Calico Basin.  Distance is about 4 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  Lone Mountain members can meet at Desert Vista Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure to Best Buy, with the combined group leaving from there at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, April 5 - Mountain Spring Peak.  This outing will utilize the loop version of the hike to the destination limestone peak behind the southern section of the escarpment.  Starting from the gravel pullout near Mountain Spring Summit, the trail climbs about 1,500 feet to the peak and descends on the other side heading north along the escarpment.  The snack break will occur at one of the most dramatic spots in the Las Vegas area, directly above Black Velvet Canyon on a limestone ledge.  The return section of the hike passes a shallow cave and a couple of springs before returning to the starting point.  Distance for the hike is 7 miles and the rating is strenuous.  The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, April 6 - Echo Canyon, First Finger & Fossil Ridge.  The cowboy stables parking lot on Highway 159 just down the road from the entrance to Red Rock Canyon will be the starting point for this moderate 6.5 -mile loop hike that climbs through Echo Canyon, gaining about 750 feet in the process, and descends along Fossil Ridge.  In between those two segments will be a short trek onto the ridge that divides Echo from Cave Canyon.  Echo Canyon is a scenic limestone cut in Blue Diamond Hill also known as Fossil Canyon, and a sharp eye should net a view of the remains of an ancient inland sea.  The climb through the canyon involves some moderate scrambling with other sections of trail.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinators - Kay & John Blackwell.

Saturday, April 7 - Red Cap for Dummies.  Okay, this hike isn't really intended for stupid people.  The moniker is a play on those black and yellow books that attempt to simplify a whole lot of life's tasks.  That's what we will be offering on this early Saturday hike, which is only 3 miles in length with 900 feet of gain but carries a strenuous rating.  If you have ever thought about participating on a pure scramble hike and have the ability but have never done one, then join us for the adventure to the red mantle on the north end of the Calico Hills.  We will take our time and make sure everyone who goes along gets to enjoy the fabulous view from the top.  There are sections of moderate exposure on this hike.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, April 7 - Calico I/Moenkopi Loop.  The alternate hike this Saturday is a leisurely loop hike that will start from the Red Rock Visitor Center and cover a distance of 3.5 miles.  The route will head across the scenic loop drive and stop briefly at the Calico I Overlook, which offers a great close-up view of the multi-colored sandstone formations of the Calico Hills.  Crossing the drive again to the interior section of Red Rock, the group will connect with the Moenkopi Trail, climb the small ridge north of the Visitor Center, and drop down to a section of the Grand Circle Trail for a return to the starting point.  Rating is easy to moderate with 250 feet of elevation gain.  The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:30 AM.  Coordinators - Kay & John Blackwell.

Monday, April 9 - Escarpment Base Trail.  The west side of Red Rock Canyon provides the setting for this 5+ mile point-to-point hike heading north along the base of the Wilson Cliffs.  The standard route involves parts or all of Arnight, Pine Creek, Dale's, and SMYC Trails and gains about 600 feet of net elevation in the process.  The section utilizing Dale's Trail passes through several remote drainage areas with lots of short descents and climbs.  The entire route is very scenic and there is always the chance of spotting wildlife along the way.  Rating is moderate.  Extra vehicles will be needed for this hike, with some parked at the terminal point at the Lost Creek trail head.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, April 10 - Bridge Mountain.  Arguably the toughest hike in the Las Vegas area, Bridge offers distance, elevation gain, rough terrain, and serious exposure along with great views and a sense of accomplishment.  The exact distance for today's outing is dependent on which vehicles are available to take on the extremes of Rocky Gap Road.  The current plan is to drive at least as far as the Pink Jeep turn-around point point or to the North Peak trail stop before relying on feet to get the rest of the way.  Depending on the starting point and the route selected, the hike could be anywhere from 6 to 12 miles with over 2,500 feet of elevation gain.  Because of the nature of this hike, RSVP's are mandatory.  Please check in with the coordinator at 396-2125 prior to the event.  The group will be meeting at Best Buy for a departure at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, April 11 - Grand Circle.  Let's take a trip around Red Rock Canyon with our guest coordinator on this moderately strenuous loop hike starting from the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center.  Proceeding clockwise will provide excellent panoramic views of the canyon as the hike features the Wilson Cliffs on the way out and the Calico Hills on the return leg.  Total distance is a shade more than 11 miles with elevation gain approaching 1,000 feet; however, the gain rate is very gradual as the trail heads toward the gap which contains the spur road to Willow Springs.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

Thursday, April 12 - Calico Hills/Gateway Loop.  The longest of the three similar hikes staged out of Red Springs Picnic Area and involving Gateway Canyon, this outing will head around the south end of the Calico Hills and follow the trails on the Red Rock Canyon side of the colorful sandstone formations as far as Sandstone Quarry.  The route will then clear the north end of the Calico Hills before descending into Gateway Canyon.  The final stretch will meander through the boulder field at the base of Krafft Mountain and follow Ash Creek back to the start.  Total distance is about 8 miles with a strenuous rating.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, April 13 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails.  This is a 4.5 mile hike on trails behind the Blue Diamond community. The group will meet at Best Buy and depart from there at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, April 14 - Around the Bend Friends Spring Picnic.  No club hike will be scheduled.  See details for the picnic in the club newsletter or other communication.

Sunday, April 15 - Las Vegas Overlook.  This moderately strenuous 7-mile loop hike will go in reverse to the normal routes usually used for treks on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill, meaning participants will get a fresh slant on the scenery viewed from the higher ridges of the mesa.  Starting up Fossil Ridge immediately after passing through the entrance to the horse stables near Highway 159, the route will follow a series of trails over to the Las Vegas Overlook on the eastern rim of the hill.  From that great viewing spot, the group will finish the hike with a descent through Skull Canyon back to the starting point.  Departure time is 8:00 AM from the normal meeting location at Best Buy.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, April 16 - Lovell Canyon.  Here is a reschedule of an outing originally planned for March that fell victim to nasty weather.  The moderate hike on the west side of the escarpment will concentrate on the middle section of the canyon near a private ranch at the far end of Potato Road, aka Rocky Gap Road, as it swings over from Willow Springs in Red Rock Canyon.  The primary loop is between 5 and 6 miles and has minimal elevation gain.  A second loop, optional for the group, will tack on another mile to the total.  The group will be meeting at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure before driving to the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 to pick up any south side participants at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

Tuesday, April 17 - Gass Peak.  Ever wondered about that large mountain directly north of Las Vegas and whether it can be hiked?  Well, that's Gass Peak and the normal route up is from the north side through the Desert National Wildlife Station near Corn Creek.  Obviously, the view from the top is sensational.  To get there, however, requires quite a bit of work.  First is the drive to the starting point on minimally maintained gravel roads that definitely require high clearance vehicles.  Next is the 7 miles of distance with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain over rough desert terrain on a reasonably decent trail.  Rated strenuous, this trek does provide a great reward at the top with the view.  For this hike, we will be using our regular summer meeting location on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station, which is located on Rancho and Lone Mountain Road.  Be there a bit early for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Wednesday, April 18 - North Blue Diamond Ridges.  Here is another chance to rub shoulders with our compatriots from the Lone Mountain Hiking Club on a joint hike sponsored by both groups.  The moderate 6-mile loop hike will start at the cowboy stables parking area off Highway 159 a little past the entrance to Red Rock and make the steep climb up Boneshaker Hill in the first mile.  Total elevation gain is about 1,100 feet with the high point somewhat below the antenna now used by the BLM for communications in the Red Rock area.  Lone Mountain or dual club members who live in Sun City Summerlin can meet at Desert Vista Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure.  That group will head over to Best Buy and pick up the Around the Bend Friends contingent at 8:15 AM before heading to the horse stables.  Coordinator - Jerry Blum.

Thursday, April 19 - Gray Cap Peak.  Climb over several dry waterfalls through the upper section of Gateway Canyon to this distinctive peak situated directly above Brownstone Canyon east of Turtlehead on a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike.  Besides dealing with the limestone formations in the canyon, the group will also have to negotiate rugged sandstone terrain on the ridges that make up the approach to the peak.  This will be the standard route that begins at Sandstone Quarry and passes the north end of the Calico Hills below Red Cap.  The group will be assembling at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, April 20 - Arnight-Knoll Loop.  The extended version of the loop hike involving a combination of three trails at the base of Rainbow Mountain will add an out-and-back section between the gravel parking lot at the end of the scenic loop drive and the regular Oak Creek trail head accessed off the scenic loop.  This addition increases the total distance to about 6 miles but does not substantially change the 300 feet of elevation gain that occurs on the regular loop.  Rating is moderate.  The group will depart at 8:15 AM from the normal meeting location at Best Buy.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, April 21 - Calico Tanks/Calico II Overlook Peak.  This short hike with lots of scrambling will start at Sandstone Quarry and proceed up the Calico Tanks Trail in the normal fashion.  At the main tank at the end of the official trail, the group will scramble up to the peak overlooking the Calico II parking area and then use the second portion of the Tank Discovery Scramble to return to the Calico Tanks Trail and a return to the starting point.  Total distance is 3 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain and a rating of moderately strenuous.  There is some exposure along the route but it is not the extreme exposure associated with another section of the scramble hike.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinators - John & Kay Blackwell.

Saturday, April 21 - Ash Creek Loop.  If you are looking for one of those short, level hikes that allow you to socialize with your fellow hikers and not have to worry about the terrain, then look no further than this easy to moderate 3-mile loop that goes out of the Red Springs Picnic Area at the southwest corner of Calico Basin.  The route will generally stay between the Calico Hills and Ash Creek as it flows behind the community of Calico Basin, with an intended snack break on the boulders near the lowest section of Ash Canyon.  Beauty abounds as the trail passes closely below sandstone formations that are used by climbers.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Sunday, April 22 - Krafft Mountain Loop.  One of our club's favorite hikes is this 5-mile loop that starts at Red Springs Picnic Area and follows the trail climbing up Five Stop Hill to Gateway Saddle and down into the lower section of Gateway Canyon for some absolutely beautiful scenery.  Once in the canyon, there is slightly less than a mile of scrambling through sandstone formations that exhibit a wide variety of patterns and colors.  A couple of the boulder descents provide a bit of challenge even to experienced hikers.  The return section along the southern base of Krafft Mountain passes through a boulder field that is well known as a haven for free climbers.  Meet the group at Best Buy for a departure at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.


Monday, April 23 - Black Velvet Peak.   Here's your opportunity to set foot on a seldom-visited peak in the southern portion of the Red Rock escarpment, Black Velvet.  Total distance is less than five miles with a  couple thousand feet of elevation gain.  But it's no walk in the park for sure, as this strenuous outing involves some Class 3 sandstone scrambling with a bit of exposure.  We'll come in from the back side, making our approach from the Mountain Springs Bar.  The group will depart from the Best Buy parking lot @0730.  Coordinator - Richard Natale.

Tuesday, April 24 - Windy Peak via Grapevine Canyon.  This out-and-back hike to one of the southern peaks on the Wilson Cliffs is only 4 miles long but don't kid yourself - it's one of the toughest hikes around.  Total elevation gain is something over 2,000 feet with a climb rate exceeding twenty per cent for much of the route.  Boulders, brush, and exposure also play a significant part in finding a way up to the distinctive peak that provides great views across Lake Mead to the mountains in Arizona.  Overall rating is very strenuous.  Because of the nature of the hike, anyone interested needs to get clearance prior to the hike from the coordinator, whose phone number is 396-2125.  The group will be meeting at Best Buy and leave for the hike at 8:00 AM with a stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 to pick up south side participants at 8:20 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, April 25 - Badger Pass.  The standard short version of the hike to the saddle in the lower section of the Bird Spring Range will cover a distance of 3 miles and gain about 600 feet of elevation.  With a rating of easy to moderate, it will provide a nice workout for many of our club members who look forward to hiking with our young guest coordinator who has ties to the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association.  One of the legs of this loop hike will follow the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley, which passes an area hit fairly hard by a wild fire a number of years ago.  The meeting site for this hike will be at Best Buy with a departure time of 9:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

Thursday, April 26 - Turtlehead Peak.  Total distance is 5 miles and elevation gain is 1,900 feet for this strenuous out-and-back trek to the top of the distinctive peak on the north end of Red Rock Canyon.  Acknowledged as the most difficult hike in Red Rock conducted on official trails, the route lives up to that reputation with about one-half mile of steep and loose terrain that follows a drainage up to a saddle behind the peak for a ramped approach.  Sandstone Quarry will be used as the jump off point for the hike that will follow the standard established route to the top.  The group will convene at the Best Buy parking lot on Charleston for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, April 27 - Calico Hills.  Often used as an early morning workout hike because of its easy access to Highway 159 and its rolling terrain, the Calico Hills Trail is dynamic because of its proximity to the colorful formations of the sandstone hills just to the east of the trail.  The moderate 6-mile out-and-back version of this hike will cover the area between the fee booth parking lot at Red Rock and the Sandstone Quarry area.  Overall, the elevation gain is only 600 feet, but the rolling terrain probably doubles that number for gross gain.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, April 28 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails.  Behind the community of Blue Diamond along the southern end of Highway 159 is a 600-foot ridge on which mountain bikers established a number of trails over a decade ago.  Our club will be using those trails today for a moderate 5-mile loop hike that starts at the edge of Blue Diamond.  From the top of the ridge all of the sandstone peaks that make up the Wilson Cliffs are in view, along with mining areas on the south end of Blue Diamond Hill across Highway 159.  A large herd of wild burros roams the area and is often spotted in close proximity to the ridge or the town.  Meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinators - John & Kay Blackwell.

Saturday, April 28 - La Madre Springs.  One of the little known aspects of the La Madre Springs hike is that the trail passes through an open area dense with Palmer's Penstamin, a plant that produces stalks with a series of light pink blossoms.  Timing may be right to see this short-lived phenomenon.  Otherwise, participants will have to be content with observing a couple of foundations from old homesteads and the wildlife dam and pond located at the base of the springs area.  Our coordinator plans on taking the narrow trail upstream from the pond for a short distance, which will probably involve crossing the creek and some flowing water at a couple of points.  Total distance is 4 miles, elevation gain is 700 feet, and rating is moderate.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Sunday, April 29 - The Muffins & Las Vegas Overlook.  On occasion some of our members have expressed an interest in doing afternoon hikes and our coordinator has decided to test the waters today with a hike up the north end of Blue Diamond Hill.  The standard route for this hike will start at the horse stables parking lot off Highway 159 and follow the trail up to the distinctive rock formations visible from three sides.  It will then continue up to the old Las Vegas Overlook and descend through Skull Canyon.  Total distance for the loop hike is 5 miles, there is an elevation gain of 1,000 feet, and the rating is moderate.  Pay attention to the time below as it is quite different from normal.  The group will meet at Best Buy and leave there for the starting point at 4:45 PM, finishing the hike around sunset.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Monday, April 30 - Sandstone Quarry Scramble.  Finish the month off on an exciting note on a 5-mile loop hike out of Sandstone Quarry that will include lots of scrambling.  Photographers should bring their cameras for great scenery shots as the group goes in search of tanks scattered throughout the sandstone formations in the vicinity.  This hike should probably be rated as moderately strenuous.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jerry Trevena.

If you would like to be part of the great group of people who volunteer their time as hike coordinators, please contact Chris Dempsey at 823-2355 or dempseylv@aol.com to find out more.  It's now time to start planning for the May schedule and a late month return to the higher elevations in the Spring Mountains near Mount Charleston.