August 2012 Hike List

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 a list of scheduled club hikes for August 2012.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  The more strenuous Tuesday hikes are only open to existing club members.  In addition, Tuesday participants should have completed at least two of the Thursday hikes, which are generally rated moderately strenuous or strenuous.  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 either moderate or moderately 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 may vary significantly depending on who has volunteered to serve as coordinator.  Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities.  New hikers with recent hiking experience MUST begin with the 8:30 AM Saturday hike or a weekday hike rated no more than moderate 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 a hike.  Whenever possible, e-mails will be sent out through Yahoo Groups informing of any changes or cancellations.  If you have any questions or comments about any of the hikes contact Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or at (702) 823-2355.

 

With the exception of possible evening walks or hikes in the valley, all club hikes during the summer months will be conducted in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains near Mount Charleston.  The assembly point for all these hikes is along the south wall on the third floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station Casino.  As there are two garages at Santa Fe, the correct one is the one closest to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road.  If you are meeting the group at this location for the first time, the easiest directions are to exit on Rancho from either northbound or southbound Highway 95, pass the front of the casino on Rancho, and enter the garage on your right between the two signalized intersections.  Details for other assembly areas will be included in the appropriate hike description.  Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin assembling about one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure time.

 

Our schedule this month includes two full moon hikes, with the second one occurring on Friday, August 31.  That outing will be held in conjunction with the Sun City Anthem Hiking Club and will include a potluck picnic prior to the hike.  See the last hike description on this list for more details.  Let's have a good turnout and show the Anthem hikers what great people are part of Around the Bend Friends. 

 

 

Wednesday, August 1 - Griffith Peak.  The loop version of the route to the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains provides an abundance of scenery unmatched by most other hikes.  At 10 miles and 3,500 feet of elevation, this strenuous hike begins at the top of the mountain community of Rainbow and follows Rainbow Canyon up to the saddle between Harris and Griffith Peaks.  After reaching the summit from the Harris Springs Trail, the descent will be on South Loop Trail and across the top portion of the Rainbow Loop Trail.  An early group from Sun City Summerlin will meet at Desert Vista, leaving for Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM to join the rest of the group and a 7:20 AM departure.  Coordinators - Brian Dodd & Jon Lubinski.

 

Wednesday, August 1 - Mary Jane Falls.  Looking for something a bit less daunting to start the dog days of summer?  Then try this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike to the base of the major seasonal waterfall draining the north ridge between Charleston and Mummy.  There is still some challenge as the elevation gain is 920 feet, most of which occurs on a series of switchbacks in the second half of the climb.  A more defined path continues from the falls to a shallow cave a short distance away with a great view of upper Kyle Canyon.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.

 

Thursday, August 2 - Bonanza Trail Overlook.  A shorter version of the McFarland Approach hike, this strenuous out-and-back trek will start at the top end of Lee Canyon Road and use No Name Trail to connect with the Bonanza Trail.  The snack break and turn around point for the hike will occur on a section of ridge with fantastic open views of the Sisters and Mack's Peak.  A slightly different return will occur as the group will follow Bonanza Trail back to its southern starting point and finish on the wooded section of Bristlecone Trail.  Total distance should be around 9 miles with 2,000 feet gross elevation gain.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, August 3 - Cockscomb Ridge.  At a distance close to 5 miles, this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike will start from the new parking area marking the beginning of Trail Canyon Trail and follow that trail to the junction with North Loop Trail about 2 1/4 miles above.  This trail gains about 1,600 feet and is fairly steep, with several switchbacks easing the climb rate in the second half of the ascent.  The group will go out onto Cockscomb Ridge for a short distance to have a snack break and take in some great views of Fletcher Canyon.  A subgroup will meet at the Siena Community Center for a 7:45 AM departure for Santa Fe Station, with the full group leaving there at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Friday, August 3 - Pueblo Park.  There is no conflict between these Friday hikes as we will be strolling through Pueblo Park in the evening to take advantage of a nearly full moon rising.  Sunset is at 7:43 AM and moonrise is at 8:30 AM, meaning the sky should be dark enough to provide a great backdrop to the first appearance of the moon.  Bring flashlights, water, and a snack.  This easy walk is 3 miles in length, reasonably flat, and paved all the way.  The group will meet at the corner of the parking lot for Smiths Grocery on Lake Mead and Rampart at 7:00 PM and drive to Pueblo Park about a mile away, with the walk starting at 7:20 PM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, August 4 - Sawmill Trail.  Development of a trail system in lower Lee Canyon for equestrians has provided us with an opportunity for another leisurely Saturday outing.  At 3 miles in distance, this easy to moderate loop hike winds its way through an orchard of cliff roses just west of the Sawmill Picnic Area before climbing to an open ridge that affords great views of Creech Air Force Base and the nuclear testing site beyond.  Elevation gain is around 300 feet.  After reaching the upper portion of Blue Tree Road, the group will head through a bare bones camping area before picking up a trail back to the start.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, August 5 - Mummy Springs Loop.  This hike was originally scheduled for July 15, but a rollover accident on Highway 158 north of Robbers' Roost kept the group from getting to the trail head that day, so it is back on the schedule for August.  The loop route for this strenuous 7-mile hike will begin at the North Loop trail head on Highway 158.  The ascent portion of the hike, gaining 1,600 feet of elevation, is on a ridge along Deer Creek above the seasonal cabins and sawmill remains.  After getting to the Mummy's Toe Trail, the group will turn left, take a snack break at the springs, then pass Raintree on the way down North Loop Trail.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez. 

 

Monday, August 6 - Cathedral Rock.  One of the signature hikes in the Spring Mountains is this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike to the top of a rock outcropping closer to the base of the south ridge than toward its top.  Elevation gain is 950 feet along the trail that winds through Mazie Canyon, site of a fairly large avalanche seven years ago.  Some of the remnants of that avalanche include benches that were carved out of a few of the larger downed pine trees that cluttered the route that year.  The view from the top is well worth the effort getting there.  The group will assemble at the normal spot at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.

 

Tuesday, August 7 - Mummy's Toe.  This is a very strenuous out-and-back hike that starts innocuously on the North Loop Trail and turns very steep past Mummy Springs.  As the upper trail comes to an end above the springs it becomes steep and loose, just a preamble to the rough terrain that must be crossed getting to the peak itself.  Distance will be around 9 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain.  At the top there is a sensational view of Kyle Canyon from a true mountain climbing setting.  The group will get together at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, August 8 - Lee Peak.  The training portion of the series leading to an ascent of Mount Charleston draws to a conclusion with a qualifying hike to Lee Peak, located on the north ridge between Charleston and Mummy.  The very strenuous out-and-back hike involving Trail Canyon and North Loop Trail covers a total distance of 13 miles and gains 4,000 feet of elevation.  The final ascent to the peak is over a steep scree field from the west side.  If you plan on joining the group the following Wednesday you must be able to do this hike.  An early group will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for a 7:00 AM departure with the full group leaving Santa Fe at 7:20 AM.  Coordinators - Brian Dodd & Jon Lubinski.

 

Wednesday, August 8 - Fletcher Canyon.  Come and experience the scenic beauty of the slot nearly two miles into this moderate out-and-back hike.  Total distance will be 4 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain on a trail that follows a seasonal creek originating near the North Loop Trail below Mummy's Toe.  After a few steep but short climb sections, the trail empties into a narrow section of the route that is only five feet across with cliff walls on either side.  This last section involves some minor scrambling.  The snack break will be just below Obstacle Rock, the divider between the lower and upper sections of the canyon.  The gang will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

 

Thursday, August 9 - No Name/Bristlecone Variation.  Here is variation of a great hike at the top of Lee Canyon.  For this outing, the group will be doing a moderately strenuous point-to-point hike that will start at the top of Lee Canyon Road near the ski resort.  The standard route will follow No Name Trail to the intersection with Bonanza Trail and use Bonanza to descend back to Bristlecone Trail.  At that junction, however, the group will turn left, heading toward the lower trail head, and turn left again on a trail that leads back to Old Mill Picnic Area.  Distance will be around 6 or 7 miles with more downhill than uphill.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, August 10 - Cathedral Rock.  Canceled as a Friday hike in July due to thunderstorms, this trek is on the schedule for the second time this week, but will likely attract a different group of participants than the first occasion.  The 3-mile loop hike gains 950 feet and comes with a moderate rating as it follows the trail through the avalanche area in Mazie Canyon just south of the rock outcropping.  The view from the top is sensational and worth the effort.  The early group from Siena will meet at their community center and leave for Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM with the entire group heading to the trail head at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, August 11 - Upper Kyle Canyon Drainage.  The doctor ordered an all downhill hike today and that is what we are offering with this easy to moderate 4-mile point-to-point hike that starts at the Echo trail head near the top of Kyle Canyon Road.  The start is a little rough in the drainage going under the bridge at the bottom end of Echo but it soon becomes trail leading right through the heart of Old Town, where participants can view some of the oldest residences in Kyle Canyon.  Overall, the drop in elevation is around 800 feet, with the hike ending at the Resort on Mount Charleston.  The group meets at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, August 12 - Cathedral Manhole and Beyond.  Want to find out what lies behind Cathedral Rock on the south ridge?  Here is your chance as the group will be heading up Mazie Canyon to the top of the rock outcropping, then continuing to the manhole and a fairly steep canyon that heads west toward the top of the ridge.  Turn around point will be in an old avalanche zone in the canyon.  Distance is around 6 miles for this strenuous out-and-back hike and elevation gain will be close to 1,600 feet.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinators - Lettie Gutierrez & Chris Dempsey.

 

Monday, August 13 - Bristlecone Loop.  The moderate 6-mile loop hike at the top of Lee Canyon gains 900 feet and provides some great open views of the major peaks in the area, including the cliff surrounded Sisters to the northeast.  Probably the least difficult loop hike in the Spring Mountains because of its very gradual rate of elevation increase, the main issue is having stamina for the distance.  This is also the only trail in the upper reaches of the range that allows mountain biking, but you probably won't encounter many on a Monday.  Pace will be leisurely for the hike.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Tuesday, August 14 - Cockscomb Peak.  So close to the floor of Kyle Canyon and yet so difficult to get to.  That pretty much sums up the strenuous 6-mile hike to the top of the large outcropping on Cockscomb Ridge.  The full route starts with Trail Canyon Trail to its junction with North Loop Trail, then heads across the top of Cockscomb Ridge to the base of the peak formation.  Dropping off the ridge, the route proceeds side slope to an access spot on the east side of the mountain.  Participants will encounter steep scrambling and some exposure getting to the top.  The group will depart at 7:00 AM from the customary meeting location at Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, August 15 - Mount Charleston.  Several of our club members have been preparing for months to make their initial assault on the highest peak in southern Nevada and today is the day.  I believe the route that the group will be using is up Trail Canyon and North Loop and down South Loop.  If so, this very strenuous hike will cover 17 miles and have a gross elevation gain of more than 5,000 feet.  A car shuttle of one mile will be required to connect the two trail heads.  Because of the distance and pace an early start will be required.  The initial group from Sun City Summerlin will leave Desert Vista Community Center at 5:25 AM to pick up the second group at Santa Fe Station and a 5:45 AM departure.  Coordinators - Brian Dodd & Jon Lubinski.

 

Thursday, August 16 - Raintree via Trail Canyon.  The 3,000 year old bristlecone pine at the base of Mummy's Toe will be the destination for this moderately strenuous hike that gains 2,100 feet of net elevation over a distance of nearly 8 miles.  Much of the steeper trail is along the first leg on Trail Canyon getting to the junction with North Loop Trail and the approach from the west.The section of North Loop between Trail Canyon and the ancient tree passes the top of Fletcher Canyon and affords lots of dynamite views of the entire Kyle Canyon area.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, August 17 - South Loop 1st Overlook.  If you think you have mastered hikes like Mary Jane Falls and Cathedral Rock and want to test your abilities a bit more, then this is the hike you should go on.  Although still rated as moderate, this out-and-back hike covers a total distance of just over 5 miles and gains 1,400 feet of elevation.  The ultimate destination is a rock ledge at 9,065 feet above sea level that provides an excellent view of Kyle Canyon and looks down at Cathedral Rock to the north.  Pace for this trek will be reasonably leisurely.  An early group will leave from the Siena Community Center at 7:45 AM and join the main group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.

 

Saturday, August 18 - Mary Jane Falls.  The multi-tiered waterfall at the base of the north ridge between Charleston and Mummy is the target for this leisurely 3-mile out-and-back hike that gains 920 feet of elevation.  Rated moderate because the ascent is somewhat steep, requiring a number of rest stops, the snack break at the base of the falls is always a welcome relief.  Just beyond the falls is a shallow cave that provides a great view of upper Kyle Canyon, and the trail getting to it has been improved somewhat.  The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for the customary 8:30 AM Saturday departure.  Coordinator - Liz Kerby.

 

Monday, August 20 - Fletcher Canyon.  Another of our club favorites is this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike in a significant side canyon leading off from Kyle Canyon near the Spring Mountain Visitor Center.  There is only about 600 feet of elevation gain with just a few short steep sections and the trail follows a seasonal creek into a confined section of canyon with cliff walls on either side of the route.  At one point shortly before the snack break at the base of Obstacle Rock the canyon is only about five feet wide.  Some scrambling is required but shouldn't pose a problem for the majority of our members.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, August 21 - South Sister.  For this hike to the distinctive peak bordering Lee Canyon the group will be taking a different route than usual.  Starting from the top of Mack's Canyon Road, the route will follow a seasonal creek past some springs and on to the ridge we normally use for the climb to the top.  There will be a short detour to a Lee Canyon Overlook that is part of the peak but seldom visited.  Total distance for the strenuous out-and-back hike is 5 miles and the elevation gain is around 2,000 feet, so be prepared for some steep terrain.  Hiking sticks are especially useful on the final ascent and high clearance vehicles are advised.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Paul Eckhart.

 

Wednesday, August 22 - Upper Kyle Canyon Drainage.  Here is a slightly different version of the club hike on August 11.  It's still all downhill but instead of starting the hike at the Echo trail head the trek will begin at the Mary Jane Falls parking area and connect with the drainage near the Kyle Canyon Road bridge.  The route will continue through Old Town and the two campgrounds along the drainage, with the hike terminating near the bottom of the lower campground.  Total distance for the point-to-point hike will still be 4 miles with an easy to moderate rating but more of the route should be protected from direct sunlight.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinators - Jen Lindsay & Marg Biesiada.

 

Thursday, August 23 - Harris Peak.  This out-and-back hike is rather short at a little less than 5 miles, but you won't find a trail in the Spring Mountains that is quite as steep.  The strenuous route starts at the top of the community of Rainbow and follows Rainbow Canyon up to the saddle between Harris and Griffith Peaks where the Harris Springs Trail passes through en route to Griffith.  After only a few hundred feet on that trail, the route turns cross country as it climbs over scree fields and through stands of brush getting to the top.  The full elevation gain is around 2,300 feet.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM getaway.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, August 24 - Rainbow Loop.  Here is a Spring Mountain hike that only our club does with any regularity.  Starting on the other side of Kyle Canyon Road from the Fletcher Canyon trail head, the route follows Kyle Canyon Drainage toward Old Town before turning sharply uphill through a 2005 avalanche area and on to the South Loop Trail.  Just before the steps on that trail, it turns sharply left toward a well point for Rainbow, then follows a narrow path through a storm ravaged forest area to the top of Rainbow.  Passing a section of summer cabins and the community of Rainbow, hikers will then return to the start along the drainage.  Distance is just under 6 miles for this moderate loop hike and there is 1,400 feet of elevation gain.  The early group will meet at the Siena Community Center, leaving there at 7:45 AM to join the main group at Santa Fe Station.  The entire group will depart from there at 8:15 AM.  Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.

 

Saturday, August 25 - Cathedral Rock.  A repeat of the hike offered August 6, this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike follows the trail from the parking area near the top of Kyle Canyon Road and goes around the back side of the rock outcropping near the base of the south ridge before climbing to the top, gaining 950 feet in the process.  Along the way, the trail passes through Mazie Canyon where participants can see the resurgence of an aspen grove that was buried by an avalanche back in 2005.  The views of Kyle Canyon from the top are sensational and definitely worth the effort.  The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Helmut De Candia.

 

Monday, August 27 - Raintree via North Loop.  For the second time this month our club is sponsoring a hike to the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine, but this time the route will be along North Loop Trail from the east.  Elevation gain is around 1,500 feet for this 6-mile trek, with a significant part of that gain contained in the series of twelve switchbacks found just up the trail from the mid-level meadows.  The trail to the tree actually descends over 100 feet from the highest point on the trail, and you need to stock up on energy to make this climb on the return leg.  Participants should assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, August 28 - Devil's Thumb.  Be prepared for lots of intense scrambling if you take part in this club outing to the 200-foot rock outcropping on the north ridge between Mount Charleston and Lee Peak.  It is a very strenuous outing that will start at the base of the ski slopes in Lee Canyon and attack the ridge from the north side.  After hiking a ski run past the chair lift, the real effort starts as the talus covered terrain becomes very steep.  North Loop Trail sits at the apex of a scree slope and will take the group on to the base of the Thumb, which sits at 11,070 feet.  Total distance should be around 6 miles with vertical gain of 2,600 feet and a rating of very strenuous.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor

 

Wednesday, August 29 - Bristlecone Loop.  In case you missed the hike on August 13, here is another opportunity to experience the grandeur of the main hiking trail in Lee Canyon.  At a total distance of 6 miles and 900 feet of elevation gain, this moderate hike passes through the forested section at the top of Lee Canyon.  The snack break will probably occur at the trail junction with the south end of Bonanza Trail.  The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station and will depart for the trail head at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Tom Reiner.

 

Thursday, August 30 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons.  Don't let the first mile of this hike fool you - there is plenty of bushwhacking involved trying to climb the narrow Stanley B Springs Canyon and descend in the upper portion of Fletcher Canyon above Obstacle Rock.  To eliminate carpooling, the hike will start near the Mount Charleston Visitor Center and follow the main drainage to the mouth of Stanley B Springs Canyon.  The terrain is very difficult to negotiate in the crossover between the two canyons.  Total distance is 6 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain and a strenuous rating.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, August 31 - Wild Horse Canyon.  The day hike on the last day of August will be a moderate 3-mile loop that begins at the North Loop trail head off Highway 158 and climbs to the mid-level meadows below the fairly famous dozen switchbacks.  After a snack break in the meadows, the group will head off on the faint trail that crosses a side slope above Wild Horse Canyon.  After a short distance of a quarter mile, the trail turns sharply downhill and winds up in a forested glade with several springs and lots of columbine plants.  The Siena group will meet at their community center for a 7:45 AM departure with the main group leaving from Santa Fe at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

 

Friday, August 31 - Bristlecone Trail & Picnic.  Our club will be finishing off the month of August on a joint outing with the Sun City Anthem Hiking Club.  It will begin with a potluck picnic at Sawmill Picnic Area just off Lee Canyon Road starting at 5:00 PM.  Please contact our coordinators at 592-8733 to determine what food items to bring.  After dinner, all hikers will head up Lee Canyon Road for the hike.  This will be a moderate 5-mile point-to-point hike between the upper and lower trail heads for the Bristlecone Trail, and will require spotting some vehicles at the end.  If timing and conditions are right, we will be treated to a rising full moon along the forest service road section of the trail.  For our club members going on the outing, we can meet at Santa Fe Station and depart for Sawmill at 4:00 PM.  Coordinators - Keith & Beth Lane.

 

 

I would also like to remind everyone about our Flagstaff outing coming up September 10 through 14.  There will be lots of hikes available with a range of difficulty levels, including an assault on Humphries Peak, the highest point in the state of Arizona, on Tuesday, September 11.  On Wednesday, September 12, the entire group will be heading to Sedona with two different hikes scheduled.  The full agenda will be published in the August club newsletter and also in the September hike list.  In the meantime, have a great time on the trails.