November 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 November 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 without recent hiking experience MUST begin with the later Saturday hikes 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.

 

Most of the hikes during November will occur in the area around Red Rock Canyon with just a few hikes located elsewhere near Las Vegas.  For all Red Rock area hikes, the primary group will meet in the parking lot somewhat in front of the Best Buy store on the north side of Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino.  The store backs up to Highway 215, and the entrance to the parking lot is off Canyon Pointe.  For hikes on the back side of the escarpment, there is a secondary pickup point at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 to accommodate south side participants.  Directions to the staging points for any hikes at different locations will be contained in the appropriate hike descriptions.  Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin assembling as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure time.

 

 

Thursday, November 1 - Big Dune Loop.  Starting from the White Domes parking area this is a brand new hike in the Valley of Fire based on last season's explorations.  It will be about 5 miles long and have 2,000 feet of gross elevation gain.  The route will start by heading west, then turn north and climb through two passes before dropping down the largest sand dune in the park, followed by circling back along part of the route used on the Big Wall hike last season.  This is a strenuous hike involving climbing up two narrow slots and would be similar to some Tuesday level hikes.  An initial west side group will meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage, located just south of Summerlin Parkway on Rampart Boulevard, for a 7:00 AM departure to the primary meeting location at Lucky Club Casino, which is located on the north side of Cheyenne just east of I-15.  Departure from the parking lot in front of the casino will be around 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

 

Thursday, November 1 - White Rock/Sandstone Loop.  More in keeping with our traditional Thursday hikes is this moderately strenuous 7-mile loop hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain originating from Sandstone Quarry in Red Rock Canyon.  The first two-thirds of the route crosses the desert and begins climbing toward the White Rock Springs access to the trail around the White Rock Hills, past Cactus Hill, and finally to a high point somewhat south of the La Madre Mountains.  The last third of the hike is downhill in a series of washes.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Friday, November 2 - The Muffins & Skull Canyon.  One of our more popular hikes is this moderate 5-mile loop that climbs fairly steeply along a trail to the distinctive conglomerate boulders on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill.  The route continues at a lesser rate of ascent to the old Las Vegas Overlook for a rest stop, then descends through picturesque Skull Canyon on the return.  Overall elevation gain is about 1,100 feet.  The trail through Skull Canyon contains a few steep and loose sections.  The group will meet at Best Buy and depart for the hike at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, November 3 - Potato Knoll.  The moderate 5-mile partial loop version of this hike to a 500-foot hill at the base of Wilson Peak offers a few interesting wrinkles.  Participants will cross the Oak Creek drainage once on the way to the back side of the hill for the climb to the top and three times on the way around the base of the hill on the other side.  There still may be enough flowage from recent rainfalls to get your feet wet at a couple of the crossings.  Scenery is pretty good too with great views of the escarpment around Oak Creek Canyon.  The group will depart from the customary meeting spot at Best Buy at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Saturday, November 3 - Pine Creek.  The leisurely Saturday hike leading off the month will involve another partial loop route, but it will be somewhat shorter at 3 miles.  After passing the Wilson homestead foundation, the trail crosses the creek just after the start of the Arnight Trail, then branches off heading upstream along the creek toward the base of Mescalito Peak.  One more crossing of the creek to the north bank involves some very minor scrambling.  Overall, the hike is rated easy to moderate and gains between 100 and 200 feet of elevation.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Rick Dutton.

 

Sunday, November 4 - Tank Discovery Scramble.  The north end of the Calico Hills near Red Cap provides the setting for a strenuous 5-mile adventure that includes lots of scrambling on the sandstone.  The hike will pass several tanks in the higher parts of the sandstone hills that might have water remaining from recent rains.  Other points of interest include an arch, a cave, and some petroglyphs.  There are sections of the route that involve exposure, but there are alternate routes for most of these places.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Monday, November 5 - Keystone Thrust Loop.  The canyon containing Red Rock's famous thrust fault is on display with this moderate 4-mile loop hike.  The significance of the geologic anomaly is readily apparent looking at the side view of Cactus Hill and seeing that the much older limestone formation is sitting directly on top of the younger sandstone formation.  The snack break will occur in an area of sensational sandstone formations and will be followed by a moderate scramble over rock and through brush back to the scenic loop drive.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Tuesday, November 6 - Peak ee Toe.  The name you see is not a misprint, although it is of localized origin.  This hike in Red Rock starts in the Lovell Canyon area on limestone hills and turns into an exciting scramble on the way to a sandstone peak.  There are two areas that will require some rope assistance but there is minimal exposure.  Estimated distance is 6 miles and should take about seven hours of work to accomplish.  Rating is very strenuous because of the demanding terrain that must be negotiated.  Meeting location is Best Buy with a 7:00 AM departure and a secondary pickup at the gas station at 159 and 160 at 7:20 AM.  Coordinators - Richard Natale and Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, November 7 - Potato Knoll.  If you missed this hike when it was offered the previous Saturday then you have one more chance to climb to the top of this 500-foot hill for a great view of the Red Rock Canyon area.  It's a partial loop hike that covers a total distance of 5 miles and crosses Oak Creek four times.  The origin of Potato Knoll, locally known as Wilson's Pimple, was a massive landslide off the face of Wilson Peak directly to the west.  I wonder if it made any noise as the rock was coming down.  Anyway, the group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure on this hike.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

 

Thursday, November 8 - Turtlehead Peak.  The only peak in Red Rock Canyon that has a trail recognized by the BLM as official, Turtlehead provides a stunning view not only of the canyon but back across Las Vegas to Lake Mead and the mountains in Arizona.  At a total distance of 5 miles, this out-and-back hike up the official trail on the west side of the mountain gains 1,900 feet of elevation.  It is rated as strenuous and includes some very steep trail climbing to the saddle behind the peak that can get rather loose, so sticks are highly recommended.  The group will stage out of Best Buy with a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, November 9 - Arnight/Pine Creek Loop.  We often try to find new combinations of existing trails that can create a whole new experience in hiking, and this hike accomplishes the task.  Starting from the gravel parking lot at the exit of the scenic loop, the group will hike to the Oak Creek trail head along the scenic drive, take the Arnight Trail to the banks of Pine Creek, then do the short loop toward the base of Mescalito Peak before backtracking to the vehicles.  Overall this hike will cover about 6 miles over fairly level terrain and is rated as moderate.  Departure time from Best Buy will be 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, November 10 - Krafft Mountain Loop.  When this popular hike was scheduled in mid-October, it followed on the heels of a real gully washer of a rain event that filled Gateway Canyon with flowing water and pools in all of the low spots.  Perhaps some of this water will still be in place as moderate temperatures have reduced evaporation rates.  Although rated moderate, this 4-mile loop hike provides some interesting challenges for the participants.  Locally named Five-Stop Hill is a fairly steep climb to the saddle between Calico Basin and Gateway Canyon and a couple of the scrambling descents in the canyon require some extra care.  This first Saturday group will leave Best Buy at 8:00 AM for the starting point at the northwest corner of Calico Basin.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

 

Saturday, November 10 - Calico Tanks.  One of Red Rock's most beautiful trails is the Calico Tanks Trail from Sandstone Quarry, which climbs through a lush canyon in the Calico Hills on the east side of Red Rock.  The moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike provides an introduction to some fairly easy scrambling as it gains around 700 feet.  Participants' efforts will be rewarded as they pass a large depression in the rock at the end of the official trail that can hold a pretty good amount of water after a rain storm.  Just beyond is a ledge that provides a great view of the southern half of Las Vegas including the Strip.  There are many man-made stairways along the way but the pace with be kept leisurely to accommodate everyone.  Meet the group at the normal spot in front of Best Buy for a departure at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Sunday, November 11 - River Mountain Bicycle Ride.  There's no ABF hike scheduled for today, but if you are into distance bike riding come and join your club friends for a weekend diversion - a scenic bicycle ride around the River Mountains near Boulder City and Henderson.  This is not the proverbial spin through the park as the ride will cover a distance of 34 miles and have 2,200 feet of overall elevation gain on a hilly, serpentine paved trail that will challenge even adventurous cyclists.  To participate, you must be riding a decent multi-speed bicycle and bring spare tubes, tire levers, and a frame pump.  Wear a helmet and bring snacks and lots of fluids as there is no water available along the route.  Meet the rest of the group at the upper lot at the Railroad Pass Casino for an 8:30 AM start to the ride, which means you need to be there at least fifteen minutes in advance to get ready.  Sorry, but no credit for mileage in the hiking statistics on this ride.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Monday, November 12 - Red Springs Loop.  It's somewhat surprising we haven't had this hike scheduled previously this season, but here it is.  The moderately strenuous loop route is only 4 miles in length and probably gains less than 1,000 feet, but it's all about the terrain.  Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area, participants will follow an established trail along the east side of the Calico Hills and scramble to a saddle in the sandstone for a short break.  The descent passes a carving of an angel on the way toward Calico II Overlook and continues with scrambling in the canyon between the hills and the scenic drive on the way back to the starting point.  Departure time from Best Buy will be 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Tuesday, November 13 - Calico Triple Peak.  If you are looking for some serious adventure then this very strenuous 5-mile loop hike in the Calico Hills will foot the bill.  There will be lots of significant scrambling and several areas of exposure along the route that will feature climbs to the top of Red Cap, Calico Peak, and Calico II Overlook Peak before a steep descent down the ledges below the end of the Calico Tanks Trail.  This hike can either be started from Calico II Overlook or Sandstone Quarry, depending on how the coordinator feels that day.  Meet the other participants at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, November 14 - Grapevine Springs.  This is a moderate 5-mile partial loop hike in Cottonwood Valley that visits an area of ground level petroglyphs somewhat close to the base of the escarpment near Windy Peak.  Elevation gain is only about 200 feet but it occurs on the return to the parking area along Highway 160.  A very short portion of the hike near the petroglyphs is off-trail but is easily negotiated.  This hike will be done jointly with the Sun City Anthem Hiking Club and the typical assembly points will be reversed.  Anyone interested in meeting at Best Buy should assemble their own carpools and leave there at 8:30 AM to join the coordinator and the rest of the group at the gas station located at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160.  Anyone else can meet the combined group at that location for a 9:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Keith Lane.

 

Thursday, November 15 - Windy Peak.  First scheduled in October on the day of the massive rainfall, this hike to a prominent peak on the south side of the escarpment will hopefully find dry weather with calm breezes.  The strenuous out-and-back trek covers a total distance of 6 miles and gains 1200 feet of elevation but also includes some pretty good scrambling and about 100 feet of rolling exposure.  The views from the top are some of the best in the Red Rock area.  The main group will depart at 7:30 AM from Best Buy and will stop at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 to pick up south side participants at 7:50 AM en route to the trail head.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, November 16 - Oak Creek.  This 5-mile out-and-back hike is barely into the moderate range.  Gaining only a couple of hundred feet, our trail will start from the gravel parking lot at the scenic loop exit and follow the start of our normal route to Potato Knoll.  A few jogs to the north will put us on track to enter the main drainage of the creek a bit into the canyon.  Besides an opportunity to do a little scrambling past the snack break location, the entire route is on trail.  You can meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, November 17 - Conglomerate Gardens.  Here is the first offering as a club hike of an exploratory trek that was featured on the blog site a month ago.  The moderate 6-mile loop hike starts innocuously along Fossil Ridge, following a combination of trails all the way to the abandoned mining gravel road a couple miles in.  From there, a circuitous trail drops into the canyon to the west of the ridge and winds through a number of conglomerate boulder areas and one spectacular section with lots of ancient sea bed fossils.  Elevation gain is probably in the range of 800 feet.  Join the rest of the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

 

Saturday, November 17 - Keystone Thrust.  The more leisurely hike of the day is an easy to moderate out-and-back hike around Cactus Hill to the renowned thrust fault that spectacularly shows the geologic anomaly of older rock on top of younger rock.  The turning point of the hike will be on the sandstone a little ways down the canyon, where the snack break will occur.  Total distance is right at 3 miles with perhaps 600 feet of elevation gain and a small amount of scrambling.  The starting point is at the end of a half mile gravel road.  Meet everyone else at Best Buy for a departure time of 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Sunday, November 18 - Red Springs/Calico Tanks Loop.  This strenuous 5-mile loop hike will begin at Red Springs Picnic Area and climb up to the saddle above Angel Canyon.  At the saddle, a turn to the right will take the group on an adventurously steep scramble up to an adjacent peak.  Dropping down the other side, the route continues on to the end of the Calico Tanks Trail, where the group will turn hard left and drop down to the Calico II Overlook.  Some lesser scrambling and a few trails complete the loop around the south end of the Calico Hills.  There is exposure on this hike.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Monday, November 19 - Historic Railroad Tunnels.  Our first hike of the season in the Lake Mead area is this easy to moderate 7-mile out-and-back hike between the lower parking lot at the Alan Bible Visitor Center and the building at the edge of the dam on the Nevada side of the Colorado River that houses the parking garage.  The trail drops about 300 feet on the outward leg which must be gained on the return, but the rate is quite gradual.  The view of the new bridge across the river is pretty spectacular.  West side participants can meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure to the Henderson Fiesta, where the full group will meet near the large outdoor sign in front of the property.  Departure from Henderson Fiesta, located on Lake Mead Parkway just east of I-515, will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, November 20 - Ash Canyon.  Some pretty significant scrambling occurs in this canyon that runs along the eastern edge of the Calico Hills approaching Red Cap.  A few places along the route of this strenuous 6-mile loop do require use of hands but no equipment is needed.  At the high point, which is probably 1,400 feet above the starting elevation, the route turns right and heads down into Gateway Canyon, passing the back side of Krafft Mountain and finishing up through a boulder area that is well known for its free climbing opportunities.  The group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, November 21 - Ash Meadows.  The last hike before the Thanksgiving break will follow the easier portion of the previous day's hike along Ash Creek in the community of Calico Basin.  With minimal elevation gain involved, this 3-mile loop hike is rated easy.  The snack break will occur on red sandstone slabs at the base of Ash Canyon, providing great views of the eastern portion of the Calico Hills.  Expect to be back in time for lunch as commute and hike time combined should be less than three hours.  Meet the rest of the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

 

Saturday, November 24 - La Madre Miner's Cabin.  After stuffing ourselves with turkey and other trimmings over the last two days, it's time to get a little exercise to control our weight.  The answer today is a moderately strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike that gains 1,600 feet reaching a stone shelter near the top of a side canyon north of the White Rock Hills.  The first part of the trail is on an abandoned gravel road passing a couple of old foundations and reaching a wildlife dam and pond.  The upper portion is single track trail that crosses a creek several times.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, November 24 - Moenkopi/Calico I Loop.  If you would rather ease back into the hiking mode by trying something a little more leisurely, then consider this easy 3-mile loop.  The route for today leaves from the Visitor Center heading toward the fee booth, then turns left on the outside trail to the Calico I Overlook for a close up view of the Calico Hills.  Crossing the road, the trail climbs gradually onto a ridge north of the Visitor Center with great views of both sides of the canyon.  After a break at the top of the ridge, the route will follow the western section of the Moenkopi Trail back to the Visitor Center.  The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Sunday, November 25 - Grand Circle.  We haven't previously scheduled the big hike through the heart of Red Rock Canyon, so here is one chance during the month of November.  We will be starting this time from the fee booth parking lot, which will increase the total distance to 12 miles for the strenuous loop hike.  Since we are going clockwise, we will be able to see the delightful views of the escarpment on the opening portion of the hike rather than the dismal views of Blue Diamond Hill for the last 4 miles.  If you are interested in a fairly fast-paced trek that gains 1,000 feet while hiking around the canyon, then meet the group at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Monday, November 26 - Black Mountain (Boulder City).  Only one of the two peaks accessed from the River Mountains parking lot next to St. Jude Children's Ranch will be attempted today, making this moderately strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike a relative breeze.  Elevation gain is right at 1,200 feet to the observation point near the actual summit that provides great views of both Las Vegas with the Spring Mountains in the background and Lake Mead with the Arizona Mountains.  The initial west side group will meet at Best Buy and leave at 8:00 AM for the Henderson Fiesta, where they will join the rest of the group for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, November 27 - Black Mountain (Henderson).  The elevation gain is listed as 2,100 feet for this strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike, but the steepness definitely increases the closer one gets to the summit.  With a considerable amount of volcanic rock strewn along the trail, this is almost a unique hike for the Las Vegas area.  The summit is rather small in size as mountain peaks go, but there is a rock dugout at the top that provides some shelter.  On the back side, views stretch as far as Searchlight.  An initial west side group will assemble at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure, and will pick up any south side residents at the Walgreen Drug on Hampton Road and Anthem Parkway by 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Wednesday, November 28 - Hollow Rock Peak.  Three consecutive days, three consecutive peaks.  This one is located on the south end of the escarpment with Highway 160 dividing it from the more prominent Mount Potosi to the south.  Don't be fooled by the fact that elevation gain is only around 1,100 feet; there is some pretty good scrambling required to reach the summit on this strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike.  The snack break will take place at the large hollow rock at the end of a long ridge.  The initial group will depart from Best Buy at 7:30 AM and pick up any south side residents at the gas station on Highway 159 and 160 at 7:50 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Thursday, November 29 - Sandstone Quarry/Keystone Thrust Loop.  This is perhaps the first time our club has offered this hike to its membership, in reality the fifth new hike this month.  The 7-mile partial loop route will start at Sandstone Quarry and follow the Grand Circle Trail up to the White Rock Springs parking lot.  Going around the north end of Cactus Hill, the route will turn downward into Keystone Canyon and follow the drainage back to its intersection with the Grand Circle Trail, turning left and returning to the starting point.  Elevation gain is around 1,100 feet and rating is moderately strenuous.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Friday, November 30 - Krafft Mountain Loop.  The month of November will finish with one of our club's favorite hikes - the route through lower Gateway Canyon around the back side of Krafft Mountain.  With the start at the Red Springs Picnic Area, the loop will cover a total distance of 5 miles.  The hike is rated as moderate, but it does include a few short sections of scrambling in the canyon on the descent.  Around the front of Krafft Mountain is a boulder field that is quite well known in the southwest United States on which free climbers can often be seen.  The group will assemble at Best Buy and depart for the hike at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

 

Our club is one of many in the Las Vegas area that provide hiking opportunities to the public.  In addition to clubs, Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association and the National Park Service at Lake Mead National Recreation Area offer hikes available to the general public.  In November, RRCIA is offering a total of ten interpretive hikes on various days of the week that are generally around 3 miles in length and deal with geology, plants, and animals in the Red Rock area.  To look at their calendar, access their web site at www.redrockcanyonlv.org or call them at 515-5367.  Lake Mead hikes tend to be a bit more serious in terms of actual hiking.  Their hikes are currently always held on Saturdays, and their current schedule lists both Liberty Bell Arch and Bowl of Fire on November 3, Anniversary Narrows on November 10, Railroad Tunnels and Fortification Hill on November 17, and a 2-mile nature walk on November 24.  The phone number for reservations for Lake Mead hikes is 293-8990.