December 2013 Hike List

Starting in December we are adding hikes in the Lake Mead area to our schedule.  This will complicate the assembly locations a bit as there are different sites used depending on whether hikes are on the north or south sides of the lake.  All assembly points are indicated below.

 

Red Rock Canyon Area - The assembly point for Red Rock hikes is in the parking lot of the shopping center that contains an Albertsons Grocery and a Dunkin Donuts retail outlet.  This shopping center is located at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard (Highway 159) and Desert Foothills Drive, about one-half mile west of CR215.  If you are driving west on Charleston you can turn into the shopping center before you get to the stoplight at Desert Foothills.  Generally, we will be parking between the two commercial establishments but somewhat closer to Dunkin Donuts.  For hikes south of Red Rock, there will be a secondary meeting point at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160.  Generally, there will be pickup only at this location about twenty minutes after the departure time indicated in each hike write-up.

 

Lake Mead South - For all hikes on the south side of the lake, there will generally be an early west side assembly point at the Albertsons Shopping Center indicated above.  There may not be a coordinator at this location, so the group might have to depart on their own.  The general assembly point will be under the large outdoor sign in front of Henderson Fiesta Casino, located on Lake Mead Parkway on the east side of I-515 and directly east of the end of I-215.  This is the location that the main group will depart from according to the time indicated in each applicable hike description.  There may also be some later pickup locations which will be referred to in the descriptions.

 

Lake Mead North - For all hikes on the north side of the lake, there will be an early west side assembly point on the top level of the Rampart Casino parking garage.  This casino is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway.  Again, there may not be a coordinator at this location.  The general assembly point will be in the parking lot behind a CVS Pharmacy located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood, and this is the site which applies to the general departure time indicated in the applicable descriptions.  There will also be a secondary pickup point at the parking area located on the south side of Northshore Road at Mile Marker 4.

 

Valley of Fire - For hikes northeast of Las Vegas in Valley of Fire State Park, the Rampart Casino parking garage will again be used as an early assembly point.  The general meeting location will be in the parking lot of Lucky Club Casino, located on the east side of I-15 at the Cheyenne Avenue exit.  If traveling northbound on I-15 to this location, you will have to cross several traffic lanes to turn left at the casino.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE - When reading the descriptions, you will see references to both Lake Mead Boulevard and Lake Mead Parkway.  These are different streets.  Lake Mead Boulevard is an east-west street on the north side of Las Vegas that runs completely across the city.  Lake Mead Parkway is on the south side of the city and is an east-west street that starts at the junction of I-515 and I-215 and extends over to the lake.  Please do not mix these up.

 

Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin arriving as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure 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 MUST begin with the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes as these are the only ones that guarantee a fairly leisurely pace.  Strenuous Tuesday hikes are only open to qualified experienced hikers.  Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and hats and bring sunscreen, water, electrolyte replacement fluids as needed, and food or snacks for each outing.

 

Questions regarding any of the hikes should be directed to Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or by telephone at (702) 823-2355.

 

 

Sunday, December 1 - Brownstone Canyon.  The group will be tackling a strenuous loop hike of about 8 miles in length to open the last month of 2013.  Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route drops into Gateway Canyon and proceeds up that canyon to a colorful grouping of sandstone formations before dropping into Brownstone near an extensive protected pictograph wall.  This descent involves significant scrambling with some exposure.  The remainder of the hike follows the canyon north, crosses a saddle, and accesses Red Rock Canyon using a series of drainages.  Assembly point is at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard with a 7:30 AM departure time.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, December 2 - Ice Box Canyon.  This moderate out-and-back hike is a bit longer than the regular version as it will begin at the Lost Creek trailhead and utilize the SMYC Trail in both directions.  At approximately 4 miles in length, the route consists roughly of 75% trail and 25% moderate boulder scrambling in the drainage.  The snack break location at the turn around point is on a ledge below a 40-foot seasonal waterfall.  Meet the other participants at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, December 3 - Valley of Fire High Point.  This strenuous 5-mile hike begins at Mouse's Tank and provides a serious off-trail experience that includes an intense scramble to the highest elevation point in the red sandstone of Valley of Fire.  While net elevation gain is only about 1,000 feet, the hike is rated as very strenuous because it involves clambering up sandstone ledges to the peak in addition to the usual VOF scrambling and sandy terrain.  The early west side group will leave Rampart Casino at 7:15 AM to join the main group meeting at Lucky Club Casino for a 7:45 AM departure.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

 

Wednesday, December 4 - La Madre Miner's Cabin.  Perched on a ledge high above La Madre Springs is a stone shelter constructed by an unknown miner who dug several shafts into the side of the ridge above the cabin, probably in search of lead.  The 5-mile out-and-back trek gains 1,600 feet of elevation and includes a bit of steep and slippery trail after crossing a creek above the wildlife pond at the base of the springs.  Overall, the rating for this hike is moderately strenuous.  The group will be gathering at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for a departure at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Thursday, December 5 - Bird Spring Range.  A strenuous 7-mile loop hike in the set of small mountains east of Mount Potosi will gain 1,500 feet as it climbs to the highest point in the range, with the steepest climb beyond Badger Pass being off-trail.  Along the upper ridge participants will get to view an abundance of ancient seabed fossils before descending to a saddle on the main ridge overlooking the Wilson Tank area.  One final steep climb leads to a more gradual descent back to the main trail and a return through Red Valley on Deadhorse Trail.  Departure from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard will be at 7:30 AM with a secondary stop at the gas station on Highway 160 to pick up south side participants about 7:50 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, December 6 - Guardian Angel Pass/Red Springs/Slab Rift Loop.  The first of two options today will begin from Red Springs Picnic Area, climb through a saddle in the Calico Hills, and descend past the angel carving into Red Rock Canyon.  After scrambling south to a point below Calico I Overlook, the group will climb towards Red Springs Peak on the back side of Grand Staircase, visit Slab Rift, and descend on the sandstone back to the parking lot.  The loop hike is about 4 miles in length and is rated strenuous due to the amount of Class 3 scrambling and a bit of exposure, taking about four or five hours to complete.  Departure from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Friday, December 6 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails.  The alternate hike for this Friday will be a moderate 5-mile loop starting from the community of Blue Diamond along a remnant of the Old Spanish Trail.  The gradual 700-foot climb up the ridge behind the town leads to the snack break on an unusual sandstone outcropping looking down on the descent trail.  The return to the starting point will utilize the shorter approach on the north side of a drainage past a 10-foot limestone waterfall ledge.  This group will also depart from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 8:00 AM, so make sure you sign in on the correct sheet.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, December 7 - China Ranch Date Farm.  An early winter season outing into California provides a great excuse to partake in the delicious date shakes offered at the snack bar at the ranch.  The primary hike offering will be a moderate 6-mile point-to-point effort along the Amargosa River from Tecopa Post Office.  Participants are urged to wear long pants because of the amount of brush along the way.  Car shuttling will be necessary, and those taking the vehicles back to China Ranch will enjoy an easy to moderate trek across the river to a hidden waterfall in a side alcove.  The group will leave Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 7:30 AM and pick up any south side participants at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 for a full group departure at 8:00 AM.  The drive to Tecopa is about one hour.  Coordinators - Jim Billetdeaux and Lorraine Stalians.

 

Saturday, December 7 - Fossil Ridge Extended.  For those members planning on staying in the Las Vegas, we will also be offering our regular hikes in the Red Rock area.  The early hike for the day will be a moderate 6-mile hike that starts up the Bunny Trail from the Cowboy Stables parking lot along Highway 159.  After reaching the abandoned mining road at the top of the ridge, the group will continue along trails established by mountain bikers to the base of a tailings dump, then follow the regular Fossil Ridge Trail back to the starting point.  Participants will be leaving from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - John Stewart.

 

Saturday, December 7 - Calico Tanks.  The last hike of the day will be the moderate 3-mile out-and-back trek up a canyon in the Calico Hills that many consider to be Red Rock's signature hike.  There is about 700 feet of elevation gain reaching the natural depression in the sandstone that constitutes the tank or tinaja.  Since the tank will probably be dry, a path across it leads to a ridge above Ash Canyon that provides great views of Calico Basin, the south half of Las Vegas, and a portion of Lake Mead (on a clear day).  Meet the others in this group at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Sunday, December 8 - Red Cap Back Door.  You need to have a real appreciation for serious scrambling if you plan on doing this very strenuous 5-mile hike through the Calico Hills.  It will begin at Red Springs Picnic Area and head north along the Calico Hills, beginning the significant climb in Ash Canyon and continuing up the north chute to Red Cap.  After descending the peak to the south, the group will continue along the high ridge to Calico Peak.  Then it's a tricky descent onto the saddle at Guardian Angel Pass and more scrambling down to the valley floor.  Class 3 terrain with exposure is in abundance.  The group will leave at 8:00 AM from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Monday, December 9 - Dale's Trail.  One of the most scenic through trails in Red Rock is this segment of the Escarpment Base Trail connecting Pine Creek and the Ice Box Trail.  The southern part of the trail rolls through a series of ridges and drainages, passing Skull Rock just north of Pine Creek Trail.  More than likely, this moderate out-and-back hike will begin at the Ice Box trailhead and cover a distance of 5 miles.  Assembly point will be at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard with an 8:00 AM departure time.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, December 10 - Baby Wilson Scramble.  The target for this strenuous outing is a small outcropping on the east side of Wilson Peak.  The group will start this strenuous 4-mile loop effort with 1,800 feet of elevation gain from a small pullout along Highway 159 between the Oak Creek and First Creek pullouts.  It will include a significant amount of Class 3 scrambling using hands but does not have a lot of exposure.  Even so, the difficulty of the terrain means the hike should take about four hours to complete.  The group will leave from the Albertsons lot on Charleston Boulevard at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Tuesday, December 10 - Keystone Thrust Loop.  Here is an alternative for the regular tough Tuesday outings.  On this 4-mile loop hike, the gravel parking area at the beginning of White Rock Springs Road, located at Mile Marker 6 on the scenic drive, will be used as the starting point.  After climbing to the back side of Cactus Hill, the route descends onto the sandstone in Keystone Thrust Canyon for a snack break amid the colorful rock formations.  The final stages drop through the canyon and follow a short stretch of the Grand Circle Trail back to the vehicles.  Meet the other participants at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator -

Nancy Moore.

 

Wednesday, December 11 - McCullough Trail.  South of Las Vegas is the McCullough Mountains, an area our club is yet to explore.  So here we are offering something new again.  The moderate hike today is about 6 miles in length.  A new parking area for the hike is in the final stages of construction and was expected to be finished in late November.  Those coming from the west side can carpool from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard, leaving there at 7:20 AM for the Henderson Fiesta, where the main group will gather and depart at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Richard Hansen.

 

Thursday, December 12 - Two Elephants Loop.  Starting at the Elephant Rock parking lot the group will get a great view of one of the more famous sandstone formations in Valley of Fire.  From there, they will climb along the ridges to the north fork of Valley of Fire Wash, head up the wash for a short distance, then use another set of ridges to visit a sitting elephant formation.  There are a total of five climbs and descents and some scrambling, making this a moderately strenuous outing of 5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain.  The early west side group will leave from the Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:15 AM and join the main group at Lucky Club Casino for a 7:45 AM departure.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

 

Friday, December 13 - Arnight/Pine Creek Loop.  The moderate hike for the day is a 6-mile loop hike that will start at the exit of the scenic loop to save gas and time instead of going around the 13-mile drive.  The route will head cross country to the Oak Creek gravel parking lot, follow the Arnight Trail over to Pine Creek, then take the short upper Pine Creek loop before backtracking to the starting point.  The group should gather at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.  

 

Friday, December 13 - Calico Tank Peak Loop.  One other hike is being offered this Friday and it is definitely not for the average recreational hiker.  Starting from the end of the road in Calico Basin, the route heads up a canyon next to Ash Canyon, stops briefly at the end of the Calico Tanks Trail, then continues to Calico Tank Peak and descends through a different canyon back to the starting point.  The hike is about 4 miles in length but is rated very strenuous due to the extensive Class 3 scrambling with exposure.  This group will also leave from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 8:00 AM for the trailhead.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Saturday, December 14 - South Bowl of Fire.  Lake Mead hiking really begins today with a moderately strenuous hike through an area of colorful sandstone formations on the north side of the lake.  Between 5 and 6 miles long, the route for the hike begins at the Mile Marker 18 pullout on Northshore Road and heads across the desert to the sandstone at the southern base of the Muddy Mountains.  West side participants should meet and leave from Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM and join the main group at the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure.  The coordinators will not be at either site, but will meet the group along with any other southeast participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout on Northshore Drive at about 8:15 AM.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

 

Saturday, December 14 - Historic Railroad Tunnels.  What better way to start leisurely hikes in the Lake Mead area than with this easy to moderate out-and-back hike through a series of five tunnels dug along the rail line used for construction of Hoover Dam.  The section of trail terminating after the fifth tunnel is 2 miles each way for a total distance of 4 miles and probably has no more than 100 feet of elevation gain.  The early west side group should meet at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for a 7:50 AM departure.  The main meeting location is at Henderson Fiesta and an 8:30 AM departure.  Boulder City residents should be at the lower parking area at Alan Bible Visitor Center no later than 8:45 AM to take part on the hike.  Coordinator - Lorraine Stalians.

 

Sunday, December 15 - Calico Hills Exploration.  I can't tell you what the distance of this outing in the sandstone hills on the east side of Red Rock Canyon will be because it is truly exploratory.  Our coordinator has indicated that the starting spot will be Sandstone Quarry, but beyond that the group will be trying to get to places in the hills that we don't get to with our other scrambling efforts.  Plan on a lot of scrambling, some backtracking, and a moderately strenuous rating.  The assembly point is Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Monday, December 16 - Redstone Discovery.  This Lake Mead hike is 5 miles in length and starts just past Mile Marker 25 on Northshore Road.  It is generally moderate but includes some scrambling and exploring in the red sandstone and includes some unique formations.  Since it is on the north side of the lake, the initial west side assembly point will be Rampart Casino with that group leaving at 7:20 AM for the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood and the combined group leaving there at 8:00 AM.  The coordinators and any other southeast participants will not meet the group until the final stop at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road around 8:15 AM.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

 

Tuesday, November 17 - Rainbow Ridge.  This strenuous 5 to 6-mile hike starts at the Mile Marker 16 parking area on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead area.  There is some steep uneven bushwhacking combined with up and down terrain that offers panoramic views of lake, mountains, and canyons.  At the end of the hike there is a steep descent through a rugged canyon back to the cars.  Like the previous day's hike, the west side group will leave at 7:20 AM from the Rampart Casino, the combined group will depart from the CVS Pharmacy at 8:00 AM, and the coordinator will be picked up at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road about 8:15 AM, along with any other southeast participants.  Coordinator - Chuck Hawkins.

 

Tuesday, December 17 - Badger Pass.  An alternate hike to the tough Tuesday outing will be a moderate 7-mile partial loop hike in South Cottonwood Valley that follows a number of trails established by mountain bikers.  The Late Night Trail parking lot is the starting point, with the route passing through the northern end of the Bird Spring Range.  Elevation gain is perhaps 800 feet climbing the ridge toward Badger Pass.  The main group will leave from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 8:00 AM and do a drive through pick-up at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 about 8:20 AM for any south side participants.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Wednesday, December 18 - Rainbow Vista Loop.  The third and last Valley of Fire hike for the month is one that our coordinator recently developed that connects Rainbow Vista with the new Silica Dome parking lot.  The route uses the Fire Canyon Overlook Trail from Rainbow Vista and loops back to the starting point from Silica Dome.  There is some scrambling, but the distance is only 3 miles with 400 feet of gain and a moderate rating.  This hike will be a joint outing with Lone Mountain Hiking Club.  Their participants will leave Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:10 AM and ABF west side participants will leave Rampart Casino at 7:15 AM for Lucky Club Casino, where all other hikers should head.  The combined group will leave Lucky Club at 7:45 AM for Valley of Fire.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

 

Thursday, December 19 - Hamblin Mountain.  One of the most dynamic hikes in the Lake Mead area is this moderately strenuous trek to the top of a mountain that offers exciting views of both Boulder and Virgin Basins of the lake.  Total distance is right at 7 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, and there is a slight variation on the way back that passes through a colorful canyon with remnants of the old Arrowhead Highway.  An early west side group can meet at Rampart Casino and depart at 7:20 AM for CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood, where other participants should head.  The combined group will depart from there at 8:00 AM and do a stop-and-go pickup at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road about 8:15 AM on the way to the starting point of the hike.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, December 20 - Sandstone Canyon.  This out-and-back trek into the canyon behind Spring Mountain Ranch is about 5 miles in length and has 500 feet of elevation gain.  It starts around the pond on the west side of the ranch and works its way into the canyon, eventually dropping into the floor of the drainage for an opportunity to experience boulder scrambling.  Participants should assemble at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jon Lubinski.

 

Saturday, December 21 - North Bowl of Fire.  This strenuous 7 to 8-mile loop hike heads for the colorful sandstone formations at the base of the Muddy Mountains and includes some serious rock scrambling and passage through a rabbit hole on the way to an overlook ledge known as Raven's Balcony.  Early west side participants should leave from Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM and join the main group at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood.  That group will then depart at 8:00 AM and pick up the coordinators and any other southeast participants at Northshore Road Mile Marker 4 at 8:15 AM before proceeding to the trailhead.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

 

Saturday, December 21 - Rainbow Gardens.  The primary leisurely hike of the day will be a 3-mile partial loop hike that visits a colorful canyon with some unusual natural and man-made features.  Although generally rated easy to moderate, there is some more serious scrambling in the canyon that the group will take at a slower pace to make sure everyone gets through.  Anyone wanting a bit more distance can do an extension of the hike that goes down to the shore of Lake Las Vegas and stops briefly at a hidden dry waterfall in a side canyon.  This extension would increase the total distance to 5 miles and have a full moderate rating.  West side group, with the coordinator, will leave from Rampart Casino at 7:50 AM to join the other participants at CVS on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:30 AM departure.  Southeast participants should meet the group at the junction of Lake Mead Boulevard and Northshore Road at 8:45 AM, as the drive to the hike does not pass Mile Marker 4.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, December 22 - White Owl Canyon.  This will be the long version of the hike through a slot canyon that is home to a frequent flyer owl.  It will begin near the Las Vegas Marina and follow the shoreline back toward the dam to the base of the Hole 33 parking lot.  After passing through the slot canyon, the group will head cross country through the desert, eventually making a tricky descent back toward the lake in a canyon with a few unusual formations.  Distance for the moderately strenuous loop hike is about 7 miles.  West side departure from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard is at 7:20 AM with the main gathering spot the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, December 23 - Historic Railroad Tunnels.  The long version of the out-and-back hike through the five tunnels along the train route used to bring materials and men to the Hoover Dam construction site is about 7 or 8 miles in length.  The full distance depends on whether the group only goes down to the top of the dam, climbs onto the new bridge for a view of the dam, or does both.  Generally this hike is rated moderate even with the distance because there is no steep terrain and overall elevation change is not more than 500 feet.  The early group from the west side will leave from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 7:10 AM to meet the main group at Henderson Fiesta for a 7:45 AM departure.  They will then join the coordinator and any other Boulder City participants at the Alan Bible Visitor Center lower parking lot, with the hike starting shortly after 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Linda O'Leary.

 

Tuesday, December 24 - Anniversary Peak Loop.  This will be the counter clockwise version of the hike to the peak overlooking the Anniversary Narrows area.  From the pullout area on Northshore Road, the group will start up a deep wash and climb a crack to an upper level of South Bowl of Fire before finding the trail to the peak.  The route for the descent flows through the Narrows, then crosses a small wash near the exit to get back to the starting point.  West side participants should leave from Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM, the main group will leave CVS on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood at 8:00 AM, and there will be a drive through at the Mile Marker 4 pullout of Northshore Road about 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Wednesday, December 25 - Mystery Woman Canyon.  If you're looking for a bit of exercise before heading to those heavy Christmas dinners, then here is one that should interest you.  Mystery Woman Canyon is an offshoot about halfway up Skull Canyon that that climbs through some vertical limestone walls approaching the radio tower on Blue Diamond Hill.  Bushwhacking is the venue for about three-quarters of a mile in the canyon.  The return will be back over the top of Cave Canyon, winding up on Fossil Ridge.  Total distance for the moderate plus loop hike is 6 miles.  The group will assemble at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Thursday, December 26 - Red & Black Mountains.  The alternate route to Red Mountain through Bootleg Canyon will be used on this moderately strenuous 7-mile loop hike that provides wonderful views of Boulder Basin.  Besides the presence of mountain bikers, this route crosses under a couple of sections of the Boulder City zip line, so a glimpse of those riders is possible.  The trek to Black Mountain Overlook and the descent are essentially on the regular city trails.  Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard will be used as a west side staging point.  Departure time from that spot is 7:20 AM, with the full group assembling at Henderson Fiesta and leaving there at 8:00 AM for the trailhead.  Boulder City residents can drive directly to the River Mountains parking lot by St. Jude but must be there by 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, December 27 - Siena Ridge.  The moderate hike for the last Friday of the year will be a 5-mile partial loop on a ridge west of Town Center Drive somewhat across from the Siena development.  The route includes some off-trail bushwhacking and a little scrambling with only one fairly steep climb section.  Last year when we did this hike in December we came across a desert tortoise holed up in a crevasse but otherwise awake.  The main group will leave Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 7:45 AM and drive to Siena, where the hike will begin at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, December 27 - Gray Cap Loop.  Something quite a bit more challenging will be this strenuous 5-mile loop hike starting from the gravel pullout at the end of Calico Basin Road.  The route will ascend Five Stop Hill and drop into Gateway Canyon, turning left and heading for the peak on the traditional route through the upper canyon.  The descent back to Gateway Canyon will be on the south face that requires Class 3 scrambling.  Time element is around five hours.  Meet the others in the group at Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for an 8:00 AM getaway.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Saturday, December 28 - Liberty Bell Arch.  Located across the new bridge in Arizona, this moderate 5-mile out-and-back hike offers plenty of scenery and a view back into time.  Starting from the new trailhead parking lot, the route starts down White Rock Canyon, then veers north to pick up the trail to the arch.  With significantly rolling terrain, it passes an old manganese mine and the appropriately named arch, then reaches the break point on a ledge high above the Colorado River.  Early west side departure will be from the Rampart Casino at 7:30 AM and the fully assembled group will depart from Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Saturday, December 28 - Clark County Wetlands.  Yes, Las Vegas actually does have a place where water abounds.  In the summer, it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, but not in the dead of winter.  Come and enjoy a pleasant easy stroll past ponds and flowing water and view some of the migratory birds who pass through the area on their way north or south.  The level hike will also include a trip along the Duck Creek Trail which was under construction last December and may still not be completed.  Total distance is 4 miles.  West side participants will leave from Rampart Casino at 7:50 AM and head for the Henderson Fiesta.  The assembled group will leave there at 8:30 AM for the park.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, December 29 - Strip Tourist Walk.  Pretend that you are just a visitor to our fair city in the desert on a 5 hour walk from Russell to Flamingo and back.  Visit the Welcome Sign, the Sphinx at the Luxor, City Center galleries, Bellagio Conservatory, and the chocolate fountain.  It will be an easy Class 1 hike consisting of sidewalks, stairs, and escalators, with the only exposure coming from adult advertising.  The group will depart from the Rampart Casino at 7:30 AM and leave on foot from the ground level parking lot just north of Russell between Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas Boulevard at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Monday, December 30 - Ejection Seat Ridge.  This moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike starts at Mile Marker 15 along Northshore Road north of Lake Mead.  It explores a ridge at the site of a military airplane crash and includes the ejection seat.  There is some loose rock and scrambling and the group will also explore a series of colorful canyons that head down toward the lake.  West side participants should leave Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM and join the larger group at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure.  The coordinators will meet the group at Mile Marker 4 of Northshore Road about 8:15 AM on the way to the hike.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

 

Tuesday, December 31 - Summerlin Peak.  Finish off the year with a strenuous ascent of an imposing peak very close to the northwest corner of the city.  Depending on the route used by the coordinator for the descent, this will either be a 4-mile out-and-back trek or can be modified to a loop route of 5 or 6 miles.  Elevation gain is something over 2,000 feet and there is exposure both on the way up a narrow ridge approaching the peak and on the peak itself.  To get to the starting point, take Cheyenne Avenue to its western end just beyond CR 215 and look for a large parking area with a white picket fence.  The hike will begin there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Tuesday, December 31 - Calico Hills.  If you're looking for something a bit more sedate, consider this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike connecting the Red Rock fee booth parking lot with Sandstone Quarry.  Net elevation gain is 700 feet, but the rolling terrain along the sandstone hills probably doubles the amount of gross elevation gain.  Along the way you will see how the desert is being reclaimed from a significant 2005 brush fire and pass a large sandstone slab with ancient petroglyphs.  This group will depart from Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

 

In reviewing the above list, I noted that we have scheduled 42 different offerings to our club members to hit the trails in December.  This is certainly a record for our club.  As more members gain confidence with the hiking routes and their abilities to act as coordinator, this might become the norm rather than the exception.  Here's looking forward to a host of opportunities for our members in 2014.

 

Chris Dempsey