January 2014 Hike List

The information directly below is important to determine where our group meets prior to each hike.  Please read the entire section thoroughly before skipping to the actual hike descriptions.

The January schedule basically includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead areas, but there are a scattering of scheduled events in other parts of the city and southern Nevada.  Of note are three hikes in Valley of Fire State Park about 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas and one hike in Gold Butte which is even farther.  Here are the major assembly points for all locations.

Red Rock Canyon Area.  Due to the postings restricting parking at the Albertsons location, we have moved our main assembly point to the Red Rock Casino on Charleston Boulevard just east of 215.  To access the meeting spot, turn into the casino property at the signalized intersection directly across from Canyon Pointe, turn right at the t-intersection, and immediately turn right into the lot.  We will be parking at the north end of the lot along Charleston Boulevard.  Whenever Red Rock area hikes start from Highway 160, there will be a secondary pickup point for south side participants.  That location is at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160.  Generally, this will be a brief stop which will occur about twenty-five minutes after the departure from Red Rock Casino.

Lake Mead South.  For all hikes on the south side of the lake the general meeting spot will be at the Henderson Fiesta Casino.  At this location, we will be meeting close to the large outdoor sign in front of the property.  Henderson Fiesta is located on Lake Mead Parkway just east of the junction of I-215 and I-515.  Lake Mead Parkway is actually the east bound extension of I-215.  There will also be an earlier assembly point for these hikes at Red Rock Casino, with directions listed above, and there could be local stopping points after the group leaves Henderson Fiesta.  These stopping points will be listed in the appropriate hike descriptions.

Lake Mead North.  For hikes on the north side of the lake, along with those going to Valley of Fire and Gold Butte, the early west side collection point will be on the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino rather than at Red Rock Casino.  Rampart Casino is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway.  The garage is located on the northeast side of the casino and is four stories in height.  The best route from Rampart to the general meeting location is Summerlin Parkway to Highway 95 to I-15 north to eastbound Lake Mead Boulevard.  The general assembly point for hikes on the north side of the lake will be in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood.  There will also be a secondary pickup point at Mile Marker 4 of Northshore Road inside the recreation area for Lake Mead hikes.

Valley of Fire and Gold Butte.  For hikes northeast of Las Vegas, the primary assembly point will be in the parking lot of Lucky Club Casino.  This casino is located on the east side of I-15 at the Cheyenne Avenue exit and on the north side of Cheyenne.  Participants getting there from northbound I-15 will have to cross several traffic lanes just after the exit ramp to make a left turn into the property.  As mentioned above, Rampart Casino will be the early west side assembly points for these hikes.

IMPORTANT NOTE #1 - Hike coordinators may not always be at either the early or primary assembly points.  Participants will need to monitor the time and set up carpooling to the next meeting location or pickup point when that occurs.  Although some of these situations are noted in the hike descriptions, others may occur that are not so noted.

IMPORTANT POINT #2 - 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 general information about any of the hikes should be directed to Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or by telephone at (702) 823-2355.  Specific questions regarding hikes should be directed to the listed coordinator.  Refer to the club roster for contact information. 

Wednesday, January 1 - Krafft Mountain.  Begin the new year with a hike in the Calico Basin area.  The route will head along the east side of the Calico Hills and climb to the saddle at the top of Five Stop Hill.  Some of the group may decide to turn around at this point and head back to the vehicles, making the distance of the out-and-back option about 3 miles with a moderate rating.  The rest of the group will scramble over the top of the peak and descend by a different route on the west side that involves minimal exposure and Class 3 terrain.  This option will cover 4 miles with 1,100 feet of elevation gain and a strenuous rating.  Departure will be from Red Rock Casino at 10:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Thursday, January 2 - Virlis Fisher & Bridge Spring Arches.  The starting point for this strenuous 5-mile loop hike is along State Highway 165 on the way to the small community of Nelson south of Boulder City.  Less than one mile of the route is on trail and there is quite a bit of rough terrain to negotiate.  The climb to Virlis Fisher Arch, located on a limestone ridge, is steep and has some exposure.  The difficulty doesn't ease much until the last stretch leaving the sandstone Bridge Spring Arch, a site certainly worth a photograph.  The early west side group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM, with the complete group departing from Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, January 3 - Anniversary Narrows.  Visit the site of a fairly large colmanite mine on this moderate 5 or 6-mile partial loop hike on the north side of Lake Mead.  Starting from the gravel pullout at Mile Marker 16 on Northshore Road, the group will follow a gravel road past Ore Car Mine before visiting the processing site for the Anniversary Mine on a ledge above Lovell Wash.  After exploring the general mine area, the group will trek through the slot canyon in the drainage above the mine to the snack break spot, return through the narrows, and follow Lovell Wash back to the starting point.  Early west side group will leave from the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:20 AM.  The main assembly point is the CVS parking lot on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood with an 8:00 AM departure.  There will also be a pass through at the Mile Marker 4 pullout along Northshore Road to pick up south side participants about 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

Saturday, January 4 - Black Mountain Overlook.  A well maintained city trail constitutes the route to the top of Black Mountain Overlook Peak on this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain.  From the peak participants will not only get a great view of Boulder Basin in Lake Mead, but the entire city of Las Vegas is laid out to the northwest with the Spring Mountains and snow-covered Mount Charleston providing a great backdrop.  The early west side assembly point is at Red Rock Casino.  That subgroup will leave at 7:20 AM to join the main group at Henderson Fiesta with an 8:00 AM departure for the combined group.  Boulder City residents can head straight to the trailhead parking lot next to St. Jude Children's Ranch, where the hike will start around 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, January 4 - Valley of Fire White Domes & Fire Wave.  A leisurely hike covering 3.5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain will begin at the end of the scenic road in Valley of Fire State Park.  The route passes the old set location used in the movie "The Professionals" before turning into a wash containing several colorful and beautiful slot canyons.  On the return, the hike follows another wash through the imposing White Domes and loops back to the starting point.  Overall, the rating should be easy to moderate.  An early west side group can assemble on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage, leaving at 8:00 AM.  The main group, including the coordinator, will be in the parking lot of Lucky Club Casino, located on the northeast corner of the junction of I-15 and Cheyenne.  That group departure will be at 8:30 AM and there will be a stop at the Indian Smoke Shop at the I-15 exit about 9:00 AM before heading toward the park.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Sunday, January 5 - Black Velvet Canyon.  The focal destination for this strenuous 9-mile loop hike is one of those deep canyons penetrating the Wilson Cliffs on the west side of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley.  Like its northern neighbors, this canyon includes lots of serious boulder scrambling over a relatively short distance.  The trail getting to the canyon is quite level with no appreciable difficulty, but the return trail has a bit more in terms of rolling terrain.  The primary assembling point will be at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  There will be a secondary stop at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 about 8:25 AM to pick up south side participants.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Monday, January 6 - Mountain Spring Peak.  This strenuous 7-mile loop hike begins near the pass on Highway 160 at Mountain Spring Summit and follows a gravel service road to a single track trail that leads to the limestone ridge behind the southern end of the Wilson Cliffs.  Elevation gain on the way to the peak is 1,300 feet, and there will be exceptional views of Las Vegas and the entire area from the top.  The return portion of the hike bushwhacks a ridge back to Rainbow Springs Road, then passes a couple of springs on the way back to the vehicles.  The primary group will leave Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM and pick up any south side participants at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 about 8:25 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Tuesday, January 7 - Frenchman's Mountain.  The imposing double peak on the east side on the valley is the target for the very strenuous Tuesday option this week, which gains nearly 2,000 feet over an out-and-back route that is only 4 miles in total length.  The route for this summit attack is a steep canyon up the northwest side of the mountain that includes quite a bit of Class 3 terrain and some exposure.  One section even uses a steel cable atop a ramped ledge to assist with the climb and the descent.  The narrow ridge at the top provides sensational views of Las Vegas and Lake Mead.  West side departure from Rampart Casino parking garage is at 7:20 AM for the main assembly point at the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood and an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Tuesday, January 7 - 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 Ice Box Canyon trails.  The southern part of Dale's rolls through a series of ridges and drainages, passing Skull Rock just north of Pine Creek Trail.  The moderate out-and-back hike will originate at the Ice Box trailhead parking area and cover a distance between 5 and 6 miles.  After the Pine Creek Trail is reached, the group will turn toward the canyon and take a snack break near the old Wilson homestead foundation before returning to the vehicles.  Meeting location will be Red Rock Casino with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Wednesday, January 8 - Gorman Little Grand Canyon.  I changed the name of this destination from Siena Little Grand Canyon because it is much closer to the campus of Bishop Gorman High School than the community of Siena.  Like our previous exploration of this canyon, we will hike as far as we can into the canyon, stopping below an impressive seasonal waterfall in a hidden alcove.  Unlike the previous exploration, we will then back track and climb through a notch above the lower section of cliffs and explore the area beyond the waterfall.  Distance will probably be about 5 miles with potentially a moderately strenuous rating.  The assembled group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, January 9 - CCC & Painted Pinnacles Loop in Valley of Fire.  This newly designed loop hike starts at the Conservation Corps Cabins at Valley of Fire and climbs onto a plateau that leads all the way to the Painted Pinnacles.  From that location the group will take a new route southeast, eventually joining up with the north fork of the sandy Valley of Fire Wash and then heading back toward the starting point.  The hike will cover a total distance of close to 5 miles with an elevation gain of a few hundred feet, but there will be the usual VOF scrambling over and around boulders.  Rating should probably be moderately strenuous.  The early west side group will leave Rampart Casino at 7:15 AM and join the main group at Lucky Club Casino and a 7:45 AM departure.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

Friday, January 10 - Moenkopi/Angel Canyon Loop.  This moderate loop hike will start from the fee booth parking lot in Red Rock Canyon, pass the Visitor Center, and continue on to the Moenkopi Trail in a clockwise direction.  After leaving the overlook bench on top of Moenkopi Ridge, the route will head across to Calico I Overlook, take the lower trail past Calico II, and do some minor scrambling up to the carving in Angel Canyon.  The final return will be along the Calico Hills Trail, which should make the total distance close to 5 miles.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Friday, January 10 - Black Mountain (Henderson).  The more strenuous option for this Friday will find a group heading up the volcanic rock trail to one of the peaks in the McCullough Range.  With 2,100 feet of elevation gain, this 6-mile out-and-back hike will provide a great workout for those who attempt the climb.  At the top the expansive view stretches all the way to Searchlight to the south and Mount Charleston to the north.  A west side group will also depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM to join the main group at the Walgreens located at the intersection of Anthem Parkway and Hampton Road for an 8:45 AM start.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Saturday, January 11 - Railroad Pass Mountain Loop.  A moderate hike of 5 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain, this trek begins at Railroad Pass Casino, climbs for a short distance on the mountain behind the hotel, then begins a loop around the mountain.  The trail rambles past the top of Cascata Golf Course and its waterfall and provides lots of scenic views of the Boulder City area.  The early west side group will leave Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM and join the main group at Henderson Fiesta.  The combined group will then depart at 8:00 AM.  Boulder City residents should plan on being at the Railroad Pass Casino by 8:10 AM to take part.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Saturday, January 11 - Bluff Trail.  An easy to moderate ramble is the best description for this relatively short 2-mile out-and-back hike on the west side of Lake Mead.  Starting from the campground accessed from Lakeshore Road, the trail follows the Las Vegas Wash upstream from its entrance into the lake, staying on a ridge above the stream on the south bank.  Even though the terrain is not particularly high there are great views, including one of Las Vegas itself.  Limited parking at the trailhead makes maximum carpooling essential.  Anyone gathering at Red Rock Casino should leave for Fiesta Henderson by 7:50 AM.  The group assembled at Fiesta Henderson will leave there at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.

Sunday, January 12 - Gold Butte Petroglyph Hike.  Join our coordinators for a moderately strenuous ramble of 7.5 miles with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain that passes a significant aggregation of petroglyphs.  The drive to Gold Butte is around ninety minutes each way and includes about two miles of high clearance road.  After passing several sets of sandstone hills containing small groupings of petroglyphs, the route turns past Khota Circus, which is the largest petroglyph panel in Clark County.  On the return there is some scrambling in a fun slot crack.  Early west side participants can meet at Rampart Casino.  They should leave there at 7:30 AM and head for Lucky Club Casino, where the main group will gather.  Departure time there will be 8:00 AM.  Bring high clearance vehicles if you have them.  Coordinators - John & Kay Blackwell.

Monday, January 13 - Boneshaker & Skull Canyon.  This moderate 6-mile loop hike starts with a fairly steep climb up the tough ridge trail known as Boneshaker in the first mile of the hike.  From the top of the first ridge onward there are expansive views of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley, with the new Las Vegas Overlook waiting at the highest point, some 1,500 feet above the start.  Descent will be through dramatic Skull Canyon.  Departure time from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Tuesday, January 14 - Anniversary Narrows, Peak & Bowl of Fire Loop.  After the usual walk through the narrows, the group will continue up the wash, turning right on a side ridge that climbs to the narrow ridge that Anniversary Peak sits atop.  There is a little exposure in the peak area but most people will handle it without any problem.  On the descent the group will head east into Bowl of Fire, then follow Calville Wash back to the vehicles.  Total distance is 9 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain and a strenuous rating.  The early west side group will leave from Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM, the combined group will leave from CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard & Hollywood at 8:00 AM, and there will be a quick stop at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road at 8:15 AM to pick up any south side participants.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

Tuesday, January 14 - Potato Knoll.  The alternate hike this Tuesday is a moderate 5-mile partial loop hike that is generally level but includes a short and steep climb up to the top of the 500-foot hill sitting in the shadow of Wilson Peak.  The snack break will occur on the sandstone outcroppings at the south end of the top, which will afford nice views of the Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley areas.  Also, the system of trails used crosses Oak Creek on four occasions, but we might need some good precipitation if there is any chance to see flowing water.  Departure time from Red Rock Casino will be 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Thursday, January 16 - Bootleg Ridge.  Beginning at the zip line north of Boulder City, the route follows the Mother Loop Trail to the apex of a saddle, then turns sharply right to gain the ridge above.  The ridge trail will take the group over several small peaks before turning left for the descent, and finishes on sections of West Leg Trail and Girl Scout Trail returning to the vehicles.  Rating for this hike is strenuous as it covers a total distance of 7 miles and gains 1,800 feet of elevation.  Departure times are 7:20 AM from Red Rock Casino for the west side group, followed by 8:00 AM from the general meeting location at Henderson Fiesta.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, January 17 - Juniper Peak.  This very strenuous hike will start from the Oak Creek trailhead inside the Red Rock scenic drive accessed by the gravel road near Mile Marker 12.  There is desert trail, bushwhacking, bouldering, Class 3 scrambling with a rabbit hole and some exposure, and a breathtaking view from the peak.  Total distance is about 8 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain and the outing should take seven to eight hours.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be early at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Friday, January 17 - Oak Creek/Knoll/Arnight Loop.  The more laid back hike for this Friday will begin at the gravel parking lot where the Red Rock scenic drive exits back onto Highway 159.  The first of the official trails incorporated into the route will be the Oak Creek Trail from the gravel lot off the scenic drive at Mile Marker 12.  Before getting to Oak Creek Canyon, the group will turn right on Knoll Trail, then turn right again on the Arnight Trail back to the gravel lot.  Total distance will be between 5 and 6 miles.  Although the terrain rolls somewhat, there is probably only a couple hundred feet of elevation gain, so the rating is moderate.  The group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, January 18 - Liberty Bell Arch.  One of the most popular moderate hikes in the Lake Mead area is this 5 or 6-mile hike that follows an out-and-back route from the new parking area along Highway 93.  The group will begin by following a wash into the top portion of White Rock Canyon and turn right through a series of interconnected washes on a recently established trail that intersects the old trail going past the arch.  The remains of a manganese mine provide a historical reference to the area and the arch itself is a geologic wonder.  The snack break will occur at the turn around point on a broad ledge 700 feet above the Colorado River.  The west side group will leave Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM for the main assembly point at Henderson Fiesta, from which the entire group will depart at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Saturday, January 18 - Lakeshore Trail.  The leisurely hike this Saturday will be an easy to moderate outing of about 3 miles round trip that will follow a trail at the Las Vegas Marina boat ramp and head along the shore of Lake Mead to the Hole 33 parking area and back.  This section of the lake sees a lot of fishing action, both by boat and from the shore, and it is also frequented by a variety of waterfowl.  The west side group can carpool from Red Rock Casino at 7:50 AM.  The main gathering point will be at Henderson Fiesta where the coordinator will be stationed prior to the hike.  The full group will leave for the hike at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.

Sunday, January 19 - Terrace Canyon.  Perhaps the most spectacular hike in all of Red Rock is this very strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike that gains close to 1,600 feet of elevation.  Other than the opening part of the hike across the desert along the Pine Creek Trail, the rest of the hike consists of nearly five miles of boulder scrambling in the canyons of the south fork of Pine Creek to reach the dramatic terraces at the top end.  The boulders that must be climbed over are sometimes in the 15-foot range and participants should definitely be in shape.  The group will depart at 8:00 AM from the assembly point at Red Rock Casino.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, January 20 - White Rock/Sandstone Loop.  The Martin Luther Holiday will actually provide members with a couple of options.  The first one is a trail hike, except for some moderate downhill scrambling in a narrow wash, that starts from Sandstone Quarry, gaining 1,700 feet in the process.  Rated moderately strenuous, the loop route covers a total distance of 7 miles and climbs beyond the Keystone Thrust area, getting fairly close to La Madre Mountain.  The downhill portion of the hike provides exceptional views of Turtlehead and the Calico Hills.  Red Rock Casino will be the gathering point with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Monday, January 20 - Fern Canyon.  The second option this Monday is considered more of a scrambling hike even though the majority of the route is covered on trail.  A moderately strenuous out-and-back hike of 5 miles will take the participants into the North Fork of Pine Creek, one of the few places in the Las Vegas area where ferns grow naturally.  Although probably less than one mile of the distance, there will be bushwhacking and boulder scrambling, with the boulders generally in the size range from four to ten feet.  The snack break will occur near a trickling waterfall above a pond.  This group will also meet at Red Rock Casino with a departure time of 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Tuesday, January 21 - Gold Strike Hot Springs.  The out-and-back hike to what is often referred to as the Nevada Hot Springs is located in the vicinity of the former Hacienda Casino and Hotel along Highway 93.  It is rated moderately strenuous and has an elevation change of 1,000 feet on the descent down to the river, which must be climbed on the way back.  Much of the route is classified as scrambling with most of that on the canyon floor.  There are several areas that drop over boulders with fixed ropes in place to make the descent and the climb out.  The west side group should leave from Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM and meet the coordinator along with other participants at Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - John Blackwell.

Wednesday, January 22 - Lone Grapevine Spring.  This moderate partial loop hike of 5 miles is mostly on multi-use trails in Cottonwood Valley that were originally developed by mountain bikers.  The elevation gain of a few hundred feet occurs on the return leg of the hike.  The drainage below the springs is a historic site involving scores of petroglyphs found on boulders lying on the ground that probably span at least 1,000 years.  This will be a joint outing with Lone Mountain Hiking Club, which will assemble at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for an 8:00 AM departure.  The ABF coordinator will be at that site.  Around the Bend Friends participants should leave Red Rock Casino at 8:05 AM and meet the LMHC contingent at the gravel parking lot where the Red Rock scenic drive exits back onto the highway.  There will be an additional stop at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 to pick up any south side participants at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, January 23 - Fortification Hill.  A dark black mound on the southern shore of Lake Mead near the dam, Fortification Hill shows evidence of having a volcanic crater as well as being a drift pile from eruptions to its south.  In any event, the top of the mountain is the goal for this strenuous 4-mile out-and-back hike that gains about 1,200 feet.  Hands are required in a few places when the route climbs through the cliffs surrounding the top plateau and there is some very steep trail climbing to that point for which hiking sticks are quite helpful.  High clearance vehicles are essential for the gravel road in from the highway.  Hikers leaving from Red Rock Casino should do so by 7:20 AM and the full group will leave from Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, January 24 - Hoover Dam & Bridge.  Eliminating the hike through the tunnels reduces the total distance of this easy to moderate partial loop hike to about 4 miles.  Instead of Alan Bible Visitor Center, it will begin from the Lake Mead Observation Point sitting directly on top Tunnel #5.  From that lot, participants will drop onto the regular trail and follow the newly opened section of trail that passes the Boneyard on the way to the dam.  On the return, the group will cross the new bridge overlooking the dam before returning to the starting point.  West side participants will depart from Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM and the entire group will leave from Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM, arriving at the starting point of the hike about 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

Saturday, January 25 - Signature Rock Loop.  This moderate to strenuous hike is about 9 miles in length over generally moderate terrain with a few steep areas.  Starting from Mile Marker 18 on Northshore Road, it proceeds into Pinto Valley, visits Signature Rock, and returns through an interesting wash near the Chocolate Hills.  West side participants should meet at Rampart Casino for a 7:20 AM departure and join the main group at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood.  That combined group will leave at 8:00 AM and join the coordinators and any other south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout along Northshore Road about 8:15 AM before heading to the starting point of the hike.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

Saturday, January 25 - Anniversary Mine.  For the leisurely hike this Saturday the group will be doing the short version of the hike past the recently reopened Anniversary Mine in the foothills of the Muddy Mountains.  To get to the starting point, vehicles will have to travel about a mile along a gravel road and park near Ore Car Mine, an agate mining area on a plateau south of the Muddy Mountains.  High clearance vehicles are not required for this road.  The hike itself will be a moderate 4-mile out-and-back effort that enters the wash and proceeds into the slot canyon known as Anniversary Narrows.  West side group should leave from Rampart Casino at 7:50 AM, join the main group at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:30 AM departure, and pick up any remaining south side participants at Mile Marker 4 of Northshore Road about 8:45 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.

Sunday, January 26 - River Mountains Trail - Part 1.  It's back by popular demand!  Well, at least two people have expressed an interest in slogging the 34 miles around the River Mountains over three successive Sundays.  In Part 1 the group will be doing the uphill portion starting at the lower parking lot at the Alan Bible Visitor Center, passing features such as St. Jude Children's Home, the base of the Boulder City zip line, and the back side of the Veterans Home on the way to the finish at Railroad Pass Casino.  This point-to-point paved stretch is about 10 miles long, gains something over 1,000 feet, and is rated moderately strenuous (only because of the distance).  For this segment, the early west side group will meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:00 AM departure and drive to Railroad Pass Casino on Highway 93, where the main group will gather and take some of the vehicles down to the starting point at 7:45 AM.  This eliminates Henderson Fiesta as an additional assembly point.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Sunday, January 26 - Strip Tourist Walk - Part 2.  The outing this Sunday will be different from the one scheduled on December 29, but you can still pretend that you are a visitor to our fair city on this 4 hour walk from Flamingo to Desert Inn and back.  This outing will start in daylight and finish under the neon lights.  Highlights will be viewing the new Project Linq mall and the observation wheel currently under construction.  It will be easy Class 1 terrain consisting of sidewalks, stairs, and escalators, with the only exposure coming from adult advertising.  More details will be provided by separate e-mail after the Part 1 outing.  Departure from Rampart Casino will be at 3:00 PM with the meeting location on the strip yet to be determined.  The tentative time for the start of the walk is at 3:30 PM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

Monday, January 27 - Cottonwood Spring Loop.  This generally moderate hike is 4 to 5 miles in length but includes some uphill grades and a little scrambling.  The route heads up to Cottonwood Spring from the starting point at Mile Marker 18 along Northshore Road and turns right into the wash toward Hamblin Mountain.  Instead of continuing toward Hamblin, it turns left into the colorful wash going back to Cottonwood Spring that includes portions of the old Arrowhead Highway route.  West side participants should leave Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM, meet the main group at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure, then join the coordinators and any other south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout along Northshore Road about 8:15 AM before heading to the starting point of the hike.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

Tuesday, January 28 - Turtlehead Peak.  For a change the pace will slow from the usual hectic Tuesday efforts to accommodate more participants.  The strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike begins at Sandstone Quarry, passes through some colorful sandstone formations near a broad drainage, then continues up a steep trail to the saddle behind the peak.  Once at the saddle, a trail on the back side of the mountain leads to the top.  Overall, the elevation gain is at 1,900 feet.  Hiking sticks are recommended due to the steep and loose conditions of the trail and long pants provide some protection against the brush.  The assembled group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Wednesday, January 29 - Extended Mouse's Tank Loop in Valley of Fire.  It's been a couple of seasons since the club has done this loop hike, so it's time to resurrect it.  The hike can either be done as a 4-mile or a 5.5-mile loop and has gross elevation gain of 500 feet in either case, so the rating should probably be categorized as moderate.  Starting at the Mouse's Tank parking lot the group will head north to start, turn east over some red sandstone, and enter Fire Canyon Wash.  At 1.5 miles into the hike the group will have to decide which of the above distances to cover.  The return leg of the hike comes back past Mouse's Tank.  This will be a joint outing with Lone Mountain Hiking Club, so that contingent should leave Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:10 AM, west side Around the Bend Friends participants should leave Rampart Casino at 7:15 AM, and both groups will head for the general meeting location at Lucky Club Casino.  Departure of the combined groups will be at 7:45 AM.  Coordinator - Brian Dodd.

Thursday, January 30 - Arizona Hot Springs.  This will be a moderately strenuous loop hike from the new parking lot along Highway 93 to the edge of the Colorado River and back up through the hot pools at the springs.  The descent will be through gravel filled White Rock Canyon, which leads directly to the river.  The group will then follow the river downstream for a short distance and use the next canyon for the climb out.  After a break next to the river, the group will follow that canyon upstream, climb a 20-foot ladder bolted to the rock wall, and wade through the hot pools.  Hiking shoes will need to be removed and you can either wear water shoes or pass through the pools barefooted.  In either case, bring a towel to dry off.  The early west side group will leave Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM.  Departure from the general assembly point at Henderson Fiesta will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - John Blackwell.

Friday, January 31 - Calico Tanks Extended.  Finishing off the month of January is a moderately strenuous hike from Sandstone Quarry that heads toward the Ash Canyon Overlook.  After getting through the sandstone area the group will turn left in the direction of Turtlehead, then turn left again and follow a slot canyon back toward the Calico Tanks area.  There is one 5 or 6-foot dry waterfall to negotiate in the slot, which leads back to Calico Tanks Trail and a return to the vehicles.  Total distance is probably in the range of 4 to 5 miles.  Meet the other participants at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.