April 2014 Hike List

The information below is important to determine where our group meets prior to each hike.  Please read this section before skipping to the actual hike descriptions.  Almost all of the April hikes will be conducted in the Red Rock Canyon area, with information on the meeting location directly below.  Meeting locations and directions for hikes away from Red Rock will be included in the descriptions for those hikes.

 

Red Rock Canyon Area.  Our main assembly point for hikes in Red Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Valley, and the west side of the escarpment is at 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 directly in front of the casino, and immediately turn right into the lot.  If traveling east on Charleston from 215, you can turn right at the first entrance and then make an immediate left.  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 minutes after the departure from Red Rock Casino.

 

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 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.

 

 

Tuesday, April 1 - Bridge Mountain.  The month begins with a very strenuous trek to the exposed peak near the top of Ice Box Canyon.  The plan is for high clearance vehicles to drive up Rocky Gap Road as far as possible to minimize the distance covered by the out-and-back hike to between 6 and 9 miles.  Vertical gain should be close to 2,000 feet.  There will be plenty of Class 3 scrambling as well as exposure to long drops on this hike.  As a result, potential hikers must RSVP to Steve Anderson at banderson54@cox.net at least two days in advance.  Those that are deemed capable of doing the hike will be given information regarding meeting time and location.  As the road requires 4-wheel drive vehicles, it will be necessary to determine if there are enough of those as well.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Tuesday, April 1 - Gypsum Peak.  The alternative hike for the first day of April will be a moderately strenuous 4 to 5-mile out-and-back trek to the top of the peak south of the community of Blue Diamond and across the highway from the gypsum plant at the south end of Blue Diamond Hill.  The opening portion of the hike is on multi-purpose trail, connecting with the remains of an old gravel road that wraps around the mountain.  Reaching the top from the east side will involve a relatively short section of steep scramble.  This hike has open participation and those wanting to take part should be at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond but must be at the bike shop parking lot by 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.  

 

Wednesday, April 2 - Hamblin Mountain.  This Lake Mead hike will find the group heading for the narrow peak across Boulder Narrows from Fortification Hill that provides sensational views of multiple sections of the lake.  The strenuous out-and-back trek covers a total distance of 7 miles and gains around 1,500 feet of elevation.  The return leg of this hike includes a trip through a colorful canyon exiting from Pinto Valley.  The meeting location will be in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood with a 7:30 AM departure time.  There will also be a secondary stop at Mile Marker 4 of Northshore Road on the way to the trailhead for south side participants.  There will not be an early west side assembly point.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Thursday, April 3 - Gorman Little Grand Canyon & Beyond.  This is a fairly low elevation hike located in a canyon somewhat west of Bishop Gorman High School.  It is also at least partly exploratory as we will be investigating a trail toward the top of the canyon that we came across on our last jaunt to the area, although it appears to head toward the top of the ridge line dominating these hills.  It is hard to say what terrain we might encounter along the way, but bring enough water and fluids to allow for a hike of close to 10 miles.  Because of the distance we should probably rate this hike as moderately strenuous.  Meet the other participants at Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, April 4 - Bird Spring Range.  A moderately strenuous hike of about 6 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking area about one-half mile south of Highway 160 also used for the shorter Badger Pass hike.  Starting in a northerly direction, the route goes around the north end of a ridge and meets the Badger Pass Trail.  Near this junction the group will begin a cross-country route east up a ridge that connects with the main north-south spine of the small range.  The return will be down to Badger Pass on the way back to the vehicles.  The early assembly point will be at Red Rock Casino for a 7:00 AM departure, heading for the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 to meet the coordinator and other south side participants.  The full group will leave there for the hike at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

 

Saturday, April 5 - The Muffins & Skull Canyon.  Visiting the large conglomerate boulders known as the Muffins on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill is only the first destination on this moderate 6-mile loop hike with 1,100 feet of gain.  After getting the initial great view of Las Vegas the group will continue south along the eastern ridge of the hill and stop for a snack break at the old Las Vegas Overlook site.  The return leg descends on the trail through Skull Canyon, dropping to the valley floor and the series of horse trails used on the opening segment.  Departure of the group from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Dennis Rohne.

 

Saturday, April 5 - Peak 3488 Ridges.  Our club welcomes yet another new coordinator to the fold for a moderate 3 or 4 mile hike through the desert area close to Calico Basin.  The destination is a small peak whose name is derived from the elevation at the top of the hill and shows up as a blip on the contour maps with an elevation change of about 400 feet.  Pace for the hike will be leisurely to accommodate those who like to enjoy the scenery and take an occasional picture.  This group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Vern Quever.

 

Sunday, April 6 - Landmine Loop.  The name of this trail comes from the mountain bikers who frequent the area south of Red Rock Canyon known as Cottonwood Valley.  This moderate 8-mile loop hike starts inside the community of Blue Diamond and circles around the long ridge on the trails generally referred to as the Blue Diamond Bike Trails.  Total elevation gain is around 900 feet.  A reasonably good pace will be maintained to get the hikers back to the starting point before temperatures increase too much.  The group will depart at 7:30 AM from Red Rock Casino.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Monday, April 7 - Waterfall Canyon.  Although this 4 to 5-mile out-and-back hike is probably rated moderate overall because 80% of it is along Rocky Gap Road, the remaining portion in the canyon includes sketchy trail, portions of slick rock, and a few Class 3 climbs around waterfalls ranging as high as thirty feet.  Since the canyon is deep spring fed, it usually has water coursing down the channel even during dry seasons, and the route crosses the creek on several occasions.  Assembly for this hike will be at Red Rock Casino with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Tuesday, April 8 - White Rock Hills Peak.  The out-and-back trek to the top of the higher of the two peaks in the White Rock Hills is only 4 miles in length but has over 2,000 feet of elevation gain.  Starting from Willow Springs the group will head to the northwest side of the mountain for a climb through a very steep canyon and a ridge accessing the top.  The route is very brushy and there is a lot of Class 3 scrambling and some serious exposure.  The hike is rated as very strenuous and should only be attempted by the most advanced hikers in the club.  The group will meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Tuesday, April 8 - White Rock Hills Loop.  Here is another alternative hike to the regular Tough Tuesday outing.  Participants in this group will be circling the White Rock Hills from Willow Springs Picnic Area and may get a glimpse of the first group heading toward the top of the higher of the two peaks.  This moderate hike is 6.4 miles in length and gains 900 feet getting to the snack break on a rock outcropping below White Rock Springs Peak.  Participants for this hike should gather in the customary spot at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Richard Hansen. 

 

Wednesday, April 9 - Red Springs Loop.  In keeping with the short but tough hikes this week the 4-mile loop starting at Red Springs Picnic Area also has quite a bit of scrambling and is rated moderately strenuous.  The route climbs up to a notch in the Calico Hills and descends past the somewhat famous angel carving getting to the Red Rock side of the sandstone hills.  This section requires use of hands in several places.  Scrambling continues in the deep canyon between the hills and the scenic drive but near the end turns back to trail as it passes an area of petroglyphs and a balanced rock.  The assembled group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Thursday, April 10 - Black Velvet Canyon.  Much of the route on this moderately strenuous 8-mile loop hike involves multi-purpose trails in Cottonwood Valley that roll along fairly level terrain with the hiccups generally being drainage crossings.  The half mile trail getting into the canyon and the quarter mile of intense boulder scrambling in the canyon is where the real difficulty lies.  Use of hands will be required at several spots and we will stop for a break inside the canyon below a 30-foot dry waterfall.  Departure time from Red Rock will be at 7:30 AM.  There will be a secondary pickup at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 twenty-five minutes later to pick up south side participants.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Friday, April 11 - Seven Pools of Gray Fox Canyon.  While you may have heard of the Seven Pools of Hana on the island of Maui you might not know about our very own version here in Las Vegas.  Gray Fox Canyon is located north of the community of Calico Basin and east of the Red Cap area, so the trailhead used to start the hike is one of those customarily used for the Krafft Mountain Loop.  Distance for the hike is about 4 miles and there is 1,200 feet of elevation gain along with a short but challenging section of scrambling and minor exposure.  Rating for the hike is strenuous.  The group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Saturday, April 12 - Red Cap.  This version of the hike to the red mantle at the north end of the Calico Hills will not be the regular route out of Sandstone Quarry.  Instead it will start at Red Springs Picnic Area and climb through Ash or Dragon Canyon past the Ash Canyon Overlook and attack the peak from the east side.  This out-and-back route is about 5 miles in length and has 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  With some serious scrambling involved and some exposure, the hike carries a strenuous rating.  Those participating should be at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Saturday, April 12 - Secret Garden.  Join our coordinator for a trip to a hidden spot that she considers her secret garden.  The moderate 4-mile hike begins at Willow Springs parking area and follows an early section of the White Rock Hills Trail.  The group will break at the halfway point before turning around and heading back to Willow Springs.  Pace for this hike will be leisurely.  The group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.

 

Sunday, April 13 - Blue Diamond Knoll.  This 6-mile moderate loop hike begins in the community of Blue Diamond.  The group will make their way up the Tertiary ridge behind the community following a trail along the top that leads toward Bonnie Springs.  After dropping back to the valley floor near the western end of the ridge the route loops to the north and returns to Blue Diamond.  Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a departure at 7:35 AM, and those participants should proceed to Blue Diamond.  After crossing the bridge on the main entrance to the community there will be a dirt parking lot on the right side just before the first houses.  The coordinator will be at that location.  South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond if they wish.  The hike will begin at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

 

Monday, April 14 - Cave Canyon & Las Vegas Overlook.  There is some pretty serious scrambling in the lower part of the namesake canyon on this 6 to 7-mile loop hike on Blue Diamond Hill.  Starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot the group will head into the canyon where one of the first obstacles is a 15-foot dry waterfall that can be climbed without use of rope.  After scrambling around some fairly sizeable boulders the terrain becomes easier to negotiate.  The group will exit the canyon on a trail that leads past the communications tower and on to the overlook.  Descent will likely be through Skull Canyon.  Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis. 

 

Tuesday, April 15 - Callville Ridge Loop.  It's appropriate that our last Lake Mead hike of the season should be coordinated by our resident Lake Mead experts.  The route for this hike on the north side of Boulder Basin will pass the remains of an airplane crash near a ridge top, hike along the ridge, and loop back through a canyon that includes scrambling.  There is the possibility of coming across desert tortoises and there should certainly be some beavertail cacti in bloom.  The hike is 5 to 6 miles in length and is rated moderately strenuous.  Because of potential heat be sure to bring plenty of water.  The group will assemble at the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure.  They will stop at the pullout at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road to join the coordinators and any other south side participants around 8:15 AM before proceeding to the trailhead.  Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.

 

Wednesday, April 16 - Keystone Thrust Loop.  This moderate 4-mile hike will provide an opportunity for the average hiker to see up close the effect of a massive Pacific Plate movement some sixty million years ago that forced older limestone rock from the west on top of younger sandstone already in the area.  The hike will start from the gravel pullout at Mile Marker 6 on the scenic drive in Red Rock Canyon, passing the gravel parking lot near White Rock Springs and continuing on the Keystone Thrust Trail.  Instead of returning by the same route the group will continue down through the sandstone canyon to the scenic drive and return along the road to the vehicles.  The group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM for this hike.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Thursday, April 17 - Krafft Mountain Traverse.  The intended route for this strenuous 5-mile loop hike is a bit different in that it will not include a climb up Five Stop Hill.  Instead it will pass the south side of the mountain and climb to the peak using the east approach.  Once across the top and the descent to the saddle between Krafft and Gateway Peaks, the group will head down to Lower Gateway Canyon and follow that route back to the east side of the mountain.  There will be plenty of scrambling through a multitude of areas on this hike.  Meet the other group members at Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, April 18 - Red Cap & Calico Tank Peak.  This intense scrambling effort will start at Sandstone Quarry, go past the turn-off leading to Calico Tanks, and climb to Red Cap via a Class 3 route with some mild exposure.  The group will the descend past Mass Production Wall, climb to the top of Calico Tank Peak, and return to the Calico Tanks Trail to get back to Sandstone Quarry.  The hike is quite strenuous and has significant scrambling even though the distance is only about 3.5 miles.  Total elevation gain is around 1,700 feet.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.

 

Saturday, April 19 - Krafft Mountain Loop.  This moderately strenuous 5-mile hike is similar to the one the previous Thursday but it does not include the traverse across the top of the mountain.  The route for this loop hike will follow the trail up Five Stop Hill, descend into Lower Gateway Canyon for a trip around the mountain, then pass through a well-known boulder field on the south side of the mountain for a return to the starting point.  The bulk of this trek probably does not live up to the overall rating but there is some tricky boulder scrambling in the canyon that generates the rating.  Meet the other group participants at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM start to Red Springs.  Coordinator - Dennis Rohne.

 

Saturday, April 19 - Corn Creek Visitor Center Trails.  If you haven't yet checked out the new visitor center at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge today's leisurely outing will provide you with the opportunity.  The trails from the center wind through ponds and luxurious foliage that takes advantage of the water flowing through the upper sections of the Las Vegas Wash.  Distance hiked will probably top out around 2 miles but it is quite level and carries an easy rating.  There is a long gravel road leading from Highway 95 to the visitor center but it is well graded and should only provide a sheen of dust to the vehicles.  Since this hike is north of Las Vegas we will be using our gathering point for Mount Charleston area hikes.  That location is in the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station on the 3rd level.  Participants can access this garage from Lone Mountain Road or from the main entrance to the casino off Rancho.  Look for the group along the south wall on the 3rd level.  DO NOT TRY TO FIND THE GROUP IN THE NORTH PARKING GARAGE.  Departure time will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Sunday, April 20 - Blue Diamond Cactus Garden.  This 6-mile loop hike is situated on the knoll behind the community of Blue Diamond.  It has an exploratory section because the route includes the possibility of a trail leading down from the sandstone outcropping just north of the high point on the knoll.  The start of the hike is at the dirt parking lot near Wheeler Camp Springs and sections of the Blue Diamond Bike Trails will be involved.  There are several red barrel cacti in the vicinity of the high point on the hike.  The pace will be reasonably quick and the rating is moderately strenuous.  Assembly point will be Red Rock Casino with a 7:30 AM departure time.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Monday, April 21 - SMYC & Dale's Trail.  This moderate out-and-back hike is about 7 miles in total distance.  It will start at the Lost Creek parking lot on the spur road heading toward Willow Springs and take SMYC Trail south, crossing the Ice Box Trail and continuing south on Dale's Trail.  At the junction with the Pine Creek Trail the group will turn right and take a snack break by the old Wilson homestead foundation before returning.  If interested meet the rest of the group at Red Rock Casino for a departure at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, April 22 - White Rock Loop & White Rock Springs Peak.  Starting from Willow Springs the group will head in a clockwise direction around the two cream colored mountains that constitute the White Rock Hills.  On reaching the north side of the second peak they will begin a steep scramble involving Class 3 terrain to the top of the peak.  The descent will be on the east face and will include more Class 3 scrambling.  The 8-mile hike is rated strenuous and has about 2,500 feet of overall elevation gain.  The group assembling at Red Rock Casino will leave there at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, April 23 - White Rock Hills Loop.  Here is the tame version of the previous day's hike, meaning it doesn't include scrambling to the top of anything.  The total distance of this moderate loop hike is 6.4 miles and the elevation gain is 900 feet and it is all on trail.  One of the distinctive features of this hike is that it provides an opportunity to see the stark difference between the desert setting on the south side of the mountains and the luxuriant growth on the north side.  Perhaps the fact that the back side generally gets twice the rainfall is significant.  Departure from the assembly point at Red Rock Casino will occur at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Thursday, April 24 - Gass Peak.  Looking down on the city from its north side is the Las Vegas Range and the highest point in that range is a mountain housing air control radar and several large solar panels known as Gass Peak.  To get to the starting point of the strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike will require driving on a series of gravel roads that seem to worsen the farther one gets from the highway.  High clearance vehicles are definitely in order.  Overall, the elevation gain is probably around 1,800 feet and the view from the top is exceptional.  The meeting point for this hike is at Santa Fe Station.  See directions in the description of the Corn Creek hike on April 19.  Departure time will be at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, April 25 - Sandstone, Gateway & Five Stop.  This moderate 5 to 6-mile out-and-back hike will start at Sandstone Quarry and head east past the north end of the Calico Hills.  After reaching the area behind the Ash Canyon Overlook, it will proceed down a side canyon and turn right into the middle section of Gateway Canyon.  After a short stretch of minor bushwhacking the route will turn right on the trail that leads to the saddle above Five Stop Hill where the snack break will occur before returning to the start.  The group will leave from the gathering spot at Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree. 

 

Saturday, April 26 - Hikes & Spring Picnic at Lone Mountain.  Our club's spring picnic is scheduled for the last Saturday of April at the Lone Mountain Regional Park by the intersection of Craig and Jensen.  While the food is scheduled to be served at noon we hope to provide some shorter hikes in the vicinity of Lone Mountain starting at 8:00 AM.  Three potential hikes are an easy 2-mile loop  around the mountain, a moderate 3-mile hike up the mountain using the north or west trails, and a strenuous scrambling effort coming in from the south.  Currently we are looking for coordinators for each of these hikes.  If you are willing to volunteer, please contact Ann Hoskin at agreensprings@gmail.com.  The gathering spot for the hikes is at the south end of the park on Jensen between Craig and Alexander.  Parking is available there or you may park at the main lot off Craig and walk over to the starting point.  There is a separate flyer attached to the newsletter which details what you need to know to attend the picnic, which is being coordinated by Ann Hoskin and Edwina Labrecque. 

 

Sunday, April 27 - Brownstone Canyon.  For this strenuous out-and-back hike the group will be starting from the gravel lot at the north end of Calico Basin.  The route will climb Five Stop Hill, drop into Gateway Canyon, and proceed up the canyon to its top end.  Once on top of the sandstone behind Turtlehead Peak the route zigzags past several boulders and outcroppings seeking a narrow crevice that is used for the descent to the pictograph wall in Brownstone.  The hike contains quite a bit of scrambling and some exposure.  Total distance should be around 8 miles.  The group will meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, April 28 - La Madre Miner's Cabin.  The total distance for this moderately strenuous hike is 5 miles and the elevation gain is 1,600 feet.  The La Madre Springs trail is used for the bulk of the hike starting from Willow Springs Picnic Area.  Once past the pool behind the old dam the route changes from abandoned gravel road to single track trail that generally gets steeper as it climbs along a small stream.  The payoff is an old shelter located on a ledge that presumably was used by the person who dug several shafts on higher ground above the shelter.  Meeting spot is Red Rock Casino with an 8:00 AM departure time.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, April 29 - Two North Peaks.  It seems like every year at the end of April and again at the end of November we do a hike that features at least one of the North Peaks so why break tradition.  The strenuous 12-mile partial loop hike will start from Willow Springs and head up Rocky Gap Road to Red Rock Summit.  From there the trail leads to limestone North Peak situated across the top of Ice Box Canyon from Bridge Mountain.  The route continues across the peak and along a ridge connecting to sandstone North Peak.  The steep regular trail will be used to return to the road and back to Willow Springs.  Gross elevation gain is around 3,000 feet.  The group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Wednesday, April 30 - Potato Knoll.  The month of April ends with a moderate 5-mile jaunt up the hill directly in front of Wilson Peak on the escarpment in Red Rock.  Overall elevation gain for this partial loop hike is 500 feet with over half of that in the short climb to the summit.  The hike will begin at the gravel parking lot on Highway 159 at the end of the scenic drive.  The route also crosses Oak Creek on four occasions, so there is the possibility of seeing running water.  Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.