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. Hikes during the month of July will be split between
the Red Rock Canyon area (early mornings on select Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Fridays) and the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains (usually
referred to as the Mount Charleston area). Information regarding
assembly locations and directions to those locations is immediately
below.
Red Rock Canyon Area. Our
assembly point for summer 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
outdoor lot. If traveling east on Charleston from 215 you can turn
right at the first entrance and then make an immediate left into the
lot. We will be parking at the north end of the lot along Charleston
Boulevard.
Mount Charleston Area. For
hikes north of Las Vegas in either the Mount Charleston area or in the
Sheep Mountains the assembly point will be at the Santa Fe Station
Casino. This property has two parking garages, one on the north end of
the casino close to Highway 95 and the Rancho exit and one on the
southeast side closer to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain
Road. We always use the third level of the southeast parking garage as our meeting location. This
garage can be accessed from Lone Mountain Road traveling in either
direction at the entrance near the theater addition. It can also be
accessed from Rancho. If
traveling northbound on Rancho turn in at the casino entrance signalized
intersection and turn left to access the garage. If traveling
southbound on Rancho pass the signal and turn at the entrance that
directly accesses the garage. This second option is used if you are
getting to Santa Fe using northbound Highway 95 and taking the Rancho
exit. Drive up to the third level and turn left - we will be meeting right there.
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, July 1 - Mount Charleston. The
very strenuous hike to the top of the highest mountain in southern
Nevada will cover close to 17 miles and gain over 4,200 feet in
elevation. Trail Canyon Trail and the upper section of North Loop Trail
will be used on this out-and-back hike. Departure time from Santa Fe
Station will be at 5:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Tuesday, July 1 - Lee Peak Trail Junction. The alternate hike this Tuesday is still quite strenuous as it will log in at about 12 miles with 3,300
feet of elevation gain and the west end of Lee Peak the destination.
This trek will follow the same route as the longer hike, so it is
possible the two groups will meet up on the return segment. Departure
time will be 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Wednesday, July 2 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. The
actual hike in the Red Rock area will be determined as usual by the
participants who show up at the designated spot at Red Rock Casino.
The general parameters are that the hike will be up to 4 or 5 miles
total with a moderate rating and should be completed by mid-morning to
reduce the heat impact. Group departure will be at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Thursday, July 3 - Raintree via Trail Canyon. With
the new trailhead located a bit farther down Echo Road, this moderately
strenuous out-and-back hike is now just under 8 miles as it gains 2,200
feet of elevation getting to one of the oldest bristlecone pine trees
in the Spring Mountains. The group will be departing from Santa Fe
Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 4 - Red Springs. Most
of the route for this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike will be in the
shade as the group will start from Red Springs and go around the south
end of the Calico Hills as far as Calico II Overlook utilizing the
canyon between the sandstone hills and the scenic drive as much as
possible. The coordinator will be at Red Springs Picnic Area for a 5:30 AM start of the hike. If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should leave that assembly point at 5:15 AM.
If the gate of the picnic area is not open that early there is plenty
of parking just outside along the road. Coordinator - David Hardy.
Saturday, July 5 - Wild Horse Canyon. The
leisurely hike of the week will be a 3 to 4-mile loop with 800 feet of
elevation gain utilizing the eastern section of North Loop Trail to the
mid-ridge meadows followed by a descent into the shaded canyon just to
the north. The route used is rated moderate and hiking sticks will be
useful on the steep upper part of the namesake canyon. Departure from
the staging point at Santa Fe Station will be 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.
Sunday, July 6 - Cockscomb Ridge. The
standard route for this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike between 5
and 6 miles follows Trail Canyon Trail to the top at North Loop Trail
followed by a less traveled but somewhat tricky trail going out
along the ridge to the base of Cockscomb Peak. The elevation gain of
1,700 feet mainly occurs on the Trail Canyon section. Participants
should assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.
Monday, July 7 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. Our regular coordinator for these early morning Red Rock area hikes returns after a one-week break. The normal
guidelines for these lower elevation outings applies as the hike, to be
determined at the gathering point by those in attendance, should be
about 4 or 5 miles in length with a moderate rating. Departure time
from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Monday, July 7 - Sawmill Wiggle One Way. This easy
to moderate point-to-point hike in Lower Lee Canyon will start at the
Sawmill Picnic Area along Highway 156 and cross the highway into the
canyon. After a gradual opening elevation gain of 200 feet the route
along Champion Road will turn down the canyon to the spot where the
shuttle vehicles have been dropped on the way to the starting point.
Distance is between 4 and 5 miles. The group will depart from Santa Fe
Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Nancy Moore.
Tuesday, July 8 - Charleston Tree Line. The stopping
point for this very strenuous 14-mile out-and-back hike will be the
start of the switchbacks on North Loop Trail past Devil's Thumb that is
close to the actual tree line on the mountain. This will keep the
overall net elevation gain to about 3,400 feet and avoid the tough climb
to the top. The assembled group for this hike will leave from Santa Fe
Station at 6:30 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Tuesday, July 8 - Mack's Peak. For
the second Tuesday in a row there is an optional hike, but again it is
not any less significant. The distance for this very strenuous
out-and-back hike is somewhat less than 5 miles but it is mostly over
steep and loose terrain gaining over 2,000 feet with only sporadic
trail. The final assault to the peak includes a very steep ramp with an
assortment of rocks sized from gravel to boulders followed by an
exposed section above the cliff face to the peak. The group departs at 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, July 9 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. Standard
guidelines will apply as the hike should cover about 4 or 5 miles with a
moderate rating and with the actual destination being determined at the
assembly point by those in attendance. The group will depart from Red
Rock Casino at 6:00 AM and the hike will be concluded by midmorning. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Wednesday, July 9 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons. This
higher elevation alternative involves some serious scrambling in the
drainage of Stanley B Canyon past some lead mine shafts followed by a
tricky descent into Fletcher Canyon that doesn't ease much until in
drops through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock in Fletcher Canyon.
Overall, this loop hike will cover about 6 miles and is rated
strenuous. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.
Thursday, July 10 - Bonanza Peak. Although the
distance for this strenuous out-and-back hike is 10 miles and the
elevation gain is 2,600 feet, the Bonanza Trail the constitutes the
majority of the hike doesn't have any lengthy steep sections and
presents few problems. The final section getting to the top of the peak
is only sporadic trail but is actually quite level. The drive to the
trailhead from Cold Creek involves a couple of miles of nasty gravel
road so high clearance vehicles are recommended. The assembled group
will leave from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 11 - Fletcher Canyon. Starting at an
elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, this moderate 4-mile
out-and-back hike gains about 600 additional feet getting to the break
point below Obstacle Rock referenced in the Wednesday hike description
above. Just under one-half mile in either direction at the top of the
hike is in a slot canyon that involves some minor scrambling but is one
of the most picturesque areas in the Spring Mountains. Group departure
from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Saturday, July 12 - Mack's Canyon Road. A
leisurely trek along a recreational gravel road is in store for
participants on this easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike starting
along Lee Canyon Road a bit west of Sawmill Picnic Area. Even though
it's a road it will still be beautiful as the route passes through a
transition area of vegetation involving forest and has open views of the
lower country to the northeast. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for
an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Sunday, July 13 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop. Although
essentially a loop hike covering about 6 miles, the opening mile along
Bristlecone Trail is also the last mile getting back to the starting
point. In between is a steep climb along the No Name Trail, a descent
along the southernmost section of Bonanza Trail, and a continuation on
the upper section of Bristlecone Trail. Overall rating is moderate
but the steep one-half mile climb on No Name is a bit tougher. Meet at
Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.
Monday, July 14 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. Basic
parameters for this outing are 4 to 5 miles with a moderate rating.
The destination will be determined that morning by the participants at
the assembly point. Departure from Red Rock Casino is at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Monday, July 14 - Big Falls/Mary Jane Falls. The
higher Spring Mountain alternative this Monday involves some pretty
serious scrambling getting to the base a the first 60-foot waterfall on
the north end of Kyle Canyon. Although there probably will not be any
flowing water, there is plenty of avalanche debris to contend with along
the route. The approach to Mary Jane Falls will probably be up the old
decommissioned trail with a descent along the regular trail. Overall
distance is about 5 miles with a strenuous rating. Departure time from
Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Nancy Moore.
Tuesday, July 15 - Mount Charleston. The big peak
in the Spring Mountains is the intended destination for this very
strenuous 17-mile hike gaining over 4,200 net elevation along Trail
Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail. At 11,918 feet above sea level,
those who reach the top will be standing on the highest point
in southern Nevada and be afforded a very extensive view in all
directions. Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a
departure at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Wednesday, July 16 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. If
you have read through the earlier part of this schedule you should know
what to expect from another one of the early morning Red Rock area
hikes designed to keep participants in the lower elevations near Las
Vegas but still allow them to get off the trails by midmorning and avoid
the major heat of the day. Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Thursday, July 17 - Fletcher Peak. The standard
route to the top of one of the major peaks surrounding Kyle Canyon that
will be used for this hike involves the eastern end of North Loop Trail
and the somewhat tougher ridge trail leading to the peak. Although it
still carries a strenuous rating, the 7-mile out-and-back hike with
1,900 feet of elevation gain is undoubtedly the easiest route to the top
of something big in the vicinity. Meet the rest of the group at Santa
Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 18 - Telephone Canyon. Here is one
of the easiest hikes in the upper elevations of the Spring Mountains
(actually rated easy to moderate). That's because this 4-mile
point-to-point hike is almost entirely downhill, dropping about 1,000
feet between the starting point at Robber's Roost and the ending point
along Kyle Canyon Road. A few extra vehicles will be needed for the car
shuttle. Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, July 19 - Fletcher Canyon Dog Hike. Here
is your chance to bring your pooch on an official club hike. This is
an easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike and you need to bring a
leash, a couple of poop bags, some dog biscuits, and water for both
yourself and your canine friend. Sorry, no cats are allowed, but people
without pets are welcome to join if they would like to go with the
dogs. If interested, the group (without the coordinator, who will be at
the trailhead) will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure. Participants should self-organize and drive to the trailhead off Kyle Canyon Road to meet the coordinator at 7:30 AM. Or you can just meet her at that location and time for the hike. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Saturday, July 19 - Deer Creek. Apart from the
dogs, there will still be the regular leisurely hike this Saturday. The
easy to moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike will pass several spots with
historic significance and will take a break on a ridge with nice views
extending to the north. Most of the surface for this hike will be on
gravel road and there is one area of less than a quarter mile that is
quite steep requiring some extra care both on the climb and on the
descent. Participants for this hike will leave from Santa Fe Station at
the standard time of 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Sunday, July 20 - Fletcher Peak. If you missed
this hike the previous Thursday, or even if you like it so much you can
do it twice in the span of three days, here is another opportunity to
bag this 10,200-foot peak on the edge of Kyle Canyon. The route used
for both hikes going up North Loop Trail are identical so there
shouldn't be any surprises. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will
be at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.
Monday, July 21 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. The
destination for this lower elevation hike will be determined at the
gathering point. Guidelines will be something rated moderate with a
distance in the range of 4 to 5 miles. Departure from Red Rock Casino
is at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Tuesday, July 22 - Mummy's Tummy. The
second highest peak in the Spring Mountain Range will be the
destination for this strenuous 9-mile out-and-back hike with an
elevation gain of 3,900 feet. It will start up Trail Canyon, turn left
at the junction with North Loop Trail, and leave that trail for a very
intensive climb up a scree field to a ridge line about three miles into
the hike. Once on the ridge there is still quite a bit of difficult
terrain to negotiate, with the final climb through a gravel filled notch
in a cliff. Join the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Wednesday, July 23 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. Another
of the moderate early morning hikes designed to get participants off
the trails before the day heats up too much will probably cover a
distance of 4 to 5 miles. The destination will be determined at the
assembly point and could include locations in Cottonwood Valley or on
Blue Diamond Hill as well as Red Rock Canyon. Departure from Red Rock
Casino will be at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Saturday, July 26 - Upper Bristlecone Trail. The
upper portion of Lee Canyon will be the site for our regular leisurely
hike this Saturday. The group will head up the Bristlecone Trail from
the end of the highway near the ski resort and go as far as the junction
with Bonanza Trail where they will take a break before returning along
the same route. The overall distance is just under 5 miles, there is
700 feet of elevation gain, and the rating is moderate. Departure time
from Santa Fe Station is at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Sunday, July 27 - Bristlecone Loop. Unlike
the previous day, this moderate hike will take in the entire official
trail at the upper end of Lee Canyon. Total distance is right at 6
miles and it will be conducted in a counter clockwise direction. It's
probable that the lower trailhead will be used as the starting point,
which means the gravel Forest Service fire road is the first section and
the paved highway portion is the last section. The group will leave
Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM for the trailhead. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Monday, July 28 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. Get
in 4 or 5 miles on a moderate hike and get done by midmorning to avoid
the real heat of the day. That is the objective for this outing with
the destination to be determined at the assembly point that morning.
Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Tuesday, July 28 - Willow Peak. Prepare
yourself mentally for what is definitely one of the three toughest
hikes in the Spring Mountains. The elusive peak in the northern part of
the range doesn't look that bad from below, but the two-mile approach
along the ridge from the south contains some of the most difficult
terrain around. The overall distance for the hike is estimated at 10
miles with a very strenuous rating. For this outing we will be
attempting a descent on the north side of the peak down to Wheeler Pass
Road, which will be exploratory for our group. We will need to
spot vehicles and there is a couple miles of rough gravel
road necessitating high clearance vehicles. Wear long hiking trousers,
bring your first aid kits, and meet the other participants at Santa Fe
Station for a 6:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, July 30 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike. This
is the ninth offering of an early morning Red Rock hike this month and
the write-up has been somewhat different on each of the other eight
occasions, so if you need more details look at one of the descriptions
above. Otherwise, just meet the group at Red Rock Casino for a 6:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Doug Chang.
Thursday, July 31 - South Sister. Due
to the extended closure of Old Mill Picnic Area we have been forced to
alter the starting point and some of the route for this strenuous 5-mile
hike with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Even so the last very
difficult section of steep trail, the climb through the cliff, and the
walk along the narrow ridge to the peak with exposure remains as it has
always been. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
As a final note of club is
sponsoring an out of town trip from July 20 through July 25 in the Lake
Tahoe area which will include several days of hiking in the Sierra
Nevada Range. If you are interested in going but have not made
reservations, please contact Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or at (702) 823-2355 for more details. The final roster needs to be set no later than July 15.
