August 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.  Hikes during the month of August 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 right 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 hikes 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 and 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.

 

 

Friday, August 1 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  Held in the vicinity of Red Rock Canyon, these early hikes are usually about 4 to 6 miles in length and are designed to get participants back to the vehicles by midmorning to avoid the heat of the day.  The exact hike will be determined by the group at the assembly point, but they will normally be moderate in nature.  If interested, join the group at Red Rock Casino for a 6:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, August 2 - South Sister Saddle Loop.  The early hike for the first Saturday in August will take place in Lee Canyon in the northern section of the Spring Mountains.  It will cover a total distance of 7 miles with an elevation gain in excess of 1,000 feet and is rated moderately strenuous.  The route will start from the lower trailhead for Bristlecone Trail, proceed on that trail to the junction with Bonanza Trail, then access a ridge which leads to the saddle west of the peak before returning to the vehicles.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Saturday, August 2 - Fletcher Canyon.  The leisurely offering this Saturday will find the group trekking into a fantastic slot canyon on the north side of Kyle Canyon Road.  The easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike covers a total distance of 4 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet.  As always, the group will have a snack break in the slot directly below Obstacle Rock.  Participants should gather at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  This somewhat earlier start will be repeated on all Saturdays during August to counteract heat from later in the morning.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Sunday, August 3 - Blue Diamond Ridges.  This moderate early morning hike on the hill across from Red Rock Canyon will cover a distance up to 7 miles starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot along Highway 159.  Actual distance will be determined by the rate of temperature increase during the morning.  Rating should be moderately strenuous with a gain slightly over 1,000 feet.  Participants should gather at Red Rock Casino for a 5:15 AM departure, and will meet the coordinator at the stables for the hike starting at 5:30 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

 

Sunday, August 3 - Big Falls & Beyond.  Total distance to be covered on this strenuous hike will be 6 miles or more with a gain of about 1,200 feet.  The out-and-back hike will start from the gravel parking lot signed for Mary Jane Falls and follow the opening section of the trail to the bottom of the switchbacks, where it will diverge into Big Falls Canyon.  After climbing the wall to the left of the waterfall the group will turn left and continue through the pines to a snack break above the cliffs before returning to the starting point.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, August 4 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  Our regular early morning coordinator returns to action this week for an unspecified moderate hike in the lower elevations west of Las Vegas.  Typically, distances on these summer hikes will be around 5 miles and be primarily on trail.  If you would like to get in a hike and still have most of the day left plan on joining the group for a departure from Red Rock Casino at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Doug Chang.

 

Monday, August 4 - Fletcher Canyon & Beyond.  Most of this hike will be a repeat of the later club hike scheduled the previous Saturday.  The difference will be that the group will climb through the Rabbit Hole next to Obstacle Rock and proceed up the remainder of the slot and into the wilderness area in the upper portion of the canyon.  There is some scrambling associated with the top portion of this outing.  Distance for this out-and-back hike will be around 5 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain and a moderately strenuous rating.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, August 5 - McFarland Approach.  Find out what the Bonanza Trail is like on this strenuous 11-mile hike north of Lee Canyon.  After about a mile on Upper Bristlecone trail the group will turn left for the steep climb up No Name Trail to its junction with Bonanza Trail and will continue north along the main ridge to the base of McFarland Peak, where participants can get a glimpse of what lies in store on the September 16 hike.  Basically an out-and-back trek, the return may include the switchbacks on the lower trail back to the junction with Bristlecone Trail.  Elevation gain should be around 1,500 feet.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Wednesday, August 6 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  Enjoy the beauty of Red Rock Canyon and avoid the worst heat of the day on a moderate 4 to 6-mile hike designed to wrap up by midmorning.  If there is a particular area of Red Rock you would like to explore get to the assembly point early so you can have some input in the choice of destinations.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Doug Chang.

 

Thursday, August 7 - Fletcher Peak via Deer Creek.  Yet another variation of the trek to the top of the easternmost mountain on the edge of Kyle Canyon will provide participants with lots of challenge and some spectacular scenery.  The opening portion of this strenuous outing will follow Deer Creek and climb on a steep ridge to Mummy Springs before passing Raintree on the way to the peak.  After descending on the fabled dozen switchbacks of North Loop Trail the route will turn left and make the final descent back toward Highway 158 on Wild Horse Ridge.  Distance is about 7 or 8 miles with close to 2,000 feet of elevation gain.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Friday, August 8 - 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 to the Calico II Overlook utilizing the canyon between the sandstone hills and the scenic drive as much as possible.  Those planning on carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave the assembly point at 5:15 AM to meet the coordinator and any other participants at the Red Springs Picnic Area for a 5:30 AM start to the hike.  If the gate to the picnic area is not open you can park just outside along the road.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

 

Saturday, August 9 - Wallace Canyon.  The crashed plane may have been removed but the route over a ridge looking down on Wallace Canyon is still beautiful.  The out route for this strenuous 6-mile hike involves Bristlecone and No Name Trails.  After reaching the saddle at the top of No Name Canyon the real work begins with a scramble to where the plane used to be.  After a short break the group will bypass the top of the ridge and take an old game trail for a longer break at the top of No Name.  The return to the vehicles will be off-trail with some steep sections and ridge bouldering.  Departure from Santa Fe Station is at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Saturday, August 9 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  The second group of the day will also be starting from the top of Lee Canyon Road near the ski resort, but they will stay on the Bristlecone Trail through the forest all the way to the junction with Bonanza Trail for the main break.  This moderate out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of just under 5 miles and gain 500 feet in elevation.  This outing is rated moderate and, as usual, the pace will be leisurely.  The assembled group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Sunday, August 10 - Trail Canyon/Stanley B Canyon.  There is a bit of exploration to be done on this strenuous point-to-point 6-mile hike that will have all of the 1,400 feet of elevation gain on the way up Trail Canyon to the junction with North Loop Trail.  From that location the group will head out on Cockscomb Ridge, climb down a chute, trek across the ridge below the comb, and intersect with the ridge leading down to the saddle above Stanley B.  About half of the hike involves scrambling and bushwhacking over steep terrain and scree.  Vehicles will be needed at both ends of the hike.  The group will depart at 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Tuesday, August 12 - Lee Canyon Chair Lifts.  The ski slopes at the top of Lee Canyon are generally not known as hiking routes but that's exactly what they will become on today's trek.  The group will head up along chair #1 and climb a steep scree filled crevasse to North Loop Trail.  Turning left, they will follow that upper trail for about one mile, dropping into a steep gully leading down to the house for chair #2.  Estimated distance is about 5 or 6 miles with 2,000 feet of vertical gain.  Because of the extremely steep terrain this hike is rated as very strenuous.  A 7:00 AM departure from Santa Fe Station will be in effect.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Thursday, August 14 - Raintree via Deer Creek.  This is a somewhat shorter version of the hike from the previous Thursday.  For this outing the group will head up past the cabins near Deer Creek and access the ridge leading to the Mummy's Toe Trail just north of Mummy Springs.  After a break at the 3,000 year old tree they will start down North Loop Trail, eliminating the trek over to Fletcher Peak, and make the final descent along Wild Horse Ridge.  Total distance should still be around 6 miles and you should consider this outing to be moderately strenuous.  Let's aim for a 7:30 AM departure from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, August 15 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  Although we have a different coordinator this week the parameters are the same as the other Red Rock area outings.  The hike will be determined at the assembly point but it will still be in the range of 4 to 6 miles and carry at moderate rating.  Meet the other participants at Red Rock Casino for a 6:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

 

Saturday, August 16 - Wild Horse Canyon.  Join the group for a scenic tour of a forested glade on this 3 to 4-mile loop hike with 800 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  The group will take its time climbing up North Loop Trail to the mid-ridge meadows where the break will occur.  As the hike continues the route follows a narrow trail across the side of a slope and begins a steep half mile descent into a canyon that once served as the habitat for a lone wild horse.  The assembled group will leave Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Sunday, August 17 - Mummy's Toe.  The passage by the old resort cabins and onto the ridge leading to the Mummy's Toe Trail is again the opening section of for a club hike.  Once at the trail this time, however, the group will turn right and shortly encounter a wild and steep scramble up an unmaintained trail to the ridge that leads to the peak surrounded by cliffs on three sides.  North Loop Trail may be used for the descent.  Distance is about 7 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain and a strenuous rating.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, August 18 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  Join the other early risers for a moderate hike of between 4 and 6 miles in the Red Rock Canyon area.  The actual destination will be decided at the assembly point in keeping with the usual protocol for these hikes.  Expect the hike to take up to two and a half hours so that everyone will get back home before the heat of the day rolls in.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

 

Monday, August 18 - Bristlecone Loop.  A fairly rare occurrence of late is a straightforward trail hike in the Spring Mountains.  That will be the case today, however, as the route will cover the most visited trail in Lee Canyon.  I'm not sure which of the trailheads will be used as the starting point or in which direction it will proceed, but the total distance is 6 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, August 19 - Mummy's Tummy.  The highest portion of the anatomy is the destination for another very strenuous trek up the mountain.  Rather than the standard route from Trail Canyon this version will start near Deer Creek and climb up the familiar ridge to the Mummy's Tummy Trail just north of Mummy Springs.  At a saddle which some people refer to as the ankle the group will head to the right through a notch in the cliffs and on to the top of the second highest peak in southern Nevada.  Distance is probably about 8 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, August 20 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  What will the intrepid group of early hikers encounter this time as they venture into the Red Rock Canyon area for a moderate hike of 4 to 6 miles?  Come and find out the answer by joining the group at Red Rock Casino for a 6:00 AM departure to the trailhead determined by the assembly.  Coordinator - Doug Chang.

 

Thursday, August 21 - Cave Springs.  This moderately strenuous out-and-back 6-mile hike with 1,800 feet of elevation gain involves going up Trail Canyon and turning left on the North Loop Trail to the horse trough fed by springs issuing from the caves above the trail.  This trough serves as a replacement for an older model that had begun leaking a couple of years ago.  Since pack horses are needed from time to time in the battle to maintain the Spring Mountain trail system, this is an important stop for water.  By the way, views toward Kyle Canyon are quite spectacular.  The group will head out from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Sylvie Courtemarsh.

 

Friday, August 22 - Blue Diamond Canyon 4B.  Avoiding the heat of the day will be one of the main objectives for this short hike into a canyon on the south end of Blue Diamond Hill.  The hike is about 3 or 4 miles but does involve a considerable amount of scrambling in the upper section which would potentially cause it to have a moderately strenuous rating.  Anyone carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave at 5:20 AM for the main assembly point, which will be at a gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond just past the bridge.  Starting time for the hike will be 5:45 AM and south side participants can drive straight to the main location.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

 

Friday, August 22 - Mary Jane Falls.  Another well-traveled path in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains is the official route to the base of a seasonal waterfall draining a significant portion of the ridge between Mount Charleston and Mummy Mountain.  The out-and-back hike is only 3 miles in total distance with 920 feet of elevation gain and commands a moderate rating.  Those interested in this outing should assemble at the normal spot at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, August 23 - Deer Creek.  A lot of early twentieth century history in the Spring Mountains is on display along the route of this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike.  A set of cabins that will be passed represents a 1920's attempt to put a resort community on the down slope of Mummy Mountain and there are remaining elements from a sawmill operation from the same relative period.  Much of the hike is on gravel road with a few steeper sections, so the uphill pace will be quite leisurely.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Sunday, August 24 - Bonanza Peak.  This hike was rescheduled from July when inclement weather disrupted our attempt at the peak.  It is a strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike that involves 2,600 feet of elevation gain and a whole lot of switchbacks.  The access point is from the north end of the Bonanza Trail near Cold Creek and requires high clearance vehicles to negotiate a rough gravel road for a stretch of two miles.  This is the location where wild horses are often in view during the last stage of the drive or at the parking area.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Monday, August 25 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  We will be entering the final week of the really early summer hikes in the Red Rock area hosted by this coordinator.  Although there will be a few early morning lower elevation hikes during September, they will be predetermined and posted on the schedule for the month.  Today the moderate 4 to 6-mile hike will be determined by the group arriving early enough at Red Rock Casino to provide some input.  Departure time will be at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Doug Chang.

 

Monday, August 25 - Wild Horse Ridge.  This moderate loop hike on a route that many people should be familiar with this month is 5 miles in length from the parking lot serving the Deer Creek Picnic Area.  The opening section is along the highway to the North Loop Trailhead, saving the interesting part for later in the hike.  There is a fairly steep descent off an approach ridge from the mid-level meadows and some great expansive views looking northeast toward the Nevada Test Site.  The assembled group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

 

Tuesday, August 26 - Mack's Peak.  Another club outing that was rained out in July is this assault on an imposing rock monolith on the north side of Lee Canyon.  While the distance is something less than 5 miles, the difficult terrain and elevation gain of around 2,000 feet cause this to be rated very strenuous.  To access the trailhead the group will have to drive to the end of Mack's Canyon Road.  While not absolutely requiring high clearance vehicles they are strongly recommended.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, August 27 - Early Morning Red Rock Hike.  While summer seems to linger on in the Las Vegas area for another month, this will be the last early Red Rock hike with Doug, so come out and thank him for his efforts over the last several months.  The parameters for his series will remain in place for this hike, meaning a moderate rating and a distance of 4 to 6 miles, with the destination to be determined at the meeting spot.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Doug Chang.

 

Wednesday, April 27 - Bristlecone Trail.  From the write-up that was received it appears that this hike may be a moderate 5-mile point-to-point hike starting at the lower trailhead by the gravel parking area and winding up at the upper trailhead located near the ski resort.  If this is the case it will eliminate the need to have any portion of the trek on the paved highway at the top of Lee Canyon.  It would also require a short vehicle shuttle to get transportation properly lined up.  Participants should assemble at Santa Fe Station and they will depart from there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - John Stewart.

 

Thursday, August 28 - Fletcher Peak.  What summer month would be complete without at least one hike to the top of this 10,200-foot mountain?  Okay, so we actually have two this month.  For this outing our coordinator will take us up the normal route to the peak, which means heading up North Loop Trail past the switchbacks and branching left on the approach trail that is now getting well established.  The return may include a detour down something named Wild Horse or it could return straight to the vehicles.  Distance of 7 miles and net elevation gain of 1,900 feet with a strenuous rating are the critical statistics.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Sylvie Courtemarsh.

 

Friday, August 29 - Sawmill Trails Options & Pot Luck.  End the summer with a hike and a picnic at the Sawmill Picnic Area.  This will be a special combined outing with members of Sun City Anthem Hiking Club and will feature your choice of two different hikes.  One will be an easy to moderate 3-mile hike on the ridge to the north of the picnic area and the other a moderate 6-mile extended hike.  Both of these are loops.  For those going up with the Around the Bend Friends contingent, we will be departing from Santa Fe Station for the picnic area at 8:30 AM with the hikes starting about forty minutes later.  Participants should plan on bringing an item to share with six to eight people plus their main food item or sandwich and beverage.  Around the Bend Friends members wanting to participate should RSVP with Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com no later than Tuesday, August 26 and let him know what you intend to bring.  Let's show our neighbors in Henderson how we like to socialize as well as hike.  Coordinators - Chris Dempsey, Beth & Keith Lane.

 

Saturday, August 30 - Telephone Canyon.  It seems we started the summer hiking in the Mount Charleston area with this easy to moderate 4-mile point-to-point hike and here it is offered again.  The actual route starts from the Robbers' Roost pullout along Highway 158 and ends near Highway 157 at the entrance to Kyle Canyon.  In between is a descent of nearly 1,000 feet.  Some extra vehicles will be needed for the car shuttle as we will be parking in two places.  Those wanting to participate in this leisurely downhill hike should meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, August 31 - Mummy Springs Loop.  End the month with a moderately strenuous 6-mile loop hike accessed from Highway 158, also known as Deer Creek Road.  This hike will be done in a clockwise direction by heading up North Loop Trail past Raintree and on to the springs, then descending on the ridge leading back to the Deer Creek Picnic Area.  Net elevation gain is around 1,500 feet and there will be scrambling and irregular terrain involved.  If this is your type of hike meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.