September 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 September will be split between the Red Rock Canyon area (generally early morning hikes) 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 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.  The group 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.  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 either northbound  or southbound 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.

Monday, September 1 - Angel Pass Balloon Scramble.  On Labor Day it's about work and a workout is what you will get on this 4-mile adventure in the Calico Hills.  Everyone will probably recognize the starting point at Red Springs Picnic Area, the trail along the east side of the Calico Hills, and the ascent to the saddle at Angel Pass.  From there the going gets tough as the route heads north along the west side of the ridge before dropping through a narrow crack referred to as "The Squeeze".  Much of the route involves scrambling and there is some mild exposure along with some potential route finding, so the difficulty rating should be at least strenuous.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Allen.

Tuesday, September 2 - Willow Peak.  Some very wild terrain is involved on this very strenuous 11-mile out-and-back hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.  Start by heading up the north end of the Bonanza Trail through nearly sixty switchbacks to the top of the ridge looking down on Pahrump.  Turning right (north) along the ridge, the trail almost disappears as the route heads over and around a number of rock outcroppings before settling in to an almost leisurely stroll over the last quarter mile to the peak.  High clearance vehicles are recommended for the rough gravel road past Cold Creek.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jerry Thomas.

Tuesday, September 2 - Big Falls Overlook.  Our coordinator has billed this strenuous 9-mile out-and-back hike along Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail as a training hike for the Mount Charleston assault on September 21.  The farthest point along the route involving over 3,000 feet of elevation gain where a break will occur is an open spot above the cliffs with a great view across Upper Kyle Canyon to the plateau above Big Falls.  An old interpretive sign at this location talks about the folded layers above the falls below the opposite ridge.  This group will also depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Sylvie Courtemarsh.

Wednesday, September 3 - Sawmill Exploratory.  By the time we actually get to this hike much of the exploration may have been taken out, but it still should prove to be an interesting jaunt.  Expect a total distance between 6 and 8 miles with less than 1,000 feet of elevation change, with much of this occurring on the return section of what will hopefully be a loop route.  All of the terrain covered will be north of Lee Canyon Road and with the entire hike on trail should carry a moderate rating.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, September 4 - The Sisters Spur Road Exploratory.  Our coordinator asks the question "So why is this called the Sisters Spur Road if it doesn't offer a trail up to Black Sister?"  Okay, so she hasn't come up with the answer.  In any event the out-and-back route will cover a total distance of about 4 miles getting to Black Sister from the starting point.  With 2,000 feet of elevation gain this outing will carry a strenuous rating.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, September 5 - First Creek.  Here is one of those traditional easy to moderate Red Rock hikes that is completely suitable for those individuals wanting a leisurely pace.  The out-and-back route is a total of 4 miles and the elevation gain is probably around 300 feet.  After stopping at the pool below the seasonal waterfall, participants will cross the creek above the waterfall and rejoin the main trail some distance toward the canyon.  The turn around point for the break will occur at a boulder waterfall that unfortunately seldom sees flowing water.  Group departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, September 6 - ABF Club Picnic & Hikes.  The club picnic will occur this year at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.  Several flyers have been sent out regarding the picnic.  The primary hike that day will start from the park at 8:15 AM and will pass the lake and proceed up Sandstone Canyon for some boulder scrambling in the drainage.  With a total distance of 4 miles the trek should carry a moderate rating and will be coordinated by Nancy Moore.  Those wishing to carpool from Red Rock Casino should depart from there at 7:45 AM.  Chris Dempsey will be taking a group on a couple of the official trails closer to the ranch that will include a stop at the cemetery.  Total distance will be 3 to 4 miles with an easy to moderate rating and an 8:30 AM start.  Ann Cronin will be coordinating an easy nature hike of about 1 or 2 miles that will start from the park at 9:00 AM.  The grills will be lit around 10:00 AM and the food will be served around noon.  The club is furnishing the food and drinking water but participants are responsible for other beverages.  You must RSVP with Pat Stutts at t1snook@yahoo.com or at (702) 256-6541 by August 29 and pay a refundable picnic fee of $5.  The club will also reimburse entrance fees to the park for those who carpool.  Overall coordinator - Pat Stutts.

Sunday, September 7 - Blue Diamond Ridges.  This moderate early morning hike will take place on the hill across from the Red Rock Canyon entrance.  The loop route will cover a distance up to 7 miles and involve an elevation gain close to 1,000 feet.  Temperature increases during the morning may cause the route to get shortened a bit if it becomes necessary.  Participants can carpool from Red Rock Casino, leaving there at 5:30 AM, or drive directly to the Cowboy Stables along Highway 159 for a 5:45 AM start of the hike.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Sunday, September 7 - Five Mile Campsite.  This strenuous out-and-back hike should be 10 miles in total with more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Following Trail Canyon up to the North Loop Trail, the route turns left and continues up. The break will occur on a saddle at a large campsite where views of Lee Canyon and the Spring Mountain Divide can be enjoyed.  If interested in going on this trek you can meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Monday, September 8 - Red Cap/Calico Tank Scramble.  Starting at Sandstone Quarry the group will drop into the wash bearing east and boulder scramble to the top of the northern end of the Calico Hills.  On the return leg the group will descend through one of the drainages back to the Calico Tanks Trail, head up the canyon to the sandstone slab above the main tank, and return via the regular trail.  The 4-mile hike is rated moderately strenuous with some mild exposure and a fair amount of scrambling.  If interested, join the group at Red Rock Casino for a 6:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Allen.

Tuesday, September 9 - Mummy's Nose.  Talk about steep - this very strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike gains 2,800 feet of elevation as it climbs from Lee Canyon Road to the feature along the main ridge line on the head portion of the anatomy.  There is a little trail to start but quite a bit of scrambling and the average grade is about twenty percent.  Participants will experience some exposure along the route to the top.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Tuesday, September 9 - Base of Lee Peak.  Continuing to extend the distances on the preparatory hikes in anticipation of Mount Charleston on September 21 will find the anticipated destination for this hike to be the cutoff from North Loop Trail for the scramble route to Lee Peak.  As before, the hike starts up Trail Canyon Trail and turns left on North Loop Trail.  Total distance is about 12 miles for this strenuous out-and-back hike and the elevation gain is around 3,400 feet.  This group will also depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM, so make sure you have the right hike before registering.  Coordinator - Sylvie Courtemarsh.

Wednesday, September 10 - Calico II Squeeze Loop.  This hike starts at the Calico II Overlook, drops into the fault canyon, and turns into the side canyon leading to Angel Pass Saddle.  The group will then ascend through a very steep drainage, cross a ridge line, and descend toward the back side of the main Calico Tank.  The narrow crack from the September 1 hike comes into play again following another climb with a final descent back to Angel Pass.  There is some serious scrambling with minimal exposure and there could be some route finding required.  Total distance is only about 2 miles but the significant amount of scrambling results in a strenuous rating.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Allen.

Thursday, September 11 - Raintree via Trail Canyon.  The only hike going to the 3,000 year old Bristlecone Pine on the east flank of Mummy's Toe this month is this effort starting at Trail Canyon trailhead.  Total distance for the moderately strenuous out-and-back hike is 7.7 miles with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet.  The open stretch of North Loop Trail above Fletcher Canyon on the way to the tree provides some of the most dramatic scenery in the Mount Charleston area.  Come and experience it by meeting the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, September 12 - Gypsum Peak.  Total elevation gain is around 800 feet on this trek to the top of the somewhat isolated hill just southeast of the community of Blue Diamond.  The route climbs steeply up a use trail on the west face of the hill with some scrambling required to reach the very top, where participants will be treated to a good view of the southern half of Las Vegas.  After a snack break the group will return along the same route.  Total distance is a little less than 3 miles with a moderate rating.  The main assembly point will be at the gravel parking lot just past the bridge on the entrance road to Blue Diamond, from which the hike will start at 6:00 AM.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave that location by 5:35 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Saturday, September 13 - Mormon Girls Camp.  Rated as moderate, this 4 to 5-mile loop hike starts through the Deer Creek Picnic Area and passes a number of historic locations, gaining about 700 feet, on the way to a short rest break at the top of a ridge.  Starting down, the group will encounter a brief section of off-trail scrambling before arriving at the camp.  Anyone who likes a challenge can try their skills on a rope bridge across a drainage.  A last obstacle is descending on a short but very steep slope aided by another rope.  The assembled group will be leaving from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, September 13 - Mary Jane Falls.  The leisurely hike this Saturday will visit one of the major drainage sites along the north ridge between Mount Charleston and Mummy Mountain.  The moderate out-and-back trek gains 920 feet, most of it in a section of twelve switchbacks, as it reaches the base of the broad waterfall that has been carrying at least a trickle for much of the summer.  Total distance is 3 miles.  Those who feel somewhat more adventurous can visit a neat shallow cave set into the cliff walls just beyond the waterfall.  Departure for this group from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Sunday, September 14 - Devil's Thumb.  The last training hike before Mount Charleston the following Sunday will find the group starting at the Trail Canyon trailhead and passing the Big Falls Overlook and Lee Peak that were destinations for hikes earlier this month.  Total out-and-back distance will be 13 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain, resulting in a strenuous rating.  The turn-around point, where the main snack break will take place, is at a rock pinnacle outcropping located at the end of the ridge that constitutes the Thumb.  If interested meet at Santa Fe Station for a 6:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Monday, September 15 - Telephone Canyon.  No spotting of vehicles will be necessary for this moderate 7-mile hike as we will be following a loop route starting from the lowest access point along Kyle Canyon Road near the police substation.  The route will proceed in a counter clockwise direction, climbing up through the canyon and returning on the west side of a ridge paralleling Highway 156.  This trail provides extended views of the new Lower Kyle Canyon Visitor Center and the road construction zone that has plagued us for most of the summer.  Overall elevation gain should be around 800 feet.  Meeting place is the Santa Fe Station with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, September 16 - Cockscomb Peak.  Only the fittest of our club members should show up for this intense outing to a narrow peak in the upper sections of Kyle Canyon.  Although only about 6 miles in total distance, this out-and-back hike starting along Trail Canyon Trail gains about 2,000 feet and is rated very strenuous.  The tricky part comes after advancing along the ridge extending to the south from the junction with North Loop Trail.  A descent through a crack in a cliff face and the succeeding climb up a rocky approach to the peak both involve some rather serious exposure.  If you are one of those hardy souls who seek adventure, show up at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Wednesday, September 17 - Bristlecone Loop.  For this moderate 6-mile outing the group will be starting at the lower trailhead parking lot and proceeding in a clockwise direction.  This means the paved road portion of the hike comes first and the last two miles or so will be downhill along the Forest Service gravel road.  Following the official route set up by the U. S. Forest service means there won't be any surprises.  Elevation gain is about 750 feet and the snack break will occur at the normal spot at the junction with Bonanza Trail.  Pace will be somewhat leisurely.  If this is your cup of tea join the other participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, September 18 - White Rock Springs Peak.  We will be shifting our attention to Red Rock Canyon for today's moderately strenuous out-and-back trek covering a distance of about 5 miles.  Instead of driving up the gravel road to the White Rock Springs parking lot, the group will start from the pullout next to the scenic drive at Mile Marker 6 and walk up the road.  There will be plenty of scrambling involved on the ascent along a ridge to the peak and also some exposure.  Participants can either stop at the eastern of the twin tops or take the somewhat treacherous route over to the western top where the sign-in box is located.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Thursday, September 18 - Pine Creek Afternoon Hike.  It is still technically summer so it could be hot for the first part of this hike in the Red Rock Canyon area.  The route will include moderate scrambling in one of the canyon forks.  The coordinator will not be at the general assembly point at Red Rock Casino, so those who gather there should organize carpools and leave there at 2:45 PM.  The actual hike will start from the Pine Creek parking lot at 3:30 PM and should take about three hours.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Friday, September 19 - Grand Staircase/Slab Rift Scramble.  Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area the group will climb onto the southern section of the Calico Hills along the route referred to as the Grand Staircase.  Heading north, they will traverse the ridge and drop into a formation known as Slab Rift.  The descent includes more scrambling down to the trail running along the eastern side of the sandstone hills.  There will be mild to moderate exposure on some parts of the hike and route finding skills may be required.  Distance is approximately 3 miles with a strenuous rating.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Allen.

Friday, September 19 - Eagle's Nest Trail.  Our coordinator hasn't actually done this hike since it was converted to an official signed trail, although he explored the area several times during the last eight years, so those who have done it may be asked for their expertise. The hike starts at Fletcher Trail near the current Mount Charleston Visitor Center and turns off to the right about a half mile later.  The area we will traverse is below the cliffs at the south end of Fletcher Peak.  Distance is about 3 to 4 miles, there is minimal elevation gain, and the rating should be easy to moderate.  Join the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, September 20 - Trail Canyon/Stanley B Canyon.  A bit of exploration might be included on this strenuous 6-mile point-to-point hike that has about 1,400 feet of elevation gain on the way up Trail Canyon.  From the junction of that trail and North Loop Trail the group will head out on Cockscomb Ridge, make a Class 3 descent down a chute, trek across the ridge below the comb, and intersect with the ridge leading 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 from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Saturday, September 20 - Champion Road Loop.  Starting from the Sawmill Picnic Area the group will cross Highway 156 and follow a gravel road to the bottom of Lower Lee Canyon.  Using the gravel Champion Road they will pass a primitive campsite area, ascending as far as Deer Creek Road.  From there the route heads into the main drainage in the canyon and follows that back to the entry point.  Gross elevation gain is about 700 feet for this easy to moderate 3.5-mile hike.  Pace will be leisurely to accommodate the general membership.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Sunday, September 21 - Mount Charleston.  This could be the last time this year that our club schedules a hike to the highest point in southern Nevada.  Perhaps by 2016 we might once again incorporate South Loop Trail as an access route, but this year we are limited to Trail Canyon and North Loop Trails.  Net elevation gain is 4,200 feet and change, but rolling terrain along the upper ridge adds perhaps 500 more feet to that total.  Distance is about 17 miles and the overall rating is very strenuous.  If you have the stamina and the desire to attack this massive peak one more time, meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a 5:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Sunday, September 21 - Blue Diamond Canyon 4B.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch we will be offering a short hike into a slot canyon on the south end of Blue Diamond Hill.  It's not a long hike, around 3 to 4 miles, but it does involve a considerable amount of scrambling in the upper section of the canyon, resulting in a rating of moderately strenuous.  Be sure to look for owls along the way.  The return will be back the same way.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave there about 5:45 AM and meet the coordinator at the gravel parking lot just past the bridge on the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond.  The hike will begin at 6:15 AM and south side participants can drive directly to that location.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Monday, September 22 - White Rock Hills Loop.  We continue with our gradual return to the Red Rock area at the end of the summer with an old standby hike.  The loop around the two cream colored sandstone peaks at the north end of Red Rock Canyon covers a distance of 6.4 miles, gains 900 feet of net elevation, and deserves a moderate rating.  On this hike we will be starting from Willow Springs Picnic Area and proceeding counter clockwise, meaning we will be completing the desert portion of the hike first and hopefully avoiding really hot temperatures.  Departure from Red Rock Casino is at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, September 23 - Bonanza Trail.  One of the most grueling treks in the Spring Mountains because it has two significant sections of elevation gain, this trail traverses the main ridge in the northern part of the range.  With a one-way distance of 15 miles involved, the group will split at the assembly point, swapping vehicles and having a key exchange halfway through the hike when the two groups meet for lunch.  The north to south route is slightly tougher as there is about 600 more feet of elevation gain in that direction, but overall rating is probably very strenuous no matter which way you go.  There will be a 6:30 AM departure from Santa Fe Station for this hike and high clearance vehicles will be needed to get to the northern trailhead.  Coordinators - Brian Dodd & Larry Shahan.

Wednesday, September 24 - Mormon Girls Camp.  If you weren't able to join the group on September 13 for this hike, here is another opportunity to experience the rope bridge in the girls camp.  The route will be identical, meaning a distance of 4 to 5 miles and a moderate rating.  This may also be the last time this summer you can visit the site of the first resort community in the Spring Mountains as well as historic sawmill remains.  Group assembly will be at Santa Fe Station with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, September 25 - Krafft Mountain Traverse.  This hike is rated as strenuous as it has a considerable amount of scrambling crossing the magenta colored peak north of the community of Calico Basin from the west to the east.  Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area the route follows the trail to the top of Five Stop Hill before beginning the off-trail adventure.  Distance for the loop route will be between 5 and 6 miles with perhaps 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Friday, September 26 - Cottonwood Pass Loop.  This early morning hike in South Cottonwood Valley will cover a distance of 6 miles and carry a moderate rating.  It will start from the gravel parking area south of Highway 160 that is used for the Badger Pass hike and follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi, traveling over Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before looping back to the starting point along Deadhorse Trail.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave there at 5:30 AM to join the coordinator and other south side participants at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160.  The combined groups will leave the gas station at 6:00 AM for the trailhead.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Saturday, September 27 - Lee Canyon/Sawmill Wiggles Loop.  This moderately strenuous loop hike starting from Mile Marker 10.5 of Lee Canyon Road is 8 miles in length and gains about 1,500 feet of elevation.  The route drops down into Lee Canyon and climbs the drainage on a trail that is still being constructed. It passes the Lee Canyon Narrows and climbs out of the canyon.  After crossing the road, and taking a break at the Sawmill Trailhead, the route connects with the multi-use trails north of the highway, generally following a gradual ridge back to the starting point.  Participants should meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Saturday, September 27 - Fletcher Canyon.  One of the most popular short hikes in the Mount Charleston area is this easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back trek into a picturesque slot canyon on the north side of Kyle Canyon Road.  Surprisingly, this is the first time it has been included on the schedule in eight weeks.  Total elevation gain is around 600 feet and there is some very minor scrambling in the slot approaching the rest break below Obstacle Rock.  Pace will be leisurely to accommodate the general membership.  Departure of the group from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Sunday, September 28 - Deer Creek Canyon Exploratory.  A few club members have been looking forward to some cooler temperatures so they can find out whether Deer Creek Canyon is navigable, so here is the opportunity.  The expectation is that the point-to-point hike will cover close to 7 miles and will possibly be rated strenuous even though the entire route is downhill.  Participants should probably wear long pants as there could be significant brush and some scrambling.  The hike will begin at Deer Creek Picnic Area and some cars will be spotted at the finish.  The group will leave Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Monday, September 29 - Krafft Mountain Loop.  The route for this moderately strenuous 6-mile loop hike will follow the trail up Five Stop Hill and descent into Lower Gateway Canyon for a trip around the mountain.  In the heart of the canyon scrambling is required for about one mile with a few significant impediments that require some work to get around.  After exiting the canyon the group will pass a boulder field popular with free climbers on the south side of the mountain.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Allen.

Tuesday, September 30 - Angel Peak.  The final hike of the month is one that has not been offered to the club in the past.  The destination is the peak overlooking Spring Mountain Youth Camp on which the instrument array dome some people confuse with an observatory is located.  The route itself is across the desert with very little shade and utilizes a series of Forest Service Roads coming in from Kyle Canyon Road to the south.  Total distance is about 7 or 8 miles, elevation gain is perhaps 1,500 feet, and the rating is moderately strenuous.  If interested in a lot of tedium to get to a place that few reach, join the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.