October 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.  October is our transition month from the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains (usually referred to as the Mount Charleston area) to the lower elevations of Red Rock Canyon and there are different assembly points for hikes in each of those areas.  Information regarding those locations and driving directions is detailed immediately below.

Mount Charleston Area.  For hikes north of Las Vegas 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 signalized casino entrance and turn left to access the garage.  If traveling southbound on Rancho pass the signal and turn right at the entrance providing direct access to 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.

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 point, 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.  For hikes located in Cottonwood Valley and west there will be a secondary meeting location available for individuals coming from the south side of Las Vegas.  That will be at the gas station located at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 (Blue Diamond Road).  This will be a quick stop that will occur about twenty-five minutes after the regular 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 hikes that guarantee a fairly leisurely pace.  Strenuous Tuesday hikes are only open to existing members who are 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.

Wednesday, October 1 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  This moderate out-and-back trail hike is close to 5 miles in total distance with 500 feet of elevation gain.  It will cover that part of the trail between the ski resort and Bonanza Trail.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Thursday, October 2 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons.  A strenuous 6-mile loop hike that starts from the parking area for the Fletcher Canyon Trail heading along the wash and climbing past the mine shafts in Stanley B.  There is significant scrambling involved, some loose terrain, and an elevation gain of 1,500 feet.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, October 3 - Ash Canyon Overlook.  A moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike with 300 feet of elevation gain starting from Sandstone Quarry.  While mostly trail, there is some minor scrambling involved and a slight bit of exposure.  Group departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, October 4 - Fossil Beds of the DNWR.  An exploratory hike in the Yucca Peak area of the Desert National Wildlife Range near the Corn Creek Visitor Center which passes an abundance of fossils.  Total distance is around 3 or 4 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  High clearance vehicles are necessary to negotiate Mormon Well Road.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Saturday, October 4 - Bristlecone Loop.  The full Bristlecone Trail at the top of Lee Canyon is a moderate 6-mile loop with 700 feet of elevation gain.  This leisurely hike will start from the upper trailhead and proceed counter clockwise.  The hike should take as much as four hours with a snack break along the way.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

Sunday, October 5 - Red Cap.  This strenuous 3-mile loop hike to the highest point in the Calico Hills involves a significant amount of scrambling and use of hands.  The climb to the top of the formation will be from the east side of the sandstone hills, finishing through a narrow seam.  The return will be along the traditional northwest route usually used for the approach.  The assembled group will leave at 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino.  Coordinator - Tony Fountain.

Monday, October 6 - Conglomerate Gardens.  This moderate 6-mile loop hike includes two miles going out and four miles coming back in due to the winding nature of the trail.  Elevation gain is around 700 feet.  No shade is available for this desert hike located on Blue Diamond Hill starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, October 7 - La Madre Peak.  The assault on this peak on the north side of Red Rock Canyon will actually be done from the Kyle Canyon side.  There are no trails, so the entire hike is cross country and up limestone slabs.  Also, high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles are essential.  If the vehicles are capable of crossing two significant washes and reaching a primitive camping area, the out-and-back hike would be 5.5 miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain.  If the vehicles are forced to stop before crossing the first wash the distance would be 9 miles with 3,000 feet of gain.  A loop option at the top to La Padre Peak would add an additional mile and 700 feet of gain.  In any event, this is a very strenuous hike.  Qualified participants should meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jerry Thomas.

Wednesday, October 8 - Fern Canyon.  Otherwise referred to as North Fork Pine Creek Canyon, this destination requires pretty good bouldering skills to reach the midpoint of the canyon that will constitute the turn around point.  Most of the route for this 4 to 5-mile out-and-back hike is on trail, but the level of boulder scrambling raises the rating for this hike to moderately strenuous.  The group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Thursday, October 9 - White Rock Hills Loop.  This popular 6.4 mile trail hike encircles the two peaks of the White Rock Hills at the north end of Red Rock Canyon.  It is rated moderate and has a net elevation gain of 900 feet.  This outing will be done counter clockwise from Willow Springs so that the warmer desert side of the mountains is done first.  Departure time from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Friday, October 10 - North Fork of Main Fork Pine Creek.  From the description provided this looks like a repeat of the Fern Canyon hike two days previously.  The information lists this as a 5-mile hike with lots of scrambling and a moderately strenuous rating.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave there at 6:50 AM and will meet the coordinator at the Pine Creek Trail parking lot for a 7:30 AM start to the hike.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Saturday, October 11 - Brownstone Canyon.  This strenuous loop hike of about 9 miles and 1,400 feet of elevation gain involves a significant amount of off-trail terrain with a general split between boulder scrambling and trekking uphill in gravel washes.  The main feature of the hike is a registered pictograph wall on the edge of the named canyon where the snack break will occur.  Group departure from Red Rock Casino will occur at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator  Lettie Gutierrez.

Saturday, October 11 - Fossil Ridge.  This moderate 4-mile hike will be conducted along a Figure 8 route from the Cowboy Stables parking lot.  The group will turn right immediately through the gate and proceed to the edge of Echo Canyon, turning right and heading south along the canyon.  After completing the top loop portion they will follow the lower portion of the trail along the top of the canyon and descend Blue Diamond Hill toward the main corral and return on the gravel road.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

Sunday, October 12 - White Rock Springs Peak.  Rated moderately strenuous, this 4 to 5-mile hike will start from the lower parking area at the start of the gravel road at Mile Marker 6 of the scenic drive.  The climb to the peak involves quite a bit of scrambling and the descent, which also involves scrambling, will be on the eastern edge of the mountain.  Total elevation gain is approaching 1,000 feet.  Join the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, October 13 - Escarpment Base Trail.  Combing parts or all of four connecting trails on the west side of Red Rock Canyon, this moderate trail hike will proceed in a northerly direction starting from the Arnight trailhead and finishing at the Lost Creek trailhead.  Total distance for the point-to-point hike is about 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 700 feet.  Extra vehicles will be required for the car shuttle.  Departure will be at 7:30 AM from Red Rock Casino.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, October 14 - Angel Peak.  Paving on Kyle Canyon Road at the end of the previous month forced a cancellation of this hike on September 30, so we will try it again.  The peak contains an instrument array dome and sits above the Spring Mountain Youth Camp.  Estimated distance for the moderately strenuous out-and-back hike is 7 or 8 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  If interested in bagging another peak despite boring terrain then meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, October 15 - Sandstone to White Rock Springs.  This moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike will cover the section of the Grand Circle Trail between Sandstone Quarry and the spring at the base of the White Rock Hills.  It is all on trail with the exception of the gravel road leaving the scenic drive at Mile Marker 6.  After a break at the springs the group will return along the same route.  Elevation gain is about 800 feet.  The group will leave at 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino.  Coordinator - Tony Fountain.

Thursday, October 16 - Mountain Spring Peak.  Starting from the gravel pullout near Mountain Spring Summit, the group will head up a gravel service road and follow a series of trails to the top of the peak and down the other side to an overlook above Black Velvet Canyon.  This moderately strenuous out-and-back hike covers a distance of 6 miles and has a 1,200 foot elevation gain.  There is some exposure but it can be completely avoided by those wishing to do so.  Departure from Red Rock will be at 7:00 AM.  There will be a short stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 about 7:25 AM for any south side participants.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, October 17 - Ice Box Canyon.  This strenuous out-and-back hike will be around 4 miles and include lots of scrambling as the intended route goes well beyond the normal stopping point below the seasonal waterfall.  The group assembled at Red Rock Casino should depart around 7:25 AM to meet the coordinator at the regular Ice Box parking lot, where the hike will begin at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Saturday, October 18 - Calico I Moenkopi Loop.  The only hike scheduled so far for this Saturday will be the leisurely option, which is an easy to moderate loop starting from the Visitor Center in Red Rock Canyon.  The loop route covers a distance of 3 miles and has a minimal elevation gain of about 200 feet.  Departure time from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Sunday, October 19 - Cottonwood Valley Loop.  A moderate hike of 6 miles with around 700 feet of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking lot used for the short Badger Pass hike.  This all trail hike will start towards Mount Potosi and reach Cottonwood Pass, then turn back down Red Canyon on the Deadhorse Trail.  The pace will be moderate.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave there at 6:45 AM.  The coordinator will be at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 and can be joined there by other south side participants.  The assembled group will depart for the hike at 7:15 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Monday, October 20 - Keystone Thrust Loop.  This moderately strenuous loop hike will start from the gravel pullout at Mile Marker 6 and proceed up the gravel road to the White Rock Springs parking lot, then head around the north end of Cactus Hill and connect with Keystone Thrust Canyon.  The downward scrambling through the canyon is fairly intense and long pants are recommended to avoid getting scratched by the brush and rocks.  Distance is about 4 miles.  Meet the other participants at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Tuesday, October 21 - Turtlehead Peak Eastern Approach.  This very strenuous hike to the mountain on the northeast side of Red Rock Canyon will follow a route into Gateway Canyon and approach the peak from the east side.  There is minimal exposure along the way but a significant portion of the trek involves scrambling over steep terrain without benefit of a trail.  The return will be down the regular trail.  Distance is about 6 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Allen.

Wednesday, October 22 - White Rock Hills Loop.  One of the most requested hikes in Red Rock Canyon is this moderate 6.4-mile loop around the two cream colored peaks at the north end of the canyon.  This trek will begin at Willow Springs Picnic Area and proceed in a clockwise direction, with a snack break at the highest point of the trail.  The group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Thursday, October 23 - Krafft Mountain Traverse.  The group will change from the normal direction for this hike as it will be conducted in an east to west direction, meaning the steepest part of the trek will be on the ascent.  With quite a bit of Class 3 scrambling, this 5-mile trek involving 1,500 feet of elevation gain will be rated strenuous.  There is also a bit of exposure through some sections of the route.  Departure will be at 7:30 AM from Red Rock Casino.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Friday, October 24 - Dale's Trail.  The out-and-back trek along the middle section of the trail system below the escarpment will cover a total distance of just over 5 miles.  Along the way there is a lot of rolling terrain and the probable snack break will occur in the vicinity of Skull Rock.  Rating is moderate and the gross elevation gain is something less than 1,000 feet.  The assembled group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, October 25 - Gray Cap.  This ascent of the peak in the sandstone formations southeast of Turtlehead will entail one of the more adventurous potential routes, starting at the parking area on the north side of Calico Basin and climbing through Gray Fox Canyon.  Roughly 5 miles in total distance with 1,800 feet of elevation gain, this hike is rated strenuous because of the significant amount of scrambling involved.  A departure time of 7:30 AM from Red Rock Casino will be in effect.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Saturday, October 25 - Calico Tanks.  The leisurely Saturday alternative is one of the signature hikes offered on regulation trails in Red Rock Canyon.  With a variety of moderate surface conditions it covers a total out-and-back distance of 3 miles while climbing about 700 feet.  The view of southern Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and the Arizona mountains from the terminal point is really astounding.  Participants for this hike will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Sunday, October 26 - Bird Spring Ridges.  This moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles with around 1,500 feet of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking area also used for the short version of Badger Pass.  After crossing Badger Pass the route heads up a series of ridges to the high point of the small range, then connects with the Deadhorse Trail passing through Red Valley on the way back to the vehicles.  Early assembly will be at Red Rock Casino with the group leaving at 7:00 AM.  Final assembly point will be the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160, where they will meet the coordinator and any other south side participants for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Sunday, October 26 - Windy Peak.  Starting from the gravel pullout near Mountain Spring Summit the route starts up a gravel service road and connects with a series of faint trails to get to the point where the limestone of the back ridge transitions onto the sandstone formation of the peak.  Total distance for the out-and-back hike is 5 miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain and some exposure.  The resulting rating is moderately strenuous.  This group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM and make a brief stop at the gas station on Highways 159 and 160 about 7:55 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, October 27 - Rubber Ducky Yucca.  Elevation gain is only about 600 feet for this moderate loop trek in Cottonwood Valley north of Highway 160 and the total distance is about 6 miles.  There is some surprisingly good scenery along the way in some shallow canyons and a ridge with excellent views and there is the yucca.  Those interested should gather at Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure.  An additional stop will be made at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 about 7:55 AM to meet up with any south side participants.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Tuesday, October 28 - Two North Peaks.  A traditional Halloween outing, the trek to both the limestone and sandstone versions of peaks with the same name will cover a distance of 12 miles and gain around 3,000 feet.  The early and late portion is out-and-back along Rocky Gap Road and the central portion is a loop involving scrambling and steep trail.  Overall, this hike is rated strenuous.  Anyone going ahead of the coordinator will need to carry radios and wait for the group at the finish.  The assembled group will leave Red Rock Casino at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, October 29 - Arnight/Upper Pine Creek Loop.  From the Red Rock scenic drive exit the route will head cross country to the interior Oak Creek parking area, follow the Arnight Trail into Pine Creek Canyon, then do the upper loop through both drainages before returning past the Wilson foundation and back to the Arnight Trail.  This moderate hike will cover a total distance of about 6 miles and there is minimal overall elevation gain.  Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Thursday, October 30 - Little Zion.  Yet another hike on the back side of the escarpment, the moderately strenuous out-and-back route covers a distance of 6 miles and gains 1,600 feet getting to a unique sandstone area above Bonnie Springs.  Terrain includes scrambling up an irregular wash and across sandstone slabs.  High clearance vehicles will be necessary to access the trailhead.  The main group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 7:00 AM and pick up south side participants at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 about 7:25 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, October 31 - Blue Diamond Canyon #3 Loop.  This moderately strenuous hike will begin from the community of Blue Diamond and proceed into the third canyon on the hill across the way, topping out on a plateau near the mining operation.  There is significant scrambling on this climb.  The ridge between the first two canyons on Blue Diamond Hill will be used for the return.  Total distance is around 5 miles with 1,000 feet of gain.  Early departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:30 AM and that group will drive to the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road to Blue Diamond where they will meet the coordinator for an 8:00 AM start to the hike.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Friday, October 31 - Nevada Sesquicentennial Hike.  Celebrating a milestone of statehood for Nevada will be part of the activities on this moderate to moderately strenuous hike in Lovell Canyon.  The regular route for this hike covers 5.5 miles but there is an optional section that would bring the total up to 7 miles.  This is a joint hike with Lone Mountain Hiking Club, whose members will be meeting at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for a 7:45 AM departure.  The ABF contingent will assemble and leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM and join the earlier group and any south side participants at the gas station at Highways 159 and 160 for a combined departure at 8:30 AM.  One caveat - those participating will have to endure our coordinator's recitation and possibly sing the state song "Home Means Nevada".  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.