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.
The January schedule includes hikes in the Red
Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley), Valley of Fire and Lake Mead
area. There are also a number of afternoon hikes on this month’s schedule.
Below is information regarding our meeting locations for each of these
destinations. There are different assembly
points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or
south sides of the lake. Meeting
locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the appropriate
hike description.
Red Rock Canyon Area. Our assembly point for hikes in Red Rock
Canyon and the immediate vicinity is at the Red Rock Casino on Charleston
Boulevard just east of 215. To access
the meeting location 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 near 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 or twenty-five minutes after the regular departure from
Red Rock Casino.
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
Lake Mead South. For all hikes on the south side of the lake
the general meeting spot will be near the large outdoor sign in front of the
Henderson Fiesta Casino. Henderson
Fiesta is located on Lake Mead Parkway just east of the junction of I-215 and
I-515. Lake Mead Parkway is the
eastbound extension of I-215. There will
also be an earlier assembly point for west side participants at the Red Rock
Casino, with directions above, and there could be local stopping points after
the group leaves Henderson Fiesta. Those
stopping points will be detailed in the appropriate hike descriptions.
Lake Mead North. For hikes on the north side of the lake the
early west side collection point will be on the top level of the parking garage
at Rampart Casino rather than at Red Rock Casino. Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin (a
J. W. Marriot property) is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin
Parkway. The garage is located on the
northeast side of the casino and is four stories in height. The best route from Rampart to the general
meeting location is Summerlin Parkway to Highway 95 to I-15 north to eastbound
Lake Mead Boulevard. The general
assembly point will be in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on
the southeast corner of the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and
Hollywood. There will also be a
secondary pickup point at the pullout area close to Mile Marker 4 on the
eastbound side of Northshore Road for south side participants not using the CVS
Pharmacy location.
Valley of Fire. For hikes in the state park northeast of Las
Vegas the general assembly point will be in the parking lot of Lucky Cub
Casino. The Lucky Club Casino is located
on the northeast corner of the junction of I-15 and Cheyenne Road along
Cheyenne. If traveling northbound on
I-15 and using the Cheyenne exit, it is necessary to cross several lanes of
traffic quickly and access the left turn lane to get in to the property off the
first side street. West side
participants can meet early and carpool from the top level of the parking
garage at Rampart Casino. Information on
that location is specified in the above paragraph.
IMPORTANT NOTE #1 - Hike coordinators may not
always be at either the early or primary assembly points. Participants will need to monitor the time
and set up carpooling to the next meeting location or pickup point when that
occurs. Although most of these
situations are noted in the hike descriptions, others may occur that are not so
noted.
IMPORTANT POINT #2 - When reading the descriptions
you will see references to both Lake Mead Boulevard and Lake Mead Parkway. These are different streets. Lake Mead Boulevard is an east-west street on
the north side of Las Vegas that runs completely across the city. Lake Mead Parkway is on the south side of the
city and is an east-west street that starts at the junction of I-515 and I-215
and extends over to the lake. Please do
not mix these up.
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 times.
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 properly experienced.
Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and hats and bring
sunscreen, water, electrolyte replacement fluids as needed, and food or snacks
as desired for each outing.
Questions regarding general information should
be directed to Steve Allen at siallen@icloud.com or by telephone at (847)
772-3193. Specific questions regarding
hikes should be directed to the listed coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact
information.
Exposure
Class 1- Terrain that does not require use of hands or
other equipment but can be negotiated using only foot power.
Class 2- Terrain that is uneven or irregular that may
require use of hands for stabilization.
Class 3- Generally steep terrain that definitely
requires use of hands over stretches to accomplish the task.
Class 4- In addition to use of hands, some level of
equipment is necessary to accomplish the task.
This may include
webbing or short sections of rope for minor
climbs or belay systems for more difficult climbs.
Difficulty Levels
Easy- Hikes of 3 miles or less with not more than
300 feet of gain, generally with only gradual elevation gains on even surface
trails.
Easy to Moderate- Hikes ranging up to 5
miles and 500 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail
irregularities.
Moderate- Hikes that generally have a
maximum distance of 8 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. Somewhat longer mileage with less elevation
gain or shorter mileage with more elevation gain may also fit in this category.
Moderately Strenuous- Distances of up
to 12 miles and/or 1,600 feet of elevation gain involving less than 25% of
off-trail hiking such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.
Strenuous- Longer distances with
elevation gain capped around 3,000 feet or shorter distances that encompass
significant off-trail sections not requiring additional safety equipment
Very Strenuous or Extreme- Efforts that
require serious conditioning on the part of participants due to great length or
elevation gain or climbing that requires mountaineering skills
Friday, January 1st, Top of the World Arch (long loop), Valley of Fire- This long loop in the Valley of Fire State Park takes the hiker to see
the Top of the World Arch, the Fire Wave and several small slots. It is a
moderately strenuous route that requires scrambling ability. The route is 7
miles long with 1400 feet of elevation gain. We will be hiking for around 4.5
hours. Meeting times: Rampart Casino at 7:45 AM; Lucky Club Casino at 8:30
AM; and the west side of the Smoke Shop (I-15 & Exit 75) at 9:00 AM where the coordinator will be
located. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, January 1st, Potato Knoll- The relatively
level terrain associated with this moderate 5-mile partial loop hike is interrupted
by a short but steep climb up the 500 foot hill in the shadow of Wilson
Peak. The snack break will occur on the
sandstone outcroppings found on the southern end of the hill. Leisurely pace. Departure from the assembly
point at Red Rock Casino will be at 8:30
AM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore
Saturday, January 2nd, White Owl Canyon- Leisurely hike is an out-and-back hike
between 4-5 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. It is all trail. Meet at Red
Rock Casino at 7:45 AM to meet up with the east group under the big sign at the
Henderson Fiesta. We depart this location at 8:30 AM. Our trailhead will be the old marina just past the fee
booth on Lake Mead Parkway. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, January 2nd, Colorful Canyon- This 7 to 8 mile hike starts at Mile Marker
20 on Northshore Road. From there the
hike goes to the “camel tracks” near North Bowl of Fire and then on to a very
colorful area before looping back. This
is a Lake Mead North hike. Meet the
coordinators at MM 4 on Northshore Road at 8:15 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:00 AM and leave Rampart at 7:20
AM. Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Sunday, January 3rd, River Mountain Trail Part I- It's the first of the year and
time to schedule the long walk around the River Mountains near Henderson and
Boulder City. The first leg this year
will be the stretch on the west side between the fee booth parking lot off Lake
Mead Parkway and the Railroad Pass Casino.
Total distance is 12 miles and the entire surface is blacktop, so good
walking shoes may be preferable to hiking shoes. A car shuttle is necessary for all three
legs. Anyone wishing to participate from
the west side should meet at Red Rock Casino for a 6:40 AM departure for
Railroad Pass Casino. All other
participants should drive directly there where we will arrange carpooling and
drive to the starting point at 7:30AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2016, Late Night TH to Blue Diamond- This moderately strenuous hike of 8 miles gains approximately 1,200 feet
of Elevation. Starting from the Late Night parking trailhead the route follows
a fainter trail up to the base of the canyons of the Red Rock Bluffs. We will
pass by petroglyphs and two springs, and the mouth of Velvet Canyon, then
ascend Tertiary Ridge and descend back to Blue Diamond completing the loop..
Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should depart by 7:05 AM or meet the
coordinator at the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance
road into Blue Diamond at 7:30 AM where the group will shuttle to the
trailhead. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, January 4th, Rattlesnake Canyon O&B- Located close to Willow Springs
on the north end of the main Red Rock Canyon area is an obscure side canyon
that offers pure boulder scrambling for its en-tire length. Rated as moderately
strenuous with an out-and-back distance of 3 miles, this hike reaches a
terraced area somewhat at the base of the ridge leading to sandstone North Peak
on the escarpment. Elevation gain is approximately 900 feet. Departure will be
from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen
Tuesday, January 5th, Eva’s Tower, 5800’- Out-and-back Class 3 scramble with 1,800 feet of vertical, 5 miles round
trip (strenuous.) Very scenic, classic
Red Rock terrain. 5-6 hours. Meet 8:00 AM Red Rock Casino. Coordinator- Ed Forkos
Tuesday, January 5th, Easy Tuesday, Willow Springs-SMYC Loop- We will depart the Red Rock
Casino at 8:00 AM and travel to the
Willow Springs picnic area. From Willow
Springs, we will hike to the Children’s Discovery Trail. We will take that
trail over to the SMYC Trail and then do an out-and-back on the SMYC
Trail. After we get back to the Lost
Creek Trail, we will cross the street and hike back to the cars. Total distance will be about 4 miles without
much elevation gain. This will be a
moderate hike. Coordinator- Roger Hembree
Wednesday, January 6th, Fossil Ridge- The longer version of this hike on Blue
Diamond Hill starts at the Cowboy Stables parking lot and follows the western
portion of the trail back to the abandoned road overlooking the northern
section of the mining operation. From
there the route heads north through the Echo Canyon drainage, then stays on the
ridge overlooking the canyon. The final
descent from the ridge will pass the trail ride headquarters and take the
gravel road back to the parking lot.
Distance is 5 miles, rating is moderate, and pace will be moderate. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, January 7th, Jean's Peak - This is a new
hike of an estimated 5 plus miles that is moderately strenuous. The trailhead
starts at Mile Marker 25 on Northshore Road.
The route ascends a nearby canyon, passing caves and a very large arch,
and then climbs to a tall cairn on the east end of Pinto Ridge. There are
beautiful views from the top that take in the Redstone area, Pinto Valley,
Bitter Springs Valley and Lake Mead. The route continues on the ridgeline a
bit. Then, after backtracking a little,
it descends into Jean’s Canyon and loops back to the hike’s starting point.
This is a Lake Mead North hike. Meet the
coordinator at MM 4 on Northshore Road at 8:15 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:00 AM and leave Rampart at 7:20
AM. Coordinator- Chuck Hawkins
Friday, January 8th, Blue Diamond Tertiary Ridge- This 6.5 mile moderate loop hike begins in the community of Blue Diamond
and gains approximately 1,000 feet of elevation. The group will make their way
up the Tertiary ridge behind the community following a trail along the top that
leads toward Bonnie Springs. After dropping back to the valley floor near the
western end of the ridge the route loops to the north and returns to Blue
Diamond. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a
departure at 7:35 AM, and those
participants should proceed to Blue Diamond. After crossing the bridge on the
main entrance to the community there will be a dirt parking lot on the right
side just before the first houses. The coordinator will be at that location.
South side participants may drive directly to Blue Diamond. The hike will begin
at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - David Hardy.
Friday, January 8th, Calico I to Sandstone Quarry- This moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike will be at a leisurely pace. It
will begin at the Calico I Overlook and head north to Sandstone Quarry for a
snack break before returning to the starting point. Net gain is somewhat under 500 feet but
rolling terrain increases the gross amount to 700 or so. Departure from the assembly point at Red Rock
Casino will be at 12:30 PM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore
Saturday, January 9th, White Domes & Fire Wave, Valley of Fire- This is a partial loop in the Valley of Fire State Park with a length of
3 miles and an elevation gain of around 800 feet. The colorful landscape is
truly worth the trip. It will be hiked at a leisurely pace starting at the
White Domes paved parking lot. There is an entrance fee for the state park per
car. Meeting times: Rampart Casino at 7:45 AM; Lucky Club Casino at 8:30 AM where the coordinator will be
located; and the west side of the Smoke Shop (I-15 & Exit 75) at 9:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, January 9th, Pumpkin Parfait Canyon- This approximately 5-mile hike
with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain starts at Rogers Spring at Mile Marker
40 on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead area.
The hike is moderate to strenuous and involves some scrambling. From Rogers Spring, the trail climbs over to
a canyon. The next canyon which leads to
the colorful “Pumpkin Parfait” box canyon has rocks with embedded fossils. This is a Lake Mead North hike. Meet the coordinators at MM 4 on Northshore
Road at 8:15 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:00
AM and leave Rampart at 7:20 AM.
Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Sunday, January 10th, River Mountain Trail Part II- The second leg of the journey
around the River Mountains will head out from Railroad Pass Casino and end at
the lower parking lot at Alan Bible Visitor Center. This stretch covers a distance of 10 miles
and is generally downhill. The entire
surface is blacktop so good walking shoes are recommended and hiking sticks are
not necessary. Pace will be fairly brisk
to get back home in time for football.
The coordinator will meet the early west side group at Red Rock Casino
for a 7:05 AM departure and the full group will assemble at Fiesta Henderson to
set up carpooling and leave that location at 7:45 AM. Coordinator- Chris
Dempsey.
Sunday, January10th, Boneshaker Loop- The pace
up Boneshaker trail will be slow, as the trail levels out the pace will then
turn moderate. We will connect with the Three Amigos trail that will take us
across to the Bob Gnarly trail (Skull Canyon) for the descent down the canyon.
Overall rating is moderate with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain and a
distance of 5-6 miles. Those carpooling
should depart Red Rock Casino by 7:45 AM.
The hike will begin at the horse corrals off Highway 159 at 8:00 AM.
Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, January 11th, Summerlin Peak (5082’)- A prominent peak on the western
edge of the valley. Color it strenuous due to the steep terrain (a staggering
1,700 vertical feet in 3/4 mile). Just over five miles total distance. Depart
form Buckskin Cliff Shadows Park at 8:00
AM. Look for the white fence just to the west of the 215 & Cheyenne.
Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Monday, January 11th, Cottonwood Spring & Beyond Loop - This approximately 4 to 5-mile hike starts at Mile Marker 18 on
Northshore Road. The hike is generally
moderate. This hike heads up to
Cottonwood Spring passing an area of ancient seabed fossils and remnants of the
Arrowhead Highway that went from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles in the
1920s. The hike continues past
Cottonwood Spring to a small section of a colorful canyon while looping back to
Cottonwood Spring. This is a Lake Mead
North hike Meet coordinators at MM 4 on
Northshore Road at 8:45 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:30 AM and leave Rampart at 7:50 AM. Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Tuesday, January 12th, Valley of Fire High Point- This strenuous 5-mile balloon loop hike to the high point at the Valley
of Fire gains approximately 1,500 feet of elevation. There is a lot of climbing over rocks and
boulders with some upper body work required to access the top through a sloping
chimney. Exposure is minimal. Early west side group will leave with the
coordinator from Rampart Casino at 7:30 AM.
Traffic permitting they will stop at Lucky Club Casino about 7:50 AM to pick up the rest of the
participants and should arrive at the Visitor Center around 8:45 AM. Coordinator- Brian Dodd
Tuesday, January 12th - Oak Creek. This moderate out-and-back hike on the south
side of Red Rock Canyon doesn't have a lot of elevation gain crossing the
desert to a seasonal waterfall in the canyon and covers a total distance of 6
miles. The route is all on trail and
passes Potato Knoll between the hill and the creek. The canyon is very picturesque and features a
number of large sandstone boulders on the ridge. There is always the possibility of viewing
climbers on the cliff faces on either side of the canyon. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure or be at the parking
lot where the scenic loop exits onto the highway by 8:45 AM for the start of
the hike. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, January 13th, Fortification Hill- West side hikers will car pool
from Red Rock Casino leaving at 7:50 AM and head over to the Henderson Fiesta
to meet with the rest of the hikers for an 8:30
AM departure. High clearance vehicles recommended. The hike is 4 miles with an elevation gain of
1,700 feet. Moderately strenuous with
one short Class 3 wall to navigate. The top of the hill has great 360 degree
views of the entire valley. Coordinator- Steve Anderson
Wednesday, January 13th, Lake Shore Trail- This hike is 3 miles round trip, leisure walk on Lake Shore Trail, aka
Fisherman's Trail along Las Vegas wash to 33 Hole overlook. We may see some
waterfowl. Trailhead is at LV boat ramp/old ranger station. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 7:45 AM to go to
the Fiesta Henderson. We will leave there at 8:30 AM for the trailhead. Coordinator- Chris Nienaber
Thursday, January 14th, White Rocks Peak (6462’)- A deceptive yet demanding climb to
the pinnacle of the White Rocks merits a strenuous, Class 3 rating. Clocking in
at a mere four miles, it boasts a rugged 1,900 feet of vertical climb. From Willow
Springs, a one-mile approach to the western flank where we’ll tackle the sharp
ascent to the summit. After lunch, a sinuous traverse to the southern flank of
the mountain where we’ll gaze down at our vehicles at the trailhead. It looks
impossible to descend, but it does indeed—straight to the parking lot. Depart
from the Red Rock Casino 8:00 AM.
Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Thursday, January 14th, Red Mountain- This
winding loop of 8 miles will have around 1,800 feet of elevation gain. We will
hike at a moderately strenuous pace beginning at the Veterans Home TH at
Bootleg Canyon Park. Trails will include, Snake Back & Skyline. Meet at Red
Rock Casino at 7:45 AM to go to the Fiesta Henderson. We will leave there with
the coordinator at 8:30 AM for the trailhead.
Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, January 15th, Cottonwood Valley- This moderate hike meanders through
Cottonwood Valley on the north side of Highway 160. It is a loop hike covering a distance around
8 miles with elevation gain probably under 1,000 feet. Starting from the Late Night parking lot the
route heads toward the ridge west of the community of Blue Diamond, turns back
along the southern side of the ridge, and finishes along the bike and hiking
trails near the south end of the escarpment.
Pace will be moderate with occasional water breaks. The group will assemble at Red Rock Casino
for an 8:00 AM departure. There will be a quick stop at the gas station
at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 about 8:25 AM for south side
participants and the hike should start from the paved parking lot about 8:35
AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Friday, January 15th, SMYC Trail Ice Box Canyon To Willow Springs- This moderate 4 mile out and back
hike along the SMYC trail will begin at the Ice Box Canyon parking lot and head
towards the Willow Springs picnic area for a snack break before returning to
the starting point. Departure from the
assembly point at Red Rock Casino will be at 12:30 PM. Coordinator- Nancy
Moore
Saturday, January 16th, Grand Gold Butte Petroglyph Hike- This is a moderately strenuous loop of 7.5 miles in the Gold Butte area.
With a total elevation gain of 1,200 feet, there are multiple panels of
petroglyphs to be studied from the famous Falling Man to the Khota Circus panel
which is the largest panel in Clark County. High clearance vehicles are needed.
Please bring it if you have one. This is an all-day trip. The drive is 1.5
hours and the hike is 4.5 hours. Be prepared. Meeting times: Rampart Casino at 7:15 AM; and Lucky Club Casino at 8:00 AM. We will make a stop at Love's
(Exit #64(?)) on the way up for gas, etc. {Directions
to Gold Butte are as follows: north on I-15 to Exit #112, east for 3 miles
then turn right on Gold Butte Road, 19 miles on a roughly paved road, turn right
onto a rutted backcountry road for 2 miles ending at the trailhead}. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, January 17th, River Mountain Trail Part III- The final leg of our annual
January marathon is the 13-mile segment between the lower parking lot at Alan
Bible Visitor Center and the entrance booth parking lot off Lake Mead
Parkway. Pace will be fairly rapid even
though this leg is generally uphill after passing the water treatment plant
along the lake. It also follows a
section of old Lakeshore Drive, so there is a bit of history involved. West side participants can meet the
coordinator at Red Rock Casino for a 7:05 AM departure to the general meeting
location at Fiesta Henderson. We will
leave there by 7:45 AM after vehicle
shuttling has been arranged.
Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Sunday, January 17th, Frenchman Peak- This
moderately strenuous hike of 5 miles gains approximately 2,000 feet of
elevation. The route ascends a very steep and rough dirt road just off of East
Lake Mead Boulevard and continues on this road all the way to the top where we
will take a snack break and enjoy a 360 degree view. 0n the way up we may see a
collection of pickups and jeeps in the ravine far below. If windy, we will
explore on the back side of Frenchman. Meet the coordinator at 8:00 AM. at the back side of CVS on the
southeast corner of Hollywood and East Lake Mead. Those carpooling should
depart the Rampart Casino by 7:20 AM. Please RSVP by email to go on this hike.
Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, January 18th, Conglomerate Gardens- One of the oddities about this
moderate 6-mile loop hike is that the return portion is nearly twice as long as
the outward section. With as much
winding around as the trail does it seems to take forever to get back to the
starting point, so the pace will be moderate with occasional water stops. The break will occur slightly more than
halfway along the route at a collection of large conglomerate boulders at the
top of one of the many canyons on Blue Diamond Hill. There is also a fairly large area of fossils
which participants need to look out for.
The group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM with the hike starting around 8:45 AM from the Cowboy
Stables parking lot. Coordinator- Chris
Dempsey.
Tuesday, January 19th, Terrace Canyon- Rescheduled from November due to unfavorable
weather. Scenery doesn't get much better
than the terraced floor of this canyon tucked deep above the south fork of Pine
Creek. The amount of scrambling required
is significant on this very strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike that will
probably take six or seven hours to complete. Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, January 19th, Easy Tuesday, Arnight Trail- We will depart the Red Rock
Casino at 8:00 AM and drive to the
Red Rock Loop exit. From the exit, we
will hike to the Oak Creek parking area and then do an out-and-back on the
Arnight Trail over to the Pine Creek Trail.
Total distance will be about 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. There should only be about 300 feet of
elevation gain. Coordinator- Roger
Hembree
Wednesday, January 20th, Calico Scramble- An
adventure of around 4 miles. Must be comfortable with Class 3 exposure.
Destination to be decided at trailhead. Meet at Red Spring by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen
Thursday, January 21st, Bird Spring Range- There is quite a bit of off-trail
bushwhacking in the middle section of this 7-mile loop hike, although none of
it involves boulder scrambling. Rated
strenuous, the route has a steep and persistent climb after reaching Badger
Pass and another steep but shorter climb after passing the overlook above
Wilson Tank. Overall pace will be
moderate. The return section of the hike
involves the Deadhorse Trail through Red Valley. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. We will also be stopping at the gas station
at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 at 8:25 AM to pick up any south side
participants. Coordinator- Chris
Dempsey.
Friday, January 22nd, Canyon #5 Blue Diamond Hills- This strenuous hike of 5 miles gains 600 feet of elevation. The route
begins from the parking area at Wheeler Springs just north of Blue Diamond. The
canyon cuts deep into the Blue Diamond Hill with high walls and considerable
scrambling. A large fill supporting a road high above marks the end of the
canyon. We will leave from the gravel parking area on the right side of the
entrance road to Blue Diamond where you will meet the coordinator for an 8:00
AM start. Those carpooling should depart Red Rock Casino by 7:35 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, January 22nd, Dale’s Trail from Ice Box Canyon.- This moderate 5-mile
out-and-back hike will start from Ice Box Canyon parking lot and stop in the
vicinity of Skull Rock for a snack break.
This trail is a series of climbs in and out of six major ravines, some
of which are a bit steep with a gross elevation gain of about 800 feet.
Leisurely pace. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for a 12:30 PM departure.
Coordina-tor- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, January 23rd, West Leg/East Leg Loop- This is a 4 mile loop with around 900 feet of gain. It will be hiked at
a leisurely pace to accommodate all attending hikers. Meet at Red Rock Casino
at 7:45 AM to go to the Fiesta Henderson. We will leave there at 8:30
AM for the zip line base at Bootleg Canyon Park. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, January 23rd, Fracture Peak Ridge- This moderately strenuous trail
hike has several sections that climb over volcanic rock. It's 7-8 miles with an
elevation gain of about 2,000 feet. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. We will
then meet at the CVS pharmacy on Anthem Parkway and depart at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, January 24th, Cottonwood Pass Loop- An early morning hike in the
general Red Rock area, this moderate 6-mile loop outing in South Cottonwood
Valley gains approximately 1,000 feet of elevation. The trek will start from
the gravel parking area south of Highway 160 also used for Badger Pass. It will
follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi and loop past
Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back to the vehicles on
the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley. This hike will maintain a moderate pace with
periodic breaks (no fast pace!) and the group will stay together. We will meet
the coordinator and leave from the gas station on Highways 159 and 160 at 7:45
AM, and drive to the gravel lot for a 8:00 AM start of hike. Those carpooling
from Red Rock Casino should depart by 7:15
AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Sunday, January 24th, Black Mountain, Henderson- Moderately strenuous 6 mile hike
with 2,100 feet of elevation gain. It is an out-and- back trail with a steep
section through the lava field at the top. West side group meets at the Red
Rock Casino at 7:45 AM. We will join the east group at Walgreen's on Anthem
Parkway at 8:30AM. Trailhead on
Shadow Canyon Drive. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
Monday, January 25th, White Owl Canyon Shoreline Loop- This approximately 5-mile hike
begins at the Las Vegas Bay boat ramp near mile marker 10 on Lakeshore Road in
the Lake Mead area. The hike is
generally moderate. It is the short
version of the long White Owl Canyon Loop.
After walking along the Lake Mead shoreline almost to the Hole 33
Overlook, the hike goes up through White Owl Canyon and beyond before returning
to the old Las Vegas Bay boat ramp, primarily along the bike trail with great
views of Lake Mead. This is a Lake Mead South hike. Meet the coordinator at the trailhead at the
old Las Vegas Bay Marina at 8:50 AM. To
reach the trailhead, drive east on Lake Mead Parkway which continues straight
as Lakeshore Road. Turn left at the old
ranger station (left hand turn lane at about mile 10 or 11 on Lakeshore Road)
and continue down to the old boat launch.
If you get to the Las Vegas Bay Overlook sign, you just passed it. Leave Henderson Fiesta at 8:30 AM and Rampart at 7:50 AM. Coordinator- Joan Hawkins
Tuesday, January 26th, North Wind Exploratory Loop- This exploratory hike is classified as strenuous due to a potential
length of 9-10 miles or more. It starts
at MM 13 on Northshore Road instead of MM10 and goes over to the colorful North
Wind area using an optional route. This
is a Lake Mead North hike. Meet the
coordinator at MM 4 on Northshore Road at 8:15 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:00 AM and leave Rampart at 7:20
AM. Coordinator- Chuck Hawkins
Wednesday, January 27th, Krafft Mountain Loop- Starting at the Red Spring picnic
area, the trail climbs to the saddle west of Kraft Mountain. The route then descends
into Lower Gateway Canyon using the traditional trail. Once in the drainage we will encounter some
bouldering and will have to negotiate a couple of obstacles prior to catching a
trail upon departing the canyon. This
6-mile hike with an elevation gain of approximately 600 feet is rated moderate
and will be hiked at a moderate pace.
Meet at the Red Rock Casino parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Dennis Rohne
Wednesday, January 27th, Henderson Wetland Connector Trail- This hike is a 3 mile round trip, leisure walk on paved bicycle path or
the adjoining wash from Mountain Lake Park to Terrazza Park. Snack by the
water. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 7:45 AM to go to the Fiesta Henderson. We
will leave there at 8:30 AM.
Coordinator- Chris Nienaber
Thursday, January 28th, Cholla Forest via Seven Falls- This 7 mile loop has 1,400 feet of elevation gain. We will follow
Chuck's route from the water tank TH up Seven Falls Canyon where there is quite
a bit of moderately strenuous scrambling to match a moderately strenuous pace.
The cholla cacti at the snack area are a sight to see! Meet at Red Rock Casino
at 7:45 AM to go to the Fiesta Henderson. We will leave there at 8:30 AM for the water tank just past
the Boulder City Lake Mead fee booth. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, January 29th, White Rock Hills Loop- The standard 6.4-mile loop around
the two cream-colored peaks at the north end of Red Rock Canyon will be done
counter-clockwise from Willow Springs Picnic Area. With 900 feet of net elevation gain along the
nicely maintained trail the hike garners a moderate rating. The assembled group will depart from Red Rock
Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Barb Ulmer
Friday, January 29th, Echo Canyon & Fossil Ridge- This is a moderate 5-mile loop
hike that opens with some moderate scrambling up Echo Canyon and includes a few
dry waterfalls in the six-foot height range.
Leisurely pace. The assembled group will have a 12:30 PM departure from Red Rock Casino. Coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, January 30th, Actual Black Mountain Peak, Boulder City- This approximately 7 mile hike
continues past the Black Mountain Overlook to the sign-in book on the actual
Black Mountain Peak before looping back via a canyon to the caldera and up to
the saddle for the descent to the trailhead.
This hike is rated moderately strenuous to strenuous due to the terrain
and length. It also involves some
scrambling in the return canyon. This is
a Lake Mead South hike. Meet the
coordinator at the River Mountain Trailhead near St. Jude’s Ranch in Boulder
City at 8:15 AM, leave Henderson Fiesta at 8:00
AM and Red Rock Casino at 7:15 AM.
Coordinator- Chuck Hawkins
Saturday, January 30th Badger Pass- This easy to moderate 4 mile loop hike climbs
about 450 feet along a ridge in the Bird Spring Range, then descends to Badger
Pass and the Dead Horse Trail on the way back to the trailhead. The trailhead
is found by driving west on Highway 160 from the intersection of Highway 159,
then turning left and driving about 0.7 miles on a gravel road to a small
parking lot on the left. Depart from Red
Rock Casino parking lot at 8:30 AM
and meet the coordinator with the sign in sheet at the gas station at the
junction of Highways 159 and 160 at approximately 8:55 AM. Coordinator- Dennis Rohne
Sunday, January 31st, Potosi Canyon #3- Today we
will explore Potosi Canyon #3 that cuts into the eastern part of Potosi
Mountain. This moderately strenuous hike gains approximately 1,500 fee of
elevation. Expect scrambling and some
bush whacking. Long pants and long sleeve shirt are recommended. We will leave
from the gas station on 159 &160 at 7:30 AM. Those carpooling from Red Rock
Casino should depart by 7:05 AM.
Coordinator- David Hardy
Sunday, January 31st, Sloan Canyon- A moderate hike
of about 5-6 miles. Elevation gain is between 600-800 feet. Hikers need to be comfortable with climbing
up 6 pour overs. Meet at Red Rock at 7:45 AM. East side group will meet at the
Walgreens on Anthem Parkway at 8:30 AM
and then we will drive to the Shadow Canyon Trailhead. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
