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 April schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon (including Cottonwood Valley) and Lake Mead areas with a few hikes scattered in other areas around Las Vegas. Below is information regarding our meeting locations for the main areas. There are different assembly points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or south sides of the lake. Hikes in other locations will have directions included in the descriptions for those hikes.
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.
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 (777 West Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson). 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 these hikes at the Red Rock Casino, with directions above, and there could be local stopping points after the group leaves Henderson Fiesta. These stopping points will be listed 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 (6705 East Lake Mead Boulevard, Las Vegas) 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 of Northshore Road inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 1st, Badger Pass- This 7 mile hike to the saddle known as Badger Pass starts from the Late Night parking lot along Highway 160. The route consists completely of trail, gains elevation of 600 feet, and carries a moderate rating. The route also provides an interesting mix of expansive views and confined valleys with a few cliffs on the side. Departure times and points are 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino and 8:20 AM from the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, April 2nd, Calico Peak Backdoor Loop - Starting from the Red Springs picnic area this 5 mile hike ascends to the peak via Angel Pass and the Garden of Eden. With some Class 3 terrain, the descent is through a steep, exposed chute that funnels into Ash Canyon. Elevation gain is approximately 1,000 feet and this hike is rated strenuous. Meet the coordinator at the Red Springs picnic area at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Friday, April 3rd, Cottonwood Valley/Potosi- This route will explore a canyon that cuts into the eastern part of Mount Potosi. Expect some scrambling and bush whacking on this hike of 5 to 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet and a moderate rating. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt are recommended. We will be hiking into a deep canyon with vegetation including pine and juniper trees and other plants that grow mostly in deep canyons. Red Rock Casino will be used as the early meeting point with a departure at 7:30 AM. South side participants can meet the coordinator at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 at 8:00 AM. Coordinator-David Hardy
Friday, April 3rd, Fortress Butte/Adjacent Petroglyph Canyon- At 1,884 feet this mountain peak just south of the dam, part of the Black Mountain Range on the Colorado River is rated moderate with a distance of 4 miles and an elevation gain of 900 feet. Starting at the White Canyon trailhead, Arizona (Mile Marker 4) the route ascends to the saddle and descends to the base of the butte wash. Great views can be had at the saddle of this area. Petroglyphs on the boulders in the wash of the adjacent canyon are spectacular. Note- We are not hiking up the Fortress. West side group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 7:15 AM with the coordinator and will head for the main assembly point at Henderson Fiesta for an 8:15 AM departure. Coordinator- David Gray.
Friday, April 3rd, Potato Knoll- This moderate 5 to 6 mile partial loop hike with an elevation gain of about 600 feet starts from the gravel parking lot at the exit of the scenic drive. The first part of the hike is across open desert. The trail crosses Oak Creek and meanders alongside the creek bed before going clockwise around Potato Knoll. Climbing to the top of the 500 foot knoll from the back, at the base of Wilson Peak, involves some minor scrambling. NOTE: If the high temperature in Las Vegas is over 79 degrees, the hike MAY be changed to one in the Mt. Charleston area. Please check your emails for updates or call Nancy Moore at 619-807-7003. The assembled group will depart at 12:30 PM from Red Rock Casino and arrive at the starting point around 12:45 PM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, April 4th, Echo Canyon & Conglomerate Gardens- There is a minimal amount of Class 3 terrain in the upper stretches of the canyon as a few minor waterfalls need to be climbed. Other than that the route is generally trail. Expect a total distance of about 6 or 7 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain as we use the trail through Conglomerate Gardens on the return. Overall this outing is categorized as a moderate hike. Participants should meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure or be at the Cowboy Stables parking lot by 8:10 AM for the start of the hike. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Saturday, April 4th, Calico I/Moenkopi Loop- An easy loop trail beginning and ending at the Visitor Center affords spectacular views of the Calico Hills and the Red Rock escarpment. The route will drop down to the fee booth, and begin climbing up the Grand Circle Trail to the Calico 1 turnout where we take in the Calico scenery. Next, the route continues across the road and up to the Moenkopi Hill for a break before returning to the visitor Center parking lot. Distance is 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 450 feet. Meet at the Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM or the Visitor Center Lower Parking at 8:40 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, April 4th, Pueblo Park Full Moonrise- Assuming there are no clouds we should be able to get a good view of the full moon rising over Las Vegas on this easy 3 mile walk along a paved path. Sunset is at 7:05 PM with the moon rising at 7:32 PM and we want to be in the best viewing position by that time. Anyone interested should meet in the parking lot of Smith's Food & Drug on the corner of Lake Mead Boulevard and Rampart for a 6:15 PM departure. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Sunday, April 5th, Easter Cactus Garden Loop- A moderately strenuous loop in the hills behind the community of Blue Diamond beginning at a little used bikers’ trailhead. This hike has a distance of 8 miles with one steep climb and one particularly steep down-climb. Elevation gain is 1,400 feet and hiking sticks are recommended. The gardens consist of red barrel cactus within a limestone area. The main group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM and stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 for an 8:20 AM pickup of south side participants. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell.,
Monday, April 6th, Grand Circle Extended- Hopefully the weather will cooperate on this attempt at the strenuous 14 mile loop that incorporates the section of the White Rock Trail on the north side of the Calico Hills rather than the traditional route along the south side. The hike is all trail and involves an elevation gain of around 1,400 feet. The break will occur on the sandstone formation at the northeast corner of White Rock Springs peak. We will depart from Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM and start the hike from the Visitor Center (not the fee booth) about 7:45 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Monday, April 6th, Ash Canyon Overlook- Starting from the gravel parking area at the northwest corner of the Calico Basin, the pace for this moderate alternate route to the overlook will be easy. The trail heads up Five Stop Hill and continues down to Gateway Canyon, then turns into a route that heads up the canyon and another side canyon that leads directly to the base of Red Cap. Estimated distance for this out-and-back hike is 4 miles and there is about 1,100 feet of elevation gain with some scrambling. The group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Judy Warner.
Tuesday, April 7th, Gunsight Notch- This very strenuous 6 mile out-and-back hike with lots of scrambling and Class 3 terrain will rival any of the tough Tuesday hikes for intensity. Starting from the Pine Creek parking area the group will hike across the desert, enter the south fork of Pine Creek, and continue up the canyon on the same route that leads to Terrace Canyon. At the final canyon junction, the route turns left in Gunsight Notch Canyon and climbs to the peak for a breathtaking view. Elevation gain is in the order of 2,200 feet. Depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator. Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, April 7th, Easy Tuesday- A moderate hike with a distance of 3 to 4 miles, but we will do it at a more casual, easy-going pace than the normal ABF hike. We will literally stop and smell the flowers. So, if you are a hiker who wants to go fast, climb high, and rack up a lot of miles, meet with the standard Tuesday group and have a ball. Hike and meeting locations to be announced. Coordinator- Roger Hembree
Wednesday, April 8th, Windy Peak- The approach from Mountain Springs Summit involves starting up a gravel road used to service communication equipment above the small community but turns to trail after about one-half mile. The out-and-back route is 5 or 6 miles in length with perhaps 1,200 feet of gain and carries a strenuous rating as there is a lot of irregular terrain. There is one stretch of rolling exposure for a distance of fifty feet that cannot be avoided. Departure times are 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino and 8:20 AM from the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, April 9th, Gray Cap Peak- The route used for this 5 to 6 mile out-and-back hike starting from Sandstone Quarry is rated strenuous and gains about 1,400 feet. There is an abundance of scrambling through the upper portion of Gateway Canyon and again on the sandstone approach that requires use of hands but this route has only minimal exposure. In any event be prepared for a workout getting to the limestone peak set atop a sandstone base. Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Friday, April 10th, Blue Diamond Ridgeline- This high ridgeline hike is rated moderate with a distance of 7 miles and an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. There will be great views of Las Vegas, Red Rock, Cottonwood Valley, and surrounding communities. Hiking sticks are recommended. Red Rock Casino will be used as 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, the coordinator will meet you at a dirt parking lot on the right side just before the houses. South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond. The hike will begin at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, April 10th, Redstone Canyon Loop- This 4.5 mile loop trail that takes you up and back around the limestone mountain and in front of an extinct volcano, offers spectacular views of redstone rock outcroppings and the Muddy Mountains. Starting from the Redstone picnic area the route ascends a gentle slope towards the canyon in front of you, then drops into a small wash. Continuing on a limestone ridge to the peak, the route then descends into a wash on the other side of the mountain to a well defined use trail that will take you back to the parking lot completing the loop. This hike is rated moderate with 600 feet of elevation gain. The Rampart Casino will be the early west side staging point with a 7:00 AM departure. The primary meeting is at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for a 7:45 AM. Those driving directly to the trailhead can meet the group at Mile 27 on the Northshore Road at 8.30 AM. Coordinator- David Gray.
Friday, April 10th, Pine Creek via Arnight Trail- This moderate 5.4 mile out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of less than 500 feet starts at the Scenic Loop exit parking lot. The trail crosses open desert to the Oak Creek Canyon Trailhead within the scenic loop, then joins the Arnight Trail heading northeast towards Pine Creek. Along the way is a variety of desert vegetation as well as some huge boulders and magnificent views of Turtlehead Peak, the escarpment and the Calico Hills. The trail begins a short, steep descent above Pine Creek (listen for the frogs) and crosses Pine Creek with majestic Ponderosa pines. We’ll take a break at the Wilson homestead before returning to the starting point. NOTE: Please check your emails for updates due to excessive heat or call Nancy Moore at 619-807-7003. The assembled group will depart at 12:30 PM from Red Rock Casino and arrive at the starting point around 12:45 PM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, April 11th, Zabriskie Point/Gower Gulch/Golden Canyon Loop (Death Valley for the Day)- A loop of 8 miles in the Zabriskie Point badlands in Death Valley NP. Starting at Zabriskie Point, the hike will descend into Gower Gulch then finish the loop up through Golden Canyon. Bring your national park pass cards to hang in your windshields because we will not be going by the visitor center before the hike. The route will be mostly trail and washes and has a moderately strenuous rating with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet. Hiking sticks are recommended and bring extra snacks. Depart from Red Rock Casino at 6:30 AM with a secondary stop at the gas station, junction of Highways 159 and 160 at 6:50 AM. We should be at the trailhead around 9am. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, April 11th, Keystone Thrust Loop - This moderate loop hike at a leisurely pace covers 3.3 miles with about 700 feet of elevation gain. Starting from the White Rock trailhead, the trail starts with a moderate climb towards Hogback Ridge. The trail leaves an old road, turns sharply east and descends into a wide red and gray canyon to Keystone Canyon Overlook. Keystone Thrust Fault is one of the only places on earth where you can see two exposed tectonic plates with the limestone, which forms the crown of Cactus Hill, sitting directly on top of sandstone that is some 400 million years younger. The hike then descends through a wash with some minor scrambling to complete the loop. The assembled group will depart at 8:30 AM from Red Rock Casino. Coordinator - Nancy Moore.
Sunday, April 12th, Mountain Spring Peak- This out-and-back hike of 6 miles carries a moderate rating and is all trail. The peak is a high point on the limestone behind the sandstone cliffs of the escarpment. Total elevation gain is 1,800 feet. Early departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:50 AM and 8:10 AM from the gas station at the junction of Highway 159 and 160. Coordinator - Letti Gutierrez
Monday, April 13th, Gass Peak- Looking down on the city from the north side is the Las Vegas Range and the highest point in that range is a mountain housing air control radar and several large solar panels known as Gass Peak. To get to the starting point of the strenuous 7 mile out-and-back hike will require driving on a series of gravel roads that seem to worsen the further one gets from the highway. High clearance vehicles are definitely in order. Overall, the elevation gain is probably around 2,200 feet and the view from the top is exceptional. Consider the hike moderately strenuous to strenuous. The meeting point for this hike is at Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Steve Anderson.
Tuesday, April 14th, Baby Wilson- The target for this strenuous outing is a small outcropping on the east side of Wilson Peak. The group will start this 4 mile loop effort with 1,800 feet of elevation gain from a small pullout along Highway 159 between the Oak Creek and First Creek trailheads. It will include a significant amount of scrambling using hands but does not have a lot of exposure until the peak. The group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Anderson
Wednesday, April 15th, The Muffins & Las Vegas Overlook- The standard route for this hike will start at the horse stables parking lot off Highway 159 and follow the trail up to the distinctive rock formations on the north end of the North Blue Diamond Hills. It will then continue up to the old Las Vegas Overlook and descend through Skull Canyon. Total distance for the loop hike is 5 miles, there is an elevation gain of 1,000 feet, and the rating is moderate. The group will meet at Red Rock Casino and leave there for the starting point at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Helmut DeCandia.
Thursday, April 16th, Hollow Rock Peak (CCW loop)- This hike starts from the Mountain Springs Pass trailhead and heads east on the power line road. Paralleling the highway for a mile or so, the route drops into the ravine to the north and ascends the wash up to the ridgeline and the peak. Just over 5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a strenuous rating. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM with a courtesy stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 at 8:20 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Friday, April 17th. Waterfall Canyon- This 4 to 5 mile out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of 900 feet is rated moderate overall because much of it is along Rocky Gap Road, the remaining portion in the canyon includes sketchy trail, portions of slick rock, and a few climbs around waterfalls. Since the canyon is deep spring fed, it usually has water coursing down the channel even during dry seasons, and the route crosses the creek on several occasions. Assembly for this hike will be at Red Rock Casino with an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Ann Cronin
Saturday, April 18th, ABF Club Picnic & Hikes- The club Spring picnic will occur this year at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Several flyers have been sent out regarding the picnic. 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 leisurely wildflower hike of about 2 miles with minimal elevation gain that will start from the park at 9:00 AM. Hikes will begin at the group picnic area. The grills will be lit around 10:00 AM and the food will be served around 11:30 AM. The club is furnishing the food and beverages (soda and water.) You must RSVP with Nancy Moore at jnmoore92124@yahoo.com or (619) 807-7003 by April 10 and pay a refundable picnic fee of $5. The club will also reimburse entrance fees to the park. Note: Please complete an envelope with your entrance fee at the entrance booth even if no ranger is there. Overall coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Sunday, April 19th, Red Springs/ North Calico Loop- Departing from the Red Springs picnic area this moderately strenuous hike of 6 to 7 miles climbs 5 Stop Hill and then drops down into Gateway Wash, turns left at Rattlesnake Wash, and ascends Rattlesnake Trail to the sandstone rocks under Red Cap where we will take our break. Continuing on Rattlesnake Trail the route descends into the sandstone formations leading to the Sandstone Quarry parking lot. Joining the trails that parallels the fault canyon around the south point of the Calico Hills and a final climb and descent of a ridge overlooking Red Springs completes the loop. Departure from Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM or meet at Red Springs picnic area at 7:40 AM. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Monday, April 20th, Mountain Spring Peak (O&B)- This moderate out- and- back hike beginning from the Mountain Spring Pass trailhead offers views of the Calico Hills and the Cottonwood Valley. The first mile involves a moderately strenuous climb and is affectionally named “Heartbreak Hill”. We will take necessary breaks to get everyone up the hill. Distance is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet. Hiking sticks are recommended. The main group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM and stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 for an 8:20 AM pickup of south side participants. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, April 21st, Juniper Peak- Only the most experienced and courageous members of the club should attempt this very strenuous out-and-back 7 mile trek that starts at the Pine Creek parking lot along the scenic drive. The loop route will head up the Pine Creek Trail and branch off to take the western approach to the peak through Juniper Canyon. There is a lot of Class 3 scrambling and exposure and expect about 5 to 6 hours of hiking time to accomplish the task. There is elevation gain of about 2,200 feet. The assembled group will leave Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor.
Tuesday, April 21st, Easy Tuesday- A moderate hike with a distance of 3 to 4 miles, but we will do it at a more casual, easy-going pace than the normal ABF hike. We will literally stop and smell the flowers. So, if you are a hiker who wants to go fast, climb high, and rack up a lot of miles, meet with the standard Tuesday group and have a ball. Hike and meeting locations to be announced. Coordinator- Roger Hembree
Wednesday, April 22nd, 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 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Helmut DeCandia
Thursday, April 23rd, Red Cap Backdoor- You need to have a real appreciation for serious scrambling if you plan on doing this strenuous out-and-back 6 mile hike through the Calico Hills. It will begin at Red Springs picnic area and head north along the Calico Hills, beginning the significant climb in Ash Canyon and continuing up the north chute to Red Cap. Elevation gain of 2,000 feet. Meet the coordinator at the Red Springs picnic area at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O'Connor.
Friday, April 24th, Little Red Rock- Access to this moderate hike of 5 to 6 miles is from Summerlin’s Capistrano home development. The builder is still establishing city streets, but continues to allow access to gravel packed “jeep trails” that run into this unique area. These are in good condition and high clearance vehicles are not necessary. Much on the hiking will be on these jeep trails that go up and around three areas of rock outcroppings. There are great vistas of Red Rock Canyon and Las Vegas and petroglyphs. The group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, April 25th, Exploration Turtlehead Peak- This is a moderately strenuous hike due to the 7 to 8 mile distance and 2,000 feet of elevation gain. We will be exploring a route from White Rock Springs Peak dirt parking lot up to the Keystone Trust, then make our way over to the big wash and up the ridges to Turtlehead Peak. After a break at the peak, retrace our steps. There is some exposure once we hike up the back side of Turtlehead but this can be avoided. Meet at Red Rock at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Saturday, April 25th, Spring Mountains Visitors Gateway Trails- This is your chance to visit the new Visitors Gateway (center) in Kyle Canyon. The hike will be a leisurely exploratory on the trails around the visitors gateway. We’ll head up the trails parallel to Kyle wash towards the Fletcher Canyon trailhead. Expect 3 to 4 miles with no more than 400 feet of elevation gain with no scrambling. Plan to spend some time after the hike enjoying the Visitors Gateway. NOTE: The Visitors Gateway is expected to open in late April. In the event it is NOT open by this date, an alternate hike will be offered. Please check your emails for updates or call Nancy Moore at 619-807-7003. The assembled group will depart at 8:30 AM from Santa Fe Station Casino. Coordinator- Nancy Moore
Sunday, April 26th, Canyon #3 Loop- This moderately strenuous hike with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet ascends through a narrow limestone canyon with a return back along a ridge to complete the loop. Distance is 5 to 6 miles. If we’re lucky, we may see owls in the canyon. Long pants are recommended. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point with a departure of 7:05 AM, and those participants should proceed to Blue Diamond. The main assembly point will be the gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond just past the bridge where you will meet the coordinator at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, April 27th, Fern Canyon- Fern canyon lies in the North Fork of Pine Creek Canyon where ferns are found growing in the drainage. Starting from the Pine Creek parking lot the regular trail passes the old Wilson homestead and follows the canyon drainage on the north bank. With an elevation gain of 1,000 feet and a distance of 5 miles this hike has a moderate rating. This out-and-back hike becomes a boulder scrambling effort with some of the terrain requiring use of hands. Gloves are recommended. Group departure will be at 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino or meet at the Pine Creek Trailhead at 8:20 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell.
Tuesday, April 28th, Kraft Mountain Traverse E/W- This strenuous hike starts from the Red Springs picnic area and treks to the east flank of the mountain for the ascent, traverses across the top to the west flank and then descends to the “Beach”. The route then picks up a seldom used trail that drops into Lower Gateway Canyon. Distance is 5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and considerable scrambling. Depart from the Red Spring picnic area at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, April 29th, Arnight-Knoll Loop- The somewhat longer version of the hike involving three established trails in Red Rock Canyon will start from the gravel parking lot at the exit of the scenic loop on Highway 159. This will avoid the lengthy drive along the scenic loop to get to the Oak Creek parking lot from which the hike would otherwise occur. Distance will be between 5 and 6 miles but elevation gain should top out at roughly 300 feet with a moderate rating. Participants should be at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure or be at the exit parking lot no later than 8:15 AM for the start of the hike. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, April 30th, Two North Peaks- This strenuous 11 mile jaunt will visit both the limestone and sandstone peaks of that name on a partial loop hike starting from Willow Springs picnic area. We will be using Rocky Gap Road to the summit before accessing the trail to the limestone peak then follow the connecting ridge east to the sandstone peak before returning on the regular steep and loose trail. Gross elevation gain is around 2,800 feet and there is some Class 3 terrain. Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:00 AM departure and bring plenty of water. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
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