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 May schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon (including
Cottonwood Valley) and the Mount Charleston area with a few hikes scattered in
other areas around Las Vegas. Below is information regarding
our meeting locations for the main areas. 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.
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
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, May 1st, La Madre Spring Falls Seasonal Trail / White Rock Loop- A moderate hike of 6 miles with an elevation gain of 700 feet. Starting
from the White Rock trailhead the route follows a traditional trail to the
spring’s pond, which is now covered
with gravel due to recent winter storms. From there, we’ll hike up stream on a well-defined trail that passes several seasonal
waterfalls in a valley wash now greening up due to the recent rains,
thawing. Great views of the White Rock
Loop area, Rocky Gap Road off in the distance, and the Spring Mountains as a
backdrop. Departure will be from Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator-
David Gray
Friday, May 1st, Krafft Mountain Loop- Back by popular
demand is this extremely picturesque moderately strenuous loop hike of about 6
miles through Gateway Canyon on the north side of Krafft Mountain. Starting from the Red Springs parking lot, the route follows the trail up
Five Stop Hill before dropping into the canyon for some exciting scrambling. After exiting the canyon the trail back leads past a boulder array that
gets heavy use from the genre of free climbers who use only mats to cushion any falls from
their sometimes upside down adventures NOTE: If the high temperature in Las
Vegas is over 85 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, May 2nd, Potato
Knoll Extended- This moderate hike of 6 to 7 miles with an elevation gain
of 500 feet will take the normal route to Potato Knoll, trek over to Oak Creek
via a trail on the backside and then cross Oak Creek for the return trip back to the trailhead. Departure from Red Rock Casino
will be at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Sunday, May 3rd, Hidden Forest- Before summer sets in
with the higher temperatures we should take one crack at the strenuous 11 mile
out-and-back hike going up Deadman's Canyon on the north side of the Sheep
Mountains. There is 2,000 feet of net elevation gain getting to the old CCC cabin in
a pine forest that was restored a couple of years ago. High clearance vehicles are essential as we will be driving nearly twenty
miles along a combination of successively deteriorating gravel roads. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 4th, Cottonwood
Valley- This generally moderate trail hike starts from the Late Night Parking Lot
along Highway 160 and follows a loop route through the valley on the north side
of the highway. Overall distance is about 8
miles with 500 feet of net elevation gain. Assembly point
will be at Red Rock Casino with a 7:00 AM departure. South side residents can drive to the gas station at the junction of
Highways 159 and 160 and join the group around 7:20 AM or drive directly
to the trailhead where the hike will start at about 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, May 5th, Gray Cap via Gray Fox Canyon- Class 3 climbing and exposure are
significant elements of this very strenuous out-and-back 7 mile hike from
Calico Basin that follows the trail over Five Stop Hill to Gateway Canyon, then
approaches the distinctive limestone-capped peak east of Turtlehead on a steep
route through Gray Fox Canyon. Elevation gain is close to 2,000
feet and hands will be required in lots of places. Departure will be
from the Red Springs picnic area at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, May 5th, Easy Tuesday- Hikes will be easy to moderate
and between 3 to 5 miles in length at a leisurely pace. Some might involve
a little bit of rock scrambling, but at an easy pace. Departure will be from
Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. - Roger Hembree
Tuesday, May 5th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Wednesday, May 6th, Ice Box Canyon- This
out-and-back hike of 2.2 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet will have an
easy to moderate pace to accommodate nature photography, as May’s sun best captures the beauty
of this Red Rock Canyon with its seasonal waterfalls and desert flowers. Some easy Class 3 scrambling is required in a
couple of places. Coming back out of the
canyon, we’ll follow the wash for a ways (2 plus miles) into the dessert to capture
the pools of water, reflections, and the front of Wilson’s Cliffs (Interchangeable
lenses- Don’t forget to bring them). Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 9:00
AM or meet at the Ice Box Canyon trailhead by 10:00 AM (Times
reflect the best angle for the sun). Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, May 6th, Rocky Gap Full Length Out-and-Back- This strenuous 16 mile hike starts at Willow Springs picnic area and
climbs about 2,200 feet to reach Red Rock Summit below the
limestone North Peak. It will then descend towards
Lovell Canyon where there will be a break at the end of the 4x4 gravel road. Reversing direction, the group will climb perhaps 2,000 feet to the summit
and descend back to the vehicles. The hike is completely
on old gravel road. Departure time from Red Rock Casino will be at 6:45
AM. Coordinator- Chis Dempsey.
Thursday, May 7th, Echo Canyon / Overlook / Muffins- This moderately strenuous hike of 8 miles
with 1,700 feet of elevation gain starts with some moderate scrambling up
through Echo Canyon, then cross trails will be used to go up to the cairn Las
Vegas overlook. From there, we will hike down around the rim of the North Blue
Diamond Hills to the Muffins and back to the cars. Meet at Red Rock Casino at
7:00 AM or at the Cowboy Trails trailhead at 7:15AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Thursday, May 7th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Friday, May 8th, Bonnie Springs Overlook- This moderate hike ascends to an overlook of
Sandstone Canyon. The trail takes us through pinyon pine woodlands with a view
of the boundary between sandstone and limestone. Distance is 7 miles with an
elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Bring hiking poles, if you use them. Departure
from Red Rock Casino at 6:35 AM with a stop at the gas station at the
junction of Routes 159 and 160 at 7:00 AM where we will meet the coordinator.
Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, May 8th, Mystery Woman Canyon- This moderately
strenuous loop hike will cover about 6 miles and includes some scrambling in
the namesake canyon. The route starts up Skull
Canyon, branches off into Mystery Woman Canyon, and stops for a break at the
new Las Vegas Overlook before returning past the communications tower
on Blue Diamond Hill. The finishing part of the hike
is along the steep and loose Boneshaker Trail that leads back to the cowboy
stables area. The assembled
group will depart at 12:30 PM from Red Rock
Casino and arrive at the starting point around 12:45 PM. NOTE: If
the high temperature in Las Vegas is over 85 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 Coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, May 9th, Telephone Canyon- This will be the
loop version of the hike through the canyon somewhat east of Fletcher Peak that
was used to lay a telephone line back in the 1920's. Total distance should be right around 7 miles with 1,000 feet of net
elevation gain and a moderate rating. The return section
will provide excellent views of the new Mount Charleston Visitor Center. Join the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Sunday, May 10th, Deer Creek
Lowland Loop- This 9 mile moderately strenuous exploratory will begin
on Deer Creek Road at the Nuclear Blast Overlook. The route descends from there
in a wash with a possible trail all the way to the Middle Deer Creek Canyon
Trail. After going out for a look at the deep canyon, we will connect with a
ridge trail that takes us back up the 2,100 elevation feet to the road around
half a mile from our cars. Meet at the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 11th, Calico
Hills- This moderate
out-and-back trail hike starts from the parking lot behind the fee booth at the
entrance to Red Rock Canyon and follows the trail along the Calico Hills to
Sandstone Quarry before returning. Total distance is
6 miles with a gross elevation gain around 1,200 feet. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for a 6:50 AM departure or be at the starting point by 7:00
AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Tuesday, May 12th, Dragon Ridge Loop- Departing from Red Springs
picnic area this strenuous hike ascends Five-Stop Hill to the saddle where the
route then takes us to the high point on the steep limestone slope, transverses
the ridge and descends into Ash Canyon for a return to the trailhead completing
the loop. With areas of loose rock on the steep slopes, hiking poles are
recommended. There are areas of Class 3 exposure on the ridge transverse. Meet at Red Springs picnic area for a 7:30
AM departure. Coordinator- Steve Allen
Tuesday, May 12th, Easy Tuesday- Hikes will be easy to
moderate and between 3 to 5 miles in length at a leisurely pace. Some might involve
a little bit of rock scrambling, but at an easy pace. Departure will be
from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Roger Hembree
Tuesday, May 12th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Wednesday, May 13th, Big Falls- This out and
back hike of 3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet will have an easy
to moderate pace to accommodate nature
photography, as May’s sun best captures the beauty of this Mount Charleston canyon with its
seasonal waterfall and pine trees on the surrounding loop trail ridges. Some easy Class III scrambling will be
required in several places given avalanche tree debris in the wash. Coming back
out of the canyon, we’ll follow the trail along the bluffs to capture the rocky ridges
(Interchangeable lenses- Don’t forget to bring them). Departure time from Santa Fe
Station will be at 9:00 AM (Times
reflect the best angle for the sun). Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, May 14th, Boneshaker Hill / Echo Canyon- A moderately
strenuous hike of 6 miles gains 1,500 feet elevation. The route will ascend
Boneshaker Hill then use cross trails to find the top of Echo Canyon. The
descent will be through Echo Canyon with moderate scrambling. Meet at Red
Rock Casino at 7:00AM or at the Cowboy Trails trailhead
at 7:15 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Thursday, May 14th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Friday, May 15th, Calico Hills Scramble- Departing from Red Springs
ascend a drainage north of Angel Pass to a highpoint, then transverse along the
rocks south of the pass and navigating a route back to the hills overlooking
Red Springs for a descent to the basin floor. Expect some Class 3 exposure. Distance
will be around 3 to 4 miles with an elevation gain of less about 1,000 feet. If
you are adventurous meet at Red Springs picnic area at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen
Friday, May 15th, Lost Creek Waterfall.- This hike is a
moderately strenuous partial loop hike of 5 miles that is situated in Red Rock
Canyon. The hike begins from the Ice Box parking lot, proceeds along Ice Box Trail
a short distance, then turns north on SMYC Trail. After a visit to the base of Lost Creek Waterfall the group will climb
along a steep trail to reach a ledge that leads around back to the top of
that same waterfall. After a break and the following
descent the group will probably visit a petroglyph wall and swing around on the
eastern section of the Willow Springs Loop Trail to return on SMYC Trail. The assembled group will depart at 12:30 PM from Red Rock. NOTE: If the high temperature in Las Vegas is over 85 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. Coordinator- Nancy Moore
Saturday, May 16th, Raintree via North Loop - One of our
standard summer hikes is this moderately strenuous 6 mile out-and-back hike
that follows North Loop Trail from its eastern trailhead off Deer
Creek Road. Elevation gain for the hike is 1,500 feet with half of that coming on the
slope covered by a dozen
switchbacks above a meadow. Come and find out what a 3,000
year old tree looks like and why we hike to it so often. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30AM departure. Coordinator- Letti
Gutierrez
Saturday, May 16th, 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, May 17th, Sawmill / Mack Loop- This moderate exploratory uses
the Sawmill Red Trail which descends down below Mack's Canyon Road. The dirt
road will be used for the return. The hike will be approximately 7 miles with
1,500 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, May 17th, Willow Springs to The Rock- The leisurely hike
for the day will start from the Lost Creek trailhead, pass Willow
Springs, and take in part of the White Rock Trail in the valley north of the
sandstone hills. The easy to moderate
out-and-back hike should cover a total distance of about 4 miles with the turn
around point in the shadow of White Rock Hills Peak. The back country scenery along the way is pretty sensational. Participants should meet at Red Rock Casino for a departure at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Monday, May 18th, Red Springs Peak/Slab Rift- Depart from Red Springs picnic area,
making our way along the rocks to the south point where we will start our
ascent up to Red Springs Peak. Initial ascent requires negotiating a steep
crack (Alternate route available). After reaching the high point, we will
transverse the ridge to the Slab Rift formation. The descent will be down a
drainage that will take us through the Tunnel of Love and past Heart Rock to
the basin below where we will complete the loop back to Red Springs. This is a
moderately strenuous hike of about 3 miles with an elevation gain of less than
900'. There will be some
exposure and you should be comfortable with scrambling. Meet at the Red
Springs Park at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen
Tuesday, May 19th, Mummy’s Tummy- Plan on about 6
hours for this very strenuous outing that climbs to the top of Mummy Mountain,
at 11,550 feet the second highest official peak in the Spring Mountains. Elevation gain is 3,750 feet and the total distance to be covered on this
out-and-back hike is around 9 miles. The opening
segment is along Trail Canyon, a trail many people consider to be tough. But,
wait until you get to the scree field above North Loop Trail where two steps
forward also means one back. Once on the ridge the going is
still difficult and includes a Class 3 climb up a notch in the cliffs to the
top. Participants should meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Steve Anderson
Tuesday, May 19th, Easy Tuesday- Hikes will be easy to moderate
and between 3 to 5 miles in length at a leisurely pace. Some might involve
a little bit of rock scrambling, but at an easy pace. Departure will be from
Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Roger Hembree
Tuesday, May 19th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Wednesday, May 20th, Fletcher Canyon- While mostly trail, there is about three-quarters of a mile of Class 2
scrambling in the narrow canyon that approaches the terminal point of the hike
below Obstacle Rock. Total distance for the moderate
out-and-back hike is 4 miles with around 700 feet of elevation gain. If you haven't trekked into this canyon before this is your
chance to experience a true slot canyon with vertical walls around 40 or 50
feet in height. The group will depart from Santa
Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Thursday, May 21st, Red Cap - This strenuous 3
mile loop hike to a high 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 7:00 AM from Red Rock
Casino. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Thursday, May 21st, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Friday, May 22nd, Raintree via Trail Canyon- This out-and-back
version of the hike to the 3,000 year old Bristlecone Pine is about 7 miles in
total distance with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet. Although the portion up Trail Canyon is generally confined in the trees
surrounding the trail, the upper portion of the hike along North Loop Trail has
spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and down into Fletcher Canyon. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station and depart for the hike at 8:00
AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, May 22nd, Oak Creek- This moderate 5 to 6 mile
out-and-back hike along the creek and into the canyon of the same name is for
the most part fairly level as elevation gain is only about 300 feet. The first (and last) mile of the hike is across the desert
floor from the gravel parking lot where the scenic drive exits
back onto Highway 159. As the group nears the creek and
the escarpment to the west vegetation becomes much more luxuriant and scenery
abounds. There are six crossings of Oak Creek on this hike and the snack break will
be taken on sandstone boulders in the drainage of the canyon. Meet the other hikers at Red Rock Casino for a 12:30 PM departure. NOTE: If the high temperature in Las Vegas is over 85 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. Coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, May 23rd, Saturday, Cockscomb Ridge- This is a class 2 hike but the
elevation gain is 1,800 feet. It is an out and back trail hike of 5.25 miles.
After a rest on the saddle at the top of Trail Canyon, the hike turns to the
right to follow a trail along the ridge. Our break will be at the base of
Cockscomb Peak. 8:00 AM Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Saturday, May 23rd, Calico
I/Moenkopi Hill- This leisurely 3 mile loop hike with less than 300
feet of elevation gain starts from the Red Rock Entrance Parking Lot. The trail
heads up the ridge overlooking the Calico Hills through open desert to the
Calico 1 overlook. The trail crosses the scenic road to the Moenkopi Trail and
heads up a gradual ridge to Moenkopi Hill before returning to the starting
point. Along the way there are interesting rocks, fossils, birds, a variety of
vegetation types, with a very good panoramic view of the canyon. The assembled group will depart at 7:30 AM from Red Rock
Casino and arrive at the starting point around 7:45 AM. Coordinator - Nancy Moore. (Note:
This is the leisurely hike that would normally begin at 8:30am but, due to the
expected heat, we will begin at 7:30am.)
Sunday, May 24th, Mud Springs- With the
knowledge gained by the previous week's exploratory, we will drive out Mack's
Canyon Road as far as it is easily navigable. From there, we will connect with
the Mud Springs Trail and follow it to the springs used often by the elk herd
in this area. If we find the springs in a smooth fashion, we will hike the road
loop below the springs for further reconnaissance before returning to the cars.
This moderately strenuous exploratory route should fall between 5 and 7 miles
with up to 2,000 feet elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 8:00
AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 25th, Fletcher
Peak- The standard out-and-back route along the eastern section of the North
Loop Trail eventually leads to the fourth highest peak in the
vicinity of Kyle Canyon. Overall distance is a bit over 7 miles and the net elevation gain is
about 1,500 feet with a strenuous rating. Although still a
challenge, this hike is perfect for anyone interested in summiting a fairly
major peak at least 10,000 feet above sea level, and we will establish our pace
accordingly. The group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Tuesday, May 26th, Mack’s Peak- The distance for
this very strenuous out-and-back hike is about 5 to 6 miles but it is mostly over
steep and loose terrain gaining over 1,200 feet with only sporadic
trail. The final assault to the peak includes a very steep ramp with an assortment of
rocks sized from gravel to boulders followed by an exposed Class 3 section
above the cliff face to the peak. It’s a 5 mile drive on a good dirt road to the trailhead. Departure time
from the normal spot at Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM.
Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, May 26th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be announced.
Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the location and
distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Wednesday, May 27th, Cave
Springs- This strenuous
out-and-back trail hike starts with an uphill trek through the forest on Trail Canyon
Trail to its junction with the North Loop Trail. Turning left, the group will head toward Mummy Mountain, stopping for a
break near the horse trough below the springs. Overall distance is about 6 miles with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation
gain. Departure time
from the normal spot at Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Thursday, May 28th, South Sister- Tough Thursdays in the
Spring Mountains continue this week with an assault of an exposed peak on the
north side of Lee Canyon. This hike will start from the
Lower Bristlecone trailhead and follow an old interpretive trail toward the top
end of Old Mill Picnic Area. From there the group will turn
left into a steep canyon and access the ridge west of the peak. The final part of the 2,000 foot climb will include a very steep trail and
some exposed scrambling through a cliff and across a rocky top. Rating for this 5 mile out-and-back hike is strenuous. Departure time
from the normal spot at Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Thursday, May 28th, Bristlecone Loop- The group will start this moderate 6 mile loop hike at the lower trailhead
and hike up the paved road to the upper trailhead near the ski resort. Net elevation gain is about 900 feet with some rolling terrain in the
upper section, which also provide some great views of Lee Canyon and the surrounding
peaks. The last few miles will be along the forest service fire road leading back
to the starting point. Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00
AM departure. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey
Thursday, May 28th, Urban Walk- Descriptions to be
announced. Start times from 4:15 PM to 5:30PM depending on the
location and distance. Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Friday, May 29th, Horse Corrals and Blue Diamond Trails- This hike of up
to 7 miles carries a moderate rating, visits trails in the Blue
Diamond Hills and depending on the temperature we may reach the Las Vegas
Overlook which affords 360 degree vistas of Las Vegas, Red Rock, the Spring
Mountains, and in the distance, Lake Mead. Elevation gain is about 1,600 feet
and hiking poles are recommended, if you use them. Departure is from Red Rock
Casino at 5:45 AM or meet coordinator at the Cowboy Horse Stables at 6:00
AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, May 29th, Fletcher Canyon- This moderate 4 mile out-and-back hike has an elevation gain of about 900
feet. The trail generally runs at a moderate grade up a forested canyon to a
spring, then runs steeply into a deep, narrow canyon with walls that are a few
feet apart and about 50 feet high with some minor boulder scrambling. The trail
ends at a fork in the canyon where water has carved an interesting chute across
the top of a boulder. The assembled group will depart at 12:30 PM from Santa Fe
Station Casino. Coordinator- Nancy Moore.
Saturday, May 30th, 8:00 AM, Eagle's Nest Loop & Fletcher Canyon- This is a
5 mile trail hike with around 800 feet of elevation gain. We will start up
Fletcher Canyon but then make a right turn on Eagle's Nest trail. This is a
loop that will bring us back to Fletcher Canyon. Then we will continue up
Fletcher Canyon and take our break just below the rabbit hole. Then it's back
to the car. 8:00 AM Coordinator- Letti Gutierrez
Saturday, May 30th, Cowboy Horse Trails- This leisurely 3.5
mile loop hike starts in the desert across from the entrance to Red Rock
Canyon. Following the dirt paths normally used by trail riders from
the Cowboy Horse Stables, the loop route winds through the valley north of Blue
Diamond Hill and climbs to the top of a 500 foot hill for a break. Except for this climb the terrain is quite level, so the leisurely paced
hike should probably be rated easy to moderate. Meet other participants at Red Rock Casino for an 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Nancy Moore
Sunday, May 31st, Black & White Sisters- This is a 4 mile
up and down climb to the smaller of the sister peaks with 1,800 feet of
elevation gain. This hike requires a drive out Mack's Canyon Road to the
Sisters Spur Road. First explored in the summer of 2014, this is a moderately
strenuous, formidable climb on somewhat of a trail. But, the views from the top
are vast! Meet at the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, May 31st, Red Spring- If you don’t want to go into the mountains, this hike of 4 miles is nearby. We begin
at the Red Springs boardwalk, hike up and over into the canyon leading to
Calico II. There should be shade all the way till we return to the boardwalk. A
moderately rated hike with an elevation gain of 500 feet and some scrambling,
so gloves are in order. Meet at the Red Springs picnic area for a 6:00 AM departure. Coordinator- David Hardy
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