July 2015 Hike List

The information below is important to determine where our group meets prior to each hike.  Please read this section before skipping to the actual hike descriptions.

The July 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. There is also the Ely trip at the end of the month. 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.

Wednesday, July 1st, Champion Canyon Loop- This easy, leisurely paced 3.5 mile loop trail with about 600 feet of elevation gain begins at the Sawmill Picnic area and heads across the road to drop into Champion Canyon. The trail partially follows a dirt road up the canyon to Deer Creek highway then heads down a steep hill to a wash for the return.  Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator-  Nancy Moore

Thursday, July 2nd, Dragon Ridge Traverse-  Departing from Red Spring 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, traverses the ridge and descends into Ash Canyon for a return to the trailhead.  With areas of loose rock on the steep slopes, hiking poles are recommended. There are areas of Class 3 exposure on the ridge traverse.  Meet at Red Springs picnic area for a 6:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Thursday, July 2nd , Big Falls / Mary Jane Falls- This moderately strenuous 5 mile (2100 foot gain) hike contains some scrambling as the group will climb up to Big Falls. From there, we will descend back to the main canyon and hike up the old road trail for Mary Jane Falls. The return is down the regular Mary Jane Falls Trail. Departure from the Santa Fe will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, July 3rd, Upper Kyle Canyon Wash- This 5 mile point-to-point hike starts at the Echo Trail parking lot and follows Kyle Canyon Wash downstream, passing through Old Town, Fletcher View Campground, and the new Kyle Canyon Picnic Area before connecting with the new Acastus Trail and terminating at the Lower Kyle Canyon Visitor Center.  Virtually the entire hike is downhill, so a moderate rating might actually be too heavy.  Extra vehicles will be required for a car shuttle.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, July 4th, Raintree via Trail Canyon-  The alternate out-and-back hike to the 3,000 year old bristlecone tree of Mount Charleston lore will start from the parking lot off Echo Road where the trailhead is located.  Total distance is a bit under 8 miles and the elevation gain is around 2,200 feet.  This earlier Saturday option is rated moderately strenuous and the pace will be more accommodating for those attempting this hike for the first time.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, July 4th, Eagle’s Nest Trail- This easy leisurely paced 3 mile partial loop hike starts at the Fletcher Canyon trailhead. After about 0.4 mile, the trail forks off to the right to climb a short, steep incline. The rest of the trail is a gentle grade with a total of about 500 ft. of elevation gain and grand views up and down Kyle Canyon. Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore

Sunday, July 5th, Red Spring-  Most of the route for this moderate 4 mile out-and-back hike will be in the shade as the group will start from Red Spring and go around the south end of the Calico Hills as far as Calico II Overlook utilizing the canyon between the sandstone hills and the scenic drive as much as possible.  The coordinator will be at Red Spring picnic area for a 5:30 AM start.  If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should leave that assembly point at 5:15 AM.  If the gate of the picnic area is not open that early, there is plenty of parking just outside along the road.  Coordinator- David Hardy.

Sunday, July 5th, Wallace Saddle / Pahrump Overlook / No Name-  This hike of 6 to 7 miles carries a strenuous rating because of the steep sections to get up to the Wallace Saddle and the climb over to the Pahrump Overlook. The steep descent will be on No Name Trail to the Bonanza Trail intersection, then down Bonanza Trail to Bristlecone Trail for the return back.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, July 6th, Oak Creek-  Net elevation gain is only a few hundred feet for this moderate 6-mile hike starting at the scenic drive exit parking lot along Highway 159.  Rather than doing a straight out-and-back hike, on the return we will follow the lower trail along the wash that incorporates three crossings of the creek bed.  To avoid as much heat as possible, we will depart from Red Rock Casino at 6:00 AM.  If you plan on meeting the group at the trailhead, be at the lot and ready to hike at 6:15 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey. 

Tuesday, July 7th, South Sister from Mack’s Canyon- This hike will start from the drivable end of the Mack’s Canyon Road.  We will continue up the road until turning left to follow a seasonal stream and then go up a ridge that leads to the ridge that is southwest of the South Sister.  From there we follow the standard route to the very steep slope that takes us to the top.   After the peak rest stop we will take a short detour to the overlook that looks out over Lee Canyon.  Like the other routes to the South Sister, this one will offer about 1,800 foot of climb and be about 5 miles long and is rated as strenuous.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Paul Eckhart

Tuesday, July 7th, Easy Tuesday Cathedral Rock-  A moderate 3 mile out-and-back hike to the top of a rock outcropping partially up the eastern slopes of the ridge between Griffith Peak and Mount Charleston.  Elevation gain is 950 feet and the open views of the entire area surrounding Kyle Canyon are stunning.   Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM for this hike. Coordinator- Roger Hembree

Wednesday, July 8th, Red Rock Hike- We will decide on route (moderate) based on the participants interest and level of hiking experience. Depart Red Rock Casino at 6:00 AM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Wednesday, July 8th, Spring Mountain Escarpment Trail- This easy leisurely-paced 4 mile loop hike starts with a short steep incline up the old golf course paths, then climbs above the escarpment and heads east. There are terrific views of Kyle Canyon before the trail turns back west just below the escarpment with views of several large caves. Expect about 500 feet in elevation gain. Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore

Thursday, July 9th, Goat Bed Peak- Goat Bed Peak (4,960 feet) located in the La Madre Wilderness Area  just north of the Calico Basin gets its name from the Big Horn Sheep that make this peak home. Elevation gain is about 1,400 feet over a distance of 4 miles. With areas of Class 2 and Class 3 scrambling this loop hike has a moderately strenuous rating. Departure is from the gravel parking area on Sandstone Drive in the Calico Basin at 6:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Friday, July 10th, Bristlecone Loop- This version of the moderate 6 mile loop in the upper reaches of Lee Canyon will start from the upper trailhead near the ski resort and proceed in a counter clockwise direction.  As such, the order of hiking surfaces is paved road, gravel road, and finally packed trail.  Elevation gain should come out around 800 feet.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, July 11th, Mummy’s Toe- This strenuous hike utilizes Cougar Ridge Trail and Deer Creek Trail to attain the summit.  Total distance is 5 to 6 miles with an elevation gain of about 2,700 feet.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, July 11th, Stanley B Springs via Kyle Wash Trail-  This moderate leisurely-paced 5 mile out-and-back hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain will begin at the old Visitor’s Center in Kyle Canyon. We’ll head up the Kyle Canyon Wash trail to the Rainbow Subdivision, then cross the highway to head up the Stanley B trail. The trail runs about 1.2 miles up an old road on the north side of Kyle Canyon to an area of springs surrounded by pines, firs, and cliffs. Close by are two old mines. Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator- Nancy Moore

Sunday, July 12th, Fletcher Peak via Trail Canyon- This is a strenuous 9 mile hike that will likely take 5 to 6 hours to complete. There will be 3,500 feet of elevation gain to get from the Trail Canyon TH, up to the saddle, over to Raintree and up to Fletcher Peak. The return will also have a small amount of ascent. Departure from the Santa Fe will be at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 12th, Blue Diamond Ridges-  This moderate early morning hike will take place on the hill across from the Red Rock Canyon entrance.  The loop route will cover a distance up to 7 miles and involve an elevation gain close to 1,500 feet.  Temperature increases during the morning may cause the route to get shortened a bit if it becomes necessary.  Participants can carpool from Red Rock Casino, leaving there at 5:15 AM. Or, drive directly to the Cowboy Stables along Highway 159 for a 5:30 AM start of the hike.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Monday, July 13th, Little Falls and Cathedral Rock-  This moderate out-and-back hike combines two destinations that are often destinations on separate hikes.  We will start from the Echo Trailhead and visit Little Falls first, then head back to the trail leading to the top of Cathedral Rock for a superb view of Kyle Canyon and the surrounding mountains.  Distance should be around 6 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Tuesday, July 14th, Bonanza Peak-  Accessed from the north end of the Bonanza Trail near Cold Creek, this strenuous 10 mile out-and-back hike to one of the northernmost major peaks in the Spring Mountains gains about 2,600 feet of elevation. High clearance  vehicles will be needed to access the trailhead. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Steve Anderson

Wednesday, July 15th, Red Rock Hike- We will decide on a route (moderate) based on the participants interest and level of hiking experience. Depart Red Rock Casino at 6:00 AM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Wednesday, July 15th, Old Mill Road Exploratory- This moderate leisurely-paced hike will begin at the lower Bristlecone parking area and head up the lower Bristlecone trail before cutting across to Old Mill Road.  We will head up Old Mill road and possibly come back through the now-open Old Mill picnic area. Expect about 5 to 6 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain.  Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore

Thursday, July 16th, Black Mountain Henderson-  We usually schedule this strenuous 6 mile out-and-back hike with 2,100 feet of gain during cooler months, but there are members of the club who try it in the summer, so here is a chance.  To avoid too much heat, we will get an early start and maintain a consistent pace to the top.  Anyone wanting to carpool from Red Rock Casino should be there by 5:50 AM.  The general meeting location will be the Walgreen Drug at the corner of Anthem Parkway and Hampton, from which the assembled group will leave at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, July 16th, Bristlecone / No Name / Pine Cone Canyon- For anyone who would prefer a cooler and slightly later romp in the Spring Mountains …. Although this will be an 8 to 9 mile effort, the elevation gain will be mostly gradual topping off around 2,700 feet. We will begin and end at the Lower Bristlecone TH and make a clockwise loop back to the cars. This hike carries a strenuous rating. Departure from the Santa Fe Casino will be at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, July 17th, Red Spring Peak- Departing from Red Spring we will make our way along the rocks to the south point, where we will start our ascent up to Red Spring Peak. Initial ascent requires negotiating a steep crack. After reaching the high point, we will traverse north along the ridge, overcoming numerous obstacles, eventually descending to the basin floor for return to the trailhead completing the loop. There will be some Class 3 exposure and the ability to lift your weight with your arms will be necessary. You should be comfortable with scrambling. Meet at Red Spring picnic area for a 6:00 AM departure. Coordinators- Steve Allen

Saturday, July 18th, Mt. Charleston Area- Hike to be determined with distance around 5 or 6 miles and either a moderate or moderately strenuous rating.  Departure will be from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Saturday, July 18th, Mary Jane Falls-  This out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of 3 miles with an elevation gain of 920 feet and is rated moderate.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator- Judy Warner

Sunday, July 19th, Lee Canyon Loop- This steep, moderately strenuous route ascends Lower Bristlecone to Pine Cone Creek, turns south on the Bonanza Trail and then at the junction of No Name traverses the ridge with a descent on Upper Bristlecone for the return trip to the cars.  The assembled group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM- Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, July 20th, Fletcher Canyon via Acastus Trail- Starting this moderate out-and-back hike from the new Lower Kyle Canyon Visitor Center will double the usual mileage for Fletcher Canyon to a total of 8 miles.  The route includes some blacktop surface, incorporating sections of the cart path from the old golf course.  Overall gain should be in the vicinity of 1,000 feet.  The assembled group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, July 21st, Lee Peak from Lee Canyon - This out-and-back hike departs from the Upper Bristlecone trailhead at the terminus of SR #156,  ascends the ski slope under the chair lift, and then tackles a very steep canyon that connects to the North Loop Trail. With a distance of 10 miles and  3,000 feet of elevation gain, this route carries a strenuous rating.  Due to the very steep terrain and loose rock, hiking poles are recommended.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Tuesday, July 21st, Lee Peak from Trail Canyon – For a slightly less strenuous yet longer route to the summit of Lee Peak, there will also be a group starting from the Trail Canyon TH. This out and back route is 13 miles with 4800 feet of elevation gain. Although it sounds like a more difficult hike, the route is 99% trail with a short scramble to the peak. We will leave from the Santa Fe at 6:30 AM and see who gets to the peak first! (No, it won’t be a race. They probably will get there first!) Coordinator – Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, July 21st. Easy Tuesday Upper Bristlecone - This moderate out-and-back trail hike of 4 to 5 miles in total distance gains 900 feet of elevation.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Wednesday, July 22nd, Kyle Creek and Ridge Loop Exploratory- This moderate partial loop hike will begin at the new Visitor Center and head up the Kyle Wash trail to the Rainbow subdivision. Then we’ll climb up a short ridge looking for a trail or forest road back. Expect 5 to 6 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore

Thursday, July 23rd, Pahrump Overlook Peak- This strenuous 8 mile out-and-back hike opens with a pleasant trek along the upper Bristlecone Trail, gets more severe climbing the steep section of No Name Trail, finds an even steeper route up the side of a ridge, and then proceeds off-trail along the ridge with significant scrambling for nearly half the distance of the hike.  Only hikers comfortable with varied terrain should plan to participate.  If you are one of those, meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, July 24th, Blue Diamond Canyon 4B- This short out-and-back hike of 3 to 4 miles into a slot canyon on the south end of Blue Diamond Hills does involve a considerable amount of scrambling in the upper section of the canyon, resulting in a rating of moderately strenuous.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave about 5:20 AM and meet the coordinator at the gravel parking lot just past the bridge on the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond.  The hike will begin at 5:45 AM and south side participants can drive directly to that location.  Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, July 25th, Trail Canyon-Stanley B Loop Exploration- This point-to-point hike of 4 to 5 miles is rated strenuous. Once we get to the base of Cockscombs, we will descend the steep ridge to the Stanley B saddle. Then it's down to the road to retrieve the cars. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, July 25th, Cathedral Rock- A moderate 3 mile out-and-back hike gaining 950 feet of elevation to a rock outcropping with a magnificent view of the entire length of Kyle Canyon.   Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator- Judy Warner

Sunday, July 26th, South Sister Saddle Loop via Pine Cone Canyon - This short but interesting moderately strenuous loop is 5.5 miles with 2000 feet of elevation gain. Hiking in a clockwise direction, we will begin at the Lower Bristlecone TH and hike up the forest road to Pine Cone Canyon where we will have fun on a steep climb up to the Bonanza Trail. The loop continues around to a saddle beneath South Sister and returns. Departure from Santa Fe Casino will be at 7:30am. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 26th, White Rock Hills Loop-  We can't come up with any descriptions for this moderate hike that haven't been tried already, so let's just say the trail around the White Rock Hills is 6.4 miles long with about 1,100 feet of gross elevation gain.  Route will go counter clockwise from Willow Springs to provide some shade on the return.  Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 5:45 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Monday, July 27th, Rubber Ducky Yucca-  Here is another trek in Cottonwood Canyon south of Red Rock that requires an early start.  The basic hike is 6 miles in length  with perhaps 1,000 feet of elevation gain as it explores the area on the north side of Highway 160.  Perhaps we will encounter burros in the shade near a drainage as we start the return leg of the loop route.  There may also be new rubber duckies on the Joshua Tree closer to the end.  Main group will leave from Red Rock Casino at 5:45 AM and stop briefly at the gas station at the southern highway junction around 6:10 AM.  The hike will begin from the Late Night parking lot along Highway 160 about 6:20 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, July 28th, Cockscomb Ridge-  Since many of us will be heading to Ely the following day, we will try to keep things a bit lighter, although this is still a moderately strenuous hike.  Starting from the Trail Canyon parking lot, we will head up to the junction of that trail with North Loop Trail, then turn right onto Cockscomb Ridge itself.  This section involves some fairly nasty trail conditions and hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.  The break will occur on a rock outcropping next to the comb.  Total distance is about 6 miles with 2,000 feet of gain.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey. 

Wednesday, July 29th, Ely Trip Begins

Wednesday, July 29th, Mack’s Canyon Road- This moderate, leisurely-paced, out and back 4.5-mile hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain will begin at the Sawmill picnic area and head north towards Mack’s Canyon road. Most of the hike is along the old dirt road through a Pinyon-Juniper forest with occasional views of the desert below us to the east and peaks to the west.  Group departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Nancy Moore

Thursday, July 30th, Red Rock Hike- We will decide on a moderate route based on the participants interest and level of hiking experience. Departure from Red Rock Casino at 6:00 AM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain