December 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 December schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley) and Lake Mead area. Below is information regarding our meeting locations for each of these destinations.  There are different assembly points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or south sides of the lake.  Meeting locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the appropriate hike description.

Red Rock Canyon Area.  Our assembly point for hikes in Red Rock Canyon and the immediate vicinity is at the Red Rock Casino on Charleston Boulevard just east of 215.  To access the meeting location turn into the casino property at the signalized intersection directly across from Canyon Pointe, turn right directly in front of the casino, and immediately turn right into the outdoor lot.  If traveling east on Charleston from 215 you can turn right at the first entrance and then make an immediate left into the lot.  The group will be parking at the north end of the lot near Charleston Boulevard.  For hikes located in Cottonwood Valley and west there will be a secondary meeting location available for individuals coming from the south side of Las Vegas.  That will be at the gas station located at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 (Blue Diamond Road).  This will be a quick stop that will occur about twenty or twenty-five minutes after the regular departure from Red Rock Casino.

Mount Charleston Area.  For hikes north of Las Vegas in either the Mount Charleston area or in the Sheep Mountains the assembly point will be at the Santa Fe Station Casino.  This property has two parking garages, one on the north end of the casino close to Highway 95 and the Rancho exit and one on the southeast side closer to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road.  We always use the third level of the southeast parking garage as our meeting location.  This garage can be accessed from Lone Mountain Road traveling in either direction at the entrance near the theater addition.  It can also be accessed from Rancho.  If traveling northbound on Rancho turn in at the casino entrance signalized intersection and turn left to access the garage.  If traveling southbound on Rancho pass the signal and turn at the entrance that directly accesses the garage.  This second option is used if you are getting to Santa Fe using northbound Highway 95 and taking the Rancho exit.  Drive up to the third level and turn left - we will be meeting right there. 

Lake Mead South.  For all hikes on the south side of the lake the general meeting spot will be near the large outdoor sign in front of the Henderson Fiesta Casino.  Henderson Fiesta is located on Lake Mead Parkway just east of the junction of I-215 and I-515.  Lake Mead Parkway is the eastbound extension of I-215.  There will also be an earlier assembly point for west side participants at the Red Rock Casino, with directions above, and there could be local stopping points after the group leaves Henderson Fiesta.  Those stopping points will be detailed in the appropriate hike descriptions.

Lake Mead North.  For hikes on the north side of the lake the early west side collection point will be on the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino rather than at Red Rock Casino.  Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin (a J. W. Marriot property) is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway.  The garage is located on the northeast side of the casino and is four stories in height.  The best route from Rampart to the general meeting location is Summerlin Parkway to Highway 95 to I-15 north to eastbound Lake Mead Boulevard.  The general assembly point will be in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood.  There will also be a secondary pickup point at the pullout area close to Mile Marker 4 on the eastbound side of Northshore Road for south side participants not using the CVS Pharmacy location.

Valley of Fire.  For hikes in the state park northeast of Las Vegas the general assembly point will be in the parking lot of Lucky Cub Casino.  The Lucky Club Casino is located on the northeast corner of the junction of I-15 and Cheyenne Road along Cheyenne.  If traveling northbound on I-15 and using the Cheyenne exit, it is necessary to cross several lanes of traffic quickly and access the left turn lane to get in to the property off the first side street.  West side participants can meet early and carpool from the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino.  Information on that location is specified in the above paragraph.

IMPORTANT NOTE #1 - Hike coordinators may not always be at either the early or primary assembly points.  Participants will need to monitor the time and set up carpooling to the next meeting location or pickup point when that occurs.  Although most of these situations are noted in the hike descriptions, others may occur that are not so noted.

IMPORTANT POINT #2 - When reading the descriptions you will see references to both Lake Mead Boulevard and Lake Mead Parkway.  These are different streets.  Lake Mead Boulevard is an east-west street on the north side of Las Vegas that runs completely across the city.  Lake Mead Parkway is on the south side of the city and is an east-west street that starts at the junction of I-515 and I-215 and extends over to the lake.  Please do not mix these up.

Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin arriving as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure times.

Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities.  New hikers without recent hiking experience MUST begin with the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes as these are the only hikes that guarantee a fairly leisurely pace.  Strenuous Tuesday hikes are only open to existing members who are properly experienced.  Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and hats and bring sunscreen, water, electrolyte replacement fluids as needed, and food or snacks as desired for each outing.

Questions regarding general information should be directed to Steve Allen at siallen@icloud.com or by telephone at (847) 772-3193.  Specific questions regarding hikes should be directed to the listed coordinator.  Refer to the club roster for contact information.

Exposure

Class 1- Terrain that does not require use of hands or other equipment but can be negotiated using only foot power.

Class 2- Terrain that is uneven or irregular that may require use of hands for stabilization.

Class 3- Generally steep terrain that definitely requires use of hands over stretches to accomplish the task.

Class 4- In addition to use of hands, some level of equipment is necessary to accomplish the task.  This may include webbing or short sections of rope for minor climbs or belay systems for more difficult climbs.

Difficulty Levels

Easy- Hikes of 3 miles or less with not more than 300 feet of gain, generally with only gradual elevation gains on even surface trails.

Easy to Moderate- Hikes ranging up to 5 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail irregularities.

Moderate- Hikes that generally have a maximum distance of 8 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain.  Somewhat longer mileage with less elevation gain or shorter mileage with more elevation gain may also fit in this category.

Moderately Strenuous- Distances of up to 12 miles and/or 1,600 feet of elevation gain involving less than 25% of off-trail hiking such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.

Strenuous- Longer distances with elevation gain capped around 3,000 feet or shorter distances that encompass significant off-trail sections not requiring additional safety equipment.

Very Strenuous or Extreme- Efforts that require serious conditioning on the part of participants due to great length or elevation gain or climbing that requires mountaineering skills

Tuesday, December 1st, Oak Creek Overlook-   A 4 mile out-and-back scramble. Elevation gain of 1,450 feet. Must be comfortable with up to Class 4 exposure and ability to use upper body to assist in navigating route. This adventure is rated very strenuous. Pace will be dictated by terrain and size of group. Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tim Borem

Wednesday, December 2nd, Skull Canyon/Overlook/Muffins Loop- From the Cowboy Stables trailhead we will hike up Skull Canyon to the Overlook where we will take our break. The return will then follow the ridge to the Muffins and descend to the cars from there. Distance is 5 miles with 1,100 feet of elevation gain; moderate rating at a moderate pace. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Dennis Rohne

Thursday, December 3rd, Escarpment Rim Loop- This will be a strenuous loop of 10 miles with approximately 2,500 feet elevation gain. The trailhead will be at the Mountain Springs Summit Pass and will begin the same as the Mountain Springs Peak hike. After passing snack rock, we will continue along the rim on a trail that may be difficult to decipher. The trail continues to Spirit Peak (just previous to Indecision Peak) where it begins its descent then travels back across the lowlands to return to the trailhead. This is an exploratory hike since the trail has not been pre-hiked. Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. The gas station "swing by" (at 159 & 160) will be at 7:50 AM and the hike will begin from the trailhead around 8:10 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Thursday, December 3rd, Calico Hill Traverse- A traverse of the southern segment of the Calico Ridge ending at Angel's Pass, with an emphasis on hitting all the incredible climbing "problems" that arise, a veritable textbook of mountaineering.  Lots of Class 4 and low Class 5.  Protection, instruction and encouragement will be offered.  Approximately 4 hours depending on group size.  NO poles allowed.  Meet at Red Spring parking  by 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Ed Forkos

Friday, December 4th, Canyon #5- This route begins from the parking area at Wheeler Springs just north of Blue Diamond.  The canyon cuts deep into the Blue Diamond Hill with high walls and considerable scrambling.  A large fill supporting a road high above marks the end of the canyon.  This is about 5 miles and 500 feet elevation gain.  Anyone carpooling from Red Rock Casino should leave by 7:30 AM for the main assembly point, which will be at a gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond where you will meet the coordinator for an 8:00 AM start to the hike. South side participants can drive straight to the main location.   Coordinator- David Hardy   

Friday, December 4th, Dale’s Trail-  Starting from the Icebox Canyon trailhead this out-and-back trek along the middle section of the trail system below the escarpment covers a distance of just over 5 miles.  Along the way there is a lot of rolling terrain. Pace will be moderate. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Barbara Ulmer

Saturday, December 5th, White Owl Canyon (Long Version)-  This popular hike into a well known canyon on the shore of Lake Mead is rated moderately strenuous and should cover a distance of 7 miles. West side participants should leave Red Rock Casino by 7:30 AM with the whole group departing the Henderson Fiesta at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, December, 5th, Skull Canyon to Mystery Woman Canyon Junction-  If you have not been there before, here’s a chance to visit Skull Canyon at a mostly leisurely pace with frequent stops.  This out-and-back 4 plus mile hike starting at the horse stables parking lot with an elevation gain of approximately 600 feet is rated moderate.  There are several sections on the trail that are somewhat steep and slippery but we will take our time negotiating these sections so everyone can get back to the vehicles safely. Hiking sticks are recommended. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator- Dennis Rohne

Sunday, December 6th, Fern Canyon Overlook- If there are enough high clearance vehicles available, this out and back hike will run around 5 miles with 2200 feet of elevation gain. It is a steep climb up to Dragon Rock on the North Peak (Sandstone) trail. From there, the trail circles around the tops of several escarpment canyons. Lunch will be at either the Fern Canyon cliff or just below at the large tank with a Bridge Mountain view (depending on water level). Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, December 7th, Horse Thief Canyon and Alien Slot Canyon- This is a 6-mile, two-part hike with 800 feet elevation gain. It will be done at a moderate pace with infrequent stops. It begins at the White Rock Canyon trailhead on AZ 93, mile-marker 4 and continues on a four-mile drive up the wash to a small camping area (high clearance vehicles required). The hike follows a wash with moderate scrambling, through a wide canyon, passing several small springs and eventually coming to “the hanging tree” and Horse Thief Falls.  Once we return to the vehicles, we will have a tailgate luncheon. Please bring a dish to share. We will then drive back to the White Rock Parking area. From there the hike continues north along the highway to Alien Slot Canyon, a seldom – visited small slot canyon. This is a 2 mile in-and-out hike with little elevation gain, but with a small bit of scrambling to get into the slot.  The main assembly point will be the Henderson Fiesta at 9:30 AM . This will be a joint hike with Sun City Anthem Hiking Club.  Coordinator- Keith Lane

Tuesday, December 8th, Frenchmen Mountain-  This very strenuous out-and-back hike may be short at just 4 miles but it climbs over 2,000 feet of elevation at an overall twenty per cent grade over difficult terrain that includes areas of Class 3 exposure.  The early west side group should leave Rampart Casino by 6:50 AM to get to the main assembly point at the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard with a full group departure at 7:30 AM. Coordinator-  Steve Anderson 

Tuesday, December 8th, Clark County Wetlands-  This will be an easy to moderate hike that will explore virtually all the aspects of the county wetlands on the southeast side of Las Vegas near the Las Vegas Wash.  Total distance should come in around 4 to 5 miles with very little elevation gain and includes a section to Duck Creek past a pond area.  Participants should get a great opportunity to view a variety of waterfowl and migratory birds.  Pace will be leisurely to allow enjoyment of the surroundings.  The west side group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for a 9:30 AM departure.  The general meeting location will be at Fiesta Henderson with a 10:15 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Wednesday, December 9th, Eagle Peak-  A somewhat obscure peak at the valley’s western edge. Following the 1,000 feet climb to the summit, let’s take it north across the ridgeline and descend the sheer limestone chute. Under three miles. Color it moderately strenuous, but with some steep terrain. Departure from Gilmore Cliff Shadows Park at the western terminus of Alexander Road at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Thursday, December 10th Jean’s Canyon to Pinto Valley-   This hike is a moderately strenuous but long loop (about 10 miles) which involves Jean’s Canyon that has a few Class 3 areas and scrambling.  The hike, starting at Mile Marker 25.5 on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead area will go to an area of petroglyphs and an old mining claim.  West side participants can meet at the top of Rampart Casino parking garage for a departure at 7:20 AM and join the main group in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood.  That combined group will leave at 8:00 AM and join the coordinators and any other south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout on Northshore Road about 8:15 AM before heading to the starting point of the hike.  Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Friday, December 11th, Canyon #4A Loop-   We begin from Blue Diamond about a half mile from the mouth of the canyon which has considerable scrambling.  Once we exit this deep canyon we will continue down the ridgeline separating Canyon #4 and Canyon #3 back to the cars.  This is rated moderately strenuous, about 1,000 feet of elevation gain and about 5 miles.  Carpools leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:15 AM for the main assembly point, which will be at a gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond where you will meet the coordinator and south side participants for an 8:45 AM start to the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy 

Friday, December 11th, Ugliest Hike in the Catalog- The last time the coordinator offered this hike was with Lone Mountain Hiking Club about ten years ago, so he might be a bit rusty with the exact route.  The hike is located in the northern foothills of the River Mountains starting from Equestrian Park.  It will involve a variety of surface terrain including, pavement, gravel roads, trails, and wash beds and cover a distance around 5 miles.  Elevation gain is probably around 800 feet and the pace will be moderate.  Participants will have a chance after the hike is over to confirm the current title, offer a new one, or take it out of the catalog.  West side participants will leave from Red Rock Casino at 9:15 AM with the full group departing from Fiesta Henderson at 10:00 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

  

Saturday, December 12th, Blue Diamond Canyons 2 & 3-  Nice little moderate scramble of almost 4 miles that begins at the utility building across from the Blue Diamond, NV entrance. Up Canyon 2, down Canyon 3 gives a little less than 1,000 feet elevation gain with a few somewhat challenging obstacles. Participants will help each other up and down the more difficult dry falls but this is not for the beginner scrambler. Depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Parking at trailhead is limited. Please carpool. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, December 12th, Red Spring Base Trails-  Starting from the Red Spring picnic area parking, we will follow trails along the base of the Calico hills and Kraft Mountain to a turn-around point where we will take our break before returning to the cars on this mostly out and back hike. Approximately 4 miles in length and 300 ft of elevation gain to be hiked at a leisurely to moderate pace.  Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator- Dennis Rohne

Sunday, December 13th, Hamblin Mountain-  The trek to the top of this Lake Mead peak is so fantastic we seem to offer it several times during the season.  At 7 miles, this moderately strenuous hike has a net elevation gain around 1,500 feet getting to the summit that offers views of parts of three of the lake basins along with Boulder Narrows.  Early departure from Rampart Casino will be at 7:20 AM.  The full group will leave CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard at 8:00 AM and make a quick stop around 8:15 AM at the Mile Marker 4 pullout to pick up any south side participants. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, December 13th, Blue Diamond Tertiary Ridge-  This 6.5 mile moderate loop hike begins in the community of Blue Diamond.  The group will make their way up the Tertiary ridge behind the community following a trail along the top that leads toward Bonnie Springs.  After dropping back to the valley floor near the western end of the ridge the route loops to the north and returns to Blue Diamond.  Elevation gain around 1000 feet.  Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a departure by 7:35 AM, and those participants should proceed to Blue Diamond.  After crossing the bridge on the main entrance to the community there will be a dirt parking lot on the right side just before the first houses.  The coordinator and other south side participants will be at that location. The hike will begin at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- David Hardy. 

Monday, December 14th, Signature Rock Loop- This moderate to moderately strenuous loop of about 9 miles is generally moderate terrain but includes a few steep areas and starts at Mile Marker 18 on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead area.  The hike goes into Pinto Valley down to Signature Rock and then returns in the interesting wash near the Chocolate Hills.  West side participants can meet at the top of Rampart Casino parking garage 7:20 AM departure and join the main group in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood. Leave there at 8:00 AM and join the coordinators and any other south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout on Northshore Road about 8:15 AM before heading to the starting point of the hike.  Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Tuesday, December 15th, Gunsight Notch (6200´)- One of the classics ‘way back in the canyon.’ That would be Pine Creek Canyon. Same route as Terrace Canyon for 90% of the hike. Then it gets interesting. This is a strenuous 7-miler with 2,500 feet of vertical. Very steep sandstone terrain. Some Class 3 in the final stages of the ascent. Panoramic view from the elusive summit. Definitely a fair weather hike. Any hint of precipitation and we’ll postpone. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor.

Wednesday, December 16th, Conglomerate Gardens Loop- This moderate hike of 6 miles has around 1000 feet of elevation gain. But, perhaps, it sounds even better to know that the first 2 miles are where you gain most of the elevation and the last 4 miles are mostly downhill among the conglomerate gardens. We will maintain a moderate pace. This is a winding trail built by the bikers starting from the Cowboy Trails parking. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure or meet us at the trailhead around 8:45 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Thursday, December 17th, Grapevine Springs to Windy Peak (6246´)- A short but taxing four miles with 2,300 vertical feet of climb. It’s an up-and-down affair involving some steep terrain and a few Class 3 sections. Color it strenuous. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Courtesy stop at the Hwy 160 gas station 8:20 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor.

Thursday, December 17th, North Bowl of Fire- This strenuous 7- to 8-mile loop will head for the colorful sandstone formations at the base of the Muddy Mountains, and will include Class 3 rock scrambling and passage through a rabbit hole on the way to a stunning lookout called Raven’s Balcony.  The route across the desert starts near Mile Marker 20 on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead  area.  Departure times: Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:20 AM; CVS pharmacy at Lake Mead & Hollywood at 8:00 AM; and Northshore Road mile marker 4 turnout at 8:15 AM. Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Thursday, December 17th, Blue Diamond Bike Trails-  With two other hikes scheduled this date looking strenuous here is a moderate alternative.  The hike will climb atop the long ridge behind the community of Blue Diamond using the trail system on the north side of the hill and take the somewhat longer trail back to the starting point past the cliffs on the northeast side of the ridge, accounting for a distance of 5 or 6 miles.  Pace will be moderate with an elevation gain of 900 feet.  Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for a departure at 8:30 AM.  South side participants can drive directly to the starting point at the Blue Diamond Bike Shop where the hike should start around 8:50 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Friday, December 18th, Mystery Woman Canyon-  The will be some scrambling involved on this 6 to 7-mile loop hike through a canyon that is an adjunct to Skull Canyon on Blue Diamond Hill.  Elevation gain will be somewhat over 1,000 feet, pace will be moderate with the group staying together, and the overall rating is moderately strenuous.  After a snack break at the new Las Vegas Overlook, we will complete the loop by heading back to Fossil Ridge for a descent back to the starting point.  If interested, meet the group at Red Rock Casino for a 9:30 AM departure or be at the Cowboy Stables parking lot by 9:40 AM and ready to go.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, December 19th, La Madre Springs & Cabin- This will be another combination hike including leisurely and moderate hikers. The leisurely hikers will hike the gravel road only to the springs where a small dam used to provide water collection for wildlife. From Willow Springs Picnic Area to this location and back is a 3 mile / 500 feet elevation gain easy hike. Those wishing to extend their morning up to the cabin location will have an out and back of 5 miles with 1200 feet elevation gain. The trail up to the cabin has difficult footing with slippery wet rock and mud. There is minimal exposure as well. The pace will accommodate participants. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, December 19th, Lots of Slots-  This generally moderate hike of about 6 to 7 miles begins at the White Rock Canyon (Arizona Hot Springs) parking lot (four miles south of Hoover Dam).  The loop covers ground on both sides of Highway 93.  It will go through several slot canyons, encounter dry falls, walk along canyon rims, and traverse ridgelines and other high points with sweeping vistas.  Departure times: Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM; Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM; and White Rock Canyon Trailhead at 8:25 AM. The trailhead parking area is reached by going over the new bridge on Highway 93 just past Hoover Dam. Take the first left hand turn lane to Trailhead Parking for Arizona Hot Springs (about 4 miles after going over the new bridge.)  Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Sunday, December 20th, Tony’s Tank Scramble- This group hike will involve quite a bit of scrambling but at a moderate pace. The first part of the hike will be from the north side of the Calico Hills along a route toward Red Cap. Climbing Red Cap is not included. After exploring some of the tanks, the group will descend along Mass Production Wall. We then proceed up the main Calico Tank Trail, turning right below Rooster Rock, then exploring other tanks along the ascent to the Calico II Overlook Peak. The group will then begin descending along a ridge above the main Calico Tank Trail. Along this return, we will negotiate up a 20 ft high rock formation, “Tony’s Wall”, with a variety of hand and foot holds. Total distance is about 4 miles with a moderate to strenuous rating. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure .Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Sunday, December 20th, Back Hills Lawn Mower Route-  Eight miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The hike begins at the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road to Blue Diamond where you will meet the coordinator and other south side participants for an 8:00 AM start.  Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a departure by 7:35 AM and those participants should proceed to Blue Diamond. The route will follow a network of trails out of Blue Diamond with little elevation change the first few miles until we begin following the Lawn Mower trail into the hills between Tertiary Ridge and Highway 160.  There are ups and downs until we reach the Landmine Trail where we turn right and soon leave it to follow a faint trail that leads over the top of Tertiary Ridge and back down into Blue Diamond.  Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, December 21st, Blue Point Spring Redstone Loop-  This generally moderate 5 to 6 mile hike (750 feet elevation gain) starts at Blue Point Spring (about Mile Marker 41) just past Rogers Spring on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead area.  There is some scrambling.  This hike has numerous beautiful red Aztec sandstone formations, including  numerous arches, elephant trunks, and other formations.  It has some of the nicest formations in the Lake Mead area and a lot of the hike is walking through them.  Departure times: Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:20 AM; CVS pharmacy at Lake Mead & Hollywood at 8:00 AM; and Northshore Road mile marker 4 turnout at 8:15 AM. Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Tuesday, December 22nd, Kraft Mountain (4714´) W/E Traverse-  From the boardwalk, let’s mosey over to Ash Canyon for a spirited sandstone ascent. Descend to Gateway Canyon and bounce back up to Five-Stop Hill.  Ascend the Class 3 west buttress to the "Beach.” Continue up to the summit for lunch. Traverse the mountain top to the eastern flank, descend and bring it back home. In the 6 mile range with 2,000 feet of vertical. Depart from the Red Spring boardwalk at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, December 23rd, Pine Creek Loop-  Seven miles with 600 feet of elevation gain done at a moderate pace. We will park at the dirt lot at the end of the scenic loop road. From there we take a trail along the road to mile marker 12 and make our way up Pine Creek. The creek has rocks but no significant scrambling. At the junction of the Arnight trail, we turn south and head to Oak Creek trail. We will use the Pine Creek trail to make our way over to the trail behind Potato Knoll for our break. From there we finish the loop as we head back to the cars on the Potato Knoll trails.  Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, December 24th, Boneshaker Hill / Echo Canyon- For this Christmas Eve Special, we will do a simple climb of the formidable Boneshaker Hill and return via Echo Canyon leaving plenty of time to finish up your Christmas preparations. The moderately strenuous paced hike will depart from the Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, December 25th, Christmas- No scheduled hike.

Saturday, December 26th, Liberty Bell Extended-  This hike will be about 7 (?) miles long and will include some Class 3 scrambling through the return canyon.  This hike will take the usual route to Liberty Bell Arch.  However, it will return through a canyon that used to be part of a Liberty Bell loop hike before the starting point was changed by the new highway.  Departure times: Red Rock Casino at 7:20 AM; Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM; and White Rock Canyon Trailhead at 8:25 AM. The trailhead parking area is reached by going over the new bridge on Highway 93 just past Hoover Dam. Take the first left hand turn lane to Trailhead Parking for Arizona Hot Springs (about 4 miles after going over the new bridge.) Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Sunday, December 27th, Red Cap Double Slot with a Twist- The hike begins by walking down a gravel road but quickly turns into boulder scrambling ascending a drainage that parallels the south side of Ash Canyon and goes through a series of slots (Class 4 requiring the use of ropes). From there the route passes some of the upper Calico tanks on the way to the peak. Not for beginners. There are many places that require advanced scrambling skills. You must be comfortable with exposure and able to lift yourself up and lower yourself down using your arms. Meet at the gravel parking area off of Sandstone Drive in the Calico Basin for a 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators- Larry Shahan and Steve Allen

Sunday, December 27th, Railroad Tunnels/Tillman Bridge/Hoover Dam-  The long version of this hike  will cover a total distance of close to 9 miles and visit both the walkway on the new bridge and the top of Hoover Dam before returning to the starting point.  Elevation gain of 1,000 feet. The overall rating would be moderate.  Early west side group should meet the coordinator at Red Rock Casino for departure by 7:15 AM. The full group will assemble at Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, December 28th, Calico Peak w/ Back Door Descent (4870’)- From the boardwalk, a counter-clockwise loop. Ascend Angel Peak, drop into the Garden of Eden and continue the ascent to Calico Peak.  Bring it home the hard way as we descend the Devil’s Chute (Class 3/4) all the way to Ash Canyon. In the 5 mile range with 1,600 feet vertical. A strenuous outing. Assemble and depart from Red Spring at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor 

Monday, December  28th, Redstone Discovery-  This approximately 5-mile hike starts at Mile Marker 25.2 on Northshore Road  in the Lake Mead  area.  The hike is generally moderate but includes some scrambling and exploring in the red sandstone.  This hike discovers various interesting areas and formations while wandering in the Aztec red sandstone.  Departure times: Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:20 AM; CVS pharmacy at Lake Mead & Hollywood at 8:00 AM; and Northshore Road mile marker 4 turnout at 8:15 AM. Coordinators- Joan and Chuck Hawkins

Monday, December 28th, White Rock Hills Loop-  If you would rather stay on the west side of the city, consider this old standby hike at the north end of Red Rock Canyon.  We will do the loop in a counter clockwise direction from Willow Springs and the route will include taking a side trail toward La Madre Springs as part of the return, thus increasing the total distance to 7 miles.  Overall, this hike carries a moderate rating with the group staying together at a fairly moderate rate.  Group departure will be from Red Rock Casino at 9:15 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.      

Tuesday, December 29th, Anniversary Narrows Peak-  This strenuous 8-mile loop  hike involves a peak, some exposure, narrow slots, and a lot of wash hiking.  That said, the views of the North and South Bowls of Fire are fantastic.  The loop trek will be done in a counter clockwise direction. The return section includes the famous Anniversary Narrows. We will find out if the narrows are open to the public but our route should circumvent the fencing. Overall elevation gain is around 1,800 feet.  The hike will be done at a moderately strenuous pace with time out for photos in the narrows. Anyone carpooling from Rampart Casino should leave there at 7:20 AM to head for the main assembly point at the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard.  Departure from there will be at 8:00 AM and there will be a very short stop at the Mile Marker 4 turnout at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Wednesday, December 30th, McCullough Trail End to End to End-  A somewhat long day is in store for those individuals who tackle the entire 16 miles of this strenuous out-and-back hike on the edge of the McCullough Mountains south of Henderson.  Fortunately there is not a lot of elevation gain over the slightly rolling terrain.  Even with a moderately fast pace the group is looking at close to six hours including a lunch stop at the turn around point.  Anyone meeting early at Red Rock Casino should leave there by 7:00 AM.  The main assembly point will be at the Walgreen's Drug at the intersection of Sunridge Heights Parkway and Eastern Avenue, which is a couple miles south of I-215 from the Eastern exit.  The full group will leave that location at 7:40 AM.  Coordinator- Richard Hansen.

Thursday, December 31st, Arizona Hot Springs Loop via Dry Falls (Saddle Route Optional)  Arizona Hot Springs (or AZHS) is a 6.5 mile loop hike beginning 4 miles south of Hoover Dam. We will descend down to the river via White Rock Canyon, hike the trail along the river over to the pit toilet/beach for our break. From there, get ready to get wet! The route scrambles up through the Ringbolt Springs Canyon, climbs a 20' ladder, wades through the pools that get hotter and hotter, then climbs out the other end. There will be two ways to finish out the loop. The coordinator will lead the hike past the petroglyphs and up two formidable dry falls with some exposure. Participants will help each other up the difficult dry falls. The remaining hikers will follow the saddle trail on their own back to the trailhead. After an early meet at Red Rock Casino at 7:15 AM, the primary group will meet at the Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- AZHS Ambassador, John Blackwell

Thursday, December 31st, Turtlehead Peak- The standard out-and-back route will be the one used to access the top of this dramatic limestone peak at the northeast corner of Red Rock Canyon. With 1,900 feet of elevation over the trail from Sandstone Quarry to the top this hike merits a strenuous rating and has a total distance of 5 miles. There is hardly any shade available along the way, with much of the surroundings desert terrain, but the view at the peak is worth the effort. The group will maintain a moderate pace and will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tony Fountain