Sunday, May 22, 2016

June 2016 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 May schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley) and the Mountain Charleston area. There are also a number of afternoon hikes on this month’s schedule. Below is information regarding our meeting locations for each of these destinations.  There are different assembly points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or south sides of the lake.  Meeting locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the appropriate hike description.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities.  As two of our prime considerations on any hike are safety and enjoyment, it is important  that each participant have the capability of completing any advertised hike at the pace published by the coordinator.

Hikers new to our club must begin with one of the leisurely hikes offered on the monthly schedule.  After they have gained sufficient experience, have been able to assess their abilities relative to the group, and have had a chance to interact with our coordinators, they will be free to start moving up to more difficult hikes.  New hikers who are guests of existing members may initially participate in other than leisurely hikes, but must be accompanied by the existing member who will take responsibility for their safety if the situation demands.

Hike coordinators will have the right to reject any hiker, whether new to the club or an existing member, if they believe that such person's participation would infringe on the ability of the group to conduct the hike as advertised or if overall safety becomes an issue. 


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.

*NOTE: All of Kay’s training hikes held on Sundays are for established moderate to moderately strenuous hikers.  You must have been a moderate hiker in the club for at least 2 years and realize that all of these hikes fall in the moderately strenuous or strenuous category. The pace for these hikes is moderate. Thanks.


Wednesday, June 1st, Trail Canyon to North Loop-  Traditional trek with photo opportunities.  Moderate but strenuous at times with the pace adjusted given our return to the peaks. Distance approximately 11 miles with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, June 2nd, South Sister (10,175’) - Standard approach from the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead. Just over five miles with 2k vertical. Steep terrain with a short, Class 3 section near the summit. Moderately strenuous. Depart from the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael OConnor

Friday, June 3rd, Extended Arnight-Knoll Loop-  This moderate 6-mile loop hike starts from the gravel parking lot where the scenic drive exits back onto the highway.  After reaching by foot the gravel parking lot off Mile Marker 12 of the scenic drive we will hike the Arnight, Knoll, and Oak Creek Trails in order back to the parking lot before returning to the starting point by a different trail.  Pace will be moderate to avoid potential heat.  Departure from Red Rock will be at 6:00 AM and the hike will start around 6:15 AMCoordinator- Chris Dempsey

Saturday, June 4th, South Sister Saddle Loop- 8 miles, over 2,000 feet of elevation. This is a moderately strenuous hike due to distance, elevation and pace. We will take Lower Bristlecone to the Bonanza Trail. Then its up Bonanza and along the ridge trail to the right turn to South Sister saddle were will take our break. The descent is down the ridge and trail back to the cars. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Santa Fe StationCoordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, June 4th, Echo Falls/Little Falls O&BPhoto opportunities. Depart the Echo Trailhead  parking area. Mostly easy, wooded route will be done at a leisurely pace.  Total distance just under 5 miles with an elevation gain of  400 feet. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator- David Gray      

*Sunday, June 5th, Raintree via Trail Canyon- This climb to Raintree comes in at just under 7.5 miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain. We will maintain a moderate pace on this moderately strenuous hike. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, June 5th, Red Springs- 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 Springs 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. Distance of 5-6 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. The coordinator will be at Red Springs 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.
Monday, June 6th, Rocky Gorge Loop-  This moderately strenuous hike of 7 or 8 miles is located in Lower Lee Canyon below the Sawmill Picnic Area.  Most of the hike is in shallow canyons north of Lee Canyon Road, but there is one section of scenic cliffs that requires a bit of scrambling.  Elevation gain is probably a little over 1,000 feet and the pace will be moderate.  Assembly point will be at the Santa Fe Station parking garage for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Tuesday, June 7th, Macks Peak (10,036’)At the terminus of Macks Canyon Road is a remote campground. Its also our trailhead. This strenuous outing is a deceptively short 4 miles, but with 1,800 vertical feet, making for a rather sharp ascent. Just below the summit is an even steeper, scree-laden, Class 3 section. Depart from the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael OConnor

Tuesday, June 7th, 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 will be about 950 feet and the open views of the entire area surrounding Kyle Canyon are stunning.  The hike will be conducted at a leisurely pace.  We will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart for the trailhead at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Roger Hembree

Wednesday, June 8th, McFarland Peak Gulch Loop- Exploratory with  photo opportunities.  Destination is the unique area of the “gulch” at the base of the peak trail near the south end of this elongated mountain peak.  (We’re not climbing the peak.)  Moderate, but strenuous at times given the altitude change, distance, and loose rock terrain.  Estimated distance 8-10 miles with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet. The route utilizes Lower Bristlecone to Bonanza with the return trek to Bristlecone via Pine Cone Canyon shortcut.”  Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator-  David Gray
Wednesday, June 8th, Telephone Canyon Top to Bottom-  This point-to-point hike starts at the Robbers' Roost pullout along Highway 158 and ends at Kyle Canyon Road near the maintenance building, having dropped about 1,000 feet of elevation over the 4 mile distance.  Rating for the hike is easy to moderate and the pace will be leisurely.  There is a car shuttle involved so the number of vehicles needed will be determined after we know the number of participants.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AMCoordinator- Chris Dempsey

Thursday, June 9th, Big Falls Overlook- This strenuous out-and-back hike for seasoned hikers utilizes Trail Canyon to access North Loop Trail, then turns left heading toward Mount Charleston. A broad ledge a couple thousand feet above the floor of Kyle Canyon provides a dramatic view of Big Falls and the folded strata that make up much of the south ridge leading to Charleston. Total distance of the hike is around 9 miles and elevation gain is about 3,000 feet. The pace will be steady with one rest break and regrouping at the Trail Canyon saddle. The other rest stop (and snack time) will be at the turn-around point: the overlook itself.  Some hikers may opt to take another rest break on the return segment at the saddle again. Depart at 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station. Coordinator- Stephen Newell

Friday, June 10th, Raintree via North Loop Trail-  The 3,000-year old Bristlecone pine in the shadow of Mummy's Toe is the objective for this moderately strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike.  Elevation gain is around 1,500 feet and the pace will be moderate with the group staying together as much as possible.  On the descent we will detour onto Wild Horse Ridge, which offers excellent open views to the northeast as far as the old nuclear testing site.  The group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM for the trailhead located near the high point on Highway 158.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Friday, June 10th, Blue Diamond Ridges- This moderate early morning hike on the hills across from Red Rock Canyon will cover a distance up to 7 miles starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot along Highway 159. Elevation gain of up to 1,500 feet. How much the group does will be determined by the temperature increases during the morning. If it stays somewhat cool the destination will be the Las Vegas Overlook. Rating should be moderate or a bit more. Participants will gather at Red Rock Casino and leave for the stables at 5:15 AM. The coordinator will meet them at the stables for a 5:30 AM start to the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy.
Saturday, June 11th, Old Deer Creek Road to Champion Ridge- This leisurely 4 mile hike begins on the new Deer Creek Rd. and takes the old route down to Champion Ridge where we will enjoy a stroll along the cliffs. A caveat to this hike is that the 650' of elevation gain will be climbed on the way back. Save some energy! Meet at the Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, June 11th, Upper Bristlecone/No Name Loop with 2 Twists- A moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Depart from the ski resort upper lot and hike Upper Bristlecone to No Name.  Ascend the trail to the saddle and then take the ridge trail (twist 1) to a large shelter above Bonanza Trail. After our break, we will descend the 4 switchbacks on Bonanza and then turn right onto Upper Bristlecone Trail. Twist 2 utilizes the horse trail at the Upper Bristlecone Overlook logs. This trail follows the ridge descending to a large camping area and then a steep descent back to the trail and cars. Please meet at 7:30 AM at the Santa Fe Station. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

*Sunday, June 12th, Mummy's Junction – This moderately strenuous hike is 7 miles with 2,800 feet of gain. From Trail Canyon Trail, we will continue at a moderate pace up the North Loop to the big Mummy "M" on the tree that indicates the Mummy's Tummy turnoff. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, June 13th, The Barren Ridge Loop O&B-  Exploratory with photos opportunities.  Moderately strenuous. Our destination is a mostly rocky knoll that sits in the middle of a valley that is surrounded by the high ridge of the Bonanza Trail, McFarland Peak, Macks Peak, and the backside of the South Sister.  The route utilizes Lower Bristlecone/South Sister trail  to the saddle area of Phase II (Climb)- From there well take a game/horse trail that travels north, northeast. Distance estimated at 6-8 miles with an elevation gain 1,700 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday, June 14th, Fletcher Peak via Raintree- This hike from Trail Canyon Trailhead to the top of Fletcher Peak is for seasoned hikers. We will stop and re-group at the junction of Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop and again at Raintree to allow the other hikers to catch up. The break will be at the top of Fletcher Peak. Route  is a strenuous 9 mile out-and-back hike that may take 5 to 6 hours to complete. There will be about 3,500 feet of total elevation gain from the trail head to Fletcher Peak. Depart at 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station. Coordinator- Stephen Newell

Wednesday, June 15th, Upper Kyle Canyon Wash- A shuttle trek with photo opportunities. The route will be from the Old Town School (MT Charleston) to the Escarpment at the Spring Mountains Visitor Center via the wash. Moderately strenuous with a distance of 7 miles and an elevation gain 0f 800 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray  
Thursday, June 16th, Deer Creek / North Loop- With our snack break at Raintree, a moderately strenuous group will ascend Deer Creek to Raintree then descend via the North Loop Trail and Wild Horse Canyon. 5 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, June 17th, Wild Horse Canyon/Ridge Loop-  Checking the archives, its a new route on two of our traditional treks.  Moderately strenuous, pace balanced for newer hikers, photo opportunities        Route begins at Deer Creek Road pullout/restrooms. Crossing 158, well start up the wooded canyon to the crossover, then back on the ridge that offers great views.  Distance approximately 4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Depart the Santa Fe Station by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Friday, June 17th, The Muffins-  A moderate out-and-back hike to the distinctive composite boulders on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill. Distance 4 miles with an elevation gain of 750 feet. Participants should depart Red Rock Casino at 7:00 AM or meet at the Cowboy Stables by 7:15 AM. Coordinator- Barbara Ulmer    

Saturday, June 18th, Upper Showgirl Loop - Although this hike is 5 miles, it will be hiked at a leisurely pace with only 600 feet of elevation gain. It begins winding around a loop starting at the Showgirl Trailhead on Angel Peak Rd. The hike is shaded almost the whole way. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, June 18th, Eagle’s Nest/Fletcher Canyon- This hike is 6 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation. We begin on Fletcher Canyon Trail and then turn right at the Eagle's Nest Trail. After completing this loop, we then ascend Fletcher Canyon to- Obstacle Rock. Depart Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

*Sunday, June 19th, Fletcher Peak via North Loop- This will be the next moderately strenuous training hike at a moderate pace with 7 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The descent will likely use a route with Wild Horse in the name. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, June 20th, Upper Kyle Canyon Wash- This leisurely hike is virtually downhill all the way as it starts from the Echo Trailhead parking area near the top of Kyle Canyon Road and follows the main drainage down to the new visitor center.  Total distance for this easy to moderate hike is about 5 miles and includes the Acastus Trail from the start of Fletcher Canyon to near the finishing point.  This is a point-to-point hike which will require a few extra vehicles for the car shuttle.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AMCoordinator- Chris Dempsey

Tuesday, June 21st, ATBF Canyon Loop-  Last year we discovered a canyon to the east of Telephone Canyon approaching Angel Peak that we named after our club.  This strenuous hike will head up that canyon but branch off toward the Showgirl Trail and eventually descend into Telephone Canyon for a return to the starting point.  Total distance for the loop should be around 10 miles with elevation gain in excess of 2,000 feet.  The route includes both some scrambling and some bushwhacking in the canyon.  Unless you are experienced in this type of hike, please clear your participation with the coordinator at (725) 465-7221.  The assembled group will leave Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AMCoordinator- Chris Dempsey

Tuesday, June 21st, Upper Bristlecone Trail- A pleasant walk through the woods is perhaps the best way to describe this moderate out-and-back hike covering a total of between 4-5 miles.  Elevation gain will be about 700 feet.  The hike will be conducted at a leisurely pace.  We will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart at 8:00 AM for the trailhead at the end of Lee Canyon. Coordinator- Roger Hembree

Wednesday, June 22nd, Mummy Springs/Raintree Loop-  Photo opportunities.  A traditional trek off of Deer Creek Road up Deer Springs, return via North Loop to Wild Horse Canyon. Distance of 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet.  Moderately strenuous with a loose rock section. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator-  David Gray 
Thursday, June 23rd, South Sister Saddle Loop- A moderately strenuous group will ascend via the Lower Bristlecone /Bonanza Trail route then hike down a ridge to the South Sister saddle. From there, it's back home to the trailhead with 7.5 miles and 2,200 feet of elevation gain under our belts. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Thursday, June 23, Mt. Charleston Peak (11,918’)- Its the highest peak in southern Nevada, the ninth highest in the state. From Trail Canyon, this annual rite of summer is a simple up-and-down, Class 1 affair. Clocking in at 17.2 miles with 4900total vertical, the lofty pinnacle more than merits its very strenuous rating. Depart from the Santa Fe Station at 5:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael OConnor

Friday, June 24th, Pinion Pine Loop- This moderately strenuous 9-mile hike starts from the Sawmill Picnic Area along Lee Canyon Road and utilizes one of the Sawmill trails getting to the top of a ridge on the north side of the picnic area.  The main trail explores a series of ridges and washes north and east of the starting point before looping back past Blue Tree Campground.  There are not any long steep grades to climb but the terrain constantly rolls so there is quite a bit of gross elevation gain.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, June 25th, Trail Canyon to Raintree- 7 miles, 2,400 feet of elevation. Another moderately strenuous hike because of distance, elevation and pace. This is a traditional club hike in the Spring Mountains to train for Mount Charleston. Meet at 7:30 AM at the Santa Fe StationCoordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

*Sunday, June 26th, 4 Mile Cliff Overlook- A good training hike for Charleston Peak is a moderately strenuous climb up Trail Canyon to a North Loop overlook at around the 4 mile mark. In the end, we will do 8 miles with 3000' of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, June 27th, Fletcher Canyon via Acastus Trail-  Starting from the new visitor center in Lower Kyle Canyon, this out-and-back route follows the Acastus Trail west to the junction with Fletcher Trail, then follows that trail up the canyon to the turning point below Obstacle Rock.  Total distance for the hike is 8 miles and it carries a rating of moderately strenuous.  Join the group for a departure from Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AMCoordinator- Chris Dempsey

Tuesday, June 28th, Mummy's Tummy-  Standard route. 9 miles 3,500 total ascent with a very strenuous rating. Depart Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM. Coordinator-Steve Anderson. 

 Wednesday, June 29th, Rainbow Loop/Upper Kyle Canyon- Photo opportunities. Moderately strenuous, traditional 6 mile route up through the burn area above the Rainbow Community.  Elevation gain of 1,100 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, June 30th, Black & White Sisters- This little 4 mile hike is steep. Be prepared. We'll call it "the top end of moderately strenuous" with 1,700 feet of elevation gain in 2 miles. High clearance vehicles needed. Meet at the Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell


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