July 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.

Friday, July 1st,  Red Springs- Beating the heat will be a good way to begin July. Most of the route for this moderate 5-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. Elevation gain of 600 feet. The coordinator will be at Red Springs picnic area for a 5:30 AM start of the hike. 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.

Saturday, July 2nd, Early Morning Scramble- Let’s meet at 6:00 AM at the Red Springs picnic area. The difficulty (up to Class 4)  will be geared to the hiker with solid scrambling skills. Approximately 3-4 hours at most. Please RSVP to siallen@icloud.com  if you plan on attending as minimum of 3 participants needed for safety. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Saturday, July 2nd, Lee Canyon Narrows- This will be a leisurely 4 mile hike from the Sawmill Trailhead down to the Lee Canyon Narrows and beyond making a partial loop on the return. The narrows created by Lee Canyon wash are interesting and beautiful. To experience the last twenty feet of the slot, one now has to climb under the obstacle boulder on their knees due to the filling in of small gravel over the past spring. (Although, this is not required!) Total elevation gain will be around 800 feet. Leave Santa Fe Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 3rd, Fletcher Peak via Deer Creek- This is the next training hike for a Charleston Peak summit in August. The hike is moderately strenuous to strenuous and will be done at a moderate pace. The route: Cougar Ridge Road, Deer Creek Trail, Raintree, Fletcher Peak, North Loop Meadows, Wild Horse Canyon. 6.5 miles. 2800 feet elevation gain. Leave Santa Fe Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, July 5th, Mummy’s Toe (10,925’)- Let’s do a loop. From the Cougar Ridge Trailhead, it’s up the dirt road to the mountain cottages. Begin the steep, off-piste ascent to Mummy Spring. Pick up the Toe Trail and take it to the summit. We’ll visit Raintree on our descent and take Wild Horse Ridge back to the trailhead. In the seven mile range with 2,800 vertical gain. Strenuous with tough, Class 2 terrain. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Thursday, July 7th, Upper Bristlecone/Bonanza/No Name- This is moderate 6 mile hike with 1,400 feet of elevation. We will begin on Upper Bristlecone Trail and hike over to the Bonanza Trail junction. From there, we hike up the 4 switchbacks of the Bonanza Trail to the junction of No Name. This is where we take our break. Then it's down No Name and back to the cars. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Friday, July 8th, Early Morning Scramble- Let’s meet at 6:00 AM to avoid the heat at the Red Springs picnic area. The pace and difficulty will be geared to the moderate hiker. The perfect opportunity to hone your scrambling skills. Approximately 2-3 hours at most with mileage less than 3 miles. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Saturday, July 9th, Early Morning Scramble- Let’s meet at 6:00 AM at the Red Springs picnic area. The difficulty (up to Class 4)  will be geared to the hiker with solid scrambling skills. Approximately 3-4 hours at most. Please RSVP to siallen@icloud.com  if you plan on attending as minimum of 3 participants needed for safety. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Sunday, July 10th,  Blue Diamond Ridges- This moderately strenuous early morning hike on the hill across from Red Rock Canyon will cover a distance up to 7 miles starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot along Highway 159. 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. Elevation gain of up yo 1,600 feet. 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.

Monday, July 11th, Upper Bristlecone/No Name/Bonanza O&B- This is a moderate 7-8 mile hike with 1,400 feet of elevation. We will start at Upper Bristlecone Trail and then turn onto No Name trail. No Name is a beautiful side trail that has several steep trail climbs. From the saddle, we hike to the Bonanza junction and continue on the ridge until we have hiked 3.5 to 4 miles on the Bonanza trail. After a nice break, we turn around and trace our steps back to the cars. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, July 12th, Devil’s Thumb (11,017’) & Lee Peak (11,312’)- Let’s nab two! The hard way. From Upper Bristlecone, climb to the top of the Lee Canyon chairlift. Continue upward and catch the steep, Class 3 chute that eventually intersects the North Loop Trail. Follow the trail to Devil’s Thumb, then catch Lee Peak on our descent. Seven miles with 3,000 feet vertical gain. Out-and-back, strenuous. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, July 13th, Bristlecone Loop-  Lower Bristlecone to Upper Bristlecone, then it’s up No Name and onto the Bonanza Trail. Loop develops with the return by descending Pine Cone Canyon back to the Lower Bristlecone.  Moderately strenuous with a distance of 8 miles. Elevation gain 1,500 feet. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, July 14th, 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, July 15th, Cockscomb Ridge- This is a moderately strenuous 6 mile hike with 1,800 feet of elevation, We begin on Trail Canyon and will regroup at the saddle. From there, we turn right and make our way up and over to the base of Cockscomb Peak. After our break, we retrace our steps back to the saddle and then down Trail Canyon. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, July 16th, Early Morning Scramble- Let’s meet at 6:00 AM at the Red Springs picnic area. The difficulty (up to Class 4)  will be geared to the hiker with solid scrambling skills. Approximately 3-4 hours at most. Please RSVP to siallen@icloud.com  if you plan on attending as minimum of 3 participants needed for safety. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Saturday, July 16th, Old Deer Creek Road O&B-  Traditional trek along the south side of this wooded area.  Easy pace- Rocky Peak is optional. Distance- 3-4 miles. Elevation gain 600 feet. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, July 17th, Blue Diamond Canyon 4B- Avoiding the heat of the day will be one of the main objectives for this short hike into a first canyon on the south end of Blue Diamond Hill. It's not a long hike at around 3 - 4 miles but it does involve a considerable amount of scrambling in the upper section, resulting in an overall rating of moderate. There is a good chance of seeing owls in the canyon. Elevation gain of approximately 600 feet. The return will be back the same way. The main assembly point will be the gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond just past the bridge. Starting time for the hike will be at 5:45 AM so participants carpooling from Red Rock Casino will have to leave there about twenty minutes before that. Coordinator- David Hardy.

Monday, July 18th, Fletcher TH to Old Town O&B- 4 miles starting at the new Fletcher parking lot and going up to the school or beyond and back.  Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Estimate elevation gain of 500 feet. Slow pace. Coordinator- Judy Warner

Tuesday, July 19th, Fletcher Peak via Humming Bird Gulch- The hike is strenuous with 2,400 feet elevation gain at 4.5 miles. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Steve Anderson

Wednesday, July 20th, Wallace Canyon O&B Exploratory-  The route follows Upper Bristlecone to No Name Trail, then up Wallace Trail to the saddle area to inspect the 1978 plane crash site.  From here, we’ll look for a way to descend into the canyon to develop a new trek.  Moderate, but strenuous at times given new terrain.  Mileage 6 plus. Elevation gain 2,000 feet plus. Meet Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, July 21st, 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

Friday, July 22nd, Early Morning Scramble- Let’s meet at 6:00 AM to avoid the heat at the Red Springs picnic area. The pace and difficulty will be geared to the moderate hiker. The perfect opportunity to hone your scrambling skills. Approximately 2-3 hours at most with mileage less than 3 miles. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Friday, July 22nd thru Thursday, July 28th, Bellingham Outing- Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Saturday, July 23rd, North Loop to Fletcher Peak- 7 miles, 2,000 feet of elevation, moderately strenuous. Early bird hike - 6:30 AM departure from the Santa Fe Station. We will ascend via North Loop and make the turn to the peak. After our break, we descend back to the meadow and then hike down Wild Horse Ridge. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, July 23rd, Champion Road Loop- This will be a leisurely 3.5 mile hike from the Sawmill Trailhead. It crosses the road and connects with Champion Road, a dirt road with primitive campsites. When the road reaches Deer Creek Road, the hike drops down a steep hill to the Lee Canyon wash below for the return. Elevation gain is only 600 feet. Leave Santa Fe Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 24th, 5 Mile Campsite- There is a large campsite located on the North Loop rim on the way to Charleston Peak right at the 5 mile mark. For the next training hike, we will climb Trail Canyon and continue up to this landmark. Moderately strenuous to strenuous done at a moderate pace. Leave Santa Fe Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, July 26th, Cockscomb Peak (9692')- From Trail Canyon, it's up to the saddle and on to Cockscomb Ridge. Drop into the gully and negotiate the Class 3 limestone ridge to the summit. Six miles with just under 2,000 feet vertical. Strenuous. Depart from the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, July 27th, Loop Approach to McFarland- Ascend No Name onto Bonanza coming within less than a half a mile of where the imposing gray mountain peak rises.  Return by descending the Bonanza Trail switchbacks to the Upper Bristlecone.  Distance- 10 miles.  Elevation gain  1500 feet. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, July 28th, Bristlecone / No Name / Pine Cone Canyon- After having to cancel this hike due to weather concerns earlier this year, we will try again. Beginning at the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead, we will climb and drop to the No Name junction. After climbing No Name, we will turn left onto the Bonanza Trail then turn right into Pine Cone Canyon for the short but steep descent. Moderately strenuous. 8 miles. 1,700 feet elevation gain. Leave Santa Fe Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, July 29th, Early Morning Scramble- Let’s meet at 6:00 AM to avoid the heat at the Red Springs picnic area. The pace and difficulty will be geared to the moderate hiker. The perfect opportunity to hone your scrambling skills. Approximately 2-3 hours at most with mileage less than 3 miles. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Saturday, July 30th, Cathedral Rock and More- 6-7 miles, 1,700 feet of elevation, moderately strenuous. Early bird hike-6:30 AM departure from the Santa Fe Station. We will hike to Little Falls first then make our way up to Cathedral Rock. After our break, we will hike over to the manhole then retrace our steps back to the cars. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, July 30th, Fletcher Canyon- This will be a leisurely hike in and out of Fletcher Canyon. 4 miles and around 900 feet of elevation gain. Join us for a snack break at Obstacle Rock! Leave Santa Fe Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 31st, Lee Peak- Getting into the more challenging of the training hikes, this one will travel up Trail Canyon and the North Loop until the route makes a sharp turn back to the right for a climb up Lee Peak (11,289'). 13 miles. 3,900 feet elevation gain. Moderately strenuous to strenuous done at a moderate pace. Leave Santa Fe Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 31st, Red Springs- Most of the route for this moderate 5-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. Elevation gain 600 feet. The coordinator will be at Red Springs Picnic Area for a 5:45 AM start of the hike. If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should leave that assembly point at 5:30 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.