September 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 September 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.

Thursday, September 1st, Willow Peak (9967’)- From the Bonanza Trailhead in Cold Creek, it’s a series of never-ending switchbacks to the Bonanza Saddle. The demanding portion of the hike starts here as we traipse ‘round the corner’ to embark on an arduous two-mile traverse to the seldom visited peak. It’s rugged, off-piste, Class 3 terrain. In the 11-mile range with 4400’ vertical. Color this one very strenuous. Lots of water for this puppy as it has all the trappings of a long day. Charlestonesque. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 6:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Thursday, September 1st, Willow Arch- While those incredible strenuous hikers are climbing neighboring Willow Peak, there will be another group organized to climb only to Willow Arch. This will be a strenuous hike but at a palatable moderately strenuous pace up those 57 switchbacks from Cold Creek. We will stay together as a group...please. At the saddle, we turn to the right to traverse below the ridgeline for around half a mile to the arch. The entire hike will be 8 miles with just below 3000 feet of gain. Put on your climbing shoes for a long day and meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. We will need vehicles with a little high clearance to get to the trailhead. (Since this is a long hike, please check your email just prior to the hike in case it needs to be cancelled due to monsoon prediction.)  Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, September 2nd, No Name Loop CW- This oldie but goodie is 6 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. We will hike at a moderate pace ascending the steep No Name trail up to the saddle, take our break then enjoy the looped return through the old bristlecones. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, September 2nd, Blue Diamond, Hill- This moderate 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. Elevation gain of up to 1,600 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. Participants will gather at Red Rock Casino and leave for the stables at 6:00 AM. The coordinator will meet them at the stables for a 6:15 AM start to the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy.

Saturday, September 3rd, Mummy Springs Loop- 6 mile, moderate hike with 1.400 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, September 3rd, Cathedral Rock - Leisurely paced moderate hike, 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. We will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart for the trailhead at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michel Lemay

Sunday, September 4th,  Fletcher Peak via Trail Canyon- 9 miles with 3,500 feet elevation gain. Strenuous hike at a moderate pace. Meet at Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM, Coordinator- Maria Vega

Monday, September 5th, South Sister Saddle Loop- 8 mile, moderately strenuous hike with 1,700 feet of elevation. We will hike Lower Bristlecone to Bonanza and down the ridge to the South Sister saddle and then back to the cars. Pace will be moderate and above. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, September 5th, Canyon #3 Loop- A moderately strenuous 5-6 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet will begin from Blue Diamond into a canyon in the Blue Diamond Hill and top out on the plateau above. We will find our way down a ridge between Canyon #2 and #3 back into Blue Diamond. There will be lots of scrambling in the lower part of the canyon at the beginning. Depart Red Rock Casino by 5:00 AM. 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 where you will meet the coordinator at 6:15 AM. Coordinator - David Hardy

Monday, September 5th, Tioga Pass/Upper Yosemite Falls, Yosemite NP - Kay Blackwell (RSVP)

Tuesday, September 6th, Mummy’s Nose (10,748’)- From the construction pull-out on SR #156 just above Deer Creek Road. A short four miles, but with a precipitous 2800’ vertical. Do the math. Very steep terrain, loose rocks. Strenuous. Short lollipop section near the summit, as we’ll ascend the Class 3 chute and loop back down Rita’s Ridge.  Depart the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Tuesday September 6th, Willow Springs Picnic Area / Limestone Wall-  Let’s save some fossil fuel an take this easy, leisurely pace hike starting from the Willow Springs picnic area White Rock Loop trailhead and take in part of the White Rock trail in the valley north of the sandstone hills. This out-and-back hike should cover a total distance of about 4 miles and about 700 feet gain in elevation with the turn around point in the shadow of a group of rock formations. The backcountry scenery along the way is pretty sensational. Participants should meet at Red Rock Casino for a departure at 7:30 AM. Coordinator-Tony Fountain

Tuesday, September 6th, Glacier Point / Happy Isle, Yosemite NP-  Kay Blackwell (RSVP)

Wednesday, September 7th, Mormon Girls Camp- Traditional moderate loop up Cougar Ridge Road trail through the heart of the Deer Creek Area. Distance- 5 miles with an elevation gain of 800 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, September 8th, Calico Hills Scramble- Distance of up to 4 miles and elevation  gain of up to 1,000 feet. Not for beginners or those afraid of heights or tight spaces. There may be many places that require intermediate scrambling skills and there may be some exposure.  You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms. Meet the coordinator at the Red Springs picnic area in the Calico Basin no later than 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Friday, September 9th, Little Bald Knoll- This hike will be an out and back starting at the Pixie TH on Deer Creek Road. It is 6 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain that is mostly on the return portion. Moderate. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, September 10th, Stepladder/Showgirl Loop- 7 mile, moderate hike with 1,300 feet of elevation. Pace will be moderate. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, September 10th, Mary Jane Falls-  This leisurely paced hike will visit one of the major drainage sites along the north ridge between Mount Charleston and Mummy Mountain.  The out-and-back trek gains 920 feet with most of it in a section of twelve switchbacks.  Total distance is 3 miles.  Departure for this group from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Michel Lemay

Sunday, September 11th, Big Falls Overlook- 9 miles with 2,800 feet elevation gain, Moderately strenuous hike at a moderate pace. Meet at Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator- Maria Vega

Sunday, September 11th, Kraft Mountain Loop-  Traditional trek in the colorful Calico Basin area.  Moderate. Mileage 6 miles with elevation gain of 700 feet. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM or meet at the Red Springs picnic area  by 8:10 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Monday, September 12th, Big Falls- At only 4 miles out and back, this moderate hike has 900 feet of elevation gain. There is a moderate amount of scrambling as it climbs up through a rocky (and sometimes slippery) wash. The destination is a large alcove where there is a seasonal waterfall. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, September 13th,South Sister (10,175’) - Standard approach from Lower Bristlecone. Short, steep, moderately strenuous. Class 3 section near the apex. Five miles with 2000’ vertical. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, September 14th, Deer Creek / Meadows Loop- This moderately paced hike has a good climb on the North Loop Trail after winding around on the other side of Deer Creek Road between the picnic area parking lot and the North Loop TH. The hike returns via Wild Horse Ridge. It is 5 miles with 1300 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Thursday, September, 15th, Calico Hills Scramble- Distance of up to 4 miles and elevation  gain of up to 1,000 feet. Not for beginners or those afraid of heights or tight spaces. There may be many places that require intermediate scrambling skills and there may be some exposure.  You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms. Meet the coordinator at the Red Springs picnic area in the Calico Basin no later than 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Friday, September 16th, Canyon #4A Loop- This moderately strenuous, 5 mile hike begins about a half mile from the mouth of the canyon which has considerable scrambling and an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet.. Once we exit this deep canyon we will continue down the ridgeline separating Canyon #4 and Canyon #3 back to the cars. Depart Red Rock Casino by 6:05 AM or meet the coordinator at the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road to Blue Diamond for an 6:30 AM start to the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy

Friday, September 16th, South Sister Overlook Saddle O&B- Traditional trek to the large ridge just below the peak.  Moderately strenuous. Comfort pace. Distance. Six miles with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Trailhead Lower Bristlecone. Depart the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, September 17th, Mummy Junction-7 mile, 2,500 feet of elevation, moderately strenuous hike done at a moderate pace. Let's enjoy the fall colors. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, September 17th, Upper Bristlecone Trail O&B- Leisurely trek of 4-5 miles. Elevation gain will be about 700 feet. Hike will be at a leisurely pace. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8.00 AM. Coordinator- Michel Lemay

Saturday, September 17th, Bishop Lake, Bishop, CA- Kay Blackwell (RSVP)

Sunday, September 18th, Blue Diamond Ridges- This moderate 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. Rating should be moderate or a bit more. Elevation gain of up to 1.600 feet. Participants will gather at Red Rock Casino and leave for the stables at 6:15 AM. The coordinator will meet them at the stables for a 6:30 AM start to the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy.

Sunday, September 18th,  Deer Creek, Raintree, North Loop- This will be a moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles and 1,600 feet of elevation. Meet at that Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, September 19th, Sawmill Wiggles Loop- This is a moderate hike of 5 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. It begins at the Blue Tree Campground on Lee Canyon Road and heads up to the Sawmill TH where we will take our break. The loop then returns to the cars via the Blue (Wiggles) Trail. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, September 20th, Oak Creek Traverse to Pine Creek Meadow O&B-  Fall trek of one of our traditional spots in Red Rock Canyon.  Moderately strenuous. Distance- 5 miles with elevation gain of 600 feet. Trailhead Oak Creek pull-off. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday, September 20th, Cathedral Rock-   A moderate 3 mile out-and-back hike to the top of a large rock outcropping at the top of Kyle Canyon road. Elevation gain will be about 950 feet.  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, September 21st, Rocky Gorge Short Loop- This shortened version of the entire Rocky Gorge Loop is only 6 miles with 1100 feet of elevation gain. We will take a moderate pace as the trail climbs up through an interesting small rock walled canyon. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Thursday, September 22nd, Kraft Mountain Loop- One of our club's favorite hikes is this 4-mile loop starting from the gravel parking area at the end on Sandstone Drive at Calico Basin that climbs Five Stop Hill and descends into the lower portion of Gateway Canyon.  Scenery abounds with multiple colors and designs in the sandstone on both sides of the canyon.  While this hike is generally rated moderate, there are a few areas of boulder scrambling that will pose some challenge.  Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 7:30 AM departure or be at Red Spring ready for the hike by 7:40 AM.  Coordinator-  Jackie Cupp

Friday, September 23rd, Calico Scramble including Tony’s Wall- This moderately strenuous hike will involve quite a bit of scrambling but at a moderate pace. We will proceed up the main Calico Tank Trail, turning right below Rooster Rock, and 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 foot high sandstone rock formation, “Tony’s Wall”, with a variety of hand and foot holds. Total distance is about 4 miles. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 7:00 AM departure .Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Friday, September 23rd, Flower Lake and/or Kearsarge Pass, Lone Pine, CA- Kay Blackwell (RSVP)

Saturday, September 24th, Cockscomb Ridge- This is a moderate hike of 5.5 miles and 1,800  feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, September 24th, The Muffins O&B-  A moderate, leisurely paced 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. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM or meet at the Cowboy Stables by 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Michel Lemay   

Saturday, September 24th, Lone Pine Lake, Lone Pine, CA- Kay Blackwell (RSVP)

Sunday, September 25th, Upper Bristlecone/No Name/Bonanza Trail- 8 miles. Moderate pace. Meet at Santa Fe Station:00 at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Maria Vega

Sunday, September 25th, White Rock Loop- This moderate hike will be done counter clockwise to avoid a lot of sun later. Approximately 6 miles with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Depart Red Rock Casino by 5:45 AM (gate opens at 6:00 AM) or meet the coordinator at the Willow Springs picnic area in Red Rock Canyon at 6:20 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Sunday, September 26th, 4 mile Cliff Overlook O&B- Traditional trek along the North Loop Trail to enjoy the fall colors. Moderately strenuous, comfortable pace. Distance- 8 miles with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet.  Depart the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator. David Gray

Monday, September 26th, Fletcher Canyon- 4 miles, Leisurely paced hike into the narrows of a beautiful limestone canyon.  Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Judy Warner

Tuesday, September 27th, Calico Traverse S/N- Departing from the Red Springs picnic area the route stays low on the eastern face of the Calico Hills. Upon reaching the southern point, we will ascend to Red Spring Peak, then traverse the ridge before descending from a point above the saddle of Angel Pass. After the challenging traverse, the down-climb through the pass to the basin floor and the return to the trailhead seems almost relaxing. The route is almost all scrambling (Class 3) with some exposure. This is a strenuous hike with the terrain often dictating the pace. Expect elevation gain in excess of 1,200 feet over a distance of 4 miles. Meet at the Red Springs picnic parking for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Steve Allen

Tuesday, September 27th, Upper Bristlecone-  If you missed one of the previous hikes on the Upper Bristlecone trail this month, join me for this leisurely out-and-back hike through the woods.  With any luck, the aspens will be showing off their fall color.  The hike will cover about 4.0 miles with an elevation gain of 700 feet.  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, September 28th, Pahrump Overlook Peak Exploratory- Traditional trek to a great overlook in Wallace Canyon/Old Bristlecone Forest. Upper Bristlecone onto No Name to the Saddle, then up to the peak where we’ll explore the ridge line. Moderately strenuous, 5 plus miles with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.   Coordinator- David Gray   

Thursday, September 29th, Red Cap South- From the boardwalk in Red Spring, ascend Ash Canyon and the Class 3 North Chute. Loop back around to Ash Canyon and bring it on home. Five miles with 1400’ vertical. Moderately strenuous. Depart Red Spring in Calico Basin at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Friday, September 30th, Ice Box Canyon- There will be lots of scrambling on this moderate, 4 mile hike. It may be cold in this canyon so be prepared. Depart Red Rock Casino at 6:25 AM or meet the coordinator by 7:00 AM at the Ice Box Canyon trailhead.  Coordinator- David Hardy