November 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 November schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley), Valley of Fire, Lake Mead area and the Mountain Charleston 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.  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.

Tuesday, November 1st, Calico Triple- The gathering: it’s Social Tuesday with an optional coffee klatch at the West Charleston Dunkin Donuts, 7:00AM.  The hike: from the Red Spring parking lot, ascend Ash Canyon and the North Chute to Red Cap South, the highest point in the Calico Hills at 4964’. The eastbound segment back to the boardwalk features courtesy stops at Calico and Angel Peaks. Six miles with 2,000’ vertical. Class 3, strenuous. Depart from the boardwalk in Red Spring at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, November 2nd, South Fork/Pine Creek O&B-  Traditional fall excursion into one of Red Rock’s best canyons.  Moderately strenuous/scrambling required. Distance 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

   

Thursday, November 3rd, Gunsight Notch (6160’)- One of the classics ‘way back in the canyon, Pine Creek Canyon. Same route as Terrace Canyon for 80% of the hike, then it gets interesting. Vertiginous, Class 3, sandstone terrain on the approach; Class 4 if we get lost. Lots of scrambling on this puppy. It’s a very strenuous seven-miler with 2,500 feet of vertical. Panoramic view from the elusive summit. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Thursday, November 3rd, Juniper Canyon- At 5 miles and 1,400 feet of elevation gain, this canyon is considered moderately strenuous due to big boulder scrambles. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure where we will head to the Pine Creek Trailhead on the scenic loop. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, November 4th, Calico Hills Loop-  This is a moderately strenuous hike beginning at the Red Spring parking, hiking over 5-stop hill, up Gateway about 10 minutes then up to Sandstone Quarry.  From there we follow the trail/route past Calico #2 and #1 back to Red Spring.  There will be some scrambling.  Elevation gain around 800 feet and 8 miles. Depart Red Rock Casino by 7:15 AM or meet the coordinator at Red Spring by 7:30 AM.  Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, November 5th, Guardian Angel/5 Stop Hill Loop-  6-7 miles, moderately strenuous hike. We will ascend up to Guardian Angel then hike over to Sandstone Quarry. Take our break beneath Red Cap then make our over and down Rattlesnake Canyon. Then we connect to 5 Stop Hill trail and back to the cars. Pacing will be moderate. Meet at the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM or at the dirt parking lot at 8:15 AM at the end of the paved road in Calico Basin. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez 

Saturday, November 5th, Potato Knoll- The partial loop hike start from the gravel parking lot at the exit of the scenic drive on Highway 159. Climbing to the top of the 500 foot hill from the back involves some scrambling. Overall the 5 mile hike is rated moderate, but will be done at a leisurely pace. Depart  Red Rock Casino by 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Michel Lemay.

Saturday, November 5th, Corn Creek Desert Wildlife Visitors Center-  Easy, leisurely trek to enjoy the numerous exhibits and surrounding trails. Distance 2 miles with an elevation gain of 150 feet  Depart Santa Fe Station by 8:30 AM.  Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, November 6th, Brownstone Canyon O&B- A strenuous out-and-back hike starting from the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead. The route heads around the north end of Red Cap and descends into Gateway Canyon, where the scrambling begins involving a number of dry waterfalls in the predominant limestone.  This is followed by some serious scrambling on sandstone down into Brownstone Canyon. We will seek a narrow crevice that descends to the pictograph wall in Brownstone.  Remember to set clocks BACK one hour Saturday night so you won't arrive an hour too early.  Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Sunday, November 6th, Boneshaker Loop- This morning hike will go up the Boneshaker trail (slow!).  As the trail levels out the pace will be moderate.  We will connect with the Three Amigos trail that will take us across to the Bob Gnarly trail down the canyon or the Bombs Voyage trail that will run by the Muffins.  Overall rating is moderate with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain over 5-6 miles. Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should depart by 7:15 AM. The hike will begin at the horse corrals at 7:30 AM where you will meet the coordinator.  Remember to set clocks BACK one hour Saturday night so you won't arrive an hour too early. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, November 7th, White Rock Loop-  Traditional trek in the heart of Red Rock.  Moderately strenuous.  Distance 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday, November 8th, Frenchman Mountain (double peak)- We will start the hike near the LDS Temple and head up the trail to Frenchman taking the older established trail that we used to take before we switched to the canyon with the white arrows.  At the top, we will go along the ridge to the peak and take a break there.  We will continue along the ridge and the road to the second Frenchman peak to the north.  This is the peak that is north of the saddle with no towers on it.  We will descend via the road that heads to Lake Mead Blvd.  This route will require that we leave a car or two on Lake Mead Blvd.  This hike will be about four miles with 2,000 feet of altitude gain.  There will be stops on the route to locate three geocaches waiting up there.  We will meet at the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator- Paul Eckhart.

Wednesday, November 9th, Escarpment Route O&B-  Starting from Red Rock’s Oak Creek Trailhead over to the entrance of Ice Box Canyon via two trails-  Arnight and Dale’s.  Moderately strenuous.  Distance under 8 miles.  Hiking into Ice Box an option, adding 2 miles.  Total elevation gain 1,100 feet. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, November 10th, Fern Canyon- This canyon is 5 miles out and back from the Pine Creek Trailhead on the scenic loop. There is around 800 feet of elevation gain in a scrambling canyon that could be considered moderate to moderately strenuous. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, November 11th, Keystone Thrust Loop- This moderate loop hike covers 3.3 miles with about 700 feet of elevation gain. The hike starts at the White Rock Trailhead, heads up to the Keystone Thrust Overlook, then heads down a rocky dry wash and connects with a small part of the Grand Circle Trail before heading back to the cars. The assembled group will depart at 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino. Coordinator- Barbara Ulmer

Saturday, November 12th, Pine Creek/Potato Knoll Loop- 6 miles. We will park in the dirt lot at the end of the loop road. From there, we hike over to Pine Creek and hike up the small creek boulders and trail in Pine Creek. We will then connect to the Arnight Trail where we will take our break. Then it's over to Potato Knoll and back to the cars. Pacing will be moderate. Meet at the Red Rock at 8:00 AM or the dirt lot at 8:15 AM at the end of the loop. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, November 12th, The Muffins- We will meet at Red Rock Casino, depart at 8.30 AM and drive to the horse stable.  We will hike up to the Muffin’s, take a break there and return the same way we went up.  I am estimating that the distance will be about 4 miles with about a 1,000 feet of elevation gain.  This will be a little more strenuous than a typical easy hike. but we will go at  a leisurely pace and stop more often.  Coordinator- Michel LeMay

Saturday, November 12th, Eagle’s Nest Trail Loop-  Easy trek with a great views up and down Kyle Canyon.  Trailhead Fletcher Canyon pull-off.  Distance 2.5 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe Station by 8:30 AM. Coordinator- David Gray 

Sunday, November 13th, Turtlehead Peak Loop- Moderately strenuous, 5-6 miles. From Sandstone parking lot, we go up the traditional steep trail to the peak. After our break, we return along the ridge over to the canyon we will scramble and hike down. Once in the wash, it's back to the cars. Meet at Red Rock at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, November 13th, Mesa Park to Highway 160- This moderately strenuous hike will utilize a series of trails, ridges, and canyons that will lead us 7 miles to Hwy. 160. Elevation gain of about 700 feet.   Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should depart by 7:10 AM. Meet the coordinator at the gas station on Hwy. 159 and 160 at 7:30 AM in order to leave cars a few miles back towards LV and then car pool from there to Mesa Park.  It is important to have enough cars at the end of the hike to get everyone back to Mesa Park at the end of the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, November 14th, First Creek Wash/Canyon O&B- Traditional trek to the White Rock break point.  Moderately strenuous with some scrambling.  Distance 4 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM.  Coordinator-  David Gray

Tuesday, November 15th, 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. 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.

Wednesday, November 16th, Valley of Fire, W-E Traverse- 8.5 miles, 1,800 feet gross gain, strenuous.  Each year we alternate a traverse and since we did N-S last year and E-W the previous year, it’s time for the W-E traverse.  The start point will be the south Prospect Trail parking area and the end point will be the Elephant Rock parking area.  Because it’s Valley of Fire think of this as a 10-12 mile hike due to the terrain, i.e. rocks, sandy washes and some scrambling. As usual, the meeting points are Rampart Casino garage – top level (leave 7:30 AM) and the Lucky Club parking lot (leave 7:50 AM).  If neither of these work for you, the last alternative is the smoke shop at ~8:15 AM – but please let me know if you are going to be there, otherwise we’ll drive right by.  We will NOT be meeting at the visitor’s center.  These traverses are point to point hikes, so I’ll need co-operation and careful planning…and extra vehicles for the shuttle. Coordinator- Brian Dodd

Thursday, November 17th, Grey Cap (5443’)- Clockwise loop. Five miles with 2000’ vertical. Strenuous. Ascend Five-stop Hill and the Class 2 Upper Gateway Canyon. Descend the Class 3 Grey Fox Canyon. Gather at the Red Spring boardwalk and shuttle over to the Kraft Mountain dirt lot, 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Friday, November 18th, Hoover Dam & Bridge Peak-  Approximately 1,750 feet of elevation over 5.5 miles and 4.5 hours. Moderate, with a bit of exposure from Overlook to Point down/up climb. Depart Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM, 8:10 AM Henderson Fiesta Casino under the big sign, and Goldstrike Canyon Trailhead 8:25 AM. Coordinator- Laszlo Heredy

Friday, November 18th, Late Night Parking to Blue Diamond-  A moderately strenuous hike of 8 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. We will take the Late Night Trail from the parking lot and eventually leave it to take a fainter trail up to the base of the canyons of the Red Rock Bluffs.  We will pass by petroglyphs and two springs, and the mouth of Velvet Canyon, then on toward Tertiary Ridge which we will follow a trail to the top and follow it back to where we drop into Blue Diamond.  A car shuttle is required so we need to meet the coordinator at the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road into Blue Diamond at 7:15 AM.  Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should depart by 6:55 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, November 19th, Las Vegas Overlook-  7 miles with 1,000+ feet of elevation. Pacing will accommodate We will go up Echo Canyon and then take the trails up to the Overlook. After our break, we will hike down Skull Canyon. Meet at the Red Rock at 7:45 AM or at the Cowboy Stables at 8:00 AM. Coordinator-Lettie Gutierrez 

Saturday, November 19th, La Madre Miner's Cabin- A moderately strenuous out-and- back hike with a leisurely pace to a stone shelter in a side canyon north of the White Rock Hills that was believed to be constructed by miners who dug shafts in the side of the La Madre ridge above the cabins. Hiking poles recommended as the route turns steep and even loose as it approaches the cabin. Total distance is five miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for a 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator- Michel LeMay

Sunday, November 20th, Hidden Valley-  A new, strenuous scramble that passes through a frequently visited sandy area in the heart of the Calico Hills.  It's flat and surrounded by rocks from all sides.  Many routes pass right through it. This route requires intermediate scrambling skills and the ability to lift and lower oneself using your arms. Up to Class 3+  (much of the exposure can be avoided) with numerous obstacles along the route. We will pass Laurie’s Wall (we won't be climbing it today) on our way to the saddle overlooking the Hidden Valley.   Approximately 4 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Should take about 4 hours depending on the groups size. Meet the coordinator at the Red Spring picnic area by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Sunday, November 20th, 99 Mine and Cabin- A strenuous hike of 6 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. We will take the road off 160 into Cottonwood Valley as far as reasonable as it has taken quite a beating.  Then we will hike on to the Cottonwood Summit and connect with a rough road going right and it is a steep climb.  After reaching the run down cabin above the 99 mine we will continue up until we reach the end of the road.  Those carpooling should depart Red Rock Casino by 7:40 AM. We will leave from the gas station on 159 and 160 at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator-  David Hardy

Monday, November 21st, Grapevine Spring/Twilight Trail O&B-  Middle Kyle Canyon gem starting at the horse trailer parking lot.  Moderately strenuous.  Distance 6 miles with an elevation gain of 800 feet. Depart the Santa Fe Station by 8:00 AM.  Coordinator-  David Gray  

Tuesday, November 22nd, Monument Peak (6252’) - An elusive peak in the escarpment that the club rarely visits, Monument sits just above Little Zion. From Rainbow Springs in Lovell Canyon, it’s a six-miler with 2400’ vertical. Some Class 3, strenuous. Depart from the Red Rock Casino, 7:00 AM. Courtesy stop at the #160 gas station. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, November 23rd, Rattlesnake Canyon-  Located close to Willow Springs on the north end of the main Red Rock Canyon area is an obscure side canyon that offers pure boulder scrambling for its entire length.  Rated as moderately strenuous with an out-and-back distance of 4 miles, this hike reaches a terraced area somewhat at the base of the ridge leading to sandstone North Peak on the escarpment. Departure will be from Red Rock Casino at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator- Steve Allen

Thursday, November 24th, Blue Diamond Ridges-  This moderate hike of  5-7 miles with up to 1,200 feet of elevation gain will begin at the horse stables and follow a network of trails that we will choose as we go as there will be no certain route planned.  Meet the Coordinator at 8:00 AM at the stables off of highway 159. Those carpooling from Red Rock Casino should depart by 7:45 AM.   Coordinator  David Hardy

Friday, November 25th, Fletcher Canyon via the Acastus Trail- Two great trails, one great trek.  Moderately strenuous.  Distance just over 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.  Break point  Obstacle Rock. Depart the Santa Fe Station by 8:00 AM. Coordinator-  David Gray

Saturday, November 26th, Historic Railroad Tunnel- Starting from the Allen Bible Visitor Center lower parking lot.  Those that would like to keep the hike distance somewhat short can settle for just the out-and-back section through the tunnels to the picnic cabana at the end of the fifth tunnel. Distance will be 4 miles with minimum elevation change with an easy to moderate rating, but done at a leisurely pace..  Those wanting a bit more can continue along the trail and walk over the bridge connecting NV and AZ with a snack break in the vicinity of the bridge.  Total distance will be 7 miles.  The full assembly group will depart from the Fiesta Henderson at 8:30 AM. We should be at the visitors center for the hike at 8:55 AM.  Coordinator- Michel LeMay.

Saturday, November 26th, Windy Peak- Moderately strenuous hike up to an escarpment peak via Heartbreak Hill. The 5 mile trail and scrambling hike has a small amount of exposure and 1,650 feet of elevation gain. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM or the Mountain Springs summit pass trailhead on Hwy 160 at 8:40 AM. (Those who want to meet at the gas station, please coordinate your own carpools and leave there at 8:20 AM.) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, November 26th, Little Falls / Echo Falls - Easy fall trek from the Echo Trailhead. Distance 4 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe Station by 8:30 AM. Coordinator - David Gray 

Sunday, November 27th, Kraft Mountain South Gully/Slot #1 - A short but challenging loop route (3 miles) featuring a descent through an obscure slot canyon on the north side of Kraft Mountain. Lot's of Class 2-3 plus scrambling. Ascent via a south gully. Meet at the gravel parking area at the terminus of Sandstone Drive in the Calico Basin for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Allen  

 

Sunday, November 27th, Cottonwood Pass Loop-  The moderate trek of 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet will start from the gravel parking area south of Highway 160 also used for Badger Pass.  It will follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi and loop past Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back to the vehicles on the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley.  We will meet the coordinator and leave from the gas station on Highways 159 and 160 at 8:00 AM, and drive to the gravel  lot for a 8:15 AM start of hike. Those carpooling should depart Red Rock Casino by 7:40 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy.

Monday, November 28th, Kraft Mountain Loop- A new twist to one of the club's popular hikes. A 4 miler starting from the Sandstone Drive gravel parking area at the base of Kraft Mountain. Instead of attaining the saddle via Five-Stop Hill we will make the assent through a parallel gully. Easy Class 2 with some Class 3 at times. The pace will be moderate. Meet the coordinator by 8:00 AM at the trailhead at the end of Sandstone Drive parking area in the Calico Basin. Coordinator- Steve Allen

Tuesday, November 29th, Calico Traverse S/N- Departing from the Red Spring 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 with areas of Class 3 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 Spring picnic parking for a 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator- Steve Allen

Wednesday, November 30th, Cactus Garden / Bird Sanctuary Loop- This 7 mile trail loop will visit an interesting overlook, the Blue Diamond Cactus Garden and the Bird Sanctuary. There will be around 1,200 feet of elevation gain starting and ending at the bridge pullout in Blue Diamond. The pace will accommodate the participants somewhere in the moderate to moderately strenuous range. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure or at the trailhead in the pullout just after the Blue Diamond bridge at around 8:20 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell