The information below is important to determine
where our group meets prior to each hike. Please read this section before skipping to the
actual hike descriptions.
The December schedule includes hikes in the Red
Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley), Valley of Fire, and the Lake
Mead area. Below is information regarding our meeting locations for each of
these destinations. There are different assembly
points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or
south sides of the lake. Meeting locations
for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the appropriate hike
description.
Red Rock Canyon Area. Our assembly point for hikes in Red Rock Canyon and
the immediate vicinity is at the Red Rock Casino on Charleston Boulevard just
east of 215. To access the
meeting location turn into the casino property at the signalized intersection
directly across from Canyon Pointe, turn right directly in front of the casino,
and immediately turn right into the outdoor lot. If traveling
east on Charleston from 215 you can turn right at the first entrance and then
make an immediate left into the lot. The group will
be parking at the north end of the lot near Charleston
Boulevard.
For
hikes located in Cottonwood
Valley and west there will be a secondary meeting location available for
individuals coming from the south side of Las Vegas. That will be at the gas station
located at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 (Blue Diamond Road). This will be a
quick stop that will occur about twenty or twenty-five minutes after the
regular departure from Red Rock Casino.
Mount Charleston Area. For hikes north of Las Vegas in either
the Mount Charleston area or in the Sheep Mountains the assembly point will be
at the Santa Fe Station Casino. This property has two parking garages, one on the north end of the
casino close to Highway 95 and the Rancho exit and one on the southeast side
closer to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road. We always use the third level of the
southeast parking garage as our meeting location. This garage can
be accessed from Lone Mountain Road traveling in either direction at the
entrance near the theater addition. It can also be accessed from Rancho. If traveling northbound on Rancho turn in at
the casino entrance signalized intersection and turn left to access the
garage. If traveling southbound on Rancho pass the signal and
turn at the entrance that directly accesses the garage. This second
option is used if you are getting to Santa Fe using northbound Highway 95 and
taking the Rancho exit. Drive up to the third level and turn
left - we will be meeting right there
Lake Mead South. For all hikes on the south side of the lake the
general meeting spot will be near the large outdoor sign in front of the
Henderson Fiesta Casino. Henderson Fiesta is located on Lake Mead Parkway just
east of the junction of I-215 and I-515. Lake Mead
Parkway is the eastbound extension of I-215. There will also be an earlier
assembly point for west side participants at the Red Rock Casino, with
directions above, and there could be local stopping points after the group
leaves Henderson Fiesta. Those stopping points will be detailed in the
appropriate hike descriptions.
Lake Mead North. For hikes on the north side of the lake the early west
side collection point will be on the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino rather
than at Red Rock Casino. Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin (a J. W.
Marriot property) is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin
Parkway.
The garage is located on the northeast side of the casino and is four
stories in height. The best route from Rampart to the general meeting
location is Summerlin Parkway to Highway 95 to I-15 north to eastbound Lake
Mead Boulevard.
The
general assembly point will be
in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on the southeast corner of
the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood. There will
also be a secondary pickup point at the pullout area close to Mile Marker 4 on the
eastbound side of Northshore
Road for south side
participants not using the CVS Pharmacy location.
Valley of Fire. For hikes in the state park northeast of Las Vegas the
general assembly point will be in the parking lot of Lucky Cub Casino. The Lucky Club
Casino is located on the northeast corner of the junction of I-15 and Cheyenne
Road along Cheyenne. If traveling northbound on I-15 and using the Cheyenne
exit, it is necessary to cross several lanes of traffic quickly and access the
left turn lane to get in to the property off the first side
street.
West
side participants can meet early and carpool from the top level of the parking
garage at Rampart Casino. Information on that location is specified in the above
paragraph. (Exception:
Carefully read the instructions on Kay’s two VoF hikes at the end of December.
They are different!)
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 may be necessary to accomplish the task. This can 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, December
1st, Pre-Hike in Calico Basin- This will be a
combination of pre-hikes for two 4 mile leisurely hikes that I will do in
December. The trailhead is located off Calico Basin Road at the wash area. The
first half does a 4 mile loop up and around Peak 3844 and the second half does
a 4 mile loop from there to Calico I and back. I will be hiking at a moderately
strenuous pace. Approximately 7 to 8 miles with around 1,000 feet of gain.
Meet at Red Rock for an 8:00 AM departure or meet us at the wash TH in Calico Basin around 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Kay
Blackwell
Friday, December 2nd, Spring
Mountain Ranch Overlook- We drive up
160 just beyond Mountain Springs Summit and fire station where we take a road
to the right. If we have 4x4 we can go
about a half mile more. Following a
trail about 4 miles takes us to the overlook.
We return the same way.
Moderately strenuous, 8 miles, 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Depart Red Rock Casino by 6:45
AM or meet the
coordinator at the gas station on 160 and 159 at 7:15
AM.
Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, December 3rd, Hidden Valley Trail /Sloan Canyon- This is a trail hike in the Sloan Canyon Conservation Area south of
town. The hike is a moderately strenuous out-and-back of 7 miles total with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The first 3/4 mile is up a wash, the hike then proceeds along a new
trail created by BLM (BLM 300 trail). The last 1/2
mile is also along a wash. We will hike north
along the Hidden Valley Trail until we reach the petroglyph area. We will take our break there and then return along the same trail. There are approximately 300 rock art panels with over 1,700 individual
design elements in the petroglyph area. We will need
high clearance vehicles to reach the trailhead. 4WD is not needed. Hikers on the west
side of town should meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Other hikers should meet at the southeast entrance of the M Resort at 8:30
AM. To get there take the Saint Rose Parkway exit
from I-15 South. Turn right onto Las Vegas Blvd. Take the next left onto Volunteer Blvd. Take the next left into M Resort. Take the
second right into the surface parking lot near the southeast entrance. Park anywhere near the southeast entrance. We will use the restrooms here before proceeding. There are no toilets at the trailhead. After the hike we will visit the nearby art exhibit, Seven Magic
Mountains. Coordinator: Jerry Thomas
Sunday, December 4th, Cave Canyon / Skull Canyon- Moderately strenuous loop in the North Blue Diamond
Hills. Up Cave Canyon, 3 Amigos to Cairn Overlook, Rim Trail and down Skull
Canyon. It'll be about 7 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Meet and
organize at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure or meet the coordinator at the Cowboy
Trails parking at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, December 5th, South Bowl of Fire O&B- Traditional, moderate Lake Mead NRA
trek with a leisurely pace at times to take in the Jurassic-Age
sandstone that is surrounded by limestone mountains. We’ll also view the ancient green mudstone,
the coloring due to reduced iron deposits.
Scrambling will be limited unless you decide to go up onto the
outcroppings. Distance 5 miles with an
elevation gain of 200 feet or so given the route. Trailhead- Mile Marker 18.2 off of Northshore
Dr. This is a Lake Mead North hike. Leave
Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM or meet the coordinator by 8:00 AM behind the CVS
parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood. We’ll check the secondary pick-up area, the
pull-off at MM 4, on the way over. Coordinator-
David Gray
Tuesday, December 6th, White Rock Springs Plus
(6020’)- From Willow
Springs, a CCW circumferential around White Rock Peak, with an ascent to the WR
Springs Peak. Looking at seven miles with ~1700’ vertical gain. Moderately strenuous with some mild Class 3. Depart the
Red Rock Casino, 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, December
7th, Red & Black Mountains. Rated moderately strenuous, this hike on the south end of the River Mountains by Boulder City will visit both
peaks and cover a distance of 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. Pace will be moderate. Early west side departure from Red Rock Casino
will be at 7:45 AM with the main assembly point at Henderson
Fiesta under the outdoor sign and an 8:15 AM departure. Meet the coordinator
at the River Mountain Trailhead just above St. Jude by 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Linda O’Leary
Thursday, December
8th, Red Cap South (4964’)- From Red Spring in
Calico Basin, a five-miler with 1500’ vertical gain. An
out-and-back affair via Ash Canyon. Moderately strenuous, but with some Class
3. Depart the Red Spring Boardwalk at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Friday, December
9th, Dale’s Trail- Starting from the Icebox Canyon
trailhead this out-and-back trek along the middle section of the trail system
below the escarpment covers a distance of just over 5 miles. Along the way
there is a lot of rolling terrain. Pace will be moderate. Meet at Red Rock
Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Barbara Ulmer
Saturday, December 10th, Red Springs Loop- 4 miles, 1,300 feet of elevation. This is a
moderate-moderately strenuous hike. We will do the
traditional CCW hike beginning up and over Guardian Angel Pass that includes
trail and scrambling with some Class 2 exposure. Meet at the Red Rock at 8:00 AM or Red Springs at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 10th, Peak 3844- This is a leisurely hike that will climb to the top of a small
peak in Calico Basin. Four miles will take us there then circle around the back
side before returning to our cars. Only 700 feet of elevation gain. Meet at Red
Rock Casino at 8:30 AM or at the Calico Basin Road Wash TH around 8:45 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, December 10th - Sunday, December 11th, Camping in Death Valley- We will
leave Las Vegas at 6:30 AM Saturday and arrive around 8:30 AM at Furnace Creek where we will find campsites in the Texas Springs
Campground or Furnace Creek Campground.
After we are set up we will pack a lunch and begin our hiking. Hikes will include Zabriske Point through
Golden Canyon, some narrow and colorful canyons off the 20 Mule Team Road and
others. Hikes will be at a moderate
pace, possibly with breaks and stops for pictures. Will include a moonlight hike Saturday
night. We will return on Sunday afternoon
before dark. Please, no alcoholic
beverages. Campfires are allowed. To sign up or have questions, send me an
e-mail at hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. In
the event of bad weather I will have to cancel and replace with a local day
hike for both Saturday and Sunday. Coordinator- David Hardy
Sunday, December 11th, Liberty Bell Arch- 5 miles, 1,400
feet of elevation. This is a moderate hike. West side group meet at the Red
Rock at 7:30 AM where we will go to meet the East Side group at the
Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Monday,
December 12th, Calico Tanks- This “tinaja” is described as the most
beautiful short moderate trail in Red Rock Canyon NCA. Distance 2.4 miles round trip as it runs up a
canyon and over colorful sandstone slick rock to near the top of the Calico
Hills ridge. Great views of the Calico
Basin and the Las Vegas Valley. Elevation gain of 400 feet. Trailhead-
Sandstone Quarry parking lot/Scenic Drive.
Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, December
13th, Fern Canyon Overlook (~6200’)- An alfresco lunch with a jaw-dropping panorama. Munch on a sandwich and
dangle your feet 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. We'll ascend the Class 3
wash and return via the steep trail. Strenuous. Mileage and elevation gain
depend on our starting point. Come prepared for either: From Rocky Gap
Trailhead: 5 miles, 2,500’. From Willow Springs: 10 miles,
3,400’. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, December 14th, Yellow Spire/Colorful Canyons- 5.5 miles,
900 feet, moderately
strenuous. This visits one of the prettiest areas of the
park with colorful hoodoos and canyons. Search for Yellow Spire on Kay’s blog for photos
of our last visit in February 2015. Unlike many of our
hikes, this one is downhill first…which means uphill
all the way back. 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. Trailhead will be Silica Dome parking area. Coordinator- Brian Dodd
Thursday,December 15th, Baby Wilson- The destination of this trek is
a rock outcrop on the south side of Wilson Peak. Strenuous with a distance of 4 miles with 1300' of elevation gain and
lots of Class 2 scrambling with a couple Class 3 spots. Leaving Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Steve Anderson
Friday, December 16th,
Boneshaker Loop- A morning hike
will go up the Boneshaker trail (SLOW going up!). As the trail levels out the pace will be
moderate (no fast pace!). We will
connect with the Three Amigos trail that will take us across to the Bob Gnarly (Skull
Cyn) trail down the canyon or the Bombs Voyage trail that will run by the
Muffins. 0ver all rating is moderate
with about 1,200 feet
elevation gain and 5-6 miles. Depart Red
Rock Casino by 8:00 AM or meet the coordinator at the horse corrals at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, December 17th, Lower
Lost Creek Waterfall- Most of this
out-and-back hike of 4 miles follows relatively easy trails, with about 200
feet total elevation gain. This is rated easy and we will take an easy to moderate pace starting from the Ice Box Canyon trailhead parking
lot. The group will meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM
departure. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Sunday, December 18th, Angel
Pass Peak/Gateway Canyon- This will be a
moderately strenuous scrambling hike beginning at the dirt parking at the end
of Sandstone Drive in Calico Basin. The route will go up to Angel Pass and
continue up to the peak above. From there we cross over and climb up to the
main Calico Tank. Next, it's the tank level below Red Cap by way of Mass
Production Wall. (We will not do Red Cap.) Then, down the backside, around to
Gateway Canyon and down through the colorful walls. Meet at Red Rock Casino and
organize yourselves to leave at 8:00 AM
or meet the coordinator at the dirt parking TH at 8:15
AM. Coordinator-
Kay Blackwell
Monday, December 19th, Signature Rock O&B- Moderate
Lake Mead NRA 9-mile trek to the famous landmark in the Pinto Valley Wilderness
Area via the Cottonwood Wash/Pinto Valley Wash by way of the old Arrowhead
Highway. Colorful sediment make-up of
the mud hills coupled with volcanic, sandstone, and carbonate mountains. Elevation gain of 500 feet over the distance,
we’ll by-pass the Cottonwood Springs Falls.
Trailhead- Mile Marker 18.2 off of Northshore Rd. This is a Lake Mead North hike. Leave Rampart
Casino at by 7:15 AM.
Meet with the coordinator by 8:00 AM behind
the CVS parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood. We’ll check the secondary pick-up area, the
pull-off at MM 4, on the way over.
Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, December
20th, Kraft Mt. (4714’) E-W traverse- From Red Spring in Calico Basin, ascend the demanding east face of
Kraft, traverse the ridge line and descend the west flank. In the five-mile
range with 1,500’ vertical gain. Strenuous. Depart
the Red Spring Boardwalk at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, December
20th, Calico Hills - This moderate hike will
be an out and back to Sandstone Quarry starting from the Red Rock Canyon NCA
fee booth parking lot. It is 6 miles with 725 feet of elevation gain. Meet at
Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure or meet the
coordinator at the fee booth parking lot at 8:15am. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Wednesday,
December 21st, Girl Scout Canyon- A very scenic out-and-back descent to the
Colorado River and a pretty little rocky cove, starting around MM3 on Hwy 93
south of the Dam. About 5 miles roundtrip, 900' of elevation change,
Class 2 with some limited Class 3, mild exposure, moderate pace, moderately
strenuous. We pass just to the north of Liberty Bell Arch for a nice
view. Meet 8:00 AM at the
Fiesta Henderson Hotel under the large sign. Coordinator- Ed Forkos
Wednesday, 21st,
Hippie Canyon/White Owl Canyon- 6-7 miles, moderate-moderately strenuous hike with 700 feet of elevation. It
is easier to climb up into Hippie Canyon to see if any owls are nesting there
than climbing down it. After this, we hike over to the Las Vegas Wash. I would
like to see if we can hike to the shoreline then reconnect to the trail to White Owl Canyon. West side group will depart Red Rock at 7:15 AM and then meet the others at the Fiesta on East Lake Mead Parkway at 7:45 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, December
22nd, Hamblin Mountain (3310’) - It’s Christmastime on the lake. Experience one of the
more dynamic views of Lake Mead from this unique aerie. It’s a seven-miler with 1500’ vertical gain. From
MM #18 on the Northshore Road, we’ll do a lollipop
loop, ascending the standard route and bringing it back home on the historic
Arrowhead Highway. Moderately strenuous.
Depart the CVS Pharmacy, Lake Mead & Hollywood at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Friday, December 23rd, Upper Lost Creek
Waterfall- Most of this out-and-back hike of 4 to 5 miles
follows relatively easy trails, but the climb through the cliffs to the
waterfall elevates the overall rating from moderate to moderately strenuous. There will be some
Class 2 and easy Class 3 exposure. We will take a
moderate pace starting from the Ice Box Canyon
Trailhead parking lot. The group will meet at Red Rock Casino for a 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Saturday, 24th,
Black Mountain Overlook, Boulder City- Moderate 5-6 miles with 1,200+ feet of elevation. West side group departs Red
Rock at 7:15 AM and meets East
side group at the Fiesta on East Lake Mead Parkway at 7:45 AM. From there, we drive to the River Mountain Trailhead on Hwy 93 in
Boulder (just before St. Jude Ranch).If you are coming from the west side Red
Rock Casino would be the meeting place at 7:45 AM. Coordinator-
Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 24th, Calico I - Another new leisurely hike! The trailhead will be at the wash
on Calico Basin Road where we take a small trail along a ridge over to Calico I
on the scenic loop. Then, we will drop into the wash passing a few petroglyphs
for our return. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure or at
the Calico Basin Road Wash TH around 8:45 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, December 25th, Muffins/Las Vegas Overlook/Boneshaker- 7 miles, 1,400 feet of elevation. Pacing will be moderate and above.
Meet at the Red Rock at 8:00 AM or the Cowboy Stables at 8:15 AM.
Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, December 25th, The Craigs- We start from Blue Diamond following the Landmine Trail which we will
leave to climb slowly up to the top of the ridge into an area of craigs. Then we follow the ridge at a moderate pace
back to Blue Diamond, getting back in time to make it to holiday lunch. Total
miles about 5 and 1,000 feet elevation gain. Depart Red Rock Casino 7:45 AM. Meet the coordinator at the gravel parking lot on the right side
of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond just past the bridge at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- David
Hardy.
Monday, December
26th, Fracture Ridge Peak O&B- Moderately strenuously trek in Henderson’s Anthem area of Sloan Canyon that climbs onto the crest of the North
McCullough Range (volcanic) and provides grand views of the Las Vegas Valley
and out over vast wild lands of southern Nevada and western Arizona.
Distance- 8 miles with an
elevation gain of1,200 feet. TH Shadow Canyon Access PT. Anyone meeting at
Red Rock Casino should leave there by 7:00 AM. The main assembly
point will be at the Walgreen’s located at the
intersection of Sunridge Heights Parkway and Eastern Ave, which is a couple of
miles on the right going southbound from the 215, Eastern Exit. Depart here by 8:00 AM.
Coordinator-
David Gray
Tuesday, December 27th, Top of
the World Arch (Long Loop)- This is a moderately
strenuous scrambling loop in the Valley of Fire State Park. It is 7 miles
with 1,400 feet elevation gain. Someone once said that this loop covers
"the best of VoF!” For south side participants, please meet at the
Henderson Fiesta to organize yourselves for a 7:30 AM departure. For
west side participants, please meet at the Rampart to organize yourselves for a
7:30 AM departure. For north and northwest sides participants, please
meet the coordinator at the Aliante Casino in the northwest lot next to the
stoplight on Aliante Pkwy for an 8:00 AM departure.
If south side participants wish to go up Northshore Road due to the
construction at I-15, everyone will meet
at the Visitor Center in Valley of Fire at 9:30
AM. Email me if there are any questions. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Wednesday,
December 28th, Railroad Pass Mountain Loop - 5-6 miles. west side departs Red Rock at 7:15 AM and drives to
the Fiesta Henderson to meet east side. We depart at 7:45 AM
to meet at 8:00 AM at the Railroad Pass Casino. We ascend the trail
around the golf course. At the saddle we will make our way north and west to
loop around back to the cars. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, December 29th,
Arizona Hot Springs- It’s all
downhill—at least for the first half of the trek. Dip your tootsies in the
Colorado River and wade through the thermal hot springs on this end-of-the-year
jaunt. It’s a six-miler
with 1100 vertical feet, all accrued in the second half of the hike as we
ascend from the river back to the trailhead. Mostly Class 1 terrain in soft
sand and gravel, with a moderately strenuous rating. As my internal GPS is less than reliable in this area,
I will have at least one of the Blackwell’s in tow for directional intervention. Depart the
Fiesta Casino at 8:00 AM or meet us at 8:30 AM at MM#4 on US 93 south
of the dam. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Friday, December 30th, Black Mountain Loop
Henderson- This is a 7 mile,
moderately strenuous hike with 2,000 feet of elevation. West side hikers leave
the Red Rock at 7:15 AM to meet east side
hikers at the Walgreens on the corner of Hampton and Anthem Ridge for a 8:00
AM departure. From there we drive to the trailhead on Shadow Canyon Drive.
We will hike up the traditional trail to the peak. After our break, we descend
down the ridge. The ridge down is a combination of trail and bouldering on rocks. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 31st, Railroad Tunnels to Hoover Dam- This is a
7 mile moderate hike with about 600 feet of elevation. West side hikers leave the Red Rock at 7:15 AM to meet east side hikers at the Railroad Pass Casino at 8:00 AM. From there we drive to the trailhead near Alan
Bible Center. We will hike the tunnels to the Hoover Dam. We take a break at
the dam then hike back to the cars. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 31st, White Domes & Fire
Wave (Valley of Fire) - It's that time of year again!
This leisurely foray into the colors of Valley of Fire State Park will
start at the White Domes TH. The route drops into the canyon and makes its way
over to the Fire Wave. At the end, we will complete a "double ended
loop" for 3.5 miles and 800 feet of elevation gain . For south side participants, please meet at the
Henderson Fiesta to organize yourselves for a 7:30 AM departure. For
west side participants, please meet at the Rampart to organize yourselves for a
7:30 AM departure. For north and northwest sides participants, please
meet the coordinator at the Aliante Casino in the northwest lot next to the
stoplight on Aliante Pkwy for an 8:00 AM departure.
If south side participants wish to go up Northshore Road due to the
construction at I-15, everyone will meet
at the Visitor Center in Valley of Fire at 9:30
AM. Email me if there are any questions. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
