The November hike schedule includes hikes in
the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Lake Mead Recreation
Area. Meeting locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the
hike description. You can locate detailed information on these locations at the
AtBF blog and in a file at the Yahoo group website. Also, the exposure
information is now located on the blog. Blogsite: www.aroundthebendfriends.com
IMPORTANT NOTE - 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.
Times indicated for each hike are departure
times and are strictly observed.
Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your
abilities. Participants can find additional descriptions about hikes on the
blog by clicking on the Updated Hike Descriptions link and/or using the Search
Box found at the top right of the blog. Members should also contact the
coordinator if they have any concerns or questions about the hike. 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.
It is the responsibility of new members to
prove their hiking ability, therefore, hikers new to our club must begin with
one of the easy or easy to moderate 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 Lettie Gutierrez at chico04@msn.com or by telephone at
(702)498-3050. Specific questions regarding hikes should be directed to the
listed coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact information.
Difficulty Levels
Easy- Hikes of 3-4 miles or less with not more than
500 feet of gain, generally with only gradual elevation gains on even surface
trails.
Easy to Moderate- Hikes ranging up to 5 miles
and 500 to 700 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail
irregularities.
Moderate- Hikes that have a maximum distance of 7 miles
with 800 to 1000 feet of elevation gain.
Moderately Strenuous- Distances of up to 12 miles
and/or 2000 to 2400 feet of elevation gain involving less than 25 % of
off-trail hiking such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.
Strenuous- Longer distances with
elevation gain of 2500 to 3000 feet or shorter distances that encompass
significant off-trail sections not requiring additional safety equipment.
Wednesday, November 1st, Liberty Bell Arch and Overlook – Located
across the new bridge in Arizona, this moderate
to moderately strenuous 5-mile O&B hike offers plenty of scenery and a
view back into time. Starting from the new trailhead
parking lot, the route starts down White Rock Canyon, and then veers north to
pick up the trail to the arch. With significantly rolling terrain, it
passes an old manganese mine and the appropriately named arch, then reaches the
break point on a ledge high above the Colorado River. Total elevation gain will
be about 1,400 ft. We will depart
from Henderson Fiesta at
8:00 AM. Coordinator –
Tony Fountain
Thursday, November 2nd, Cave Canyon / Skull Canyon - This moderately strenuous hike in the North Blue
Diamond Hills is 7 miles with 1450 feet of elevation gain. Cave Canyon has 2
dry waterfalls that are 3rd class, meaning that use of hands is necessary.
There is more scrambling within Cave Canyon then we hit trail for the remainder
of the hike. Moderate pace. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am
departure or meet at the Cowboy Horse Trailhead at 8:15am. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Friday, November 3rd,
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 just over 5 miles. The trail runs at a fairly gentle grade most
of the way, but it has several short, steep sections. Pace will be moderate. Meet at Red Rock Casino for
an 8:00AM departure. Coordinator-
Barbara Ulmer
Saturday, November 4th,
Fossil Ridge Loop – Our easy hike today starts at the Cowboy
Trail parking lot. We will hike up Fossil Ridge about 1.5 miles using the Bunny
Trail and then take our break where the trail connects to the Fossil Ridge Trail
above Echo Canyon. We will depart the Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, November 4th, Brownstone Canyon / Dam Loop - This is a strenuous loop hike with little trail.
Most of the hike is scrambling and hiking in washes. In fact, there is a
particular trudge in loose gravel of around 3/4 of a mile to reach the dam that
cannot be avoided. The highlights of this hike include historic pictographs and
petroglyphs, and a dam used for early 20th century ranching. Moderate pace.
Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, November 5th, Back
Hills Lawn Mower Route - This is a moderate hike of 6 miles with 600 feet
of total elevation gain. The hike begins at the gravel parking area on the
right side of Hwy 160 2 miles beyond the gas station on 159 and 160. The route
will follow the Landmine Trail and then the Rubber Ducky trail to the Rubber
Ducky tree. A little beyond that we connect with the 0ld Spanish Trail
for a short distance and then connect with the Lawn Mower Trail. This will
loop back to the parking lot. This is to be a moderate paced hike. No
fast pace! We leave from the gas station on 159 & 160 at 7:30AM. Set clocks back one hour
Saturday night. Coordinator - David Hardy
Monday, November 6th,
White Rock/Keystone Loop de Loop - Today’s strenuous hike combines two traditional treks in the heart of Red
Rock. It is about 10 miles with 1900 feet of elevation with some scrambling to
boot. We begin at Willow Springs Picnic area and hike counter clockwise to do
the desert side, then loop onto the Keystone fault to start down into the
pretty wash which ties into the Grand Circle for a bit, then up to the east
side of White Rock again by taking the gravel road. To finish the hike, we hike up and
behind the White Rock Hills on its evergreen north side back to the cars.
Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:00AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, November 7th,
Frenchman Mountain - The imposing
double peak on the east side on the valley is the target for the strenuous
Tuesday option this week, which gains nearly 2,000 feet over an out-and-back
route that is only 4 miles in total length. The route for this
summit attack is a steep canyon up the northwest side of the mountain that
includes quite a bit of Class 3 terrain and some exposure. The narrow ridge at
the top provides sensational views of Las Vegas and Lake Mead. Veteran
hikers only, please. West side departure from Rampart Casino parking garage is
at 7:00AM for the main assembly
point at the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood 7:30AM.
Coordinator - Tim Borem
Wednesday, November 8th, Sandstone Quarry to
White Rock Springs O&B- This is a moderate trek utilizing the Grand Circle Trail to the
springs at the base of White Rock Hills.
Distance is 6 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. Meet at Red Rock
Casino for an 8:00AM departure.
Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, November 9th, Muffins / Echo Canyon - For this moderately strenuous 7.5 mile hike, we
will climb up to the Muffins via trail, cross over to Echo Canyon on the SARS
Trail, then descend through Echo Canyon by scrambling. This route will bypass
all the Las Vegas Overlooks to reduce mileage. However, views of the Calico Hills
and Red Rock escarpment will be a beautiful constant. Moderate pace. Meet at
Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure or meet at the Cowboy Horse
Trailhead at 8:15am. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, November 10th,
Bird Spring Range - A moderately strenuous hike of about 6
miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking area
about one-half mile south of Highway 160 also used for the shorter Badger Pass
hike. Starting in a northerly direction, the route goes around the north
end of a ridge and meets the Badger Pass Trail. Near this junction the
group will begin a cross-country route east up a ridge that connects with the
main north-south spine of the small range. The return will be down to
Badger Pass on the way back to the vehicles. The early assembly point
will be at Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM
departure, heading for the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and
160 to meet the coordinator and other south side participants. The full
group will leave there for the hike at 7:45 AM. Coordinator - David Hardy
Saturday, November 11th,
Potato Knoll – This easy hike begins at the dirt parking
lot at the end of the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop. The horse trail makes its
way over toward Oak Creek drainage. After crossing, we hike the trail to our
break spot on the east facing side of the Potato Knoll. The hike is no more
than 4 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, November 11th, Hidden Canyon - A moderately strenuous hike that uses trail for
the complete loop, starts at the Buckskin Cliff Shadows Trailhead. The trail is
located within the boundaries of Red Rock Canyon NCA. We will pass by the
entrance to Hidden Canyon which is used mostly for rock climbing. Otherwise,
this is a desert hike. On a "no fee day" on the Scenic Loop, this is
a good option! To get to the trailhead, exit 215 on Cheyenne and go west. The
first left enters the Buckskin Cliff Shadows horse park. Drive around to the
restrooms and park. Moderate pace. Hike departure at 8:00am. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, November 12th,
Calico Hills Loop Scramble – This moderately strenuous scramble begins at
Sandstone Quarry. We will use the Calico Tanks trail for about ½ mile then we
begin to scramble on the sandstone as we make our way up and past the turn for
Red Cap. We will take our break at the large tank before scrambling down the
sandstone above Ash Canyon. We will connect to a short trail then scramble more
as we make our way back to the cars. Depart the Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, November 13th,
Cottonwood Pass Loop - This is a moderate 6-mile loop outing in South
Cottonwood Valley. The trek 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. The early assembly point will be at Red Rock Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. We will meet the
coordinator and leave from the gas station on Highways 159 and 160 at 7:30 AM, and drive to the gravel lot
for the start of hike. Coordinator - David Hardy
Tuesday, November 14th, SMYC Trail to Lost Creek Little Falls – This easy O&B hike starts from the Ice Box Canyon parking lot and
follows the SMYC Trail to the Lost Creek Waterfall. With a few “up’s and down’s”, the total distance will be 4 miles
with about 300 feet total elevation gain. We will depart from Red Rock Casino
at 8:00AM. Coordinator – Tony
Fountain
Tuesday,
November 14th, Juniper Peak – This peak is located just
south of Pine Creek Canyon. It is a strenuous hike with 2500 feet of
elevation gain in 7 miles. There is scrambling with small amount of class
3. Meet at Red Rock at 7:30am. Coordinator - Jerry
Thomas
Wednesday, November 15th,
Landmine Loop- A great trek
that loops around the ridge behind Blue Diamond that offers great views of the
southern peaks of the Red Rock Escarpment and Cottonwood Valley. Moderately
strenuous hike of 8 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation at a moderate pace.
Meet at 8:00AM in the Blue Diamond
vacant lot area on your right just beyond the wash bridge. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, November 16th,
Gray Cap - This will be a moderately strenuous climb up to
the limestone peak on an out and back traditional route from Sandstone Quarry.
There is a lot of challenging scrambling so be prepared for constant climbing
once we drop into Gateway Canyon. We will maintain a moderate pace and welcome
moderately strenuous newbies, if you like scrambling. Views from this route and
the peak are some of the best in Red Rock! Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, November 17th,
Potosi Climbers Alcove - This hike goes
into Potosi Canyon #3 for the strenuous climb
up to Climber’s Alcove. Elevation gain will be around 1800 ft. The
trail leaving the canyon bottom is very steep, may have some minor
exposure. We will leave from the gas station on 159 & 160 at 7:30 AM
so you will need to leave the Red Rock Casino by 7:00AM. Coordinator – David Hardy
Saturday, November 18th,
Arnight Trail to Pine Creek Overlook OB – Our moderate
hike today will begin at the dirt parking lot at the end of the Red Rock Canyon
scenic loop. We will use the horse trail that will connect to the Arnight Trail
at the Oak Creek trail head. This trail will take us to an overlook of Pine
Creek. After our break, we turn around and hike back to the cars. Depart the
Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator –
Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, November 19th,
Turtlehead - The out-and-back moderately strenuous hike begins at
Sandstone Quarry. The trail starts in a northerly direction toward the La Madre
Mountains, then turns east and climbs through or next to the main drainage
coming down from the saddle. Once on the saddle, a trail on the backside of the
mountain brings you up to the peak, which is the highest point on any of the official
Red Rock trails. Total distance is 5 miles with 1900 feet of elevation gain. Pace
will be on the slow side of moderate. Depart the Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday November 20th,
Blue Diamond Hill - We will
begin at the horse corral at 8:00AM and follow a network of trails. First
will be the Fossil Canyon Trail followed by the Dog Food Loop then back down to
the cars by way of the Cat in the Hat Trail and finally the Bunny Trail.
Total about 6 miles. This is a moderate hike of 6 miles and no more than
a moderate pace. Leave the Red
Rock Casino at 7:45AM and meet the
coordinator at 8:00AM at the horse corrals. Coordinator - David Hardy
Tuesday, November 21st, Calico Tanks - This famous short hike contains some scrambling so it
will be listed as easy moderate. It is only 2.5 miles with 500 feet of
elevation gain as an out and back hike. We will take our time and get some
newbies up to the main Calico Tank and take our snack break on rocks
overlooking Las Vegas. Calico Tanks is one of the most photogenic hikes in this
area. If you have never scrambled before, this is a great hike to begin on.
Slow pace. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, November 21st,
Red Cap from Red Springs – This strenuous partial loop hike starts from
the Red Springs parking lot then climbs up Dragon Canyon. Passing the Ash
Canyon Overlook, we then approach Red Cap from the northeast side. Our
return takes us down the Gateway Wash and back over 5 Stop Hill. The hike
will be about 6 miles with 1,800 feet elevation gain. We will depart from Red
Rock Casino at 8:00AM. Coordinator
– Tony Fountain.
Wednesday, November 22nd,
Kraft Mountain Balloon – Our moderate hike begins at Red Springs
picnic area. We make our way over and up 5 Stop at a moderately slow pace. Then
it’s down to Lower Gateway where hikers will have the option to stay on the
trail or turn to scramble down the sandstone. Once in the wash, we will
encounter three areas where hands and sitting will be required to get down the
large boulders. Then it’s around the east side and back to the cars. Depart the
Red rock at 8:00AM or meet at Red
Springs at 8:15AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), November 23rd, Fern Canyon - This moderately strenuous hike will prime us for
that Thanksgiving turkey! There is a lot of scrambling involved and maybe some
water running through this picturesque canyon containing ferns and a waterfall.
The hike begins at the Pine Creek Trailhead and goes out and back for 5.5 miles
with 900 feet of elevation gain. Come and see what Jacob's Ladder looks like!
Moderate pace. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Thursday, November 23rd,
Red Springs to Ash Canyon - This out and
back hike will begin at Red Spring traveling to Ash Canyon by one of several
ways. We will finish this easy to
moderate hike of 4 miles and 300 ft. elevation gain in time for your
holiday dinners. Meet the coordinator at 8:15 at Red Spring. If
coming from Red Rock Casino you will leave there at 8:00AM. Coordinator – David Hardy
Friday, November 24th, Clockwise Calico Loop - Be at Red Spring Picnic Area parking lot at 7:30 or
assemble at Red Rock Casino parking lot and leave there at 7:15AM to
join the others at the trail head. The hike will go clockwise along
a Class 1 trail loop from the picnic area parking lot to Sandstone Quarry,
down Rattlesnake Canyon to the gravel wash (one dry waterfall), down into
Gateway Canyon, and finally up and down 5-stop hill back to Red Spring Picnic
Area parking lot. Moderately strenuous
with minimal scrambling and about 8 miles. Coordinator- Stephen Newell
Saturday, November 25th,
Mountain Springs Loop - This is an easy hike of 3 miles with 450 feet of
elevation gain. We will begin at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead on Highway
160. Don't worry! We will NOT go up Heartbreak Hill! The route travels through
old dirt roads then joins a trail after passing the namesake springs. The
return loops around past a cave outcropping. We will also pass at least two
agave roasting pits that are well preserved. This route will keep us out of the
craziness that is Thanksgiving Weekend at Red Rock. Slow pace. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday,
November 25th, Echo Canyon/Fossil Ridge Loop – This moderate
hike begins at the Cowboy Trails. We will hike to Echo Canyon where we will
need to climb up three dry waterfalls. Hikers will need to use hands to climb
the waterfalls but help will be available if needed. The tallest one is about 6
feet but there are hand and foot holds. Once past the waterfalls, the trail
connects to Fossil Ridge. We will continue up Fossil Ridge to the old road and
take our break. Then it’s down Fossil Ridge to the cars. It is no more than 6
miles with 900 feet of elevation. Depart the Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, November 26th, Desert
Hills - Desert Hills is located
about 3 miles below Hwy 159 and 160 and is composed of interesting ridges and
canyons. This loop will be a moderate
hike of 6 miles and around 700 ft. elevation gain. Leave Red Rock
Casino at 7:30am to meet the
coordinator at the gas station on 159 and 160 at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – David Hardy
Monday, November 27th, Tertiary
Ridge - This 6-mile moderate loop hike begins in the
community of Blue Diamond. The group will make their way up the Tertiary
ridge behind the community following a trail along the top that leads toward
Bonnie Springs. After dropping back to the valley floor near the northwestern
end of the ridge the route loops to the north and returns to Blue
Diamond. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a
departure at 7:35AM, and those
participants should proceed to Blue Diamond. After crossing the bridge on
the main entrance to the community there will be a dirt parking lot on the
right side just before the first houses. The coordinator will be at that
location. South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond if
they wish. The hike will begin at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - David
Hardy
Tuesday, November 28th, Terrace Canyon - Starting from the Pine Creek parking lot, this strenuous
out-and-back trek covers 6 miles and gains 1,600 feet of
elevation. After a relatively flat start past the Wilson foundation going
toward Mescalito, the trail empties into the drainage for South Fork Pine Creek
Canyon and the real scrambling begins. While the scrambling is pretty intense
for nearly four miles of the distance with boulders to climb ranging up to
fifteen feet, this hike is suitable for most accomplished hikers. The
setting at the terraces is probably the most idyllic in Red Rock. Meet at the
Red Rock at 7:30AM. Coordinator –
Tim Borem
Wednesday, November 29th,
Oak Creek Traverse Loop to Pine Creek Meadow - A traditional moderate
fall trek through a pretty area just below Wilson’s Peaks. Distance is 6 miles with 800 feet of
elevation. Trail summary- Meet at the Scenic Exit Loop at 8:00AM. We’ll take the
Traverse Trail on our left over to Pine Creek Trail where it junctions with the
Knoll Trail. Then it’s over to the
junction with the Arnight Trail down into the Meadow, where we’ll take our
break. Return via the Arnight Trail to
the Traverse Trail that leads back to the Scenic Exit Loop. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, November 30th,
Calico Hills Loop - This is a moderately strenuous hike beginning at
the Red Springs 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 1000 ft. and 8 miles. Meet the Coordinator at
Red Spring Picnic Area at 7:15AM.
Coordinator - David Hardy
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