The December 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 all 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.
Friday, December 1st, Blue
Diamond Canyon #5 - Moderately Strenuous, lots of
scrambling, 600 feet of elevation. This route begins from the parking area at
Wheeler Springs just north of Blue Diamond. The canyon cuts deep into the
Blue Diamond Hill with high walls and considerable scrambling. A large
fill supporting a road high above marks the end of the canyon. We will
leave from the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road to
Blue Diamond where you will meet the coordinator for an 8:00AM start to the hike. Coordinator - David
Hardy
Saturday, December 2nd,
Calico 1 and 2 - This easy to moderate hike begins at the Red
Springs Picnic Area. It is about 4 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. The
beginning of the trail climbs up a rocky road and then drops down and around
the southern end of the Navajo Sandstone, the Calico Hills. We hike our way on
trail over to Calico 1 and then Calico 2. Pacing will be leisurely. Let’s
depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:30AM
or meet at the Red Springs picnic area at 8:45AM. Coordinators – Ron and Sandi
Hindmarch
Saturday, December 2nd,
Park Peak Loop – Today’s moderate hike is 5 miles with 900 feet
of elevation gain. The peak is in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and provides
great views over the Las Vegas Valley. Use of hands might be necessary to climb
the trail to the peak as the trail makes it way among large volcanic boulders
up about 300 feet to the top where we will take our break. Meet at the
Walgreens located at 2451 Hampton Road in Henderson at 8:00AM. Red Rock hikers should depart at 7:20 AM. The trail head is
located on Shadow Canyon. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, December 3rd, Escarpment Rim Loop - This will be a strenuous long-distance hike of 10
miles along the rim of the escarpment between its southern terminus (Hollow
Rock Peak) and just previous to Wilson Peak. There is a minimal amount of
scrambling on limestone but the majority of the hike is trail. After hiking the
rim, we return on the Mountain Springs horse trail. Total elevation gain is
around 2200 feet. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00AM departure.
Or, meet at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead where the hike begins at
8:30am. (Southside participants may meet up at the gas station for their own
departure at 8:15am.) Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Monday, December 4th, Back Hills
Lawn Mower Route – Today’s moderate hike is 6 miles with 600 feet
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. We will
check the ducky tree for rubber ducks. A little beyond we connect with
the 0ld Spanish Trail for a short distance and then connect with the Lawn Mower
Trail. We will follow this until we connect with the trail leading back to
the parking lot. Meet at 8:00AM at
the gas station on 159 and 160. Coordinator – David Hardy
Tuesday, December 5,
Fortification Hill (3718’) - Gaze down at Hoover Dam
and the Mike O’Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge from this lofty perch
high above Lake Mead. Clocking in at under four miles, it's 1400 vertical feet
to the pinnacle. Fairly steep ascent with one mild Class 3 section. High
clearance vehicles needed for this moderately strenuous jaunt.
Departure times: Red Rock Casino at 7:15AM Henderson Fiesta at 8:00AM,
AZ MM#2 at 8:30AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, December 6th,
Potato Knoll Loop – The moderate, trail hike today is 6 miles
with 800 feet of elevation. To change it up, we will hike CCW around the knoll
and then hike up to the top. We will take our break at the top of Knoll. After
our break, it’s down and around the Knoll and back to the cars. Depart the Red
Rock at 8:00AM or meet at the dirt
lot at the end of the Red Rock Scenic Loop at 8:20 AM. Coordinator – Lettie
Gutierrez
Thursday, December
7th, Skull Rock O&B - Hike off that
party hangover with a simple moderate to moderately strenuous 6-mile
hike from the Scenic Loop Exit to Skull Rock O&B. Only around 800 feet in
elevation gain. It's all trail but will include two different crossings of Pine
Creek. Meet at the Scenic Loop Exit parking lot for an 8:00AM start of
the hike. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, December 8th,
99 Cabin - Strenuous. 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. We will leave
from the gas station on 159 and 160 at 8:00AM. Around
6 miles and 2000 ft. Coordinator – David Hardy
Saturday, December 9th,
White Owl Canyon OB– Our easy to moderate hike is about 4 miles
with no more than 500 feet of elevation gain. The hike begins at the old marina
and boat ramp off Lakeshore Drive. From there, we hike the trail along and
around the shore until we make the turn up White Owl Canyon. We will take our
break at the end of the canyon, then turn around and hike back to the cars. Meet
at the Henderson Fiesta at 8:30AM.
Red Rock participants need to depart at 7:50 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday,
December 9th, South Bowl of Fire - This hike is 5 to 6 miles
with about 1300 feet of elevation gain. This hike is generally moderate but includes some steep climbs and some areas
where use of hands is needed. It starts at MM18 on Northshore Road in the Lake
Mead area. It goes to the southernmost colorful sandstone formations at the
base of the Muddy Mountains. Meet the coordinators at MM4 on Northshore Road at
8:15 am, leave CVS Pharmacy at Lake Mead and Hollywood at 8:00AM and leave Rampart at 7:20 am. Coordinators - Joan and Chuck
Hawkins
Sunday, December 10th,
Hamblin Mountain – Rate it moderately strenuous with 7 miles and 1400
feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is at MM 18 on Northshore Road in Lake
Mead NRA. This gem offers fantastic views of Lake Mead. The route follows
a series of washes to a small ridge, crosses the ridge and follows another
drainage to the base of the peak. The top section of the peak is jagged with
some exposure. This part of the climb is optional. Depart the CVS/Albertson’s
on Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd. at 8:00AM.
West side hikers should depart the Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM. Coordinator – Kay
Blackwell
Monday,
December 11th, Cottonwood Spring and Beyond Loop - This
approximately 5-6 miles loop starts at Mile Marker 18 on North Shore Road.
This hike is generally moderate. It
heads up to Cottonwood Spring passing an area of ancient seabed fossils and
remnants of the Arrowhead Highway that went from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles
in the 1920s. The hike continues looping through a small section of a colorful
canyon on its way back to Cottonwood Spring. Meet the coordinators at MM4
on Northshore Road at 8:15 am, leave CVS Pharmacy at Lake Mead and Hollywood at
8:00AM, and leave Rampart at 7:20
am. Coordinators - Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Monday, December 11th,
Grand Circle- This is a strenuous trek that takes us through
the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Total distance is 11
miles with 1900 feet of elevation. Meet at 8:00AM
at the Red Rock Casino. We will begin at the Visitor Center. Coordinator- David
Gray
Tuesday, December 12th,
Hollow Rock and Windy Peak - Today’s strenuous hike will have something for
everyone. We will begin at Mountain Springs Summit Pass Trailhead which
is located off Highway 160. The hike will start up a steep gravel road to
a radio tower. Then we will continue on the trail towards Windy
Peak. To get to the first Peak of the day will require some moderate
scrambling on large sandstone slabs. Once at Windy Peak we will enjoy the view
and take a break. Then off to Hollow Rock, we will hike back down to the
original trail and do some more moderate scrambling to the second peak for
another break. Afterwards, we will return down the trail. Today’s hike is
approximately 9 miles and 2000 ft. elevation gain and will be completed at a
brisk pace with few extra breaks. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 7:30AM with a stop at the gas station
on Highway 160 at 7:50AM Coordinator Tim Borem
Wednesday, December 13th, Ash
Canyon - 4 miles, Easy. This hike will begin near Red Springs and will travel
through red rock formations to the base of Ash Canyon. Meet the
coordinator at Red Springs picnic area parking at 8:30AM. Carpools leave Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator –
David Hardy
Thursday, December 14th,
Boneshaker/Overlook/Muffins
- After a wakening
climb up Boneshaker Hill, this moderately strenuous hike will continue
up and up to the New Las Vegas Overlook. The return route takes in the Rim
Trail and the Muffins. It’s 7 miles with around 1400 feet of gain. Meet at the
Cowboy Trailhead parking lot for an 8:00AM start of the hike. Carpools leave Red Rock Casino at 7:45AM. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Friday,
December 15th, Keystone Thrust Loop - This moderately strenuous 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 8:00AM from Red Rock Casino.
Coordinator- Barbara Ulmer
Saturday, December 16th, Clark County Wetlands Visitor
Center and Trails– Our easy hike today is less than 4 miles with no more than 400
feet of elevation gain. We will visit the nature center and explore the trails
that meander around the Clark County Wetlands Visitor Center at 7050 E.
Wetlands Park Lane. The park shows the delicate and vivid riparian
ecosystem found within the wetlands. The park also provides beautiful,
panoramic walks on multiple trails and along waterways. Meet at the Henderson Fiesta at 8:30AM. West side participants
should depart Red Rock Casino at 7:50AM. – Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 16th, River Mountain Peak via Inner
Caldera Loop- The highest peak
in the River Mountains can be reached from Bootleg Canyon using the Inner
Caldera Loop. Starting from the upper Bootleg Trailhead, this moderately
strenuous peak climb will be 6 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Views
from the top include Lake Mead, Las Vegas and Lava Butte. Meet at the Henderson
Fiesta for an 8:00AM departure. West
side participants should depart Red Rock Casino at 7:20AM. Coordinator-
Kay Blackwell
Sunday, December 17th, Arizona Hot Springs - This popular moderately strenuous hike is 6 miles
with 1100 feet of elevation gain. The first half of the hike is downhill
through White Rock Canyon. We'll take a break by the river then prepare for a
"wade" through the hot springs. Next, we'll climb up through the hot
springs canyon where you will make a choice of climbing the dry falls (very
exciting) or climbing up and over the saddle. You must be prepared for a 20'
ladder, some 3rd class scrambling for the dry fall route and wading through the
thigh deep hot spring pools. (Some hikers bring water shoes and wear bathing
suits under hiking clothes.) Meet at the Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00AM
departure. West side participants
should depart Red Rock Casino at 7:20AM. Coordinator - John Blackwell
Monday, December 18th, Sugarloaf Mountain/Black
Canyon Overlook Loop - This is a generally moderate hike of about 5 miles and will
be at a moderate pace. It has a few steep old gravel roads to climb for short
sections and a few dry falls to go around. The hike takes a wash to an overlook
of historical significance with a view of the mouth of Gold Strike Canyon. Meet
the coordinators at the parking area on the right after taking the Kingman Wash
exit (first exit in Arizona after crossing the new bridge) at 8:20AM, leave
Fiesta Henderson at 8:00AM, and
leave Red Rock Casino at 7:15 am. Coordinators - Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Tuesday, December 19, Kraft Mountain
(4714’) E-W traverse - From Red Spring in Calico Basin, it’s a meandering
CCW loop. Head north across open desert to the eastern edge of Kraft Mountain.
Pick your summit line, take a deep breath and tackle the demanding ascent.
Traverse the ridgeline to the high point, grab some lunch and descend the
western flank. In the five-mile range with 1500’ vertical gain. Strenuous.
Depart from the boardwalk at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor
Wednesday, December 20th, Rainbow Gardens - This moderate
hike is about 5-6 miles with around 500 feet of elevation. We will begin this
hike at the parking near Mile 2 on the North Shore Rd. up a wash looking toward
Lava Butte that eventually becomes very colorful. As we find our way down
another wash there are more colors and narrow spots on our way to Lake Las
Vegas. We will return the same way. Depart the CVS/Albertson’s on Lake
Mead and Hollywood at 8:10AM and meet
the coordinator at 8:30AM at Mile Marker 2. You may also leave the
Rampart Casino at 7:50am. Coordinator - David Hardy
Thursday, December
21, Lone Palm - Celebrate
the winter solstice with an alfresco lunch hard by the banks of the Colorado
River. From the Kingman Wash turnout, it’s all downhill to this picturesque,
riverside spot. Looking at six miles with 1500 feet of vertical on the climb
out. Color it moderately strenuous. Departure times: Red Rock Casino at 7:15, Henderson
Fiesta at 8:00, AZ MM#2 (Kingman Wash Exit on 93) at 8:30.
Coordinator - Michael O’Connor
Friday, December 22nd, Cleopatra Wash OB (Boathouse Cove Road/North Shore Road)
- A moderately strenuous trek of
approximately 6-7 miles down the through ancient volcanic walls in a colorful
rock formation called Cleopatra and spires that were formed over millions of
years ago. The other section of this same volcano is another great trek,
Hamblin Mountain. Elevation is 1,300 feet. We’ll utilize the workarounds to get
over the numerous dry falls, as well as, stop short of going to the water’s
edge given the terrain. High clearance vehicles required. We will depart at 8:00AM from the parking lot area behind
the CVS located on the S/E corner of Lake Mead Blvd at Hollywood. You may also leave the Rampart
Casino at 7:50am. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, December 23rd, Railroad Tunnels – The Historic Railroad Tunnels in Boulder City is a 4-mile easy hike with about 200 feet of
elevation gain. The views of Lake Mead are great and the informational signs
about the tunnels and dam make this an interpretive hike. Let’s meet at 8:30AM at the Fiesta Henderson and
drive to the trailhead below Alan Bible Visitor Center. West side participants
should depart Red Rock Casino at 7:50AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez.
Sunday, December 24th, Black Mountain
Overlook/BC – The River Mountains Trailhead serves as the starting point
for this hike. It is located on Highway 93 in Boulder City, adjacent to St.
Jude Children's Ranch. Total distance for the hike is about 6 miles with an
elevation gain of 1100 feet. The mostly moderate
trail hike ends at the Black Mountain Overlook. From the top, there is a
panoramic view that includes Lake Mead to the east, Boulder City to the south,
and Las Vegas to the northwest. We also might see Big Horn Sheep. Pacing will
be on the slow side of moderate. We will depart the Henderson Fiesta at 8:00AM and Red Rock participants should
depart at 7:20 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, December 25th, Desert Hills – This hike is 6 miles with 700 feet elevation and is moderate. This hike begins about 3
miles east of the gas station on 160 and 159 and we will be exploring trails
going through canyons and along ridges. We will be done in time for
holiday dinner. Meet the coordinator at the gas station on 160 and 159 at
8:00AM. Coordinator – David
Hardy
Tuesday, December 26th, Signature Rock (West
Pinto Valley) OB - A moderately strenuous trek of 9 miles as
it winds its way out to the famous landmark where the grand vistas of the Pinto
Valley can be enjoyed. We’ll pass Cottonwood Springs, mining claims, and Eagle
Rock. Elevation gain is 600 feet. We will depart the parking lot area behind the
CVS located on the S/E corner of Lake Mead Blvd at Hollywood at 8:00AM and drive to the trailhead at
MM18 on Northshore Road. You
may also leave the Rampart Casino at 7:50am. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, December 26th, Bluff Trail - This easy hike
is accessed from the Las Vegas Bay Marina & Campground. The starting point
is an information kiosk inside the campground, adjacent to a small parking area
that holds about four vehicles. The out-and-back route follows the Las Vegas
Wash for about one mile to a bluff above the wash and offers an opportunity to
do some further exploring in undeveloped terrain upstream. Total distance is
about 3 miles with elevation gain of 400 feet. Depart the Fiesta Henderson at 8:30 AM, or depart Red Rock Casino at
7:50 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Wednesday, December 27th, Lone Grapevine Spring - This is an easy to
moderate 5-mile loop hike out to an area of ancient petroglyphs etched into
boulders lying on the ground in the shadow of Windy Peak. We'll also
visit a couple of protected springs and a water trough fed from Muddy Spring
used by wildlife. Elevation gain is 500 feet and only a hundred yards or so is
off-trail. Pace will be leisurely. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure or be at the Late
Night Parking Area on Highway 160 by 9:15 AM. Coordinator- David
Gray
Thursday, December 28th, Liberty Bell Arch and
Colorado River Overlook - Located across the new bridge in Arizona, this moderately strenuous 5-mile O&B hike offers plenty of scenery and
views. With significantly rolling terrain, it passes an old mine along the
trail to the Arch. We will take our break at the overlook of the Colorado
River. Total elevation gain will be about 1,400 ft. We will depart from
Henderson Fiesta at 8:00 AM. Pacing
will be moderate. Red Rock participants should depart at 7:20. Coordinator –
Lettie Gutierrez
Friday, December 29th,
Prospect Trail OB/VOF State Park- This is a moderately strenuous 9-mile park trek with 800 feet of elevation
change and several areas of limited scrambling that runs right up through the
heart of the sandstone rock outcroppings. Meet at the parking lot behind the
CVS located at the southeast corner of Lake Mead and Hollywood. We depart by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday,
December 30th, Ice Box Canyon – Today’s hike is rated easy to moderate and the pacing will be
leisurely. The out-and-back hike follows a trail above the creek for about one
mile before dropping into the drainage. The remaining 1/3 mile to the
turn-around point is in the drainage, with the end below a 50-foot waterfall in
the back of the canyon. Use of hands is required in this drainage in several
sections to climb over boulders. Total distance is 2.7 miles with a vertical
gain of 300 feet. We depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:30AM and drive to the Ice Box trailhead just past mile marker 8
on the scenic loop. Coordinators – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch.
Saturday, December 30th, North Bowl of Fire OB – Today’s moderate hike is via the wash trail
running to the north just west of this landmark and is accessed via the
junction with the Callville Road Wash Road near the MM18 pull off along the
Northshore Road. Our goal is to circle around to the very backside where Mother
Nature has created delicate carvings of the soft red sandstone. Bring your camera. We’ll take our break here. Total distance is
approximately 6-7 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Meet at 8:00AM at the parking lot area behind
the CVS located on the S/E corner of Lake Mead Blvd at Hollywood. West side
participants should depart the Rampart at 7:15AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, December 31st, White Owl Canyon Loop
(long version) – This moderately strenuous hike of 8 miles with 1000 feet of elevation uses the
trailhead located at the old unusable Lake Mead Marina. A trail leads out along
the shoreline where the lake has since dried up. White Owl Canyon comes next
then a long walk up a wide sandy drainage. After the canyon there is a 1.5 to 2
mile hike up a wash that takes us up to our break spot. At this saddle near the
base of Bighorn Butte, the route turns right into another wash that takes you
back to the trailhead. A scramble through Hippie Canyon where more owls roost
finishes the hike. Depart the Henderson Fiesta at 8:00AM, Red Rock participants should depart at 7:20AM. Coordinator
– Lettie Gutierrez
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