Wednesday, February 21, 2018

March 2018 Hike Schedule



The schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead Recreation Area and the Spring Mountains. 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 easy or easy moderate 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 1400 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.

Thursday, March 1st, 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. Leave Red Rock Casino at 7:00 AM and meet the coordinator at Red Spring Picnic Area about 15 minutes later. Coordinator - David Hardy 

Friday, March 2nd, Potato Knoll (top) - This moderate hike begins at the parking lot on Highway 159 at the Red Rock scenic loop exit. The trail loops around the hill, Potato Knoll, which is also known as Wilson's Pimple. Potato Knoll can be climbed easiest from the back side. On the return, the trail crosses Oak Creek three more times, and two of the crossings are often over flowing water. The hike distance is 5.5 miles with a vertical gain of 665 feet when Potato Knoll is climbed. Depart from Red Rock Casino parking lot at 8:00 AM to meet the coordinator or at the Red Rock scenic loop exit at 8:20 AM to start the hike.  Coordinator - Barbara Ulmer  

Saturday, March 3rd, First Creek -  This easy 4-mile hike with a gradual increase of elevation to around 400 ft, takes us from the First Creek Trailhead on the west side of Highway 159 to the mouth of First Creek at about the 2-mile mark. On the way, we will visit the Grotto (possible use of hands to get to the base of the waterfall) before continuing up the trail for our break. Following our break, we will hike 2 miles back to the cars.  Meet the coordinator at the Red Rock casino parking lot for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator: Dennis Rohne 

Saturday, March 3rd, North to South Bowl of Fire Connector Loop - This estimated 7 to 8 mile hike starts at MM 18 on Northshore Road.  The route uses several washes with some overland trekking.  The route encounters and uses some dry falls while going around the steeper ones.  The route passes arches, windows and sandstone formations.  The hike is moderately strenuous (in a few places).  Elevation gains and losses are not extreme. The coordinator may use a few routing sections that differ somewhat from last year's hike. This is a Lake Mead North hike. Meet the coordinator at MM 4 on the Northshore Road at 8:15 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:00 AM and leave Rampart at 7:20 AM.  Coordinator--Chuck Hawkins

Sunday, March 4th, Blue Diamond Canyon #3 Loop - A moderate hike will begin from Blue Diamond into a canyon in the Blue Diamond Hill and top out on the plateau above.  We will find our way down a ridge between Canyon #1 and #2 back into Blue Diamond.  There will be lots of scrambling in the lower part of the canyon at the beginning.  The main assembly point will be the gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond just past the bridge where you will meet the coordinator at 8:00 A.M.  Around 1000 ft. elevation gain, 5-6 miles. Coordinator - David Hardy 

Sunday, March 4th, Windy Peak – This moderately strenuous hike includes steep trail, rolling trail, scrambling on sandstone, and views galore. First, we hike up the steep road and trail to the ridge. Then, the trail rolls along the ridge until we turn right and follow the trail up and down to the sandstone. There are several sections where use of hands is needed as we hike on the sandstone to the peak and overlook. We will use the ridge to return to the cars in lieu of the steep trail. It’s 5 miles with 1650 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. South side participants can meet at the gas station at 8:15 AM and drive to the trailhead. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez


Monday, March 5th, Fortress Butte Exploratory - This was canceled last month due to the high winds.  With the effort to reschedule it, the route has now been adjusted so that we're doing a moderately strenuous route of around 7-8 miles that will include viewing the Butte and Petroglyph Canyon, but may not include the Hot Springs.  We're looking to establish a new club trail, a very scenic loop into two pretty much unexplored areas- The Narrows- Oil Can Alley.  Elevation is estimated to 1,000 FT.  Meet at the Fiesta for an 8 AM departure.  TH- Arizona Hot Springs- MM4 off of Hwy 93 in Arizona. Coordinators- Chuck Hawkins & David Gray

Tuesday, March 6th, Hoodoo Forest Loop - This hike is rated strenuous due to a steep climb up Rita’s ridge.  The total elevation gain is 1800 ft and the total distance is 5 miles.  This hike goes up one canyon and down another at the end of Cow Camp Road in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.  Along the way we will see many hoodoos. There will be a small amount of bushwhacking and some easy scrambling.  We will need high clearance vehicles to negotiate Alamo road and Cow Camp road in the DNWR.  Meet at Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator – Jerry Thomas

Tuesday, March 6th, Lost Creek Waterfall and Petroglyphs - Starting from the Ice Box Canyon parking lot, most of this out-and-back hike of 4 miles follows relatively easy trails. There is some minor scrambling and elevation gain and scrambling to get to the lower waterfall.  Afterwards we will continue another ¼ mile on trails and up the wash to a section of petroglyphs. The group will meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Wednesday, March 7th, Muffins OB - Beginning at the Cowboy Trails, we hike up to the Muffins to take a break and enjoy the view then return the way we came up. Rate it moderate. Pacing will be easy/ moderate keeping the group together. Depart Red Rock at 8:00 AM or meet at the Cowboy Trails parking lot at 8:15 AM. Coordinator – John Ward

Thursday, March 8th, First / Corkscrew Canyons Loop (DNWR) - Inside the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, we will park off Mormon Well Road near the Gass Peak Road junction 4 miles from the Visitor Center and head straight overland to the mouth of First Canyon. Next, the moderately strenuous hike climbs up and over the dividing ridge into Corkscrew Canyon. The break will be held on top of this ridge at a unique overlook. Corkscrew Canyon has high steep dark walls and winds back and forth. The hike continues out of this canyon and back overland to the cars. The loop is 7 miles with 1700 feet of elevation gain. HCVs are preferred. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, March 9th, Logandale Trails OB Exploratory - A new trek in a new area will be a moderately strenuous trek on an ATV route alongside a massive red stone outcropping in a colorful expanse that is right up there with and includes views of the VOF. Total distance is 8 miles with an estimated 700 feet of elevation. It’s about 1.5 miles out of town on a well-maintained gravel road that leads to a parking area that has restrooms, informational panels, and a great view of the surrounding area. Our breakpoint at 4 miles at Indian Pictograph Rock/two sites. Meet the coordinator at the Lucky Club by 8:00 AM. For south side participants, depart the Henderson Fiesta by 7:00 AM. For west side hikers, depart the Rampart by 7:00 AM. Coordinator – David Gray

Friday, March 9th, Beyond Cottonwood Valley - A moderately strenuous hike will begin at the far end of the Cottonwood Valley 3 miles up the road leading to Goodsprings. The last 2 miles of this road is rough, requiring HCVs.  We will climb a high ridge that leads to Wilson Spring.  This is semi-exploratory with estimated 5-6 miles and around 1000 ft. elevation gain.  Most of this is off trail, may be some scrambling.  We will leave from the gas station on 159 and 160 at 7:30 AM where you will meet the coordinator. Coordinator – David Hardy

Saturday, March 10th, Bittersprings Cliff Loop - Bittersprings Cliff is the big cliff you can see across Bittersprings Valley from Northshore Road.  AtBF hasn't done this outing before. The hike is accessed by driving across a few miles of the Bittersprings Byway that comes into Northshore Road at about MM26. The road surface is usually pretty good to the trail head but requires 4WD or AWD due to possible sand on parts of the road. So, there needs to be enough off-pavement vehicles to accommodate the group. The routing for this hike is to drive the few miles across the valley past the huge "Rabbit Rock," continuing past the Cliff face to a parking area behind the Cliff.  From this trailhead, the hikers would climb the gradually slanted slope going up the left side until the top edge is reached where there are three to four super giant cairns looking across the valley from high above.  After a break, we would continue across the top of the Cliff face and turn down into a small canyon-type wash circling back to the cars. Rate it moderately strenuous. Estimated hiking mileage is under five miles.  (The hike will not be done under high winds or rainy conditions.) Meet the coordinator at MM 4 on the Northshore Road at 8:15 AM, leave CVS Pharmacy at 8:00 AM and leave Rampart at 7:20 AM.  Coordinator--Chuck Hawkins

Saturday, March 10th, Ash Canyon Overlook – This easy to moderate hike will take us from Sandstone Quarry parking lot to Rattlesnake Trail along the north side of the Calico Hills to Ash Canyon overlook. After the break, we retrace our steps back to the cars. It is about 4 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Red Rock Casinos at 8:00 AM. Coordinators – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch

Sunday, March 11th, Zabriskie Point Loop (Death Valley) - Wake up on the bright side with Daylight Savings Time kicking in! This moderately strenuous loop of 8 miles with 1750 feet of elevation gain, is in Death Valley National Park. The trailhead will be at the Zabriskie Point parking lot, meaning that the second half of the hike will be the ascent through Golden Canyon. This area has some of the most celebrated scenery in Death Valley. Words cannot describe! Meet at one of two locations. North side hikers will meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure and south side hikers will meet at the gas station (159 & 160) for a 7:30 AM departure. We should all meet at the Zabriskie Point parking lot on Highway 190 to begin the hike around 9:30 AM. Check the weather. We will be hiking mid-day in a warm place. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, March 11th 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 up the last section to the peak. 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 8:00 AM. Red Rock hikers should depart at 7:20 AM. The trail head is located on Shadow Canyon. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, March 12th, Blue Point Springs to Overton Arm Loop Exploratory - This is a new trek in the south section that is rated moderately strenuous with an estimated distance of 8-10 miles. We’ll strike out to the north, northeast toward the colorful red stone rock outcroppings along the west side of the VOF Wash. We’ll locate the “cut” that will “gently” take us down into this large wash and proceed south to the Overton Arm. This will be a good spot to break. We’ll return up the wash to the utility road that will take us back west to Blue Point Springs. Meet the coordinator at the Lucky Club by 8:00 AM. For south side participants, depart the Henderson Fiesta by 7:00 AM. For west side hikers, depart the Rampart by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray 

Monday, March 12th, White Rock Hills Loop - We will hike this counter clockwise.  This is all trail, 6 miles and about 1000 ft. elevation gain.  Be at the Red Rock fee booth gate by 7:25 AM to meet the coordinator at the Lost Creek parking area about 8 AM which is before the Willow Springs picnic area. If coming from the Red Rock Casino, you will need to leave there around 7:10 AM.  This hike will be done at a moderate pace. Meeting time could change depending on weather. Coordinator – David Hardy

Tuesday, March 13th, Anniversary Narrows via New End Around Loop - This is a strenuous loop through Anniversary Narrows that was created in 2017. The loop does not go onto private mine property, but it does have a few interesting challenges including a very steep climb out of the narrows that has some exposure involved. The loop is 7 miles with 1300 feet of elevation gain. Come prepared with your camera since it is a rare opportunity to experience the beautiful narrows. HCVs are preferred. Meet at the CVS/Albertsons on Lake Mead & Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure. (West side hikers should leave the Rampart at 7:10 AM. There will be a mile marker 4 drive by at 8:15 AM.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Wednesday, March 14th, Boneshaker Loop - A morning hike will go up the Boneshaker trail (slow!).  As the trail levels, the pace will be moderate.  We will connect with the Three Amigos trail that will take us across to the Bob Gnarly (Skull Canyon) trail down the canyon or the Bombs Voyage (The Muffins) trail that will run by the Muffins.  0verall rating is moderate with about 1200 ft. elevation gain and 5-6 miles.  The hike will begin at the Cowboy Trails TH at 8:00 AM where you will meet the coordinator.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Thursday, March 15th, Gray Cap (5443’) - Clockwise loop. Five miles with 2100’ vertical. Ascend Five-stop Hill and the Class 2 Upper Gateway Canyon. Descend the Class 3 Gray Fox Canyon. Strenuous. Gather at the Kraft Mountain dirt lot, 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor

Friday, March 16th, Bird Spring Stair Climb - The hike begins at Late Night Parking, crossing under Hwy 160, after about a half mile, turning left we leave the trail.  Most of the hike will be off trail and climbing a steep ridge to the east.  0nce on top, we will explore and eventually drop down into a canyon which will take us back to the trail and Late Night parking.  Around 5 miles and 1000 ft. elevation gain. This is a moderately strenuous hike due to some very steep climbing through loose gravel.  Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station at the intersection of Hwy. 159 and 160 at 7:30 AM. Time could change due to weather, check the website.  Coordinator - David Hardy

Saturday, March 17th, Fossil Ridge – This easy to moderate 4-mile hike starts at the horse stables parking lot, climbs up to fossil ridge and follows the ridge for 2 miles with views of Echo Canyon on our left. After our break we will return via the bunny trail. Elevation gain: 550 ft. Pace: Leisurely to moderate to accommodate everyone. Meet the coordinator at the Red Rock Casino parking lot for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator – Dennis Rohne

Saturday, March 17th, Wildhorse Pass via Picture Canyon (DNWR) – This is a 9 mile strenuous hike in the Desert NWR. High clearance vehicles will be necessary to negotiate Cow Camp Road. There is approximately 2100 feet of elevation gain. The route passes through a truly wonderful canyon filled with ancient culture. Then the pass overlook views down on the next canyon and beyond. Expect a certain amount of climbing up through a gravel wash. Ride arrangements will be made prior to the hike. We will leave Santa Fe Casino at 7:30am or the DNWR Visitor Center at 7:45am. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, March 18th, Red Cap Scramble Balloon – This hike is rated moderately strenuous to strenuous due to the significant amount of scrambling. Pace will be slow and steady. We begin from Sandstone Quarry and hike the trail to the sandstone. We will scramble up and then up some more and then up more to the turn to gain Red Cap. After our break at Red Cap, we will scramble down the back side to connect to the Rattlesnake trail and connect the balloon. It’s about 5 miles with 1700+ feet of elevation. Depart the Red Rock at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

 Monday, March 19 – 21, Gold Butte Camping - We will leave Monday morning north on I-15 to Mesquite where we will leave the freeway for the Gold Butte Rd.  There are numerous camping areas but most likely will camp at Whitney Pockets where the pavement ends about 25 miles from Mesquite.  Beyond the pavement dirt roads range from suitable for sedans to requiring 4X4.  Hikes will range from easy to moderately strenuous.  Much of the area resembles the Valley of Fire. RSVP David Hardy at hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. Coordinator – David Hardy

Monday, March 19th, Hilltop Loop - This is a 3-mile loop hike in Red Rock Canyon NCA off Kyle Canyon Rd. In the 500 feet of elevation gain, there is one significant trail climb. Come and see a closer view of Mt. Charleston topped with snow in a slow moderate hike. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, March 20th, Hidden Peak (6308’) – Tucked in behind Monument Mountain to the west, this wallflower pinnacle entertains very few visitors. From the Mountain Springs trailhead, it’s a seven-mile out-and-back affair with 2500’ vertical. Heartbreak Hill will get the juices flowing before continuing on to Mountain Springs crest, our high point of the day at 6638'. Following a substantial descent, the final push for the summit is on some mild, Class 2/3 sandstone. No exposure, per se. Label it strenuous nonetheless. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Courtesy stop at the #160 gas station. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, March 21th, Potato Knoll - The partial loop hike will start from the gravel parking lot at the exit of the scenic loop drive on Highway 159. Climbing to the top of the 500-foot hill from the back involves some scrambling, but is optional, and we will be crossing Oak Creek several times. Overall the 5-mile hike is rated moderate but will be done at a pace to keep the group together. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:30 AM. Coordinator- John Ward

Thursday, March 22nd, Brownstone Canyon / Dam Loop - This will be a strenuous loop of 8 miles with 1900 feet of elevation gain and lots of scrambling. We will begin at Sandstone Quarry, scramble the upper portions of Gateway Canyon and climb over into Brownstone Canyon to view the pictographs. From there, we will visit the old livestock dam then circle over the Turtlehead ridge saddle to descend the Limestone Trail. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, March 23rd, Calico Tank Scramble (16 Tanks) – This strenuous hike will involve quite a bit of scrambling but at a moderate pace. The first part of the hike will be from the north side of the Calico Hills along a route toward Red Cap. Climbing Red Cap is not included. After exploring some of the tanks, the group will descend along Mass Production Wall. We then proceed up the main Calico Tank Trail, turning right below Rooster Rock, and then exploring other tanks along the ascent to the Calico II Overlook Peak. The group will then begin descending along a ridge above the main Calico Tank Trail. Along this return, we will negotiate up a 20-foot-high rock formation, “Tony’s Wall”, with a variety of hand and foot holds. Total distance is about 4 miles. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Saturday, March 24rd, White Rock Springs Peak – Even though the actual climb to the peak is only 3 miles, it offers a combination of steep trails, boulder scrambling and use of hands. Rate it moderately strenuous. The peak is located on the northeast side of the White Rock Hills and we will begin from the lower dirt lot. Total distance is 4 miles with 1500 feet of elevation. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, March 24th, Valley of Fire – Come join us for a fun day and lunch. These easy hikes will be done at a leisurely pace with not too much elevation change. We will do Mouse’s Tank (1.2 miles), followed by White Dome movie set (1.5 miles), and last will be the Wave (1.4 miles). We will drive to the 7 Sisters for a picnic lunch. Please pack your own. Participants will be able to leave after any hike during this full day. We will meet at the Indian Reservation Smoke Shop gas station at 9:00 AM near the side entrance near the gas station pumps. This is Exit 75. Carpool at the Red Rock Casino and leave by 8:00 AM. Meet the coordinators at the Smoke Shop gas station, Exit 75 from HWY 15 at 9:00 AM. Coordinators - Ron and Sandi Hindmarch

Sunday, March 25th, Black Mountain Overlook and Black Mountain Peak and ArchToday, Chuck and I are combining our hikes just to the overlook. My hike to the overlook is rated moderate to moderately strenuous and is 6 miles with 1400 feet of elevation while Chuck’s hike to the peak is rated strenuous and is 7 miles. Once we get to the Overlook, my group will take our break and then turn around and hike back to the cars while Chuck’s group continues to the peak. The peak trail becomes somewhat difficult to negotiate as it drops off the other side of the overlook. After reaching the peak, the return route drops down a ridge line into a wash which loops around to a large arch near the Caldera. From there, we boulder down to the Caldera bike trail and turn left using the bike trail to the point where you can climb back to the Red/Black Saddle. Total elevation gain is about 1800 feet. Meet coordinators at the River Mountains Trailhead at 8:15 AM. Depart Red Rock Casino at 7:15 AM and Fiesta Henderson Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinators – Lettie Gutierrez and Chuck Hawkins 

Monday, March 26th, Prospect Trail Balloon/Shuttle Loop/VOF/Exploratory - To date, we’ve been hiking this traditional park trek OB.  This time we’ll head up as usual, but as we near the White Domes area, we’ll turn off to head north, northeast through and around a series of colorful washes and sandstone rock outcroppings eventually making our way back to the White Domes parking lot, where the shuttle vehicle(s) will be placed.  Difficulty- moderate strenuous- Total distance- 9-11 miles.  Elevation- 1,000 FT- Meet the coordinator at the Lucky Club by 8:00 AM- For south side participants, depart the Henderson Fiesta by 7:00 AM. For west side hikers, depart the Rampart by 7:00 AM.   Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday, March 27th, Juniper Peak (6109′) - The hard way. Let’s make it an adventure and do a counterclockwise loop. Following a rigorous, two-mile scramble up Pine Creek Canyon, the crux of the hike begins here as we tackle the sheer granite slab to the pinnacle. It’s a bona fide Class 3 ascent with a couple short Class 4 sections. After lunch and the requisite sign-in on top, we’ll take the standard descent route through Juniper Canyon and the cholla cactus garden. Six miles with 2400′ vertical. Color it strenuous. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor

Wednesday, March 28th, Blue Diamond Hill - We will begin at the horse corral at 8:00 AM 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 leisurely pace. Meet the Coordinator at 8:00 AM at the horse corrals. Check website as time could change due to weather.  Coordinator - David Hardy

 Thursday, March 29th, Waterfall Canyon - For this moderately strenuous route of the Waterfall Canyon hike, we will ascend through the Red Rock Wash and descend Rocky Gap Road. This colorful canyon always has water flowing through it and the scrambling can be a bit slippery at times. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, March 30th, Blue Diamond Canyon #5 - 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. It’s a moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. 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 8:00 AM start to the hike.  Time could change due to weather, check the website.  Coordinator - David Hardy  

Saturday, March 31st, Potato Knoll – Starting at the exit of the Red Rock scenic loop we will hike at a leisurely to moderate pace for about 2 miles to the back (west side) of the Knoll where we will take our break. On the return to the cars we will take the upper trail on the east side the Knoll before joining the trail used for the ascent. Total distance: 4 to 5 miles. Elevation gain: 300 to 400 feet. Rated easy to moderate. Meet the coordinator at the Red Rock casino parking lot for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator: Dennis Rohne 

Saturday, March 31st, North Bowl of Fire Back Loop - The trailhead is at Mile Marker 18, Northshore Road, and the hike is about 8 to 9 miles. The route uses several washes with some overland trekking and is moderately strenuous with mostly gradual elevation changes. The route heads to the extreme left side of the North Bowl of Fire, and then goes behind the Bowl. Here, the route pulls out of the wash onto a plateau on the right side and continues overland, going by several sandstone formations, windows and arches. The route goes through some large boulders and climbs to an interesting rock garden with great views. After exploring the garden, the route comes back to a wash, continuing downwash and connecting with a major scenic exit wash which leads back toward the trailhead. West side can meet at the Rampart Casino parking garage and leave at 7:20am and join the main group in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood. That combined group will leave at 8:00 AM and join the coordinator and any other south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout on Northshore Road about 8:15 before heading to the starting point of the hike. Coordinator—Chuck Hawkins

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