The schedule includes hikes
in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation 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.
Tuesday, May 1, Calico I & II - Take it up and over Angel Saddle to the Calico II overlook.
Drop down into the big tinaja and continue up to Calico Peak. Complete the
clockwise loop by bringing it home via Ash Canyon. Five to six miles with 2000
vertical feet of climb. Class 3 with some fairly taxing climbs. Strenuous.
Depart from the boardwalk in Calico Basin at 7:00 AM. Coordinator -
Michael O'Connor
Wednesday, May 2nd,
Mary Jane Falls – The trail starts
off with a moderate climb as it heads to the northwest. After 3/4 mile, the
trail turns sharply to the right and climbs more steeply on a series of
switchbacks. Near the falls, there are several sections of rock steps. This easy moderate hike is best done in the
early spring when larger volumes of water are cascading over the cliffs above.
This out-and-back hike is 3 miles long with a vertical gain of 920 feet. Depart
the Santa Fe Casino at 8:00 AM.
Coordinator – Tony Fountain
Thursday, May 3rd, Cave Canyon /
Muffins - Cave Canyon has two difficult
dry fall climbs, therefore this hike will be rated strenuous. Bring
flashlights if you wish to briefly explore one of the caves. The 7.5 mile route
will climb up through Cave Canyon, on to the Overlook, and down the Rim Trail
past the Muffins. It has 1550' elevation gain. (A shorter descent route may be
offered if the temperatures are too warm.) Meet at the Cowboy Trails parking
lot for a 7:00am start of the hike.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 4th, Rattlesnake Canyon O&B - A mostly moderately
strenuous climb with a few difficult areas (strenuous) up a very pretty,
but mostly obscure canyon from the Willow Springs Picnic Area. Total distance
is just under 2.5 miles. Elevation is 700 feet. Looking to reach the large
waterfall at the end of a climb up through the terrace section. Meet the
coordinator at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00AM
departure. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, May 5th, 6000 Lee
Canyon Loop - This moderately strenuous
loop begins at the elevation level of 6000 on Lee Canyon Road. After climbing
up and over a ridge, the trail leads through a series of old shooting targets
then drops into the wash of Rocky Gorge. We will pass through Rocky Gorge then
hike over to the Blue Tree TH parking and across to the trail drop into Lee
Canyon. From there, the hike descends through wide Lee Canyon and back to the
cars. It is 7 miles with 1100 feet of elevation gain. Some trail, some wash,
some bushwhacking. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 7:30am departure.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday,
May 5th, Lower Bristlecone to Overlook – This
easy moderate hike is 4 miles with
about 600 feet of elevation. It begins at the dirt lot for Lower Bristlecone
and hikes O&B up to the overlook. We will depart the Santa Fe at 8:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, May 6th,
Cathedral Rock OB – This moderate hike is 5-6 miles with 1200 feet of elevation gain. We
begin at the Echo Falls trailhead and wind our way over to the Cathedral Rock
trail. Then it’s up to Cathedral Rock. Then we turn around and hike back to the
cars. Departure from the Santa Fe is 8:00AM.
Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, May 7th,
Raintree via Hummingbird Gulch Pt to Pt -
Rated strenuous, expect scree, Class
II and III scrambling. We will climb the steep gulch located near Robbers Roost
and return via the North Loop Trail to shuttle back to the Hummingbird Gulch TH.
Distance is 5.5 miles. Elevation is estimated 2000 feet. Depart the Santa Fe
Casino by 8:00 AM. Coordinator-
David Gray
Tuesday,
May 8th, Telephone Canyon Loop
- This loop of 7 miles borders on strenuous due to the 1800 feet of
elevation gain during the route. We will begin at a pullout on Deer Creek Road
2.5 miles from Kyle Canyon Road junction and start up one of the bike trails
that will take us around to the ridge on the northeast side of Telephone
Canyon. Following that ridge all the way down to the Showgirl Trail, we turn
right and make our way back to the trailhead using more trails. All trail. Meet
at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Wednesday, May 9th,
Big Falls O&B - This is a mostly moderate trek, even if there is still a
good bit of snow and ice in the canyon as there was last year. Scrambling
required over wet logs and tree debris, and rocks. Total distance is 4 miles.
Elevation is 900 feet. With the amount of snow still on Mount Charleston, the
seasonal waterfall should be flowing freely. A great view to experience. Depart
the Santa Fe Casino by 8:00 AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, May 10, No Name Loop
- From Lee Canyon, ascend the Bristlecone and No Name Trails to the Bonanza
Trail junction. Continue the clockwise loop back to the ski resort. Six miles
with all the vertical of 1200’ occurring in the first two. Moderately
strenuous. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator -
Michael O’Connor
Friday, May 11th,
Bristlecone Loop CCW - A moderate trek of 6 miles through the upper reaches of Lee Canyon.
We’ll pass through the Pine-Fir, groves of quaking Aspens, and the Bristlecone
forest. There are great views of the surrounding mountain peaks and ski area.
We begin at the Lower Bristlecone Trail parking lot. Elevation gain is 700
feet. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, May 12th,
Mummy Springs Loop CW – A moderately strenuous 6-mile hike with over 1200 feet of elevation
that goes up the North Loop to Raintree. After our break, we go past Mummy
Springs to the Deer Creek ridge. This ridge is a beautiful but steep descent
with some scree into Deer Creek. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Tony Fountain
Sunday, May 13th,
Wild Horse Ridge Loop - We will hike the North
Loop trail up to the Meadow. After a break, the return will go down the Wild
Horse Canyon Ridge back to the cars. The hike is rated moderate with about 4-5
miles and 900 feet of elevation. There is steep descent to get to the ridge and
at the end of the ridge. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. We will park at the Deer Creek parking lot and hike back
to North Loop. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, May 14th,
South Sister Overlook- This 5-mile moderately strenuous trek stops at the
beginning of “Phase III,” of the tough climb to the peak. This ridge offers
great 360-degree views. Chance to see wild horses roaming. Elevation gain is
1,500 feet. Pace balanced to accommodate elevation gain. Depart Santa Fe
station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator –
David Gray
Monday, May 14th, Boneshaker Loop
- If you don’t want to drive to the mountains, a morning hike will go up the
Boneshaker trail (slow!). As the trail levels-out the pace will be
moderate. We will connect with the Three Amigos trail that will take us
across to the Bob Gnarly trail down the canyon or the Bombs Voyage trail that
will run by the Muffins. 0verall rating is moderate with about 1200 ft. elevation gain and 5-6 miles. Meet the coordinator at the horse corrals at 7:00 AM. Coordinator - David Hardy.
Tuesday, May 15th,
South Loop 1st Overlook –
This moderately strenuous climb may
feel strenuous as we make our first forays into the higher elevations. We will
begin at the Echo TH and make it a 6 mile day at around 1600 feet of gain. Meet
at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Wednesday, May 16th, Acastus/Escarpment Trail Loop - We'll start this 5 to 6-mile O&B moderate hike from the Fletcher Canyon parking lot and take the
Acastus Trail east down to the Visitor center. When we get to the new complex
of trails below the visitor center, we will take the Escarpment Trail in a
clockwise direction, approaching the top from the east end. This section is
fairly steep with the pace balanced by the terrain. We’ll break at the
top. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00
AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, May 17th,
Cottonwood Valley Loop - A moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles
with around 1,500 feet of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking area
we also use for Badger Pass. It starts on a trail but eventually leaves
it for a cross-country route up a steep ridge to a higher ridge with views of
Las Vegas. From there the group will head south along the ridge and connect
with the Deadhorse Trail passing through Red Valley back to the
vehicles. Early assembly will be at Red Rock Casino with the group leaving
at 6:30 AM. Final assembly point will be the gas station at the
intersection of Highways 159 and 160 with a departure time of 7:00 AM. Coordinator - David
Hardy.
Thursday, May 17th, Acastus
Trail / Fletcher Canyon O&B -
Due to the O&B distance of 8 miles, this hike will be rated moderately
strenuous. It begins at the Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor Center where
we will pick up the Acastus Trail. This takes us up to Fletcher Canyon where we
will have our break at Obstacle Rock and return. Elevation gain is 1300 feet.
Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Friday, May 18th, Fletcher Canyon and Lunch – Join us for a beautiful hike up Fletcher Canyon to Obstacle Rock
and then for lunch at the lodge after the hike. It’s a 4-mile easy moderate hike with 450 feet of
elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00
AM. Coordinators – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Saturday, May 19th, South Loop to 2nd
Overlook OB - The out-and-back hike
climbs up through a canyon with a series of many switchbacks and goes along the
top of the Echo Cliffs. It reaches the first overlook with a great view of Kyle
Canyon after about 2.5 miles. The second overlook is reached after a few more
switchbacks at a little over 3 miles. Rate it moderately strenuous with about 1500 feet of elevation. Let’s
depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM.
Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, May 20th, Robbers Roost Loop - This moderate to moderately strenuous loop hike will
include the Showgirl, Hike a Bike, Robbers Roost and Gypsy Trails and is 6
miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Trails and small easy wash descent. It
begins at the Juniper TH. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 21st,
South Loop 3rd Overlook – This moderately strenuous hike will go up to
the 3rd Overlook on the South Loop trail. It is 7 miles with over
1500 feet of elevation. Nice views and a great workout. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Ed Matulis
Tuesday, May 22, South Sister (10,175’) - Standard approach from the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead.
It’s five miles with a couple thousand vertical. Challenging terrain with a
short, Class 3 section near the summit (optional). Color it strenuous due
to the steep ascent. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator -
Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, May 23rd,
Cathedral Rock OB – Even though the hike is
only 3 miles, there is 950 feet of elevation so let’s rate it moderate. We begin at the picnic area
parking lot in the Rainbow subdivision and hike through Mazie Canyon up to our
destination. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00
AM. Coordinators – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Thursday, May 24th, Stepladder
Peak Loop - This moderately strenuous
hike explores Telephone Canyon and returns by way of a small peak rising across
from the Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor Center. The hike is 6.5 miles with
1500 feet of elevation gain. Trail and bushwhacking. Meet at the Santa Fe
Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 25th,
4-Mile Overlook (North Loop Trail)- Trek
along the North Loop Trail to enjoy the return of spring to the mountains.
Rated moderately strenuous,
comfortable pace. Distance is 8 miles with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet.
Depart the Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, May 26th, Lee Canyon /
Sawmill Wiggles Loop - This tried and true moderately
strenuous loop hike begins and ends at the MM 10.5 trailhead on Lee Canyon
Road. The route climbs up through Lee Canyon, crosses the road at Sawmill TH
and returns via the wiggling Blue Trail with a short bushwhack near the end.
Trail, wash, bushwhack. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, May 27th,
Cottonwood Pass Loop - The moderate 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. Meet the coordinator at
the gas station on Highways 159 and 160 at 7:00
AM, and drive to the gravel lot for a 7:15 AM start of
hike. Elevation change is 1000 feet and it is 6 miles. Coordinator -
David Hardy
Sunday, May 27th,
No Name Loop CCW – A moderately strenuous hike in Lee
Canyon. Begin on Upper Bristlecone to Bonanza. Then it’s up Bonanza to the
junction of No Name. After our break, we hike down No Name to connect back to
the Upper Bristlecone trail. It is 6 miles with 1600+ feet of elevation. Pacing
will be 1.75 to 2 miles per hour. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, May 28th,
Cockscomb Ridge - To reach our destination,
we will hike up Trail Canyon, one tough 2-mile trail in the Spring Mountains.
Pacing will accommodate moderate and above. At the saddle, we turn right to
begin hiking along the ridge. There are more steep sections along the ridge and
a narrow section along the spine. This 6-mile hike is rated moderate – moderately strenuous with
1800 feet of elevation gain. We depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, May 29, Fletcher Peak (10,319’) - Let’s do a backdoor approach. From the Cougar Ridge
Trailhead, tackle the sharp climb to Mummy Springs. Traverse over to Raintree
and on to the pinnacle. Bring it home along the North Loop Trail and Wild Horse
Ridge. In the 6.5-mile range with 2300’ vertical. Class 2. Label it strenuous.
Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor
Wednesday, May 30th,
Sawmill Trails - The starting point for
this moderate hike is the Sawmill
parking lot. The out and back hike uses the Blue Trail to the high point on the
ridge. Total distance is about 5 miles with about 700 feet of elevation gain.
Departure from the Santa Fe is 7:30 AM.
Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, May 31st, Rocky Gorge Loop (long version) - The long version of this hike is all trail but is also 8.5
miles long. There is 1500 feet of elevation gain making this a moderately
strenuous hike. It begins at the Blue Tree TH with the apex at the top of
the Blue Trail above Sawmill TH. If the temperatures are too warm for this low
elevation hike, a change of venue will be made. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for
an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Thursday, May 31st, Red Springs Lizard Hike - Most of the route for this moderate
4-mile out-and-back hike will be in the shade as the group will start from Red
Springs and go around the south end of the Calico Hills as far as Calico II
Overlook utilizing the canyon between the sandstone hills and the scenic drive
as much as possible. The coordinator will be at Red Springs Picnic Area
for a 6:00 AM start of the hike. If
the gate of the picnic area is not open that early there is plenty of parking
just outside the gate along the road. Coordinator - David Hardy
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