June 2018 Hike List

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.

Friday, June 1st, Red Springs Loop – This is a moderately strenuous hike of 4 miles and 800 feet of elevation. We begin at Red Springs picnic area and hike over and up the Guardian Angel pass. Then we scramble and hike down and pass the Calico trailheads. Use of hands is needed to climb up and down boulders and sandstone. Meet the coordinator at 5:30 AM at Red Springs. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, June 2nd, Trail Canyon / Fletcher Canyon (Point to Point Shuttle) - Trail Canyon is a formidable climb for 2.15 miles gaining 1500 elevation feet. We will climb at a slow and steady pace. Then Fletcher Canyon is the reward; a descent of 2300’ through a wash surrounded by forest and limestone slots. The descent is punctuated by a slippery slide through the rabbit hole, a choreographed experience utilizing the help of the whole group. Totals for the entire point to point moderately strenuous hike are less than 6 miles; 1600’ of elevation gain; and 2300’ of elevation loss. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, June 3rd, Blue Diamond Ridges - This moderate early morning hike on the hill across from Red Rock Canyon will cover a distance up to 7 miles starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot along Highway 159.  How much the group does will be determined by the temperature increases during the morning. If it stays somewhat cool, the destination will be the Las Vegas Overlook.  Rating should be moderate or a bit more. Participants will gather at Red Rock Casino and leave at 5:30 AM.  The coordinator will meet them at the stables for a 5:45 AM start to the hike. Coordinator - David Hardy.

Tuesday, June 5th, Big Falls Overlook OB – Strenuous hike that begins on Trail Canyon and then connects to the North Loop and continues to the overlook. It’s about 10 miles with 2900 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Stephen Newell

Tuesday, June 5th, Wild Horse Canyon/Wild Horse Ridge Loop – This hike is rated easy to moderate. We hike up Wild Horse Canyon to the Cactus Jack trail which will take us to Wild Horse Ridge. We will take our break on the ridge. Then it’s down the ridge which provides great views. At the end of the ridge, there is a short steep drop but there is no exposure. It’s about 4 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator -Lettie Gutierrez

Wednesday, June 6th, Eagle’s Nest Loop/Fletcher Canyon – A moderate hike of 6 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain. Eagle’s Nest trail is about ½ mile up the Fletcher Canyon trail. This loop is mostly easy trail. Pace will be moderate. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, June 7th, Blue Diamond Canyon 4B - Avoiding the heat of the day will be the main objective for this short hike into a first canyon on the south end of Blue Diamond Hill. It's around 3 - 4 miles but it does involve a considerable amount of scrambling in the upper section, resulting in an overall rating of moderate. There is a good chance of seeing owls in the canyon. The return will be back the same way. 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.  Starting time for the hike will be at 5:45 AM so participants carpooling from Red Rock Casino will have to leave at 5:20 AM. Coordinator - David Hardy.

Thursday, June 7th, Raintree via Trail Canyon O&B - Trail Canyon is a formidable climb for 2.15 miles gaining 1500 elevation feet. We will climb at our own pace to regather at the North Loop saddle junction. From there, we will climb to Raintree at the pace of the coordinator, moderate and steady. The descent will also be at the pace of the coordinator. Totals for the strenuous hike are 7.5 miles with 2400’ of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, June 8th, Middle Deer Creek Canyon OB- Starting from Lee Canyon Road where the old road used to run (MM 8), this is a pleasant trek through the desert brush, juniper tree country that offers great views of the mountains to the west. Rated moderately strenuous with at 6 to 7-mile distance, and 1,490 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe Casino at 8:00 AM- Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, June 9th, Upper Kyle Canyon (Point to Point Shuttle) - This easy moderate hike is 5 miles with a gain of 200 elevation feet and a loss of 1100 elevation feet. It is a point to point shuttle beginning at the Echo Trailhead and ending at the Spring Mountain Gateway Visitor Center. Pace will be easy at around 1.5 mph and mostly in the shade. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, June 9th, Cave Springs OB –  A traditional hike that goes up Trail Canyon and then turns left onto North Loop to the springs. Pacing up Trail Canyon will range from 1.6 to 2.2 mph. After we regroup at the saddle and allow for a rest, we continue up to the springs where we take our break. Then it’s back down to the cars. It’s 5.5 miles with 2100 feet of elevation and rated moderately strenuous. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, June 10th, Pahrump Overlook Peak OB- Our goal is to trek out to the overlook at the very end of the ridge that has a commanding view of the growing community on the other side of Mt. Charleston. From the No Name Saddle area, the way up is a traverse trail that curves around the ridge to the northwest. Rated moderately strenuous with an estimated distance of 7 miles and elevation gain of 1800 feet. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Monday, June 11th, Red Springs - 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 5:45 AM start of the hike. If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should leave that assembly point at 5:30 AM.  If the gate of the picnic area is not open that early there is plenty of parking just outside along the road. Coordinator - David Hardy

Tuesday, June 12th, Mummy’s Tummy (11,529’) –  Strenuous hike that goes up Trail Canyon to North Loop. At the “M Tree” at the base of the scree field, we turn to climb up to the ridge. Then it’s along the ridge to the final climb to the tummy. Stats: 9.3 miles & 3700 feet gain. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Tim Borem

Tuesday, June 12th, Trail Canyon – In 2.15 miles (total of 4 miles), this trail climbs 1500 feet of elevation. Today’s easy to moderate hike pace will take the trail slow with several stops. This would be a good hike for anyone who has not climbed Trail Canyon. Come and find out what all the fuss is about! It is all trail. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Wednesday, June 13th, Acastus/Eagle’s Nest – A moderate hike of 5.5 miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain. We begin at the Spring Mountain Visitor Center and hike up to Fletcher Canyon on the Acastus Trail. We turn onto Eagle’s Nest Trail and then make a turn onto a trail that will take us down a dirt road to the highway. We will take the Acastus Trail back. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez



Thursday, June 14th, South Loop 3rd Overlook - While the big dogs are climbing all the way up to Griffith Peak, we will be climbing only to the 3rd Overlook. Our moderately strenuous hike will be 6.5 miles with 2100 feet of elevation gain. Pace will be moderate and steady with stops around every half to whole mile beginning at the Mt. Charleston Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell



Thursday, June 14th, Griffith Peak via South Loop - 10 miles, 3700 ft gross gain.  Rated very strenuous, this hike will be an out and back up the South Loop Trail to the saddle and on to Griffith Peak. This is one of a series of training hikes and therefore the primary focus is on exercise, with a steady pace and short breaks every hour. Please attend only if you have recently been doing strenuous hikes. Leave Santa Fe parking garage at 07:30 AM. Coordinator - Brian Dodd


Saturday, June 16th, Mummy Springs Loop CCW - The climb to Mummy Springs becomes a little more challenging when tackled on the Deer Creek side of the loop. The ascent is steep and will be hiked with scheduled stops along the way. Our break will be at Raintree and we will descend via the North Loop and Wild Horse Ridge. The strenuous hike is 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1800 feet. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, June 16th, Mary Jane Falls – Our easy to moderate hike is about 3 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain. Pace will be leisurely. The trail has a series of switchbacks and on the last one there is a series of steps. We take our break at the falls then return to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, June 17th, South Loop Saddle & Meadows - Come join the fun to take in the scenery and views of one of the most beautify mountain areas as it recovers from the terrible Carpenter I Fire of 2013. Rated strenuous given the gain of just over 3,000 feet coupled with a total distance of 12 miles. South Loop Trail onto the saddle/ridge trail just down from Griffith Peak. Moderate, adjusted pace given the distance and terrain. Plan to spend most of the day there. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday, June 19th, Old Deer Creek Road Route (Point to Point Shuttle) - This historic route was explored last fall in a longer version. This shorter 4-mile version will be an easy moderate hike that is twice as much descent (-600’) as it is ascent (+300’)! A point to point shuttle, we will begin at the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking lot and use the old Deer Creek Road route to hike up to the Hilltop Campground then down past Robbers Roost and the old cabin to a parking turnout below. It has mostly shade and a few sections of sun and almost all trail. There is a very short bushwhacking near the beginning of the hike and just after the campground. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell



Tuesday, June 19th, Mummy’s Nose - 4.2 miles, 2800 ft gross gain.  Rated very strenuous, this hike begins from the chain-up area on Lee Canyon Road across from the residential area. Almost immediately, the hike begins climbing up the hill sometimes catching a vague trail. When the trail drops into the wash, a very steep scramble ensues to a high saddle. The remaining climb to the peak includes a class 3 section. The trail is very steep and loose in places with minor exposure at the top.  This is one of a series of training hikes and therefore the primary focus is on exercise, with a steady pace and short breaks every hour. Please attend only if you have recently been doing strenuous hikes. Leave Santa Fe parking garage at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Brian Dodd

Wednesday, June 20th, Bristlecone Loop – A moderate hike of 6 miles and 600 feet of elevation. We park at the ski resort but will do the loop CCW. Pace will be moderate. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, June 21st, Fletcher Peak via North Loop O&B - Nothing fancy. This moderately strenuous hike will be an out and back hike using the North Loop Trail to reach the Fletcher Peak Trail on top of the ridge. We will climb with assigned stops along the way so that no one is left behind. Totals are 6.5 miles with 2300 feet of elevation gain. This would be a good hike for first timers up to Fletcher Peak. (A pre-requisite would be that you feel comfortable climbing to Raintree on the North Loop and want to climb a step up.) Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, June 23rd, South Sister Saddle Loop via Pine Cone Canyon – Rate is moderately strenuous/strenuous because ascending Pine Cone Canyon is tough. We will regroup on the Bonanza Trail. Then we continue along the beautiful trail to the turn for South Sister where we will take another short break along the ridge descending the South Sister trail. It’s about 5 miles with 1700 feet of elevation. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, June 23rd, Deer Creek - An easy out-and-back hike along Deer Creek of about 3 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain.  We will hike through white fir, ponderosa, and pine trees and enjoy the great view of Mummy’s Nose at the top.  Meet the coordinator at the Santa Fe at 8:30 AM. We will park at the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking lot. Coordinator - Kathy Kazi

Monday, June 25th, Bristlecone / No Name Loop CCW - This moderately strenuous hike is a loop that begins at the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead and starts down to the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead. We then loop up to the Bonanza Trail junction and take the switchbacks up. A turn to the left puts us on the No Name Trail where we will descend the steep hill and re-connect with the Bristlecone Trail. Here, we turn right and return to the Upper Trailhead. The pace will be moderate. Totals for the hike are 6.6 miles and an elevation gain of 1400 feet. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Monday, June 25th, Top of Gypsum Hill Loop - This is a short hike of 3 miles but is moderate due to around 1000 ft. elevation gain. There is a 360-degree view from the top high above Blue Diamond. Starting time for the hike will be at 5:45 AM so participants carpooling from Red Rock Casino will have to leave there at 5:20 AM.  Coordinator - David Hardy.

Tuesday, June 26th, Mummy’s Toe (10,925’) - Let’s make it a loop. From the Cougar Ridge Trailhead, it’s up the dirt road to the sylvan cottages. Begin the sharp, off-piste ascent to Mummy Spring, then continue to the summit via the Toe Trail. Visit Raintree on the descent and pick up Wild Horse Ridge back to the trailhead. Just over six miles with 2800’ vertical gain. Strenuous with steep, Class 2 terrain. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, June 27th, Mack’s Canyon Road Overlook OB - Moderate 5 to 6-mile trek up the gravel/dirt road that takes you to Mack’s Peak. We’ll explore several overlooks that offer great views of this area, including neighboring peaks and the Nevada Test Site. Elevation gain of 800 feet. Moderate pace. Depart Santa Fe station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, June 28th, Griffith Peak - A big day in the mountains! This strenuous peak climb is 9.5 miles with an elevation gain of 3300 feet. We will start early and the coordinator will go at a slow and steady pace. Others may go ahead as long as they are checking in with the coordinator at stops along the way. This is a good hike to gauge yourself for a peak climb to Mt. Charleston, however, strenuous training must precede this. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell



Saturday, June 30th, Stanley B Mine & Springs - This is an easy moderate hike accomplished in a figure 8 pattern. The pace will be easy with many stops. We will begin with an easy scramble up through a wash trail then the hike proceeds on either a trail or old road for the remaining mileage. (To see the mine entrance, there is a short distance of a scramble.) The total statistics for the hike are 2.75 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell