July 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. 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.

Sunday, July 1^st, Cathedral Rock and Manhole OB – A moderate to moderately strenuous hike of 5.5 miles and 1200+ feet of elevation. Begin at Echo Trailhead, take our break at the peak and then go to the manhole. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, July 3^rd, McFarland Peak – This strenuous trek is 13 miles with 4000 feet of elevation. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinators – Jerry and Cheryl Thomas

Tuesday, July 3^rd, McFarland Approach - While the Big Boys (& Girls) are climbing McFarland Peak, we will hike only to the base of the peak ascent scree field at a moderately strenuous pace. The out and back hike will be 11.5 miles with 2500 feet of elevation gain. After climbing up the No Name Trail, the route continues out the Bonanza Trail on the Spring Mountains Divide. The return from the Bonanza Trail will be done via the Upper Bristlecone Trail. Expect around 6 hours to complete. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell 

Wednesday, July 4^th, Escarpment via Old Town/Shuttle – Starting at the Old Town elementary school, this moderate hike will continue down Kyle Canyon and take in the Escarpment Trail before heading up to the Visitor Center. This will be 6 miles with 1070 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM - Coordinator- David Gray   

Thursday, July 5^th, Raintree (up WHC, down WHR) - Climbing Wild Horse Canyon is no easy task. We will use this route continuing up the North Loop switchbacks, then take the Winter Peak “trail” over to go up to Raintree for our break. The return will be via Wild Horse Ridge starting from the North Loop’s 12^th switchback. This will be a moderately strenuous to strenuous hike at only 5 miles with around 1800 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, July 6^th, The Barren Ridge- Moderately strenuous trek out to the ridge that offers a wonderful view of the McFarland Peak, Mack’s Peak, Bonanza Trail ridge line, and the Nevada test area. Total miles- 5-6 miles- Elev. - 1200 FT- TH- Lower Bristlecone Trail. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, July 7^th, Old Deer Creek Road / Champion Ridge - This is a pleasant easy moderate 4-mile hike on a portion of the old Deer Creek dirt road that transitions across to Champion Ridge, a rock ridge that overlooks the peaks of Lee Canyon. The catch is that 500 of the 650 feet of elevation gain happens on the return. We will take it as slow as necessary. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, July 7^th, Cave Springs OB – A traditional hike that goes up Trail Canyon and then turns left onto North Loop to the springs. Pacing will be slow and steady. 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 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, July 8^th, Orange Trail/Ridge/Shuttle- Moderately strenuous. Distance- 6.6 miles. The loss of elevation on the ridge is 2400 feet. The gain in elevation over to Lee Canyon Road is 1300 feet. A great trek through the scrub pine country, desert just east of Lee Canyon Road. Great views of the surrounding terrain, mountains. TH- Orange Trail pull off- Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Monday, July 9^th, South Loop 3^rd Overlook – Moderately strenuous 6-mile hike with 2100 feet of elevation gain up the South Loop Trail to a fantastic overlook of Charleston Peak and the surrounding area. Pace will be slow and steady. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, July 10^th, Macks Peak (10,036’) - One of the classic 10k peaks in the Spring Mountains. At the terminus of Macks Canyon Road is a remote campground which doubles as our trailhead. It’s a deceptively short four-mile trudge, but with 1800’ vertical gain, it more than merits its strenuous rating. Just below the summit is a steep, scree-laden, Class 3 section. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, July 11^th, Acastus/Stanley B Mine – This moderate hike begins at Fletcher Canyon parking and hikes up to the Stanley B Mine and Springs. We will ascend the trail through a drainage area but then descend down a forest road. It is 5 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, July 12^th, Fletcher Peak (up DC, down WHC) - This route for climbing Fletcher Peak is strenuous. We will go up the Deer Creek Trail and Ridge and after peaking out on Fletcher, descend via Wild Horse Canyon. During the 6.5 miles, we will pass Raintree and hike out the Fletcher Peak Trail and back. There will be 2300 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, July 13^th, 5 Mile Campsite – This is a strenuous trek up on the North Loop Trail to the saddle area that offers great views. Distance is 10 miles. Elevation gain is 2700 Feet.  TH- Trail Canyon Trail- Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, July 14^th, Old Town Loop v South Loop - This moderate to moderately strenuous loop will include a climb up from the Old Town area to the South Loop Trail; a climb that is part of the old Rainbow Loop. Although Rita and I have found a really neat use trail up, it may be messy so be prepared for bushwhacking. The 4.5 miles starts at the Echo Trailhead, meanders down through Old Town, climbs the aforementioned hill to the South Loop, ascends the South Loop to Rainbow Junction, hikes around the old burnt road route here then descends the South Loop and Echo Trail back to the trailhead. (This hike will be pre-hiked and is subject to change.) Total elevation gain is 1300 feet. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 15^th, Wallace Canyon and Beyond – This moderately strenuous hike is 6-7 miles with 1700+ feet of elevation. We start at Upper Bristlecone turn onto No Name and then turn onto the Wallace saddle trail. After regrouping we hike down to where the airplane wreck used to be. After taking a short pause here, we will make our way around and over to a rock outcrop that overlooks the Pahrump valley. There is some bushwhacking along a game trial, but no exposure. This is where we take our break. Then it’s back to the saddle, across to the saddle of No Name and then down the switchbacks on the Bonanza Trail and then back to the cars on Upper Bristlecone. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez   

Monday, July 16^th, Griffith Peak- Strenuous- Enjoy the great views and get in a high elevation climb. – Distance is 10 miles. Elevation gain is 3700 feet. Steady Moderate pace. TH-Cathedral Rock parking lot. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday, July 17^th, Calico II, Guardian Angel - For our early risers, this easy early morning hike will start from the Scenic Loop Calico II parking lot (in the shade).  We will hike up to the Guardian Angel Rock and do some exploring in the area.  There will be some minor Class 2 scrambling.  Total distance of about 2 miles and 300 ft gain in elevation.  Participants will depart from the Red Rock Casino at 6:00 AM. Coordinator - Tony Fountain

Wednesday, July 18^th, Eagle’s Nest Loop/Fletcher Canyon – A moderate hike of 6 miles with 800 feet of elevation. Start at Fletcher Canyon trailhead then turn onto Eagle’s Nest. After hiking the loop that sits above Kyle Canyon, we will continue up Fletcher Canyon to Obstacle Rock. After our break, it’s back to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, July 19^th, South Sister Saddle Loop via Lower Bristlecone - This route of the South Sister Saddle Loop is a moderately strenuous 7.5-miles. Hiking out of the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead, we will use that trail to reach the Bonanza Trail junction. From there, we hike out the Bonanza Trail to the ridge that drops down to the South Sister Saddle. Then we return via the South Sister Trail. There is 1600 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, July 20^th, Lee Peak Base - Strenuous- 12 miles- Elevation gain is 3200 feet. This will be a great training trek for future Charleston Peak hikers. The hike will begin at the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray 

Saturday, July 21^st, Lee Canyon Narrows/Champion Road Loop - This is a moderate hike of 6.5 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain. We will begin at the Sawmill Trailhead and cross the road to Champion Road. Making a figure 8, we will hike up the dirt road, descend through the Lee Canyon wash to the narrows, then return via the side trail up to Cardamine Road. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, July 21^st, Eagle’s Nest Loop – An easy hike of 3 miles and 500 feet of elevation. It starts on the Fletcher Canyon Trail and turns onto Eagle’s Nest Loop. At the end of the loop, we will take a different trail to an old road and back to the cars. Those meeting at the Santa Fe need to organize themselves and depart at 8:00 AM. Meet the coordinator at the Fletcher Canyon trailhead found 1.7 miles up from the Kyle Canyon Road traffic circle on the left side. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Monday – Friday, July 22^nd – July 27^th, Elko/Ely Club Trip – We drive up to Elko on Sunday and then hike the Ruby Mountains on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, on our way down to Ely, we will hike Angel Lake. Thursday’s hikes will be in Nevada’s only National Park, Great Basin. Coordinators – Ann Cronin and Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, July 23^rd, Devil’s Thumb - Strenuous. Distance- 13 miles- Elevation gain is 3100 feet for the out and back hike. This will be a great training trek for future Charleston Peak hikers. The hike will begin at the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray 

Thursday, July 26^th, Cathedral Rock, Etc. - This moderate to moderately strenuous route for Cathedral Rock includes Little Falls and the Manhole Cover. The 6 miles starts at the Echo Trailhead and has 1525 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, July 28^th, Upper Bristlecone Overlook – An easy hike of 3 miles and 700+ feet of elevation along a club favorite trail. We take our break at an overlook that is above the campgrounds and then turn around. Those meeting at the Santa Fe, need to organize themselves and depart the at 8:00 AM. Meet the coordinator at the trailhead at the ski resort parking lot found at the very end of Lee Canyon Road. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, July 28^th, Deer Creek / Meadows Loop - This is a moderate hike of 5 miles that starts out of the Deer Creek Picnic Area Trailhead. After a very short bushwhack, we will take the old Deer Creek Road over to the North Loop Trail. From there, we climb to the meadow and descend Wild Horse Ridge. After that, we go up the dirt road to descend through the picnic area and back to the cars. There are 1350 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, July 29^th, No Name Loop – Moderate to Moderately strenuous, 6 miles with 1100 feet of elevation. Traditional route that takes Upper Bristlecone to No Name then a break at the saddle of Bonanza. From there, it’s down to Upper Bristlecone where we will use a game trail to reconnect with the trail. Pace will be slow and steady. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, July 30^th, Acastus/Old Town, Echo Trail OB – A moderate hike that begins at Fletcher Canyon parking lot and hikes up pass the campground, through Old Town, under the road and then continues up Echo Trail a little way to our break spot. We might see some wild horses. It’s 6 miles with 600 feet of elevation. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez