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 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 club president John Ward at wardjohn1948@yahoo.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 800-1000 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.
Wednesday, May 1, Calico Basin Lower Elevation Wander: Easy/Moderate; 5 miles; 639 FT elevation; 8AM. It will be all trail through the heart of the redstone rock and greenery of one of our favorite areas. We'll depart the Red Rock Casino by 8AM or meet the coordinator at the Red Spring Trailhead by 8:20AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, May 2-
Friday, May 3-
Saturday, May 4, 4.25 Mile Overlook O&B/North Loop Trail: Moderately Strenuous; 8 miles; 2700 FT gain; 8AM. Consider this traditional route the start of our conditioning and altitude training in preparation for the Mount Charleston trek if the snow allows. We begin our route from Trail Canyon Trailhead. Views include 180 degrees of Kyle Canyon and nearby peaks. Meet the coordinator at the Santa Fe by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray-
Sunday, May 5, Red Spring Lizard Hike O&B: Moderate; 4 miles; 6:15AM. Most of the route is moderate and in the shade as we trek around the south end of the Calico Hills as far as Calico II Overlook utilizing the canyons between the sandstone hills and the scenic drive. The return back to the cars is when the day starts to heat up and the big lizards come out to roast. The coordinator will be at Red Spring Picnic Area for a 6:15 AM start of the hike. If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should leave that assembly point at 6 AM. If the gate of the picnic area is not open that early, there is plenty of parking just outside along the streets. If the weather is unusually cool, check the website for a later start. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, May 6, Grand Circle: Strenuous; 11.5 miles; 1850 FT elevation gain; 4.5 to 5 hours of hiking; 8AM. A great training hike for distance and endurance that also offers great views of the Red Rock area. For our trailhead, we’ll meet at the fee booth parking lot by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray-
Tuesday, May 7, Wilson Tank Loop: Moderate; 7 miles; 800 FT gain; 7AM. We will drive about two miles up the Cottonwood Valley Road which has really taken a beating so we will have to hike the last mile. Then this is where the loop begins. There is a good chance with all the rain we have had that the globe mallow will show a carpet of orange. We will leave the Chevron gas station on SR 159/160 at 7AM. If the weather is cool, the start time could change so check the website. Coordinator– David Hardy.
Wednesday, May 8-
Thursday, May 9, Hollow Rock Peak: Moderately Strenuous; 5 miles; 1200' elevation gain; 3 hours - This hike will be done as an out and back via the Forest Service Road. We will not climb Heartbreak Hill! After connecting with the Hollow Rock Peak trail on the ridge, we will scramble down, up, down and up to get to the peak. Moderate scrambling skills preferred. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8AM departure. Or, meet at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead to start the hike no earlier than 8:30AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 10, Little Zion O&B: Strenuous; 10 miles; 1500 FT gain; 7AM. We will leave the Chevron gas station (SR 59/160) at 7AM on our way to Mountain Springs Summit. A quarter mile past the fire station, we turn right into town. We will drive as far as the road allows, then follow a trail until we arrive at a big wash. We will hike up that until we reach the ridge and then decide on our route down into Little Zion. Our break point is there. Be sure to bring a lunch. With all the rain we had, there may be a small creek flowing. Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, May 11, Potato Knoll Balloon: Moderate; 5 miles; 600' elevation; 8AM. We begin at the end of the scenic loop and take trails across the desert. We will cross Oak Creek and use the lower trail around the knoll to reach the back side. Then we make our way up to the top of Potato Knoll where we will take our break. After our descent, we cross Oak Creek two more times before we reconnect with the trail back to the cars. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8AM or meet at the scenic loop exit at 8:15AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, May 12-
Monday, May 13, Stepladder O&B: Moderate; 5-6 miles; 700' elevation; 8AM. The trail begins at the parking lot across from the Spring Mountain Visitor Center. (Turn right at the traffic circle.) Stepladder is east of Deer Creek Highway and has many views of the surrounding mountains and terrain. Our pace will be slow and steady with breaks as needed. After our break near the old cabin, we'll return to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe at 8AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, May 14, Grand Loop South - Oak/Pine Creek Canyons: Exploratory; Moderately Strenuous; 8-9 miles; 1050 FT gain; 8AM. It's a new trek that encompasses many of our familiar, popular canyon routes and landmarks. Starting from the Scenic Loop Exit, we'll initially head south on the Valley Trail, then turn west onto the old rock covered road into Oak Creek that will take us up and around Potato Knoll, where we'll hike up to the top. After a quick break there, we continue on fording Oak Creek to gain the Knoll Trail into Pine Creek. Here we'll take our main break at the entrance way into Fern Canyon. Then it's back to the cars via the following trails: Pine Creek, Fire Ecology, and finally, the Arnight/Traverse. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, May 15, Lower Showgirl O&B: Moderate; 5-6 miles; 600' elevation; 8AM. Lower Showgirl begins on Kyle Canyon Road just past Harris Road. The trail winds its way through desert vegetation. We will enjoy views of the Spring Mountains around Kyle Canyon. This is a trail hike and our pace will be slow and steady with breaks. We will take a break after 2.5 - 3.0 miles and then turn around. Depart the Santa Fe at 8AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, May 16, Mountain Springs Peak Loop: Moderately Strenuous; 6.5 miles; 1400' elevation gain; 3.5 hours - Beginning at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead, we will climb Heartbreak Hill. The climb continues more gently over to Mountain Springs Peak. A break will be taken on a rocky cliff of the escarpment then the loop route continues down a small wash behind the escarpment. The wash junctions with the Mountain Springs Trail that undulates back to the cars. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8AM departure. Or, meet at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead to start the hike no earlier than 8:30AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday thru Sunday, May 17-19, Hackberry Canyon Backpack O&B/RSVP: If you are interested in a 3-day backpacking trip, consider this one. It is 5-7 miles in with packs, setting up camp at the 5-mile mark. Most of the terrain is easy. The next day we do day hikes exploring Stone Donkey Canyon. The start of this trek begins by crossing a creek in the narrows. So plan on getting your feet wet. Please RSVP- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, May 17, 5 Mile Campsite/North Loop Trail: Moderately Strenuous; 10 miles; 2900 FT gain; 8AM. More altitude training, this time to a favorite site in preparing for Mt. Charleston. This is an out and back hike from the Trail Canyon TH. Total hike time is about 5.25 hours. Depart the Santa Fe by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, May 18, Sunset and Full Moon Rising: If anyone is interested, I will coordinate an easy 2.5 mile route, <400 FT elevation gain, to Hill 3844 from the Calico Basin Rd. for a special treat. May has the shortest amount of time between Sunset and Full Moon Rising (1 minute). If the weather cooperates, this will be a nice social outing for AtBF. We will depart from the Calico Basin Rd TH at 6PM. Return about 9PM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Sunday, May 19, Hummingbird Gulch Loop CW: Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous; 6.1 miles; 2486 FT gain; 8AM. From the Robbers Roost Trailhead, we'll start up the traditional, challenging route through the beautiful gulch to our first goal, the junction with the Fletcher Peak Trail. Then it's a short hop over to the junction with High Point Corner and the North Loop Trail. Here we'll take our break, enjoy the day. From there it's down the North Loop, then the Gypsy Trail to return to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, May 20, Eagle's Nest/Fletcher Canyon: Moderate; 6 miles; 1100' elevation; 8AM. Both trails have splendid scenery. We begin on Fletcher Canyon then take the right turn to do Eagle's Nest Loop. The loop reconnects with Fletcher and we make our way up to Obstacle Rock. Pace will be slow and steady with breaks. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, May 21, Calico Hills Loop CCW: Moderately Strenuous; 8 miles plus; 1700 FT gain; 8AM. Our route initially takes us over 5-Stop Hill, up Gateway, and onto Rattlesnake Trail to then juncture with the Sandstone Quarry, where we’ll take our break. From there we turn south picking up the Grand Circle Trail below Calico I & II Overlooks. We make the final loop in taking the wash trail around the southern end of the Calico, climb Red Spring Hill, and then drop back down to our trailhead, Red Spring. Meet the coordinator there by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, May 22, Calico Hills South: Moderate loop; 4.72 miles; 691 FT gain; 8AM. This is an all trail Red Rock route starting from the fee booth parking lot. Initially, it loops us to the west on the Moenkopi Trail only to turn back east via connector wash trails to the scenic southern end of the Calico Hills, then into Calico Basin. Interesting rock formations, cliffs, climbers, petroglyphs, and an old rusting flivver await us. Return via the basin ridge trail over to the Grand Circle. Meet by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, May 23, Telephone Canyon Loop: Moderately Strenuous; 7 miles; 1400' elevation gain; 4 hours - This hike uses several different trails in the Telephone Canyon area to accomplish a loop that begins at a turnout on Deer Creek Road 2.6 miles up from Kyle Canyon Road. The loop starts as a gentle ascent then drops down the Showgirl Ridge. Half of the elevation gain is accomplished on the return to the cars. There will be wide views of the Kyle Canyon and Mummy Mountain areas. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 24-
Saturday, May 25, Griffith Saddle: Moderately Strenuous, 8.6 miles; 2900 FT gain; 8AM. It will be the traditional route up the South Loop to a favorite sheltered spot that has become a rite of spring. The saddle, a bit north of Griffith Peak, is at 10,700 feet, a good climb to aid us in adjusting to the rigors of our summer trekking. The pace will be moderate with breaks along the way at the overlooks and at the saddle. Depart the Santa Fe by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, May 26, Lower Rocky Gorge Loop: Moderate; 6 miles; 1000' elevation gain; 3 hour hike - This loop begins off of Lee Canyon Road at the Blue Tree Campground Trailhead, on the right side of the road 10.5 miles up from SR 95. The loop passes through a small rocky canyon on the way up then by the Blue Tree Campground on the way down. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 27, South Fletcher Ridge Exploratory: Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles or so; 2500 FT elevation gain, 8AM. To start, we head up the Stanley B Trail to gain the large wash to reach the ridge above Fletcher Canyon. Turning right, we’ll explore along this area to check for new routes and enjoy the views. It’s a good place to break. Expect some bushwhacking. Depart the Santa Fe by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, May 28-
Wednesday, May 29-
Thursday, May 30, Fletcher Canyon via Acastus Trail: Moderately Strenuous; 7 miles; 1100' elevation gain; 3.5 hours - Beginning at the top parking tier of the Mt. Charleston Resort Hotel, we drop down to the Acastus Trail and walk up to the Fletcher Canyon Trailhead. From there, we will hike into the beautiful Fletcher Canyon up to Obstacle Rock for our break. There is minimal scrambling and we will see if there is any snow remaining. This is an out and back hike. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 31, Cathedral Rock Extended: Moderate; 5 miles; 900 FT gain; 8AM. The hike begins at the Echo Trailhead. The Echo Trail will take us to the Cathedral Rock trail. (We will try and use a spur trail to make this connection.) The pace will be moderate with breaks as we continue to adjust to the higher elevation. Depart the Santa Fe at 8AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
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