AtBF June 2019 Hike Schedule
The schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon
National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreational 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 either the group site: https://groups.io/g/atbf website or
the 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 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.
Saturday, June 1, Twilight Loop Trail:
Moderately Strenuous; 8.79 miles; 1653 elevation gain; 8AM. This
was Kay’s exploratory back in 2015 that established a third route for the
Twilight repertoire in the northern desert acreage of Red Rock Canyon NCA, just
nine miles up the Kyle Canyon Road from the 95. The Twilight TH is not signed
but the landmark is a very large gravel parking lot on your right. The hiking
takes us across to, then through Grapevine Canyon and the spring/cistern area.
And finally it’s up and over the Twilight Ridge to make our way back to the
cars. Looking west, we’ll have great views of the still snow-covered Spring
Mountains. We depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David
Gray
Monday, June 3, Stepladder Loop: Moderate; 6 miles; 1000’
elevation; 7:30 AM. We access the Stepladder Trail
from the parking area across from the Visitor Center on Kyle Canyon Road. The
first mile is a steady uphill climb to the saddle below Stepladder Peak. Then
we connect to the trail that takes us down to Telephone Canyon Wash. After our
break, we might be off trail as we make our way down and around the peak to the
Shady Hollow Trail. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
Tuesday, June 4, South Loop 3rd Overlook: Moderately Strenuous
to Strenuous; 6 miles; 2100’ elevation gain; ~3.5 hours; 7AM - Beginning at the South Loop Trailhead, we will climb
up to what is known as the 3rd Overlook. Pace will be slow and
steady with stops. This is the first of a series of out and back training hikes
for the purpose of acclimating to higher altitudes and gaining strength to
climb Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak. All training hikes will be divided into
two groups, a slower group and a faster group. The coordinator will be leading
the slower group and she may withdraw from the hike if necessary due to injury.
In that instance, clear directions will be made to whoever is on the hike to
reach the target point in the climb. All training hikes will take place either
on the South Loop or the North Loop Trails and will use the complementing
trailheads, South Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead or the Trail Canyon Trailhead.
Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Wednesday, June 5, Acastus/Eagle’s Nest: Moderate; 6 miles; 700’ elevation; 7:30 AM. We
will begin at the Visitor Center on Kyle Canyon Road. Using the Acastus Trail,
we make our way to Fletcher Canyon. Then we connect to the Eagle’s Nest Trail.
Returning, we will make our way down a seldom used route to the Acastus Trail
and to the cars. My pace will be on the slow side of moderate. Depart the Santa
Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, June 6, Mummy Junction: Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous; 7
miles; 2500’ elevation gain; ~3.75 hours; 7AM - Beginning at the Trail Canyon Trailhead, the hike climbs
the hill to the North Loop junction and turns left. We will hike past Cave
Springs, take the long switchback across the scree field and stop at the log
seating just past the Mummy Mountain Trail junction. Pace will be slow and
steady with stops. This is the second of a series of out and back training
hikes for the purpose of acclimating to higher altitudes and gaining strength
to climb Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak. All training hikes will be divided
into two groups, a slower group and a faster group. The coordinator will be
leading the slower group and she may withdraw from the hike if necessary due to
injury. In that instance, clear directions will be made to whoever is on the
hike to reach the target point in the climb. All training hikes will take place
either on the South Loop or the North Loop Trails and will use the
complementing trailheads, South Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead or the Trail
Canyon Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator-
Kay Blackwell
Friday, June 7, Blue Diamond Ridges: Moderate; 7 miles; 1500 FT
elevation gain; 5:30 AM. Here is a
hike for those who don’t want to drive to the mountains. This early
morning moderate trek across from Red Rock Canyon will cover a distance of up
to 7 miles starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot along Highway
159. How much the group does will be determined by the increases in
temperature during the early morning hours. If it stays somewhat cool our
destination will be the Las Vegas Overlook. Gather at Red Rock Casino by
5:15 AM to leave for the stables. Or meet the coordinator at the trailhead by
5:30 AM for the start of the hike. Sunrise 5:23. Coordinator- David
Hardy.
Saturday, June
8, Pine Cone Canyon Loop/Lee Canyon: Strenuous; 5 miles; 1587 FT gain;
8AM. It’s rated strenuous as this canyon, though a
shortcut that connects the Lower Bristlecone Road to the Bonanza Trail, offers
a challenging steep climb that is littered in pine cones and has several areas
of loose rock. The junction at the Bonanza Trail is the high point of the hike.
From there we’ll head down the Bonanza Trail Steps to connect with the No Name
Trail, taking our break at the saddle area. We’ll return to the cars via the
Upper Bristlecone Trail and Lee Canyon Road. We’ll start our day from the Lower
Bristlecone Trailhead. Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David
Gray
Sunday, June 9, Big Falls Overlook: Strenuous; 9 miles; 2900’ elevation
gain; ~4.5 hours - Beginning at the
Trail Canyon Trailhead, the route climbs to the North Loop junction saddle. We
will turn left to hike past Cave Springs, Mummy Junction, and the 4.25 Mile
Cliff Overlook. Just when the trail levels out, we stop at the Big Falls Overlook
to peer across Kyle Canyon and see Big Falls and the interesting geology in the
canyon walls. Pace will be slow and steady with stops. This is the third of a
series of out and back training hikes for the purpose of acclimating to higher
altitudes and gaining strength to climb Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak. All
training hikes will be divided into two groups, a slower group and a faster
group. The coordinator will be leading the slower group and she may withdraw
from the hike if necessary due to injury. In that instance, clear directions
will be made to whoever is on the hike to reach the target point in the climb.
All training hikes will take place either on the South Loop or the North Loop
Trails and will use the complementing trailheads, South Loop/Cathedral Rock
Trailhead or the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00
AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, June 10, Raintree via North Loop: Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles;
1400’ elevation gain; 7:30 AM. Visiting
this bristlecone pine that is estimated to be over 3000 years old is one of the
premier hikes at Mount Charleston. We will also pass by many other
bristlecones. My pace will be on the slow side of moderate as we make our way
up to the North Loop Meadow, up the switchbacks, and then over to Raintree.
Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, June 11, McFarland Approach
Loop/Campsite Shelter: Strenuous; 10 miles; 3300 FT elevation gain; 8 AM. It’s
been said that this hike has it all when you’re talking about training for Mt. Charleston.
We’ll do the traditional route starting from the Upper Bristlecone Trail. From
there we take two other landmark trails, the No Name and then the Bonanza, to
the large shelter near the Yellow Flower Saddle. Our break time there will
offer great views. Return via the Bonanza switchbacks and the Upper
Bristlecone. Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, June 13, Mummy Springs Loop via Deer Creek: Moderately
Strenuous; 6 miles; 1800 FT gain; 8AM. We’ll
ascend the heavily wooded, rather steep Deer Creek Trail to gain Mummy Springs.
We’ll return via the North Loop Trail taking our break at Raintree, the
landmark bristlecone pine. Heading on down, our route will include the Wild
Horse Trail and Wild Horse Ridge. Pace will be moderate. There will be a couple
of areas of loose rock, rocky terrain. We’ll start our day from the Deer Creek
Trailhead. Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Friday, June 14, Acastus to Echo Trail O&B: Moderate; 6 miles; 500’
elevation; 7:30 AM. Our saunter
starts at the Visitor Center. We use the Acastus to the trail along Old Town,
the elementary school, and library to reach an overlook on Echo Falls Trail.
Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, June 15, South Loop Saddle: Strenuous; 8 miles; 2900’
elevation gain; ~5 hours - The
hike begins at the South Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead. We climb the South Loop
Trail up past the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overlooks
and on into the higher altitude until arriving at the saddle junction for our
break. Pace will be slow and steady with stops. This is the fourth of a series
of out and back training hikes for the purpose of acclimating to higher
altitudes and gaining strength to climb Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak. All
training hikes will be divided into two groups, a slower group and a faster
group. The coordinator will be leading the slower group and she may withdraw
from the hike if necessary due to injury. In that instance, clear directions
will be made to whoever is on the hike to reach the target point in the climb.
All training hikes will take place either on the South Loop or the North Loop
Trails and will use the complementing trailheads, South Loop/Cathedral Rock
Trailhead or the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00
AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, June 18, Devil’s Thumb: Strenuous; 13 miles; 3100’ elevation
gain; ~6 hours - Beginning at the
Trail Canyon Trailhead, we climb up to the North Loop saddle junction and turn
left. The trail continues past Cave Springs, Mummy Junction, and Big Falls
Overlook. Devil’s Thumb is located 2 miles past this where we will find several
awesome overlooks of the Lee Canyon side of the North Loop Ridge. Pace will be
slow and steady with stops. This is the fifth of a series of out and back
training hikes for the purpose of acclimating to higher altitudes and gaining
strength to climb Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak. All training hikes will be
divided into two groups, a slower group and a faster group. The coordinator
will be leading the slower group and she may withdraw from the hike if
necessary due to injury. In that instance, clear directions will be made to
whoever is on the hike to reach the target point in the climb. All training
hikes will take place either on the South Loop or the North Loop Trails and
will use the complementing trailheads, South Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead or
the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM
departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Thursday, June 20, Griffith Peak: Strenuous; 9 miles; 3300’ elevation
gain; ~5.5 hours - Beginning at the
South Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead, we will climb past the South Loop
overlooks to the saddle junction on the ridge. A left turn here gives a small
respite before the last steep climb up to Griffith Peak. This is the sixth of a
series of out and back training hikes for the purpose of acclimating to higher
altitudes and gaining strength to climb Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak. All
training hikes will be divided into two groups, a slower group and a faster
group. The coordinator will be leading the slower group and she may withdraw
from the hike if necessary due to injury. In that instance, clear directions
will be made to whoever is on the hike to reach the target point in the climb.
All training hikes will take place either on the South Loop or the North Loop
Trails and will use the complementing trailheads, South Loop/Cathedral Rock
Trailhead or the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00
AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday,
June 21, Cockscomb Ridge: Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles; 1800’ elevation; 7:30
AM. 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. We depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
Saturday, June 22, Fletcher Peak via North Loop: Strenuous; 6.35 miles
out and back; 2492 FT elevation gain; 8 AM. Standard route done at a moderate pace with breaks
along the way. We’ll take a bit more time at the peak to enjoy the day. It’s a
good route to aid your training in preparation for the Mt. Charleston trek.
Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, June 24, Bristlecone Loop: Moderately to Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles; 700 FT
elevation gain; 7:30 AM. The hike begins at the
upper parking lot of the ski resort. We will drop down a steep embankment to
the road to access the Lower Bristlecone Trail. The road/trail takes us up to
our break spot that is where the Bonanza Trail begins. Then the road fades out
and a trail through the forest begins. We will hike by many bristlecone pine
trees. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, June 25, Red Springs O&B/Calico Basin:
Moderate; 4 miles; 600 FT elevation gain; 5:30 AM. Our route will
start from the Red Springs Trailhead/picnic area and go around the south end of
the Calico Hills going as far as the Calico II Overlook. To keep cool, we’ll
utilize the shade created by the canyon between the sandstone hills and the
Scenic Loop Drive. Meet the coordinator at Red Springs by 5:30 AM for start of
the hike. If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should
leave that assembly point at 5:15 AM. If the gate of the parking area is
still not open that early there is plenty of parking along the
road. Sunrise 5:25. Coordinator- David Hardy
Wednesday, June 26, Fletcher Canyon/Eagle’s Nest Loop: Moderate to
Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles; 1100’ elevation gain; 7:30 AM. Both
trails offer splendid scenery and views. We begin on Fletcher, then turn onto
Eagle’s Nest Loop. The loop brings us back to Fletcher Canyon Trail, which we
will take all the way up to Obstacle Rock. My pace will be on the slow side of
moderate. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, June 27, Lee Peak: Very Strenuous; 12 miles; 3800’ elevation
gain; ~7 hours - Beginning at the Trail Canyon Trailhead, the hike
climbs up to the North Loop saddle junction. After turning left, the hike
continues up into the higher altitudes. We will pass across the base of this
unofficial peak before making a sharp right turn to climb up its last steep
ascent. Unique views await you! Pace will be slow and steady with stops. This
is the seventh of a series of out and back training hikes for the purpose of
acclimating to higher altitudes and gaining strength to climb Charleston Peak
and Wheeler Peak. All training hikes will be divided into two groups, a slower
group and a faster group. The coordinator will be leading the slower group and
she may withdraw from the hike if necessary due to injury. In that instance,
clear directions will be made to whoever is on the hike to reach the target
point in the climb. All training hikes will take place either on the South Loop
or the North Loop Trails and will use the complementing trailheads, South
Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead or the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Meet at the Santa
Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, June 29, Middle Deer Creek Canyon O&B: Moderately
Strenuous; 7.5 miles; 1400 FT gain; 8AM. This
is a trail route that takes us up and down several long ridges through the
greenery of the desert scrub, pinyon pines, and juniper trees off of Lee Canyon
Road at MM 7-8. Here, the pull off parking trailhead area is the remnant of the
old road. This trek offers great views of the Spring Mountains to the north
west of us. Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, June 29, Stanley B Loop: Easy Moderate; <3
miles; 865’ elevation gain; 8:30 AM – Join us for a slow climb
up to an old mine / spring site up the hill from Kyle Canyon Road. Meet at the
Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30am departure. New club members welcome. Coordinator
– Kay Blackwell
No comments:
Post a Comment