September 2019 Hike List

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.


Monday, September 2, Mummy's Tummy: Strenuous, 12 miles, 4000 FT gain, 6 AM - We'll start at Trail Canyon then continue up the North Loop Trail to the scree slope. It is a long haul up the scree to the ridge where there is a trail that leads to the top. There will be Class II and III scrambling required just before the summit. Coordinator- David Hardy

Tuesday, September 3, Fletcher Peak Redemption: Strenuous, 7.5 miles, 2300’ vertical - Between bolts of lightning and bouts of misdirection (mea culpa) we never did make Fletcher Peak last month. Let’s remedy that. Think one giant CCW loop from the Cougar Ridge Trailhead: Mummy Springs, Raintree, Fletcher Peak, and Wild Horse Ridge. Depart the Santa Fe by 7 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, September 4, Upper Showgirl/Stepladder Shuttle: Moderate, 6-7 miles, negative elevation, 7:30 AM - Our saunter begins at the Juniper Trailhead on Angel Pass Place, the turn for Hilltop Campground off of Deer Creek Road, but we will leave a car/s at the Stepladder parking lot across from the Visitor Center. The first section of the trail winds in and out of the forest as we make our way over to the old Deer Creek Road. We continue down to Telephone Canyon to the remnants of the cabin where we take our break. Then we catch the trail that will connect to Stepladder which takes us down to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, September 5, No Name Loop: Moderately Strenuous; 5.5 miles; 1000’ gain; 7:30 AM - A popular loop hike that begins at the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead, climbs one mile to the No Name Trail junction, and climbs a steep trail up to a saddle. From there, the hike routes through a beautiful old growth bristlecone forest to the Bonanza Trail junction where we will take our break. To return to the cars, we descend the switchbacks to connect with the Bristlecone Trail and hike 2.5 miles further down. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, September 7, MT Charleston Peak: Strenuous, 16.4 miles, 4900 FT gain, 5:30 AM - We'll make our approach from the North Loop Trail. TH- Trail Canyon. Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, September 7, Lee Canyon/Champion Road Figure 8 Loop: Moderate; 5 miles; 850' gain; 8 AM - We'll begin at the Sawmill Trailhead and cross the road to take Champion Road up to Deer Creek Road. From there, drop down into the wash and follow the shaded wash all the way down to the narrows, a place where Lee Canyon wash has gorged a slot through rock. Our return will follow the trail back up to the trailhead passing a few antique cars. Pace according to participants. I'm not in a hurry. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, September 9, South Loop de Loop: Moderate, 5 miles, 1200' elevation, 7:30 AM - We will begin at the Echo Trailhead taking that path over to the South Loop. Continuing up, we will turn onto an old abandoned road at the base of the steps. Our break will be at the top of the road's hill. After our break, we will continue around on the old road to circle the hilltop. It is an old burn area so there will be a few trees to avoid by bushwhacking. Then we will return the way we came on the South Loop. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez.

Thursday, September 12, Nuclear Loop: Moderately Strenuous; 5 miles; 1200’ gain; 7:30 AM - This loop hike begins at the Desert View Overlook on Deer Creek Road. After perusing the informational signs about the testing of the first nuclear bomb in the distant desert below, we will drop down a little known trail to the base of Champion Ridge. We bushwhack up to the top of the ridge and follow it along to the break area. The return climbs part of the old Deer Creek Road, follows the Orange Trail and climbs a certain ridge back up to the Overlook. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, September 13, Mormon Girl's Camp: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1000' elevation, 7:30 AM - School is back in session so we can visit the camp. When we hiked there last fall, there had been significant development and the maintenance man told us they were going to double the size so we need to go see. We will park on Archery Range Road that is off of Deer Creek Road just after the picnic area. We hike back to the picnic area through some desert brush and then drop down to the road to get to the picnic area. Then we make our way by the cabins and up to Cougar Ridge Trail. There is a steep climb on this dirt road to the high point. We make our way along this dirt road that offers plenty of views. After we pass a private residence, we make a right turn down a creek area which feeds into the camp. As we exit the camp, we will hike down a steep section so easy does it here. Pacing will be on the slow side of moderate. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday through Wednesday, September 14-18, Central Nevada Backpack- South Twin River, Arc Dome: Strenuous to Moderately Strenuous, 16 miles, 3,000 FT, RSVP required via email - This area has been described as one of "deep, rugged canyons, high bald peaks, elk, and wet feet." The trip begins on the South Twin River, near Carvers, about an hour’s drive northeast of Tonopah, at an elevation around 6300 FT. After arriving at the trailhead we will hike in 5 miles to a very nice campsite. After setting up camp it is worthwhile to hike upstream in this lush canyon of many cascades and waterfalls. The next day we will hike around another 5 miles and camp. On day 3 we do a day hike (bring a day-pack) to the top of 11,773 Foot Arc Dome, 10-12 miles r/t with 4100 ft. elevation gain, this part is somewhat exploratory as there is supposed be a trail which may be difficult to follow. Day 4 sees the start down South Twin, all downhill and camp where we did the first night. The last day is the hike out. About 16 miles r/t, 3000 FT elevation gain with backpacks. Limit 12. RSVP- Phone- (702) 875-4826- Email follow-up is recommended. Email address- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, September 14, Sawmill Loop: Easy Moderate; 3 miles; 550’ gain; 8 AM - On this easy paced loop, we begin at the Sawmill TH, climb up to the ridge above for views of the Spring Mountain Divide and descend back to the cars. The trails wind among a pinion pine and juniper forest in the low elevations of the Spring Mountains. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, September 16, Sandstone Quarry/Keystone Thrust Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 800 FT gain, some Class II scrambling required, 8 AM - This trek begins at the Sandstone Quarry and crosses the open desert via the Grand Circle Trail. The loop portion begins as we head north up past Cactus Hill onto the Keystone Thrust Trail, then descending though the colorful Keystone Canyon Wash to where it joins the Grand Circle back to the cars. The canyon involves some scrambling and trekking through brush. The route offers great views of the Red Rock Escarpment. Depart the Red Rock Casino by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, September 19, Cathedral Rock, Etc: Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles; 1525’ gain; 7:30 AM - Making the rounds in Upper Kyle Canyon, this hike begins at Echo TH, visits Little Falls then continues around to Cathedral Rock and the Manhole Cover. The aspens should be showing their fall color ... we’ll see! Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, September 20, Wallace Saddle Balloon: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1400' elevation, 7:30 AM - Our saunter begins at Upper Bristlecone Trailhead which we hike on to the No Name junction. We use No Name to the Wallace Canyon Trail to the saddle. This trail is just as steep as No Name so each one sets their own pace. We take a nice break at the saddle and then connect to a series of game trails from the saddle as we make our way over to the top of No Name. This part of the hike does cross several scree sections and goes in and around several ravines so the pace will be cautious and slow. Now we use No Name to the Bonanza Trail which we take down to the junction of Upper Bristlecone. Then it's back to the cars. Hopefully, we will see the fall colors on the aspens. Depart Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, September 21, Kyle Canyon Escarpment: Easy Moderate; 4 miles; 800’ gain; 8:00 AM - With the, hopefully, cooling weather, we are moving on down to the Spring Mountain Gateway Visitor Center. This loop includes wide views of Kyle Canyon and Charleston Peak from atop the rock escarpment seen across the ravine from the visitor center. There is a steep climb to get to the top of the rock! Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, September 21, Griffith Peak: Strenuous, 9.5 miles, 3300 FT elevation gain, 7 AM - It's the last Saturday of summer, but I am sure it will feel and look like fall at the peak. Steady moderate pace. TH- Cathedral Rock parking lot. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, September 22, Ash Canyon: Easy, 4 miles, 6:30 AM - An early start will beat the heat. This hike will begin near Red Spring and will travel through red rock formations, a small creek, and ash trees. Meet the coordinator at Red Spring parking lot at 6:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, September 23, Lower Bristlecone Balloon: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 5-6 miles, 900' elevation gain, 7:30 AM - Our hike begins on the Lower Bristlecone Road and goes up 3 miles to the Bonanza Junction. Hopefully the aspen will have their fall colors. After our break, we will take a game trail from that junction down to Pine Cone Canyon near the weather station. This section of the hike is moderately strenuous because it has steep descents through the forest and the trail disappears and reappears. This descent requires a cautious, slow pace. Depart the Santa Fe Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, September 24, Mummy Spring via Deer Creek: Strenuous, 5-mile loop, 1800’ gain, 8 AM - We’ll ascend the heavily wooded, rather steep Deer Creek Trail to gain our goal, Mummy Spring. Then it’s over to Raintree for our main break. To return, we’re heading on down the North Loop, then
onto the Crossover Trail, and finally, the Wild Horse Ridge Trail. There will be a couple of areas of loose rock, uneven terrain. TH- Deer Creek- Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, September 26, Angel Canyon (aka AtBF Canyon): Moderately Strenuous; 5 miles; <2000’ gain?; 7:30 AM - In the past, we have hiked Angel Canyon (aka AtBF Canyon) as various different loops ... with various results! This year, we will tackle it as a one-way bottom to top endeavor shuttling cars between the BLM fire station TH and the Juniper TH. There are 5 decent dry falls to scramble up in the canyon. We’ll see if the winter of 2019 changed any of them! Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, September 27, Cottonwood Valley Loop: Moderate, 6 miles, 1000' gain, 7 AM - We'll start from the gravel parking area south on Highway 160 which is also used for the Badger Pass trek. The route will follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi and loop past Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back on the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley. Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station at Highway 159/160 intersection by 7:00 AM. That's when we'll drive to the gravel lot for a 7:15 start of the hike. Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, September 28, Rattlesnake Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, 2.5 miles, 800 FT gain, Class II - III scrambling, 7 AM - It's a small, hidden canyon trek located across the broad Red Rock Canyon Wash at the south side of the Willow Springs Trailhead parking lot. The out-and-back route is a fun and challenging time in bouldering up to a 30 to 40-foot waterfall, terrace area. Depart the Red Rock Casino by 7 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, September 28, Bristlecone Loop: Moderate; 6 miles; 950’ gain; 7:30 AM - With a counter- clockwise direction, we will park at the Upper Bristlecone TH and begin by dropping down the steep hill. The loop then has a gentle incline up the forest service road to the Bonanza Trail junction where we will take our break. From there, the loop continues around the Upper Bristlecone Trail portion where we can experience the end of the aspen fall colors. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Monday, September 30, Windy Peak: Moderately strenuous, 5 miles,1600' elevation, some Class 3 scrambling, 7:30 AM - Located along the top of the Red Rock Escarpment Ridge, this favored peak has great views. First, we tackle Heartbreak Hill to the saddle at a pace that is comfortable for each hiker. After regrouping, we turn north and hike along the ridge to the right turn. This ridge trail rolls and offers fantastic views. We arrive at the Class 2-3 scrambling that takes us all the way up to the peak with one section of exposure. We take a long break at the peak before returning to the top of Heartbreak Hill. As we begin our descent, we catch a game trail on the left that connects a ridge back to the cars. My pace will be on the slow side of moderate. Depart Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Those meeting at the Chevron gas station (SR 159/160) at 7:45 AM, need to organize themselves and meet at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead on HWY 160 by 8 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez