October 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   Or   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.


Tuesday, October 1, Angel Peak: Strenuous, 7 miles, 2000 FT gain, 7:30 AM - This version of Angel Peak is the shortest hike you can do to reach the bubble-top peak on the other side of the Spring Mountain Youth Camp. Bushwhacking is the name of the game. Starting at the Juniper TH, we follow a wash down to Angel Canyon then climb up the other side to an old dirt road. The dirt road leads to the paved Angel Peak road where we corkscrew up to the bubble. If you ever wanted to know what was up there with that bubble, this hike is the best way to get there since the road through the SMYC is closed to public traffic. We will take this monster one bite at a time! No hurry. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Thursday, October 3, Deer Creek/Catch Pen Loop (aka Orange Trail): Moderately Strenuous, 10.0 miles, 2100 FT evaluation, 8 AM - This route was created as part of the completion of the new Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor Center in 2015. Starting at the Orange Trail pull-off, which is located near the Desert View Overlook on Deer Creek Road, the trail begins by gradually descending an open ridge to a crossover path that is part of the Middle Deer Creek Canyon trek. Here we’ll break at the spring and remnants of an old animal catch pen. We’ll also check to see if the burros have taken up their winter quarters in nearby Deer Creek Canyon. To return to the trailhead, we’ll ascend the second half of the loop. It’s a steady up all the way. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Friday, October 4, Mountain Springs Peak Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 1400 FT gain, 7:30 AM - This hike begins at Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead and starts by climbing Heartbreak Hill. We will take the hill slowly and wait for everyone to arrive at the saddle in their own time. From the saddle, the trail leads out to the escarpment rim where there are views of Las Vegas and Black Velvet Peak. At the end of the climb to the peak, we’ll sign into the log book then continue down along the rim to reach our break overlook. The route follows a ridge down to a small wash that runs into the Mountain Springs Trail. Finally, we’ll follow the undulating trail back to the cars passing the spring area and an agave roasting pit. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. South side hikers may meet at the gas station located at Hwys. 160 & 159 where you will need to organize yourselves to depart at 7:45 AM. We will begin the hike at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead no earlier than 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, October 5, Pine Creek Canyon via Oak Creek/Knoll/Arnight Loop: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, over 7 miles, 500 FT gain, 8 AM - This is a mostly moderate trek beginning at Red Rock’s Scenic Loop Exit along SR 159. We’ll take the Traverse Trail up to the Oak Creek TH, then move on up this path for a bit, then pick up the Knoll Trail which will take us along the Red Rock Escarpment. What a view as we cross the open desert. Our break point will be the Wilson homestead in Pine Creek Canyon. In returning, we’ll complete the loop portion by taking the Arnight Trail back to the Oak Creek TH. Though the terrain rolls somewhat, we will have rocky trail conditions to contend with at times. Assemble at the Red Rock Casino for an 8 AM departure or meet the coordinator at the Scenic Loop Exit by 8:20 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, October 6, The Crags: Moderate, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - We start from Blue Diamond following the Landmine Trail which we will leave to climb to the top of a nearby ridge into an area of crags.There’s no hurrying here. Then we will follow this ridge at a moderate pace back to the cars. We step-off at 8:00 AM at the gravel parking lot located on the right at the start of this small community. It’s just past the wash bridge. If coming from Red Rock Casino, you will need to leave there by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday - Friday, October 7 - 11, Lake Tahoe Club Trip. Coordinator - Lettie Gutiettez

Tuesday, October 8, Blue Diamond Canyon #3 Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 7:30 AM - We’ll cross the highway and trek up Canyon #3 in the Blue Diamond Hill, topping out at the plateau above. It’s a good spot to break as we take in great views of Red Rock Canyon. From there, we will find our way down utilizing a ridge between Canyon #2 and Canyon #3 back to the cars. There ’ll be a few areas of Class III scrambling. Our main assembly point will be the gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road at the start of the community of Blue Diamond. It’s located just past the wash bridge. Here you’ll meet the coordinator. The hike begins at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Thursday, October 10, MT Charleston Peak: Strenuous, 17.5 miles, 4900 FT gain, 5 AM -This will be our final effort for the year via the South Loop. Start time is 5 AM at the Cathedral Rock TH. Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, October 12, 1st Creek Grotto via Valley Trail: Moderate, 6.5 miles, 500 FT gain, 8 AM - This is a mostly moderate loop trek that goes south out into the north end of the Cottonwood Valley area between Oak Creek and First Creek Washes. We’ll have great views all the way. Just a bit of Class 2 scrambling is required to visit the grotto, which will be our main break point. Be at the Scenic Loop Exit parking area by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, October 13, North Fork of the Main Fork of Pine Creek Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles O&B, 1200 FT gain, Class 2 scrambling required, 7:30 AM - This deep canyon resembles Zion. It can be cold back there, so be prepared. Meet the coordinator at the Pine Creek Canyon Trailhead by 7:30 AM. This should be early enough to find a parking spot. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, October 14, Calico Basin/Kraft Mountain Loop: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 700 FT elevation, 7:45 AM - We begin our CW saunter from the big wash in Calico Basin and use a series of desert trails to make our way over to 5 Stop. After regrouping at the top, we descend into Lower Gateway. Hikers will be given the option to use the trail or scramble down into Lower Gateway. After a break in the wash, we continue down the wash. We will encounter several sections of Class 2-3 scrambling and bouldering in the wash. We will connect to a trail on the east side of Kraft that will take us back to our cars. Depart Red Rock by 7:45 AM or meet at the big wash at 8 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, October 15, Dragon Canyon/Gateway Canyon Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 4.75 miles, 1178 FT gain, 8 AM - Our first effort will be to slay the Dragon. From there, we’ll proceed to Ash Canyon Overlook, then down into the Gateway Wash to circle Kraft MT.  Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- David Gray

Wednesday, October 16, Potato Knoll: Moderate, 5 miles, 650 Ft elevation, 7:45 AM - One of our favorite hikes along the Red Rock Escarpment below Mount Wilson. We begin at the dirt parking lot at the end of the scenic loop and will use several trails to our break spot behind Potato and below Mount Wilson. We do cross Oak Creek 3 times and just might see some deer. Depart Red Rock at 7:45 AM or meet at the dirt lot at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, October 17, Hollow Rock Peak (5960’): Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1300 FT vertical, Class 2 scramble, 7:30 AM - From the Mountain Springs Trailhead, we’ll bypass Heartbreak Hill altogether and head east for a mile on the undulating pole line road. The arduous climb starts here as we drop into the canyon and ascend the steep wash up to the ridgeline. Bring it home across the top of the ridge and descend Big Horn Berm. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Friday, October 18, Blue Diamond Canyon #5: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 8 AM -This route begins from the parking area at Wheeler Camp Spring just north of Blue Diamond. The canyon cuts deep into the Blue Diamond Hill with high walls requiring considerable scrambling. A large fill supporting a road high above marks the end of the route. We will meet at the gravel parking lot area on the right side of the entrance road into the community of Blue Diamond. The trek begins at 8 AM. Our start time could change due to weather conditions, so please check the website. Coordinator- David Hardy 

Saturday, October 19, Telephone Canyon Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1400 FT gain, 8:00 AM - This summer was so hot that many of the lower elevation hikes were not addressed. Here is one hike that was missed. The loop begins at a turnout 2.6 miles up Deer Creek Road from Kyle Canyon Road. We will utilize the Cowboy Washington Trail, the Hike a Bike Trail, the Showgirl Trail, and Tin Can Alley to make a complete loop around Telephone Canyon. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, October 20, AtBF Club Fall Picnic- VETERANS’ MEMORIAL PARK, Boulder City- If you are planning on attending and have not yet confirmed please e-mail me and how many there will be. We will be having sub like sandwiches from Jimmy Johns. There will be a variety of breads and meats. If you would like a vegetarian version please let me know. Chips and water will also be provided. It would be nice if you are coming to bring a salad or dessert of your choice. There will be 2 hikes offered before the picnic, which starts at 11:00 A.M. Coordinator- Linda O’Leary

Sunday, October 20, Black Mountain Overlook OB: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 5-6 miles, 1400 FT elevation, 8:00 AM - One of our pre-picnic hikes begins at the River Mountain Trailhead on US 93 just before St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. After about a mile on the trail, the switchbacks help ease the climb to the saddle where there are great panoramic views. After a brief break, we continue on the trail up to the Overlook. We will take our break at the top, where even better views can be enjoyed. My pace will be slow and steady. After we return to the cars, those attending the picnic will drive to Veterans’ Memorial Park. Depart the Henderson Fiesta at 7:30 AM or meet at the trailhead at 8 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Monday, October 21, White Rock Hills Loop with a Twist: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 900 FT elevation, 7:45 AM - We begin at the Willow Springs Picnic Area and hike CCW. The twist begins on the back side after we pass the bathroom. We will stay in the wash and hike up to the break spot on the sandstone. This wash section is trail, boulders, and sandstone with some Class 2 areas. After our break, we finish the loop with views of sandstone and limestone peaks back to the cars. We will depart Red Rock Casino at 7:45 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, October 22, Gray Cap (5443’): Strenuous, 5.5 miles, 2300’ vertical, 7:30 AM - Ascend Five-stop Hill and the Class 2 Upper Gateway Canyon. Descend the Class 3 Gray Fox Canyon. Gather at the Kraft Mountain dirt lot, 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, October 23, Echo Canyon and Beyond: Moderate, 6 miles, 900 FT elevation, 8:00 AM - This hike will go up Echo Canyon where hands are necessary to climb three Class 2 dry waterfalls. Then we connect to the Fossil Ridge Trail and turn onto the old road and hike up to our break spot. Then it’s down the First Finger to reconnect to Fossil Ridge and back to the cars. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, October 24, Lee Canyon / Sawmill Wiggles: Moderately Strenuous, 8 miles, 1450 FT gain, 8:00 AM - Driving back up into the mountains will provide us with cool autumn weather in the lower elevations. This hike begins at the Lee Canyon Road Trailhead located across from the Blue Tree Campground ~10.5 miles up from SR 95 on the left. We will drop into Lee Canyon and follow a trail that climbs up through the canyon and passes the narrows. Our break will be taken at the Sawmill Trailhead near the restrooms. Next, we’ll climb up the trail to the Sawmill Ridge and connect with the “Wiggles” Trail to close the loop. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, October 25, Tertiary Ridge: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM -This loop trek begins in behind the community of Blue Diamond. The group will make their way up this ridge following a trail along the top that leads toward Bonnie Springs. After dropping back to the valley floor near the northwestern end of the ridge, the route loops to the north, back to the car. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point with a departure time of 7:35 AM. Trailhead- After crossing the wash bridge on the main entrance to the community there will be a gravel parking lot on the right side just before the first house. Meet the coordinator here. South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond. We’ll step-off at 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy.

Saturday, October 26, Calico Hills: Moderate, 6 miles, 1200 FT gain, 8:00 AM - An “oldie but goodie,” this hike begins and ends at the fee booth parking lot of the Red Rock Scenic Drive. Our route utilizes the Grand Circle Loop up to Sandstone Quarry and returns with only one short route deviation between Calico I and Calico II. Meet the coordinator at the fee booth parking lot for an 8:00 AM start of the hike. This is located behind the Scenic Drive fee booth to the left as you go into the park. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, October 27, Back Hills Lawn Mower Route: Moderate, 6 miles, 600 FT gain, 8 AM - The hike begins at the gravel parking area on the right side of Hwy 160 about 2 miles beyond our initial meet-up site, the Chevron gas station at the T-intersection of 159/160. Initially, the route will follow the Landmine Bike Trail, but then turns onto the Rubber Ducky Trail. Here, we’ll check the ducky tree for those colorful rubber waterfowl. Just beyond that, we connect with the Old Spanish Trail for a bit, then pick up the Lawn Mower Trail. Yes, we’ll inspect an old lawn mower located along the way. Soon, we connect with our initial trail that will take us back to cars. Our pace will be moderate. Depart the Chevron gas station by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, October 28, Red Cap (aka Turtlehead Jr.): Moderately Strenuous, 3 miles, 900 FT elevation, Class 3, 8:00 AM - Our hike begins at the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead. After about a half a mile, we leave the trail and begin to scramble on the sandstone. This section is all uphill on large slabs and over large boulders. Use of hands is required which makes it Class 3. The high point, Red Cap, is a break spot where views abound. On our descent, we will stop by some large tanks before scrambling down the back side. We connect to the back trail and make our way back around to the trail and back to the cars. My pace will be slow and steady. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, October 29, Gass Peak: Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 2200 FT gain, 7:30 AM - This hike will depend on the weather and the number of HCVs we have going. The peak is located due north of the city of Las Vegas and affords views of our town. The drive out to the trailhead inside the Desert National Wildlife Refuge is part of the experience and takes around 1 hour from the Santa Fe Casino to the trailhead. The climb up to the peak follows a trailing ridge to the summit ridge and on up to the peak where an array of solar panels and various instruments adorn the top. We will take the climb at a moderate pace with stops scheduled along the way. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Wednesday, October 30, Arnight/Knoll/Middle Oak Creek Loop: Moderate, 6 miles, 600 FT elevation, 8:00 AM - From the dirt lot at the end of the scenic loop, we use the trail that connects us to the Arnight Trail. We saunter along until we connect to the Knoll Trail. We will take our break at an overlook of a dry creek. We proceed on the Knoll and then connect to the Middle Oak Trail which will connect to the trail that takes us back to the cars. There are lots of sections of uneven footing on rocks. My pace will be slow and steady. Depart the Red Rock at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, October 31, High Route Cottonwood Valley: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1500 FT elevation gain, 7:30 AM - This trek will start from the dirt parking area we also use for the Badger Pass trek. From this trail, we’ll begin a cross-country route up a steep ridge to a higher ridge with views of Las Vegas. From there the group will head south along the ridge and connect with the Deadhorse Trail passing through Red Valley back to the vehicles. Early assembly will be at Red Rock Casino on the west side, with the group leaving at 7:00 AM. The final assembly point will be the Chevron gas station located at the intersection of Highway 159/160 where we’ll depart by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy