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 seven 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.
Friday, November 1, Black Mountain Overlook/Red Mountain: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1300 FT elevation, 8:00 AM - The trailhead is off U.S. 93 South in Boulder City just before you get to St Judes Ranch for Children. We begin the trail there by 8 AM and proceed up the canyon to the saddle where we will then take the trail to Black Mountain Overlook. We will take a break there where the views are pretty awesome. We will then take the trail back down to the saddle and then proceed up Red Mountain. The zipline is at the top and maybe we will get lucky and see some riders or maybe a bighorn sheep or two. We will then return via the same trail back to the cars. Those coming from the west side should depart at 7:00 AM and by 7:30 AM from the Fiesta Henderson. With the new I-11 in place make sure you take Exit 15 B Boulder City Parkway. Coordinator- Linda O'Leary
Saturday, November 2, Turtlehead Peak: Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous, 5 miles, 1900 FT gain - This traditional route offers a challenging day and great views of Red Rock Canyon from this landmark limestone peak. Expect steep terrain covered in scree as we top the ridgeline that takes us to the very peak where we’ll break and enjoy the day. Our trailhead is the Sandstone Quarry off of the Scenic Loop Drive. Depart the Red Rock Casino by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, November 2, Blue Diamond Bike Trails: Moderate, 6 miles, 1000' gain, 8:00 AM - This hike has been in the club for many years. We begin at the Blue Diamond Trailhead and hike up through the small town to the bike trails. Here, we hike a loop passing by the Spanish Trail monument marker. Our break will be at the junction with the ridge trail. For our descent, we will use the south trail that travels under the cliffs. Meet at the Blue Diamond Trailhead found on the right side of the road just after the bridge at the entrance to Blue Diamond off of SR 159 for an 8:00 AM start of the hike. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, November 3, Boneshaker Loop: Moderate, 5-6 miles, 1200 FT gain, 8 AM - This hike will go up the Boneshaker Trail (Slow!). As the trail levels out our pace will be moderate. We will connect with the Three Amigos Trail that will take us across to the Bob Gnarly Trail down the canyon or the Bomb Voyage Trail that will run by the Muffins. Meet the coordinator by 8 AM at the Horse Stables Trailhead. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, November 4, Guardian Angel/Dragon Canyon Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1000+ FT gain, Class 2, 8:00 AM - Our saunter begins at the Kraft Mountain dirt parking lot and catches the escarpment trail over to Guardian Angel Pass. This climb has Class 2 scrambling to gain the saddle and still more Class 2 to descend. After we pass the Angel, we use the trail to connect to Sandstone Quarry and then make our way over to the top of Ash Canyon. The trail takes us over to Dragon Canyon which is steep with Class 2 hiking. We come out into Ash Meadows and head back to the cars. I will not be in a hurry but will keep a slow, steady pace. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, November 5, Canyon #4 Ridge to #3 Ridge Loop: Moderate new hike, 5 miles, 1200 FT gain, 8 AM -This trek begins from the usual trailhead parking area in Blue Diamond heading over to Canyon #4. We hike up for a short distance, then look for a trail that follows the edge of the canyon. The trail climbs, topping out after a 1000 foot gain. It eventually peters out, then we cross the upper part of Canyon #3 to find a trail that follows its rim taking us back to the cars. Our main assembly point will be the gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond. It's just past the wash bridge. Here you will meet coordinator at 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Wednesday, November 6, AtBF Monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM, REI at Boca Park-
Wednesday, November 6, Calico 1 and 2 Loop: Moderate, 5 miles, 600FT elevation gain, 8:00 AM - We begin at the Big Wash in Calico and use the ridge trail to hike into RRCNCA. A trail takes us to Calico 1 and then to Calico to a nice break spot just below Calico 2. Our return will drop down into the wash as we make our way around the southern side of the Calico Hills. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, November 7, Cave Canyon / Overlook / Muffins Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 7.5 miles, 1500' gain, 7:45 AM - Shortly into our hike, we will meet up with the 3rd class dryfall climb. We will provide help to anyone who needs it but bring your scrambling skills with you! At the top of Cave Canyon, we will take the Three Amigos Trail up to the Cairn Overlook. Next, we will travel around the Rim Trail and down to the Muffins. A short break will be taken at the large boulders then it's down to the cars. Pace will accommodate moderately strenuous participants. Meet at the Cowboy Trails parking lot on SR 159 for an 7:45 AM start of the hike. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, November 8, Muffins Balloon: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 800 FT elevation, 8:00 AM - Parking at the Cowboy Stables TH will get us to the trail that ascends to the Muffins. After a break, we hike along the ridge over to the route that takes us down Skull Canyon. This canyon does have several steep sections. Depart Red Rock at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, November 9, Rattlesnake Canyon@ Willow Creek: Moderately Strenuous, Class 2-3 scrambling, 4 miles, 800 FT gain, 8 AM - This is a great scramble as the terrain calls for continuous climbing up and around boulders of all sorts and sizes to a 30 foot waterfall. Here we take our break, enjoying the grand scenery. We leave the Red Rock Casino by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, November 9, Cowboy Horse Trails: Easy to Easy Moderate, 3.5 miles, 400' gain, 7:45 AM - This "easy" hike has a small hill to climb, a gravel wash to contend with and some deep sand to walk in. Therefore, it could be called easy moderate. The payoff is a nice little canyon below the Muffins at the base of the North Blue Diamond Hills. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, November 10, Potosi Climbers Alcove: Strenuous, 3.5 miles, up to 1800 FT gain, 7:00 AM - We hike into Potosi Canyon #3 for the strenuous climb up to Climber’s Alcove. This is a huge alcove, complete with a couple of chairs. The trail leaving the canyon bottom is very steep, may have some minor exposure. We will leave from the Chevron gas station at 159/160 at 7 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Sunday, November 10, Badger Pass Extended: Easy, 3 miles, 330 elevation gain, 8 AM -This hike starts from a dirt parking lot on the opposite side of SR 160 after you pass the Late Night Parking Lot. This climbs a ridge up the pass to our high point. Here we will take our break as we enjoy the beautiful view of the Cottonwood Valley. We then make a loop back to the cars. This will be done at a leisurely pace. Meet the coordinators by 8 AM at the Chevron gas station located at the intersection of highways 159/160. Coordinator: Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Monday to Thursday, November 11 - 14, KANAB UTAH TRIP: Planning a new hiking trip to Kanab, UT to make up for the one I had to cancel in February. I have reserved 5 rooms at the Holiday Inn for 87.13 a night inc Tax, and refundable one day prior. RSVP- Contact me to claim a room as they are all in my name. All rooms are double queens. Third person in a room costs an additional $10. Itinerary- Drive up on Monday, November 11, and do a short hike to Rimrock Hoodoos. On Tuesday we hike Yellow Rock followed by Edmaiers Secret on Wednesday. We’ll return home on Thursday. Note- Hikes on Tuesday and Thursday are on dirt roads and may require high clearance depending on weather. Summaries- Yellow Rock is 14 miles up Cottonwood Canyon Road. The hike crosses a creek and scrambles up a steep trail to a plateau where the landmark rock is located. The hike is only about 4 miles and 700 ft of gain. Edmaiers Secret is 4 miles down House Rock Valley Road at the Buckskin Gulch Trailhead. It's about 4 miles of wash walking and 3 miles of slickrock. There is some scrambling very similar to the steep section on the way to Top of the World Arch in the Valley of Fire. Coordinator- David Morrow
Tuesday, November 12, Goatroper: Moderate, 7 miles that requires a shuttle, 600 FT gain, 7:30 AM - This is a new and interesting trail. Meeting in Blue Diamond by 7:30 AM, we will drive to the Wheeler Camp Spring parking area, which is located off of Blue Diamond Road on your left just past the bird sanctuary/animal pen. There we'll organize a shuttle over to a pull off just before the Horse Stables TH. Here we'll start the trek by bushwhacking a bit to pick up the Groatroper route, then bushwhack a bit more to return to the vehicles that were left at the spring parking area. Our main assembly point will be the gravel parking lot trailhead on the right side of the entrance road to the community of Blue Diamond. This is just past the wash bridge. Meet the coordinator there by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, November 14, 99 Cabin: Strenuous, 6 miles, 2000 FT gain, 7 AM - We will take the dirt road off of SR 160 into Cottonwood Valley as far as possible as it has taken quite a beating. From there, we hike on to the Cottonwood Summit and connect with a rough road going right that is a steep climb. After reaching the run down cabin above the 99 Mine, we continue up until we reach the end of the road. Depart the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 159/160 by 7 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, November 14, Calico Tanks: Easy to Moderate, 3 miles, 800 feet, 8 AM - This hike starts at the Sandstone Quarry parking area, so bring your national park pass. This is one of the most popular routes in Red Rock as it takes you up through the red sandstone, passing a large tank which can hold water. Bring your hiking poles as the terrain can be rocky, thus requiring some light scrambling, as well as sandy. We’ll trek up to an overlook where we can view the entire valley. Our pace will be leisurely and we’ll be patient with those who need a little more time. Meet at the Red Rock Casino parking lot for an 8 AM departure. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Friday, November 15, First Creek/Potato Knoll Balloon: Moderate, 5-6 miles, 700 FT 8:00 AM - We begin at the First Creek parking area on Hwy 159 about 2 miles past the Scenic Loop Exit. The trail takes us through the desert and over to the back side of Potato Knoll where we take our break. We go around the back side of Potato and cross Oak Creek 2 times before using the upper trail around the east side of Potato. Then it's back to the cars. Depart Red Rock at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, November 16, Blue Diamond Sidewinder: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1100' gain, 8:00 AM - This is a fun trail hike up and around the hills behind Blue Diamond. Gorgeous views of the Red Rock Escarpment! We will begin at the Wheeler Springs parking lot off of SR 159. This trailhead is located on the south side of the road approximately 1.2 miles beyond the entrance to Bonnie Springs if you are coming from the north. Or, it is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the entrance to Blue Diamond if you are coming from the south. Be at the trailhead for an 8:00 AM start of the hike. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, November 17, Blue Diamond Canyon #1: Moderately Strenuous, Class III scrambling required, 4 miles, 1000’ gain, 8:00 AM - It’s an interesting canyon scramble that takes us up to the gypsum mine’s old conveyor belt ruin then loops back down along the cliffs overlooking the gypsum plant. Then we bushwhack, scramble a bit to pick up a ridge that will drop us back into the canyon at the entrance trail that will take us back out to the cars. Meet at Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM. TH- Junction of Arroyo Road at 159 which is just past the entrance to Blue Diamond. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, November 17, Rubber Ducky O&B: Easy, 4 miles, 400 FT elevation gain, 8 AM - This hike starts from the Late Night Parking Lot and utilizes the bike trails over rolling terrain with great views. It also passes the famous Rubber Ducky Tree so bring your ducks with you if you want to add to the collection. Our pace will be leisurely and we will break at the high point so we can look out at the beautiful Cottonwood Valley. Meet at the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 160/159 for an 8 AM departure. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Monday, November 18, Waterfall Canyon: Moderate, 4 miles, 900' gain, 8:00 AM - This is a beautiful canyon that almost always has water running through it. We'll see if this weird year is any different! The hike begins at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. After viewing nearby petroglyphs, we will climb up through the colorful Red Rock Wash to the Pink Jeep Turnaround before heading up into the canyon. There is moderate scrambling throughout. We will scramble at a slow pace. After taking our break at the top of the last tall waterfall, we will return to the cars by using Rocky Gap Road. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, November 18, River Mountain Loop: Moderate, 5 miles, 800+ FT, 8:00 AM - Our saunter begins at the Railroad Pass Casino as we make our way around the southern end on the mountains. Then the trail turns north as we hike above the golf course. We will encounter several sections of large volcanic stepping stones on this part of the hike. We continue east and north to our break spot at the saddle. Now we hike down the northern end and around the western side back to our cars. Bighorn sheep live in this range and are seen regularly. Depart the Fiesta Henderson at 8:00 AM. Those meeting at Red Rock should leave by 7:15 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez-
Tuesday, November 19, 5 Mesa Loop/Valley of Fire: Strenuous, 5 miles, 1,300 FT gross gain, 7:30 AM - Last hiked in February of 2016, this is the 'easier' version of the 7 Up! Loop. Leaving Sun City Summerlin Pinnacle parking lot at 0730 and Mouse's Tank Trailhead at 0900. VoF terrain is always sandy, rocky, boulders and loose...i.e. difficult and tiring...but great fun. Mostly Class 2, perhaps some Class 3. Coordinator- Brian Dodd
Wednesday, November 20, Ash Meadow: Easy to Moderate, 4 miles, 400 FT gain, 8:00 AM - We will start at the Red Spring picnic area parking lot at about 8:15 and hike along the base of the Calico Hills to the Ash Meadow taking time to enjoy the scenery and snap a few pics. Then we pick up a trail across the front of Kraft Mountain to see some petroglyphs and reach our break point at a nice dry falls and small canyon. My pace will accommodate all hikers. We will leave the Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM or you can meet us at Red Spring by 8:15. Coordinator- John Ward
Thursday, November 21, Black Velvet Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, 8 miles, 1050' gain, 8:00 AM - This is a long loop of desert hiking in Cottonwood Valley with a short boulder scramble among car size rocks beneath a world class climbing wall. The climbers are our entertainment as we scramble our way up to the break spot. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Or, meet at the Late Night Trailhead on SR 160 to start the hike no earlier than 8:20 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, November 22, Bootleg Canyon/Pow/West Leg/East Leg Trails: Moderate, 6 miles 700 FT gain, 8:00 AM - Our trailhead is off U.S. 93 in Boulder City at the very first traffic light, which is Veterans Memorial Pkwy. Here make a left, then make a second left at the Veterans Home and proceed to the trailhead which is in a 1/4 of a mile. We start on the Pow Trail making our way to the Imba Trail and on over to the West Leg continuing to the top. We will take a break where there is a nice view of the city. We then cross the road and continue down the East Leg Trail and eventually back to the cars. Those coming from the west side should depart at 7:00 AM and by 7:30 AM from the Fiesta Henderson. With the I-11 in place make sure to take Exit 15B Boulder City Parkway. Coordinator- Linda O’Leary
Saturday, November 23, Mountain Springs Loop: Easy Moderate, 3.5 miles, 500' gain, 8:00 AM - This is a loop that takes in all the interesting places in Mountain Springs, NV. It begins at the trailhead located on the north side of SR 160 at the Mountain Springs Summit Pass. A few of the highlights are nicely preserved agave roasting pits, springs and an old rusted jalopy! Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Or, meet at the trailhead for a start of the hike no earlier than 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, November 24, Cottonwood Pass Loop: Moderate, 6 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM -This trek will start from the gravel parking area south of Highway 160 that is also used for the Badger Pass route. It will follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward MT Potosi and loops past the Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back to the vehicles on the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley. Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station at 159/160 by 8:00 AM. We'll start the trek by 8:15 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, November 25, Calico Hills Loop CCW: Moderately Strenuous, 7.5 miles, 1550' gain, 8:00 AM - This large loop of hiking and scrambling will begin at the Red Springs Picnic Area. We will take Calico Basin trails around to 5-Stop Hill and circle around the Calico Hills. We will do a little scrambling in the wash before we reach the climb to the cars at the end. Meet at the Red Springs Picnic Area for an 8:00 AM start of the hike. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, November 26, Gateway Overlook: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - We will meet at 8 AM at the beginning of the Calico Basin Road. From there we drive a short distance to a parking area where we begin the hike. It starts on a trail and then we will leave it to cross a wash and continue up a ridge to an overview high above Gateway Canyon. There will be some minor scrambling. Coordinator- David Hardy
Wednesday, November 27, Liberty Bell Arch: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 5.25 miles, 1200’ elevation, 8:00 AM - Located across the new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge (I-11 Bypass/Hwy 93 in Nevada/Arizona), this hike offers plenty of scenery. Starting from the Mile Marker 4 Trailhead parking area, we head down White Rock Canyon for a bit, then veer off to the right (north) on the connector trail to the landmark arch. With significantly rolling terrain, it first passes an old manganese mine, then the arch, and finally reaches our break point at an overlook high above the Colorado River. Depart the Fiesta Henderson at 8:00 AM. West side participants should leave Red Rock Casino by 7:20 AM. Coordinator- John Ward
Thanksgiving Day, November 28, Late Night Parking: Moderate, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - From here we follow this loop under the bridge all the way to Badger Pass and then back around eventually returning to Late Night. Our pace will be on the easy side of moderate. We leave the Chevron gas station on Hwy 159/160 at 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Thanksgiving Day, November 28, Echo Canyon / SARS / Skull Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles; 1200' gain, 8:00 AM - Start your eating holiday off right with a good hike! We will climb Echo Canyon, travel over to Skull Canyon on the SARS Trail, then descend back to the cars. Meet at the Cowboy Trails parking lot for an 8:00 AM start of the hike. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, November 29, White Owl Canyon and Bluff Trail: Moderate, 6 miles, 600 FT elevation, 8:00 AM - We begin at the Old Marina inside Lake Mead Recreation area. We will first hike to White Owl Canyon and then drive over to the campground and hike the Bluff Trail. Both hikes are on trails and views galore. Depart the Fiesta Henderson on Lake Mead Parkway at 8:00 AM. Red Rock participants should depart at 7:15 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, November 30, River Mountain Peak via Inner Caldera Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1200' gain, 8:00 AM - This hike uses the bike trail in Bootleg Canyon Bike Park called the Inner Caldera Loop to reach the climb up to River Mountain where there are tremendous views of the Lake Mead NRA. Our trailhead is up the Bootleg Canyon dirt road to the 2nd parking lot. Meet at the Fiesta Henderson Casino on Lake Mead Parkway for an 8:00 AM departure. Or, meet us at the restrooms located at the zip line base on Canyon Road in Boulder City where we will stop for a moment around 8:15 AM. (If you prefer, a west side group might meet at the Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure to the Fiesta.) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
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