February 2020 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 enough 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.

Saturday, February 1st, Amber Cat Canyon / Doodlebug Arch (Gold Butte) - High Moderate; 5.5 miles; 750’ gain; 7:30 AM -Although the drive is long (1.75 hrs.), high clearance vehicles are not required. The canyon is very colorful and fun to hike through. We will also be looking for Doodlebug Arch and the Amber Cat along the way. Meet in the northwest corner of the outside parking lot of Aliante Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. West side participants may leave from Red Rock Casino at 7:00 AM. South side participants may leave from the Henderson Fiesta at 7:00 AM and drive directly to the Gold Butte Road kiosk. All other participants may meet at the kiosk on the corner of SR 170 & Gold Butte Road where we will all converge at 8:30 AM. Questions concerning further directions may be emailed to Kay previous to the hike. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, February 1st, Pine Creek and Fire Ecology Loop – Easy, 4 miles, 300 ft. elevation, 8:30 AM -From the Pine Creek parking area inside the scenic loop, we'll hike down the hill to near the creek bottom. Then we'll take a detour through the fire ecology area and hike along easy desert terrain as we approach Pine Creek Canyon and the Mescalito rock formation that separates the two drainages. we'll go past the ruins of the Wilson Homestead and then continue around to make a short lollipop before returning back to the parking lot.  There is water in the creek most of the year, but you can usually keep your feet dry. This will be an easy hike at a slow pace. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 am departure. Coordinator - Nancy Moore

Sunday, February 2, Cottonwood Pass Loop: Moderate, 6 miles 1000' gain, 8 AM - The trek will start from the gravel parking area south of Highway 160 that is also used for Badger Pass. It will follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi and loop past Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back to the vehicles on the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley. We will meet the coordinator and leave from the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 159/160 by 8:00 AM, and drive to the gravel lot for an 8:15 AM start of hike. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, February 3rd, La Madre Springs & Cabin - Moderate/Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1400 feet elevation gain, 8:00 AM - It has been a while since I have ventured up to the cabin above the La Madre Springs. Let's do it! The trailhead is at Willow Springs where we will head up Rocky Gap Road to the La Madre turnoff. We'll pass the springs where the road turns into a trail that parallels a small stream. After that, the trail may be difficult to find just as it was in Waterfall Canyon but we will get up to the old miner's cabin and take our break. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Monday, February 3, McCullough Hills Trail: Moderately Strenuous 8 miles, 1100 FT elevation, 8:30 A.M.  This trail is part of the Sloan Canyon NCA in Henderson, Nv.  We will begin our hike from the Mission Drive side off of U.S. 95 South.  Taking the College Drive exit to the right. The first stop sign will be Mission Drive. Take a right at the stop sign and follow it to the end where the parking and the trailhead begin. The trail is very well defined. We will hike out 4 miles, take a break and return on the same trail. If you are leaving from Red Rock Casino, you should leave there by 7:45 A.M. There will be no destinated stop at the Fiesta Henderson. Coordinator- Linda O’Leary

Tuesday, February 4th, Valley of Fire - West - East Traverse: Very Strenuous, 8.5 miles, 1,800 ft gross gain.  Last hiked in Nov 2016, this is a point to point endurance hike that crosses the park along the high ridges to the south.  It requires a car shuttle and will take most of the day.  Leaving Sun City Summerlin Pinnacle parking lot at 0730 and Elephant Rock trail head at 0915 - for the shuttle back to the western end of the hike.  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, February 5th, South Bowl of Fire - Moderate, 5 miles, 800 feet elevation gain, 8:00 AM - The South Bowl of Fire is a great place to wander around, scramble a little bit and see a lot of beautiful and colorful scenery. By the time this hike rolls around, I will have solidified a good route through the red sandstone. The stats above are my goal. We will start and end the hike at Northshore Road's mile marker 18. Plan to cross the desert heading to the South Bowl at a decent pace. Then once we get into the redstone, we will slow down and enjoy! Meet at the CVS/Albertsons on Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd. for an 8:00 AM departure. Other meet times include the top floor of the Rampart Casino garage @ 7:15 AM and Northshore Road's mile marker 4 @ 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Thursday, February 7th, Frenchman Mt. (4052') 4 miles, 1900' vertical, Class 3, strenuous. From the LDS Temple at the eastern terminus of Bonanza Road, it's a very steep ascent up the west face of the mountain. Gather at the CVS Pharmacy, Lake Mead & Hollywood, 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor

Friday, Feb. 7 to Sunday Feb. 9, Camping in Death Valley: Moderate hikes- We will leave Blue Diamond at 7 AM Friday and arrive around 9:30 at Furnace Creek where we will find campsites in the Texas Springs Campground or Furnace Creek Campground.  After we are set up, we will pack a lunch and begin our hiking. Hikes will include Zabriske Point through Golden Canyon, some narrow and colorful canyons off the 20 Mule Team Road and others. Hikes will be at a moderate pace, with breaks and stops for pictures. Will include a moonlight hike Friday or Sat. night. We will return on Sunday afternoon before dark. Please, no alcoholic beverages. Campfires are allowed, bring firewood. To sign up or have questions, send me an e-mail at hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. If you plan to go, I will send you a trip sheet. In the event of bad weather, I will have to reschedule. Coordinator- David Hardy

Friday, February 7th, Red Cap (aka Turtlehead Jr.): Moderately Strenuous, 3-4 miles, 900 FT elevation, Class 3, 8:00 AM - This scramble is a club favorite that is short in distance but long on fun. 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 sandstone 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 Rattlesnake 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

Saturday, February 8th, Cholla Forest via Seven Falls - Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous, 7 miles, 1400' gain, moderate pace - This will be a moderately paced hike/scramble from the Lake Mead water tank. The ascent climbs 7ish dry falls that challenge a moderately strenuous scrambler's skills. We arrive at a forest of teddy bear chollas for our break then descend another couple of canyons with scrambles to return to the cars. The pace will not be pushed; enjoy the day. Meet at the Fiesta Henderson for an 8:00 AM departure or meet at the Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, February 8th, SMYC Trail: Ice Box Canyon to Willow Springs – Easy, 3 miles, 300 ft. elevation, 8:30 AM.  This hike along the SMYC trail will begin at the Ice Box Canyon parking lot and head towards the Willow Springs picnic area for a snack break before returning to the starting point.  We'll take a slight detour to see Petroglyph Wall at Willow Springs. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 am departure.  Coordinator: Nancy Moore

Monday, February 10th, Black Mountain Overlook - Moderate/Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1400 ft. elevation, 8:30 AM - Venture into the River Mountains to this overlook where views of the valley and Lake Mead are great. The reason for the MS rating is because of the elevation gain but pacing will be slow and accomodating. The hike 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. The ridge trail takes us to the overlook above Lake Mead. We will take our break at the top and then trace our steps back to the cars. A bonus is the good possibility of seeing big horn sheep. Meet at the Fiesta Henderson for 8:30 departure. Red Rock group should depart by 7:50 AM. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, February 11, Sheep Peak (4182’) - <4 miles, 1350’ vertical, Class 3, strenuous. It’s another robust outing with the Lone Mountain Hiking Club. And another new hike. From the Jean Conservation Camp (euphemism for prison), László will escort us to this remote spire hard by the California state line, Sheep Peak, aka Jean International Airport Windsock. Short but challenging. High-clearance vehicles needed. Depart from the Red Rock Casino, 0800. South-side attendees can meet us at Terrible’s Casino in Jean, 0845-ish, north side of the parking lot. Coordinators - Héredy/O’Connor

Tuesday February 11, Goatroper: Moderate, 7 miles, 1200’ gain, shuttle required, 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 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 Goatroper route, then bushwhack a bit more to return to the vehicles that were left at the spring parking area. Our initial assembly point will be the gravel parking lot trailhead on the right side of the entrance road into the community of Blue Diamond. This is just past the wash bridge. Meet the coordinator there by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Wednesday, February 12th, Pine Creek/Dale's Trail OB - Moderate, 5 miles, 600 ft. elevation, 8:30 AM - Let's combine these scenic trails along the Red Rock Escarpment. We begin at the Pine Creek Canyon trailhead and hike to the right turn for Dale's Trail. Dale's trail had a fire several years ago but hopefully the area is recovering. It is mostly trail but there are several sections that cross dry creeks. We have seen deer in this area so bring your camera. Our break will be on overlook. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Pine Creek Canyon is located along the scenic road about 9-10 miles from the entrance. Pace will be slow and steady with breaks as needed. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, February 13th, Grand Gold Butte Petroglyph Hike - Moderately Strenuous, 7.5 miles, 1000' gain, 7:30 AM - We will require high clearance vehicles to get from Gold Butte Road to the Falling Man Trailhead; a two mile dirt road with small wash crossings. We will arrange rides a few days before the hike with RSVPs. This is an all day adventure full of numerous petroglyphs and easy to moderate sandstone scrambling! See Falling Man, Newspaper Rock, the Pond, Khota Circus (the largest panel of petroglyphs in Clark County) and a really cool slot canyon. Meet at the Aliante Casino in the northwest outdoor parking lot for a 7:30am departure.  Or, meet at the Gold Butte Road junction kiosk at 8:45 AM. Please inform me if you plan to meet at the kiosk. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, February 14th, Goodsprings Quarry Ridge - Moderate, 5 - 6 miles, 700 ft. elevation, 8:20 AM -This is a beautiful ridge below Mount Potosi has plenty of views all around. We follow a game trail slowly up the ridge with breaks as needed. We will take our break at the top of a large hill. Today will make our way over to where there are some petroglyphs. Then we will try to ascend a smaller ridge that will take us back to the cars. My pace will be slow. The gravel/dirt road is in good shape. Meet near the marquee sign at the M Resort for an 8:20 departure. Red Rock participants should depart at 7:45 AM. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, February 15, Pow Trail Loop/Bootleg Canyon Pk. Easy/Moderate: 4 miles 200/300 gain, 8:30 A.M.  We will start this hike off U.S. 93 & Veterans Memorial Pkwy.  At the stoplight make a left. About a block up make another left at the Veterans Home and proceed to the trailhead about 1/4 mile. We will start out on the Pow Trail work our way over to the zipline and around to the park and then back to the cars. If anyone is interested, we could have lunch in Boulder City. Coordinator- Linda O’Leary

Saturday, February 15, Fortress Butte Area Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1400 FT gain, 8 AM - An interesting route that offers great views of the Black Canyon area just across the Arizona border. Our initial route trail will take us into Hot Springs Canyon Wash at the base of the square-top massive landmark known as Fortress Butte. (Don’t worry, we’re not climbing this.) From the wash trail, we’ll first access Petroglyph Canyon to explore the numerous prehistoric carvings. Then it’s on to the Narrows and finally the utility road that will take us back to the cars. This rocky route is littered with artifacts from construction of the dam or US 93. Depart the Henderson Fiesta by 8 AM. Trailhead- White Rock Canyon Trail parking lot off of Hwy 93 at Mile Marker 4, Arizona. Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, February 16, Bird Spring Stair Climb: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 7:30 AM - The hike trail begins at the Late Night Parking area, crossing under Hwy 160, where within about a half mile we’ll turn left and begin trekking off-trail, climbing a steep ridge to the east. Once on top, we will explore and eventually drop down into a canyon, that will take us back to the trail portion of the trek, then the trail head parking lot. At times, there will be some very steep climbing through loose rock, scree.  Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 159/160 by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Sunday, February 16th, Seven Sisters / Elephant Rock Partial Loop - Moderate, ~6.5 miles, ~800' gain, 8 AM - This will be a new loop for the club in Valley of Fire. Since I don't plan to do a pre-hike for this, please come with this in mind. We will begin at the Seven Sisters picnic area turnout on the main Valley of Fire Highway. This is located on the right about 0.7 mile after the Visitor Center turnoff to the left when entering the park from the west. Using the Old Arrowhead Road route, we will hike down to the Elephant Rock Loop. Our break will be taken at the East fee station then we will finish the loop back to where we left the Old Arrowhead Road. The remaining hike finishes the out and back portion of the hike. Meet at the Alliante Casino northwest outdoor parking lot for an 8 AM departure. Or, meet at the Valley of Fire Seven Sisters Picnic Area for a start no earlier than 9 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Monday, February 17th, Calico I to Sandstone Quarry - Easy to Moderate, 4 miles. 500 ft elevation, 8:30 AM.  This easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike will be at a leisurely pace. It will begin at the Calico I Overlook and head north to Sandstone Quarry for a snack break before returning to the starting point.  We'll do some light scrambling between Calico I and II. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 am departure.  Coordinator: Nancy Moore

Monday, February 17, Keystone Thrust Loop via the Sandstone Quarry: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1900 FT gain, Class II required with some limited exposure, 8 AM - From the Red Rock Canyon landmark quarry, the hike heads up the Grand Circle Trail to the northeast end of the White Rock Mountain at the White Rock Spring Road Trailhead. Here, we'll loop up to the east to the Keystone Thrust Overlook, which then turns down into a colorful rocky wash to connect again back to the Grand Circle, and then to our vehicles. Join the coordinator at the Sandstone Quarry TH parking area at 8:45 AM to start of the hike. Coordinator- David Gray

Tuesday February 18th, White Rock Spring Peak (6020’) – 7 miles, 1800’ vertical, mild Class 3, moderately strenuous, accommodating pace. From Willow Springs, a CCW circumferential around White Rock with an ascent up the east side. We’ll grab both peaks, have some lunch and descend the steep northwest flank before continuing our loop back to the trailhead. Depart the Red Rock Casino 0800. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, February 19th, White Rock Hills Loop with A Twist: Moderate; 6 miles; 900' elevation; 8:30 AM. We begin at the Willow Springs Picnic Area and hike CCW. The twist begins after the White Rock Road. We will stay in the wash and hike up to the break spot on the sandstone. This twist section has class 2 sections with boulders and sandstone that requires use of hands. We take our break at just below the normal break spot. After our break, we finish the loop with views of sandstone and limestone peaks back to the cars. We will depart Red Rock at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, February 20th, Jean's Peak / Arrowhead Road Loop - Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1350' gain, 8 AM - This hike begins at the mile marker 25 (Call Box) Trailhead on Northshore Road. We will climb up the canyon on the opposite side of the road and on up to Jean's Peak that has a very large, nicely built cairn. From there, we will descend back to the saddle of the initial canyon and drop down the other side to Jean's Canyon. A right in the canyon takes us down a couple of interesting obstacles and around the corner to the old Arrowhead Road. Our loop is finished on the old road and back to Northshore Road. Meet at the CVS / Albertsons on Hollywood & Lake Mead for an 8 AM departure. A stop at mile marker 4 will be made around 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, February 21, Potosi Climbers Alcove: Strenuous, 6-7 miles, up to 1800 FT gain, 7:30 AM - We hike into Potosi Canyon #3 for the strenuous climb up to the Climber’s Alcove. This is a huge area, 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 the intersection of 159/60 by 7:30 AM. Coordinator – David Hardy

Saturday, February 22, Ash Meadow: Easy, 3.5 miles, 180 Ft. gain, 8:30AM
This hike starts from the Red Springs Picnic area.  We head toward the escarpment and follow it around.  This hike will pass an old foundation, and a meditation circle. We will then head into the meadow and hopefully there will be water.   We will take our snack at a large boulder where we can see the way to Ash Canyon. This is an out and back hike at a leisurely pace.  Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 departure.  Ron and Sandi

Saturday, February 22nd, Top of the World Arch (Long Route) - Moderately Strenuous; 7.5 miles; 1500’ gain; 8:00 AM - Come prepared for a long day of hiking and scrambling that covers some of the best sights in Valley of Fire. We will see the Top of the World Arch, the Fire Wave and several slot canyons. The color in the park is worth the drive alone. We will hike at a moderate pace. Meet in the northwest corner of the outside parking lot of Aliante Casino northwest outdoor parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. All participants will meet at the visitor center where we will leave no earlier than 9:00 AM to drive to White Domes parking lot. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, February 23, Back Hills Lawn Mower Route: Moderate, 6 miles, 600 FT gain, 8 AM - The hike begins from the gravel parking area on the right side of Hwy 160 about 2 miles beyond our initial meet-up area which is the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 159/160. The route will follow the Landmine Trail and then the Rubber Ducky Trail, where we will check the ducky tree for new additions. A little beyond that, we connect with the Old Spanish Trail for a short distance, then on to the Lawn Mower Trail, and finally the connector route leading us back to the parking lot. This is to be a moderate paced hike. We leave from the Chevron gas station by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, February 24th, Blue Springs/St Thomas/ ice cream, Moderate; 7 miles, 8AM. This generally moderate 4-4.5 mile part of today’s fun starts at Blue Point Spring near Mile Marker 40 on Northshore Road. There are numerous red Aztec sandstone formations that will be explored, including an arch in which the waters of Lake Mead can be framed for photographs along with several other arches. Then we will drive to the St Thomas trailhead (last 3 miles on a dirt road) for an easy 2.5 mile hike full of the history of the now exposed ghost town. I will bring a plat map and other info to help us explore the area. Then the Coordinators and all who want to join us are going to the Ice cream shop in Overton for dessert. Hike and drive time will result in a late afternoon return to town. The Rampart Casino will be the early west side staging point with a 7:20AM departure. The primary meeting spot is at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00AM departure. The coordinators and any other south side participants should be at the Northshore Road Mile Marker 4 pullout by 8:15AM to join the rest of the group. Coordinators- John Ward/ Chuck and Joan Hawkins

Tuesday, February 25, Canyon #1 Ridge Loop, moderately strenuous, 1000' gain, 8 AM  junction Arroyo and Hwy. 159.  This canyon is across from the town of Blue Diamond.  Lots of scrambling going up the canyon until we link with a ‘trail’ as we near the old mine ruins where we will return along a ridge high above the gypsum plant.  There will be more scrambling as we return to the lower part of Canyon #1 and back to the cars.  Coordinator – David Hardy

Wednesday, February 26, Fern Canyon: Moderate, 4 miles, 600 Feet gain, 8:30am - We will leave from the Pine Creek parking lot on the loop.  This is past the Ice Box Canyon lot.  We will head toward the old Wilson Homestead and criss cross a creek.  After this we will head high up to a ridge and then descend into Fern Canyon.  There are actually ferns in the desert and if we are lucky little waterfalls. At points you will have to use your hands to do light scrambling over a few obstacles.  We will do this at our normal leisurely pace. We will co lead this hike with Tammie and Jim Bylina.  Ron and Sandi

Wednesday, February 26, Blue Diamond/Tertiary Ridge: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM -This loop trek begins in behind the community of Blue Diamond. Starting out with a somewhat steep climb, we'll make our way up and over the three ridges to the very top of Tertiary Ridge to a well-marked trail that will take us toward Bonnie Springs. Expect great views of the surrounding Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley areas. After dropping back down and cutting back to the southeast for a bit, we'll reach the valley floor where we'll head over to the bird sanctuary/BLM animal pen, to enjoy the green of the coming spring, and possibly our feathered friends wintering there. From there we enter the sanctuary wash, then pick up the trail back to the cars. Red Rock Casino will be used for our early meeting point with a departure time of 7:30 AM. Meet the coordinator at the trailhead parking area located after crossing the wash bridge on the main entrance road into the community. There is a small gravel parking lot on the right side just before the first home. South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond. We'll step-off at 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray 

Thursday, February 27th, Paradise Peak / Horse Spring Corral Loop - Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 5.5 miles, 1300 feet elevation gain, 7:30 AM.  This was a new hike for the club in Gold Butte last year. After traveling down the graded dirt Gold Butte Road 13.7 miles after Whitney Pocket, we will climb up to Paradise Ridge that has incredible views of the Grand Wash and the colorful Mud Hills. After the ridge climb, we’ll cross Gold Butte Road and hike down to Horse Springs to see the all-season spring and elaborate old corral. Meet at the Aliante Casino in the northwest outdoor parking lot for a 7:30 AM departure. Or, meet at the kiosk parking of Gold Butte Road and Hwy 170 at 8:30 AM. (Please inform me if you are planning on meeting me at the kiosk.) We will leave from there no earlier than 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, February 28, Stonehengerson/River Mountain SHUTTLE:  Moderately Strenuous, 71/2 Miles 1200 FT elevation, 8:00 A.M.  We will meet at the River Mountain Trailhead Parking lot in Boulder City just before St. Judes Ranch For Children.  There we will regroup and return to Wagonwheel Drive in Henderson where the trail begins. This is a very defined trail that winds through the Black Mts. and comes up the back side of Black/Red Mts. in Boulder City. We will continue down the switchbacks at the saddle to our vehicles. Last time we did this hike we came across about 15 bighorn and their babies.  Always beautiful to see!  West side participants should depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:15 A.M. Fiesta Henderson participants should depart at 7:30 A.M.  Coordinator - Linda OLeary

Saturday, February 29, Fossil Ridge, Easy, 3.5 miles, 610 Ft gain, 8:30AM - This hike starts from the Cowboy stable across from Red Rock.  As we leave the parking lot, we will immediately head up right toward the ridge. We will work our way up to echo canyon.  We will look for fossils and conglomerate rock.  We will head toward the new horse stable and make our loop around. Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 8:30 departure. Ron and Sandi

Saturday, February 29, Virlis-Fisher Arch (3599') 5 miles, 1400' vertical, moderately strenuous. It's been two years since the club journeyed out to the ghost town of Nelson. We'll embark on a clockwise route to Virlis and then catch Natural Bridge on our return leg. Both are Kodak moments. The VF Arch can be viewed from the desert floor. Should you opt to climb up into the arch, it's a fairly steep, Class 3 ascent. Your call, strictly optional. Depart the Henderson Fiesta at 0800. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor
        The trailhead is 30 miles from the Henderson Fiesta. We'll caravan from there.
If you go on your own, take I-11 south to the US 95 turnoff. Head toward Searchlight and in about 10 miles you'll see the left turn for Nelson, HWY #165. Take it for 9 1/2 miles to the trailhead at very top of the hill, left side of the road. You have arrived.