March 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.

Sunday, March 1, Blue Diamond/Tertiary Ridge - Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1000' 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 going 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 the 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 

Sunday, March 1, 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

Monday, March 2nd, Hamblin Mountain - Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1400 ft. elevation gain, 8:00 AM - This is one of my favorite hikes in Lake Mead Area and I have not done it this season. The views of Lake Mead, Pinto Valley, Bowls of Fire and Las Vegas are worth the effort. There is a large dry waterfall the requires use of hands to climb up and down. My pace will be slow and steady so if you have wanted to try this hike, please come and enjoy. The hike begins at the turnout just past MM 18. Depart the CVS on Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd. at 8:00 AM. Depart the Rampart to 7:30 AM. We will stop by MM 4 to pick up any hikers there. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, March 3, Lava Butte Peak (2871’): Strenuous, 5 miles, 1100’ vertical, strenuous, 8:00 AM - We’ll approach from the east side and tackle the large lava rocks that make up the summit route. It’s a unique trek with a flat, one-mile desert approach followed by a steep scramble on VW-sized boulders. Panoramic views of Lake Mead from the peak. Departure times: CVS at Lake Mead and Hollywood, 8:00 AM, the trailhead at MM #2 on Northshore Road, 8:20 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, March 4th, Park Peak Loop - Moderate, 5 miles, 700 ft. gain, 8:20 AM - This peak is in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and provides great views of the Las Vegas Valley. We saunter on several different trails over to the base of the peak. Use of hands might be necessary to climb up the last section to the peak. The trail makes it way among large volcanic boulders up about 300 feet to the top where we will take our break. Pace will be slow and steady. Meet at the Walgreens located at 2451 Hampton Road in Henderson at 8:20 AM. West side hikers should depart Red Rock Casino at 7:45 AM. The trailhead is located on Shadow Canyon. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Thursday, March 5th, Fern Canyon - Moderately Strenuous; 5.5 miles; 900' elevation gain; 8am; Moderate pace - This out and back hike begins at the Pine Creek Trailhead off the Scenic Loop. There will be a lot of moderate scrambling as we climb up to the waterfall at the end. The climb to the top of the waterfall is best described as a 3rd class effort. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure so that we can carpool around the Scenic Loop. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, March 6, Slots of Fun, Easy - Moderate, 4 miles, 400 ft. gain, 8:00 AM.  This hike has 2 parts.  The easy first.  We begin at the mile 4 parking for the AZ Hot Springs, hiking back up the road about a half mile to drop into the slot canyons.  When finished there we return toward the cars.  Just before cars is the moderate part where those that want only easy may return to their cars.  What makes this moderate is that there is a fence that blocks the easy route to the slots.  Care needs to be taken getting in the only opening under the fence to avoid slipping.  After that is a section of scrambling to get to the bottom of the canyon.  Cameras welcome.  Leave from the Fiesta at 8 AM Coordinator - David Hardy.

Saturday, March 7th, Redstone Petroglyphs / Jean's Canyon Loop Exploratory - Moderately Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 1400' gain, 8 AM - From the Call Box Trailhead, we will begin the hike by taking the trail out toward the Redstone that holds many Native American petroglyphs. There will be a little bit of moderate scrambling among the red rocks. Afterward, we will hike to the other end of Jean's Canyon to return to the cars in a clockwise loop. This will require climbing up the two major scrambles in Jean's Canyon that we are accustomed to dropping down in the other direction. This hike is of a sensitive nature and will be considered an exploratory so, if I don't know you from previous hikes, please do not show up unannounced. Meet at the CVS / Albertsons on Hollywood & Lake Mead Blvds. for an 8 AM departure. Mile marker 4 @ 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, March 8, Siena Ridge: Moderate 5 miles, 3 hours, 900 FT elevation, 8:00AM. We will start from the Mesa Park parking lot and proceed at an easy to moderate pace adjusting to the needs of the group. The hike will head north up a dirt road along a water control drainage, past a detention basin, then climb a short but steep hill to the Siena Ridge overlooking Summerlin South. Working our way along the ridge heading south, we reach a point overlooking Bishop Gorman HS. The group will then drop down a bit to a trail heading back north and returning along the original dirt road. Departure is from the Mesa Park parking lot off of South Mesa Park Drive. From the west side, take the 215 South to the Town Center Exit. Turn right on Town Center Drive. Take the second right onto South Town Center Drive.to the park. From the east side take the 215 West to Russell Road. Go west on Russell Road and turn right onto South Mesa Park Drive. The group will depart from the Mesa Park parking lot at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Monday, March 9, Cleopatra Wash - Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, Class II, Limited exposure, Loss of 900-1541 FT, 8 AM - Our conditions in January were pretty wet all the way down through the eroded remnants of the Cleopatra-Hamblin (Mountain) paleovolcano that was formed some 11 to 15 million years ago. With a drier trail, we should have great views of colorful landscapes due to the deposits of sediments and volcanic activity. Our trailhead requires high clearance vehicles (HCV) to navigate Boathouse Cove Road at Mile Marker (MM) 30 along the Northshore Road. Meet the coordinator at the CVS /Albertsons’ parking lot at Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd by 8 AM. We’ll check the MM 4 pull-off by 8:20 AM for southside hikers. Coordinator- David Gray-

Monday, March 9, Full Moon Rising Hike - Hill 3844: Easy 2.5 miles, 400 FT elevation gain, 6:00PM. The full moon will rise at 6:58PM (sunset is 6:43PM). The trailhead is along Calico Basin Rd, about 2/10 mile in from Rt 159. We will hike up to Hill 3844. 15 minutes after the moon rises, we will start our return to the cars.  Must bring headlamp and/or flashlight.  Back at our cars by 8:00PM. Non-alcoholic refreshments will make a nice social outing, e.g. coffee, tea, hot chocolate, along with a few munchies. Depart from the Calico Basin Rd at 6:00PM. Coordinator – Tony Fountain

Tuesday, March 10, Bowl of Fire to Anniversary Narrows: Strenuous, 15 miles, All-Day, Shuttle, 7:10 AM - With the recent reopening of the Anniversary Narrows, this revived hike will require a very early start, as well as, a lunch (up to 45 minutes) and extra snacks. We'll begin at the Mile Marker 20 (Northshore Road) parking lot and drop into the north end of the Bowl of Fire. From there we work our way via a bit of bushwhacking into and out of numerous washes, then into the drainage route that will eventually take us through the Anniversary Narrows. Expect some minor scrambling though the narrows, which is usually dry, we may encounter some pools of water if it has recently rained. Shortly after leaving the Narrows we return to the cars and a shuttle is required to retrieve cars at Mile 20. Leave the Rampart parking garage top at 6:35 AM, CVS-Albertsons' parking lot at Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood by 7:10 AM. Meet the coordinator at the Northshore Road Mile Marker 4 parking lot by 7:30 AM to drive to Mile Marker 20, leaving a car at Mile Marker 16 (near the narrows) along the way. Coordinator- David Hardy   Please RSVP for this hike.

Tuesday, March 10th, Painted Pinnacles / Baseline Mesa Loop - Moderately Strenuous; 6.5 miles; 1100' gain; 8 AM - This will be a slightly new route to Painted Pinnacles, a very colorful area of the Valley of Fire. From there, we will climb up and over Baseline Mesa. After lunch at the Buena Vista Ruins, we return to the cars by way of a sandstone wash to close the loop. At the end of the hike, if you have any energy left, there will be time to climb Silica Dome. Meet at the Aliante Casino's NW outside parking lot for an 8 AM departure. Or, meet at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center to leave for the Silica Dome Trailhead no earlier than 9 AM. Coordinators - Brian Dodd and Kay Blackwell

Wednesday, March 11, Railroad Pass/Cascata Golf Course: - Moderate, 5 Miles 800 FT elevation 8:00 A.M. Moderate pace - This will be a moderately paced hike to accommodate anyone that has not done this hike. Since they have made some changes to the residents up in the hills, let’s go take a look. Meet at the Railroad Pass Casino upper parking lot just to the right as you come into the casino. The trailhead begins there, and we will proceed up and around the top of the golf course hoping to see some bighorn grazing on the driving range.  Take U.S. 95 South passing the exit to Boulder City and taking exit 15A to Railroad Pass. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:15 A.M. Fiesta Henderson participants should leave there by 7:30 A.M. Coordinator - Linda O’Leary

Thursday, March 12th, Blue Diamond Canyons 2&3 - Moderately Strenuous, 4.5 miles, 900' gain, 8:30 AM - The trailhead for this hike is located at the small utility building across SR-159 from the small community of Blue Diamond. We will scramble up Canyon #2 and descend Canyon #3. Some of the scrambles are small class 3s but, together, we always make it to the end! We'll see if the Great Horned Owl is still in residence. Parking is limited so please carpool. Meet at Red Rock Casino or the Chevron gas station (159 & 160) for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Thursday, March 12th, Mount Wilson - 8 miles, 6 hrs., 2500 ft elevation gain, Class 3, strenuous, 7:30am Red Rock.  If you have not made it to the top of Mount Wilson in Red Rock, here’s your chance.  This is, by far, the easiest way to get to the top of Mount Wilson.  The hike is almost all class 1 with some class 2 and perhaps a few class 3 spots.  The hardest part of the hike is coming down off the main limestone ridge.  At this spot there is a steep scree slope that must be negotiated.  Poles will help.  We will need 4wd HC vehicles to get to the trailhead.  Meet 7:30am Red Rock.  Coordinators: Jerry and Cheryl Thomas.

Friday, March 13, Bird Spring Stair Climb: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 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 which will take us back to the trail portion of the trek, then the trailhead 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 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, March 14th, Signature Rock Loop - Moderately Strenuous, 9 miles, 1100' gain, 8 AM - This 9 mile loop hike begins at Northshore Road's mile marker 18 trailhead. The route out to some petroglyphs and Signature Rock follows the Old Arrowhead Highway in Pinto Valley Wash. The return route climbs up through a wash and winds through some dirt hills (Chocolate Hills) to return to the old road and back down the wash. There is one point of exposure. Pace will accommodate the participants somewhere at a moderate level. This hike is of a sensitive nature so, if I don't know you from previous hikes, please do not show up unannounced.  Meet at the CVS / Albertsons on Hollywood & Lake Mead Blvds. for an 8 AM departure. Mile marker @ 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Sunday, March 15th, Anniversary Narrows - Moderate, 6.5 miles, 700ft, moderate scrambling, 8am. This time We will start the hike from the pullout at mm16 on Northshore drive. We will hike over the berm and cross Calville wash to the trail that passes a couple of interesting formations and then enters the wash that will take us to the Narrows. We will use the usual trail back to the cars and no HCV's needed this time. We will leave the CVS lot at 8am and make a stop at mm4 about 8:15. Coordinator – John Ward

Monday, March 16th, Black Mountain Overlook - Mostly Moderate, 5-6miles, 1400 ft. gain, 8:00 AM - 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. After a brief break, we hike along the ridge 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. Depart the Fiesta Henderson at 8:00 AM or meet at the trailhead at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, March 17, Juniper Peak (6109’) – Strenuous, 6 miles, 2600’ vertical, with a Class 3 section near the cap, 8 AM. Standard out-and-back route from Pine Creek. Drop down to the Wilson Homestead, cross the creek and thread the cholla cactus grove. Ascend Juniper Canyon and the rock garden before tackling the steep sandstone. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, March 18th, Zebra Slot Loop – moderate, 6 miles, 300 ft gain, 8:00 AM. This is the last chance this year to see this new area of Valley of Fire. Distance and terrain are moderate, but I will hike at my usual pace. Not fast but also not slow like the last time I did this hike. From P1 to P2 on the east side of Mouse Tank road. A short shuttle is required. Met 8:00 at Aliante, or 9:00 at the Visitor center. Coordinator – David Morrow

Thursday, March 19th, Calico Hills Loop CW - Moderately Strenuous, 7.5 miles, 1700' gain, 8 AM - We will begin and end at Red Springs Picnic Area parking lot and travel a clockwise loop around the Calico Hills. We will pass by Calico I & II, Sandstone Quarry, the base of Red Cap, a small part of Gateway Canyon and up and over 5 Stop Hill. We'll finish up by hiking trails through Calico Basin. Meet at the Red Springs Picnic Area parking lot for an 8 AM start of the hike. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, March 20, Red Cap with a Mushroom: Moderately Strenuous 3 miles, 2.5 hours, 950 FT elevation, 8:00AM. Our approach to Red Cap will be from the north side of the Calico Hills. There will be Class 2 and some Class 3 scrambling on the sandstone slabs and boulders. There will be plenty of obstacles to get over or around and some great climbing requiring use of hands. After peaking at Red Cap, we will descend along Mass Production Wall, then turn left up the Calico Tank trail for a short distance.  We’ll turn right at Rooster Rock. Next, we will descend a canyon to Mushroom Rock. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator – Tony Fountain

Saturday, March 21st, Lone Mountain - Moderate, 3.5 miles, ~800' gain, 8:30 AM - We will begin at the Hiking Trail Trailhead located at Jensen and Craig. From there, we use the walking trail to reach the west side of Lone Mountain where the climbing trail begins. After the ascent and following descent on this trail, we will continue around the mountain using the hiking trail instead of the walking trail. On the south side of the mountain, we will return to the walking trail and go back to the cars. Meet at the trailhead for an 8:30 AM start of the hike. Email me if you need more info. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, March 21, Rattlesnake Canyon & Beyond/Willow Creek TH - Moderately Strenuous, Class 2-3 scrambling, 4+ miles, 80 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. From here we'll hike further up into the canyon beyond following the creek that feeds the falls. Expect grand scenery. We leave the Red Rock Casino by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Sunday, March 22, Blue Diamond Hill: Moderate, 6 miles, 800 FT gain, 8 AM - We will begin at 8 AM and follow a network of trails. The first will be the Fossil Canyon Trail followed by the Dog Food Loop then back down to the cars by way of the Cat in the Hat Trail, and finally the Bunny Trail. This is a leisurely hike, moderate pace. Meet the Coordinator at 8 AM at the Horse Stables. Coordinator- David Hardy

Monday, March 23rd, Hoover Dam via Railroad Tunnels - Moderately strenuous, 7-8 miles, 400 ft. gain, 8:00 AM - We below Alan Bible center and use the Railroad Tunnel dirt road. We will use the stairs at the parking structure for the Hoover Dam to descend and take our break there. Then it's back to the cars going pass the boneyard, leftover machine parts. Enjoy views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Pace will be slow yet steady. Depart the Fiesta Henderson at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez

Tuesday, March 24th, Keystone Thrust Loop - Easy Moderate, 3.5 miles, 750' gain, Leisurely Pace, 8:30 AM - This small loop begins at the beginning of White Rock Springs Road off the Red Rock Scenic Loop near MM 6. We hike up the dirt road and connect to the Keystone Thrust Trail. After visiting the thrust fault (one of very few above ground thrust faults in the world), we will follow the wash down to the Grand Circle Trail and return to the cars. There is one easy scramble within the wash. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, March 24, Terrace Canyon (5033′) – Strenuous, 7 miles, 1900′ vertical. From the Pine Creek trailhead, we’ll venture deep into the canyon on the south side of Mescalito. Following a one-mile approach, it’s five miles of intense Class 2 scrambling. "Lunch with a view" atop the Terraces in a truly unique setting. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 0800. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, March 25, McCullough Hills Trails: Moderate, 8 Miles ,1000 FT elevation 8:30 A.M.  This trail is part of the Sloan Canyon NCA in Henderson. Since Punxsutawney Phil says we will have an early spring maybe we will see some early wildflowers. We will begin this hike at Mission Drive off of U.S. 95 South. Taking the College Drive exit to the right. At the stop sign make another right and follow that to the end were the parking lot & trailhead begin. The trail is well defined. We will hike out to the 4 mile marker taking our break there and return on the same trail back to our vehicles. Red Rock participants should leave there by 7:45 A.M. There will be no designated stop at the Fiesta Henderson. Coordinator - Linda O’Leary

Thursday to Sunday, March 26 - 29, Death Valley Backpacking, Main/S. Fork of Johnson Canyon - Moderate treks, HCV's required, RSVP - We will meet in Blue Diamond at a time to be determined on Thursday afternoon. Look for a special email noting the time a day or two before we leave. Starting out on 160 we'll work our way over to Furnace Creek. There we will meet any others for this trip at the visitor center. Then we take the West Side Road and then look for the Johnson Canyon Road going off to the right. The drive up this high clearance road will be around 6.5 miles. Here we'll camp. The next day we hike 3 miles and explore the S. Fork, then return to our packs and continue up the main fork for another mile. Once we get to where water is flowing (Total 4.5 miles and 1550 ft. elevation with packs.) we can set up camp. The next day we will explore the area, so we will need a day pack. There are trees and we may encounter some bushy areas and stream crossings. We will hike out Sunday morning. To make this trip go we must have 4x4 vehicles and the number of vehicles will determine how many seats for passengers. Maximum 4 vehicles and 12 people. Alternate trip will be Hanaupah Canyon. When you commit, I will send you a trip sheet. RSVP- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. Coordinator- David Hardy

Thursday, March 26th, Gass Peak - Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 2100' gain, 7:30 AM - The trailhead for the peak located to the north of Las Vegas is found in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge around the back of the mountain. High clearance vehicles will be needed to ride the Gass Peak Road. The trail climbs a trailing ridge up to the main ridge on the Las Vegas Range. From there, the trail follows the ridge to the right up to the peak where we will find an array of solar panels, a windsock and other utilities. My pace will be no more than moderate. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Friday, March 27th, Potato Knoll from South Oak Creek - Moderate, 5 miles, 500 ft. gain, 8:00 AM - Let’s change it up on this club favorite. We begin at the South Oak Creek trailhead on HWY 160 past the scenic loop exit. We make our way over to the backside of Potato Knoll and navigate over to Oak Creek trail. We will turn onto Middle Oak Creek and take our break. Then we catch the Potato Knoll trail back over to the South Creek trail. Depart the Red a Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, March 28, Hidden Peak (6308’) - 8 miles, 2300’ vertical, strenuous, 8:00 AM. From the Mountain Springs Trailhead, ascend Heartbreak Hill and head for Mountain Springs Peak, our high point of the day at 6641’. Drop into the canyon and tackle the final scrambling ascent to our destination summit. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor

Sunday, March 29, Gateway Canyon via Dragon Canyon - Moderately Strenuous, 5.5 miles, 1200 FT gain, Class 2-3, 8 AM - Our day will start from the Red Spring Trailhead parking lot in Calico Basin. It’s an interesting route up as we slay the dragon. Then it’s onto Gateway Wash for a bit of scrambling. We’ll take our break in the boulder section of the Gateway. As we come around on the east end, we’ll take time to watch the climbers practice their techniques and visit nearby petroglyphs. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8 AM departure or at Red Spring Picnic/Trailhead parking lot by 8:20 AM. Coordinator- David Gray

Monday, March 30th, Mountain Spring Peak O&B - 5 miles, 1500' gain, 8 AM - This simple climb to the limestone peak behind Mountain Springs, Nevada will be an out and back adventure of only 5 miles. The route will include Heartbreak Hill but we will take our break on the summit and not continue down to the cliffside patio! This eliminates the climb back up to the peak to return. The pace will be moderate and there will be no pressure on speed in climbing Heartbreak Hill. Come and sign your name in the summit log! Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8 AM departure. If you are leaving from the Chevron gas station (159 & 160), organize yourselves and leave there at 8:15 AM to drive to the trailhead at the Mountain Springs Pass. Email me if you need more info. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, March 31st, Tony’s 16 Tank Scramble aka “Scramble Legs and Achin”  - Strenuous 4 miles, 3.75 hours, 1,200 FT elevation, 8:00AM. The hike involves quite a bit of scrambling, Class 2 and 3, but at a moderate pace. The first part of the hike will be from the north side of the Calico Hills along a route toward Red Cap. Climbing Red Cap is not included. After exploring some of the tanks, the group will descend along Mass Production Wall. We then proceed up the main Calico Tank Trail, turning right below Rooster Rock, and then exploring other tanks along the ascent to the Calico II Overlook Peak. The group will then begin descending along a ridge above the main Calico Tank Trail. Along this return, we will negotiate up a 20 foot high rock formation, “Tony’s Wall”, with a variety of hand and foot holds. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tony Fountain