Thursday, December 2nd, Horse Canyon- Moderately strenuous, 7.2 miles, 1100 FT gain, 7:30 AM- This hike will begin at the end of El Capitan Way near Doral Academy. Expect a rather long approach which leads to a deep, narrow canyon that slots up in places. There will be numerous short dry falls, some Class 3, on the way up. When we top out we will have our break. Then it is down a ridge which leads to an interesting canyon. Soon there is an old road we take back to the cars. Be sure to wear long sleeves and pants as there will be bushwhacking at times. Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station on 159/160 at 7:30 AM. Trailhead- You may also meet at the end of S. El Capitan Way near Doral Academy by 7:40. Park at the intersection with Cactus in the SE quadrant. RSVP/Limit 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, December 4th, Landmine Trail to Oliver Ranch- Easy, 3 miles, 230 FT gain in elevation, 8 AM- This hike will leave from the Wheeler Camp Springs parking lot. We will meander through the desert scattered with many old artifacts. We will see an old Ford left behind from the active ranch. We will continue up Landmine Trail so we can see the back side of Bonnie Springs before we head into Oliver Ranch. This old ranch was purchased by the BLM years ago and many interesting structures remain. There are picnic tables to take a break. People will have time to wander around the ranch to take pictures. It was said that this ranch had a history of producing moonshine. After our break, we will head back on the trail parallel to the the road. Meet at the Red Rock Casino parking lot at 8 AM. We will then head over to the Wheeler Springs lot which is before the town of Blue Diamond. For those interested, some of us will be stopping at the Cottonwood Station in Blue Diamond for a snack or lunch. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Sunday, December 5th, Cleopatra Wash- Moderately strenuous, 7 miles, Class III scrambling with limited exposure, loss of 900-1541 feet, 8 AM. A traditional trek in the Lake Mead NRA that takes you down through the eroded remnants of the Cleopatra-Hamblin (Mountain) paleovolcano that was formed some 11 to 15 million years ago. The same forces that created the mountains and ranges we see today split this volcano apart by some 12 miles. Great views of colorful landscapes due to the deposits of sediments and volcanic activity await you. Our trailhead requires high clearance vehicles 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. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, December 5th, First Creek "Extended" back to First Creek Spring- Moderate, Class 2 scrambling, 8:30 AM- This hike begins from the Hwy 159 pull off following an old road which becomes a trail when we get to a few ponderosa pines. The trail continues beyond and becomes more primitive. Some bushwhacking is needed to cross the creek bed, then we follow another rocky trail that requires some Class 2 scrambling at the end. We will have our break at the spring which is in a narrow spot. Meet the coordinator by 8:30 AM at the First Creek TH parking lot pull off/159. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, December 6th, Ravens Balcony- Moderately strenuous, 6 or 8 miles, 750 ft. of gain, 8:00 AM - The goal is to hike 6 miles by having enough HVC vehicles, preferably with 4 X 4, that will drive Callville Wash Road to get us to the starting point. If not, then we park at MM 16, hike across the desert to the start and this now is an 8 mile hike. Ravens Balcony is located in the North Bowl of Fire in Lake Mead Recreation Area. We hike through the wash, sandy areas, slots and finally scrambling on sandstone. There are some Class 2 climbs where use of hands are needed and there is some minimal exposure. The reward is the view from the balcony where the Ravens usually are. Meet behind the CVS at the southeast corner of Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd at 8:00 AM. We will stop at MM 4 if necessary. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, December 7th, Fortress Butte Area Loop- Moderately strenuous, 6.5 miles, elevation gain of 1,563 FT, a bit of Class III, 8AM. It's an interesting route that offers great views of the Black Rock 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-topped 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 gravel route is littered with artifacts from construction of the dam or US 93. Meet-up- Railroad Casino/Travel Center off of Hwy 93 by 8 AM. Look for me and my gray KIA in the open parking area between the casino and travel center. From there we'll caravan via Hwy 11/Hwy 93 to the White Rock Canyon TH at Mile Marker 4 (left turn) parking lot in Arizona. Coordinator- David Gray
Friday, December 10th, Liberty Bell Arch and the Colorado Overlook OB- Moderate/Moderately strenuous, 6 miles, 1200 Ft. of gain, 8:00 AM- Since the Fiesta is still closed, we will meet at the Railroad Pass Casino at 8:00 AM. Or you can meet at the trailhead at 8:30. The trailhead is along HWY 93 south of the Hoover Dam at the White Rock Canyon Trailhead about 25 miles. We begin in the wash but then get up on solid terrain to the right of the wash. We make our way back to the trail by descending down from this elevated section. The trail rolls through scenic, lava hills to a high point where we descend carefully to continue our way to the arch. After the arch, the trail ascends to our final destination, the Colorado Overlook and it’s break time. We return to the cars on the same trail but will use the wash to get back to the cars. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 11th, Redstone Discovery Loop- Moderate, 3~4 miles, 700 FT EG, 8:00 AM- Hidden quietly away from the the pavement of Lake Mead's Northshore Road there exists a beautiful trail that runs thru scores of petrified rocks, petroglyphs, and redstone, each with its own characteristic formations. We'll also visit a unique area known as Elephant Town. We may even take our lunch break there. Our trailhead/pull off point is about a mile further east of the Jean's Peak Trailhead, which is at Mile Marker 25.8/Northshore Road. Our initial meet-up point will be at the parking lot area behind the CVS store near the Albertsons' grocery store at the corner of Lake Mead Blvd/Hollywood. Be there by 8 AM. We'll also check for hikers at the Mile Marker 4 pull off. Coordinators- C Max and David Gray
Sunday, December 12th, Goatroper/Shuttle- Moderate, 7 miles, 1200’ gain, 7:30 AM- Meeting in Blue Diamond at the county park on your left as you drive into my community by 7:30 AM, we will drive from there leaving vehicles at Wheeler Spring TH parking lot, then to a spot before the Horse Corrals to begin the hike. This is a fairly new and interesting trail that will take us back to Wheeler Spring TH. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Tuesday, December 14th, Prospect Trail/VOF- Moderately strenuous, 10 miles, 1500’ gain, Class 2-3 scrambling, 8:00 AM- A classic colorful trek up the north side of the VOF sandstone offering great views of the “burning rock.” We’ll take our break at the White Domes area. Some Class III scrambling required here and there. Meet at the Aliante Station Casino, the northwest parking lot area off the main entrance by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, December 15th, Black Mountain Overlook, Boulder City - Moderate, 5 miles, 1150 ft. of gain, 8:30 AM - Our hike today begins at River Mountain Trailhead in Boulder City next to St. Judes Ranch for Children off of Hwy 93 at 8:30 AM. Most of the time, we see Big Horn Sheep grazing as we hike. Once we get up to the saddle, the views are spectacular. And the views continue all the way to the Overlook. After our break, we use the same trail to return to the cars. Meet at Railroad Pass Casino at 8:00 AM. From there, we drive to the trailhead or you can drive directly to the trailhead. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, December 16th, Back Hills Lawn Mower Route- Moderate, 6 miles, 600 FT total elevation gain, 8 AM- The hike begins at the trailhead gravel parking area on the right side of Hwy 160 about 2 miles beyond the Chevron gas station on 159/160. The route will follow the Landmine Trail and then the Rubber Ducky Trail. We will check the ducky tree for rubber ducks. A little beyond that, we pick up with the Old Spanish Trail for a short distance and then connect with the Lawn Mower Trail. We will follow this, drop into a canyon, until we connect with the trail leading back to the parking lot. This is to be a moderate paced hike. We leave from the Chevron gas station on 159 & 160 by 8AM. We will meet in back of the station in the dirt lot. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, December 17th, Signature Rock/Lake Mead- Moderately strenuous, 9 miles, 600 FT gain, 8 AM - Our route winds its way out to the famous landmark where the grand vistas of the Pinto Valley can be enjoyed. We’ll pass Cottonwood Spring, mining claims, and Eagle Rock. Depart the parking area behind the CVS located on the S/E corner of Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood by 8:00 AM and drive to the trailhead pull-off at MM 18 on the Northshore Road. West side participants should leave the Rampart Casino by 7:20 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, December 18th, White Owl Canyon/Lake Mead- Easy with a distance of 3.5 miles, 250 FT elevation gain, 8:30 AM- This unique hike will meander through an area which used to be part of Lake Mead. We will park at an old marina inside Lake Mead National Park. If you have a senior park pass please bring it. There is some flowing water and we may see some interesting wildlife along the way. The trail is scattered with seashells and interesting vistas. We will quietly enter White Owl Canyon and hopefully see an owl. There are two drainage tunnels we will pass through on our way to our break spot. After a break, we will return on the same trail. Because the Fiesta Casino is closed, we will meet at the parking lot outside the entrance to Lake Mead. Go down route 564 (East Lake Mead Parkway) past Lake Las Vegas. Before you enter the fee station, there is a parking lot. Meet there for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Sunday, December 19th, Rainbow Gardens to Lake Las Vegas O&B- Easy to moderate, distance of 5 miles, around 500 FT elevation gain, 8:30 AM- We will begin this hike from Mile Marker 2 parking up a wash that eventually becomes very colorful. As we find our way down another wash there are more colors and narrow spots on our way to Lake Las Vegas. We will return the same way. Meet the coordinator at 8:30 AM at Mile Marker 2, Northshore Road. Those coming from the the south, wanting to car pool, meet at the parking area just before the entrance on Lake Mead Parkway out of Henderson. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Mile Marker 2.Those coming from the north meet at CVS/Albertsons (Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood), it takes about 20 minutes to reach Mile Marker 2, Northshore Road. There is a pull-out right at the wash where we start the hike. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Tuesday, December 21st, Blue Diamond Canyon #1 Ridge Loop- Moderately strenuous, 4-5 miles, Class II/III, 8:30 AM- Meet-up- 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. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, December 23rd, Tertiary Ridge- Moderate loop, 6.5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM- This begins in the community of Blue Diamond. The group will make their way up the Tertiary Ridge behind the community 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 and returns to Blue Diamond. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point with a departure at 7:35 AM. After crossing the bridge on the main entrance into the community there will be a county park on the left and that is where we will meet/park. South side participants can drive directly to Blue Diamond if they wish. The hike will begin at 8:00 AM. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Sunday, December 26th, Blue Diamond Hill- Moderate, 6 miles, 800 FT gain, 8 AM. Need to work off some of the feasting from the day before? We will begin at the Horse Corral/Stables at 8 A.M following a network of trails. 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 followed by the Bunny Trail. This will be a leisurely hike. Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, December 30th, Late Night Parking to Blue Diamond- Moderately strenuous, 8-9 miles, 1200 FT. elevation gain, 7:30 AM. We will hike the Late Night Trail from the parking lot and eventually leave it to take a fainter trail up to the base of the canyons of the Red Rock Bluffs. We will pass by petroglyphs and two springs, and the mouth of Black Velvet Canyon, then on toward Tertiary Ridge which we will follow a trail to the top and follow it back to where we drop into Blue Diamond. Bring a lunch. A car shuttle is required so we need to meet the coordinator at the county park on the left side of the entrance road into Blue Diamond at 7:30 AM. RSVP required/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, December 30th, Ash Canyon- Easy with a distance of 3.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain, 8 AM-This hike starts from the Sandstone Quarry parking lot. The trail breaks off from the Calico Tanks trail which meanders to an overlook where we can see Ash Meadow. We will take a break here and enjoy the view into Calico Basin and Ash Meadows. This loop will continue back to an area of petroglyphs. Here there will be two options. One group will take the easy way back to the Turtlehead Trail and the other will scramble over to see some petroglyphs. The two groups will join up and head back to the parking lot making this a loop trail. Meet at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot inside the Red Rock Loop. You will need to enter the park before 8 AM so no reservation is required. Meet at the Sandstone Quarry lot for an 8 AM departure. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Friday, December 31st, Lava Butte/Lake Mead- Moderately strenuous to strenuous climbing, Class II & III, 7:30 AM- Approximately 5.2 miles round trip. Cumulative elevation gain of approximately 1500 feet. The top of this mountain offers spectacular views of the Lake Mead area and Lake Las Vegas. We’ll hike across the desert to the south side of the mountain and then begin our ascent. Northshore Road turnoff closest to MM 2. Meeting point is the CVS parking lot at Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood at 7:30 a. m. We will then caravan/carpool to MM 2 off of Northshore Road. Coordinator- John Hammel
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