Tuesday, November 1st, Kraft MT West To East Traverse/Calico Basin- A special thanks to Mike (MOC) given his efforts in November of 2018 in offering this club standard. Now we'll be exploring based on our efforts this past summer "to learn the ways" of this redstone landmark in Calico Basin. Mike's own words best describe the hike: Strenuous, 5 miles, 1500’ vertical, Class 3, 8:00 AM. Tackle Five-Stop Hill before ascending the west flank of Kraft. Make the undulating traverse across the top of the mountain and down climb the precipitous east face. Bring it back home along the rolling Calico hills. Expect some Class II and Class III scrambling. We'll depart the Kraft Mountain TH gravel parking lot by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, November 2nd, Potato Knoll- Moderate, 5 to 6 miles, 600+ Feet, 8 AM- We begin at the dirt lot at the end of the scenic loop drive at 8:20 AM. The trails take us over to Oak Creek which we will cross 3 times. We will go to the top for our break then hike the west and north end to get back to the cars. This will be hiked at my accommodating photo taking pace. Leave the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM- Coordinator- John Ward
Thursday, November 3rd, Potosi Climbers Alcove- Strenuous, 5-6 miles, 8 AM- We will hike into the deep Potosi Canyon #3 until we reach the strenuous climb up to the large Climbers Alcove. The trail leaving the canyon bottom is very steep, may have some minor exposure. Elevation gain will be around 2000 FT. We will leave from the Chevron gas station on 159/160 at 8 AM. If we have HCV's or 4X4's, we can cut off over a mile along with elevation. RSVP requested/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Friday, November 4th, Keystone Thrust Loop via the Sandstone Quarry- Moderately strenuous, 7 miles, 1,500 feet of elevation gain, 8 AM- The hike starts at the quarry heading up on the Grand Circle Trail to the northeast end of the White Rock Trailhead, then loops up to the landmark Keystone Thrust Overlook where we'll take our break. From there we turn down the into the rocky dry wash to connect again to the Grand Circle Trail taking us back to the cars. Expect some Class II scrambling here and there. We’ll meet at the Sandstone Quarry by 7:30 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, November 5th, Fossil Ridge- Easy, 3.5 miles. 550 gain, 8:00 AM- This hike starts from the Horse Stables Trailhead across from Red Rock Canyon. You can meet us there or carpool from the Red Rock Casino parking lot at 7:30AM. The hike will be a clockwise version of Fossil Ridge and Echo Canyon. This will provide beautiful vistas of Red Rock and the sandstone escarpment adjacent. We may encounter some horseback riders along the way. We will see alligator rock and stop for a break at a beautiful overlook. We will maintain our usual slow Saturday pace. Hike leaders- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Sunday, November 6th, Back Hills Lawn Mower Route- Moderate, 6 miles, 800 total elevation gain, 7:30 AM- NOTE- Standard Time/PST begins- Turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night before going to bed. Our trailhead is on Hwy 160, about 2 miles beyond our initial meet-up site at the Chevron gas station located at 159/160 where we will park off the highway in a large open area. The route will initially follow the Landmine Trail and then the Rubber Ducky Trail. There we will check the Ducky Tree for rubber ducks. A little beyond we connect with the Old Spanish Trail for a short distance, then hike the Lawn Mower Trail. We will follow this over a ridge, switch backing down into a canyon, then back to the cars. Our pace will be moderate. We leave from the Chevron gas station by 7:30 AM. RSVP/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Tuesday, November 8th, Blue Diamond Canyon #1- Moderately strenuous, Class III scrambling required in spots, 4 miles, 1000 FT 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 processing plant. Then we bushwhack, scramble a bit to pick up a ridge that will drop us back into the canyon at the entrance trail. Meet at the trailhead located at the junction of 159/Arroyo by 8:00 AM. It's just past the entrance to the community of Blue Diamond. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, November 10th, Guardian Angel Trail/Calico Basin- Moderately strenuous, 5 miles, 1000 FT, 8 AM- Starting from the Red Spring Picnic Area Trailhead parking lot, we will take the Guardian Angel Trail scrambling up a steep route to a pass, then down the other side with even more scrambling. Be sure to look for the Guardian Angel. When we reach the trails below Calico #2, we'll then swing around below Calico #1, then back to Red Spring. Meet at the Red Spring parking at 8 AM. RSVP requested/Limit of 12- Coordinator- David Hardy hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Friday, November 11th, Ash Canyon Ridgeline to Red Cap/Exploratory- Difficult in spots, mostly moderately strenuous, 8 AM- STATS- We'll generate them in making the climb up along a prominent ridgeline along the canyon's west wall of this landmark terrain. In reaching our goal, expect some Class II-III scrambling through a small boulder field. Some exposure up on that ridge. (Gloves) For sure, this will get us to an area just below Red Cap. We'll break here, decide how to best reach the peak above us. In returning, we may select a different way down or make this an out and back excursion. Our pace will be adjusted given the terrain and exposure. Trailhead- Kraft MT Trailhead parking lot/Sandstone Dr/Calico Basin- We step off at 8 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, November 12th, Cottonwood Valley/Two Springs/Petroglyphs- Easy, 4 miles, 350 gain, 7:30 AM- For this hike we will be meeting at the Chevron gas station located at the intersection of 159/160 at 7:30 AM. We will carpool to the trailhead and this will require a very short drive down a dirt road that is in good condition, any passenger vehicle can handle it. This follows some bike trails. We will pass some interesting rock formations that the bikers call Stonehenge. On our way we will come across two different springs that have been fenced off so that they are protected. Near flying saucer rock we will search for many petroglyphs that are found in this area. Here we will take our break. In the distance we will be able to see the entire Cottonwood Valley all the way over to Red Rock Canyon. This will be done at our usual Saturday morning easy pace. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi
Sunday, November 13th, Kraft Mountain/Southeast Shelf Ridgeline Trail/Exploring- Moderately strenuous- Stats- We'll generate them as we make our way along the southeast "side" of this redstone rock. Now we'll be trying to finish the route that John Hammel started during the early summer, but was cut short when he strained his right calf muscle. What we're looking for is the way back over to the peak as well as the route down on the east flank of the mountain. Our route starts in earnest as we do a bit of scrambling up into the boulders near the center of the south side of the mountain, then pick up the trail to the east. Some exposure given Class II - III scrambling plus the fact that we'll be about half way up on of the side of that mountain. Meet-up- Kraft Mountain Trailhead parking lot/Sandstone Dr./Calico Basin. We step off at 8 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, November 14th, White Rock Loop Exploratory- We'll being exploring several washes, hiking 6.2 miles, 1150 FT elevation gain, moderate/strenuous, 8 AM- We will use the regular route from the Willow Springs Trailhead over to the White Rock parking lot, then we will take the wash/scrambling route to the break area, then on the way down the north side we will explore to find a route to the wash to get us down to Rocky Gap Road and back to Willow Springs. This may require some bushwhacking and/or backtracking, so be prepared. We will leave the Red Rock Casino lot at 7:20 AM to get thru the fee booth and to Willow Springs TH for an 8 AM hike start. Coordinator- John Ward
Tuesday, November 15th, Dragon Canyon/Kraft MT Peak Loop via 5 Stop/Calico Basin- Moderately strenuous with Class II - III scrambling, 5 or so miles estimated, 1200 FT gain, 8 AM- I am putting together two great treks in a loop route for a fun day of hiking. Our break point will be at the Kraft MT Peak, which will be the out/back portion of the route. We'll return to the cars via 5 Stop Hill. Gloves- Trailhead- Kraft Mountain Trailhead parking lot, Sandstone Dr./Calico Basin. We step off at 8 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, November 17th, Circle Kraft Mountain/Lower Gateway Canyon- Moderate, 4 miles with some Class III scrambling, 8 AM- We begin by heading up and over 5 Stop Hill and then down into the Lower Gateway, scrambling here and there through colorful sandstone. Then we'll turn back toward the trailhead on the east flank of this landmark "rock." We will begin our hike at 8 AM from the Kraft Mountain TH parking lot at the end of Sandstone Dr. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, November 18th, South Canyon Overlook O&B- Moderately strenuous, 4 or so miles, 900 FT gain, 8 AM- We're returning to do "the route on the right" (It's the south wall of Foundation Hill.) as we scramble up to a very special overlook for the Calico Basin area. Expect Class II- III scrambling all the way, up and back. Gloves- Meet-up- Kraft Mountain Trailhead parking lot/Sandstone Drive/Calico Basin. We'll step off at 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, November 19th, Kay's Overlook/Peak 3488 Loop Route/Calico Basin- Easy, 3.6 miles, 470 FT gain, carpool at 7:30, hike starts at 8AM- Meet at the outer parking lot at Red Rock Casino by 7:30 to carpool to Calico Basin's Gene Trailhead pull off, which is off of Calico Basin Road, the main "drag" in. Now if you're going to drive directly to the trailhead, it's on your right, look for the large metal sign with the word "GENE" outlined. This peak overlooks the valley, the Strip, as well as, the entire Calico Basin area. We will take a short break there to enjoy the day. On our way back down, we will turn toward the sandstone escarpment to see some interesting rock formations that used to be Lettie's Lounge. Here we'll begin to close the loop in heading back to the cars. Our pace, as usual, will be leisurely. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 7:30 or at the trailhead pull off by 8 AM. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi
Sunday, November 20th, Blue Diamond Tertiary Ridge- This 6.5 mile moderate loop hike begins in this community, the landmark terrain is just in the back, right off from the homes, "towering about them." The group will make their way up to the top of this ridge, the trail leads toward Bonnie Springs. After dropping back down to the valley floor near the it's western end, 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 time at 7:35 AM. BD Trailhead- After crossing the wash bridge on the main entrance into this community, there will be parking next to the county park on the left. The coordinator will be at that location. South side participants may drive directly to Blue Diamond. The hike will begin at 8:00 AM. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Monday, November 21st, Anniversary Narrows- Moderate, 6 miles, 1,000 FT gain, 8:00 AM- We will caravan from the CVS parking lot at Lake Mead & Hollywood at 8 AM to drive to the trailhead at MM16 on Northshore Road, with a quick stop at MM4 for hikers from the south side. The O&B route will start at 8:30 AM. We will hike to the northwest to access Lovell Wash near Rainbow Canyon and go up the wash to enter the beautiful Anniversary Narrows. In returning, will use the mine road route. I will go at a photo taking nice pace. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- John Ward
Tuesday, November 22nd, Brownstone Canyon Loop- Moderately strenuous, 7.5 miles, 1850 FT gain, Class II- III, 8 AM- It's the traditional route up into the colorful sandstone via Upper Gateway Canyon and the Three-Sided Canyon to gain the plateau over to the landmark with its colorful petroglyph. Gloves- We'll loop this excursion by initially coming back "on high" in the sandstone that is cairned. Meet-up- Kraft Mountain Trailhead parking lot/ Sandstone Road/Calico Basin. Step off at 8 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, November 23rd, Liberty Bell Arch O&B- Moderate/moderately strenuous, 5 miles, 1100FT of gain, 8 AM- Trailhead is the White Rock Canyon lot at MM4 on US93 (It’s the first left after the new bridge into Arizona.) Hiking at a pace to keep everyone together, we will go down the canyon thru some narrows then take the trail which passes an old mine. From there, we pass our wonderful arch and finally, we continue to our beautiful break spot overlooking the Colorado River. Then it’s the same trail back to the cars. We will meet at the Railroad Pass Casino Travel Center (exit 15A on US93/95) for carpooling with an 8 AM departure time. Our hike will start at 8:30 AM. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- John Ward
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 24th, Goatroper Trail O&B- Moderate,7 miles, 600 FT gain, fairly new route, 7:30 AM- Meeting in Blue Diamond at the county park on the left as you come into the community, we'll start our effort by 7:30 by driving to "Canyon #6" where we'll leave our cars. Then we hike to a spot before the Horse Corrals Trailhead to begin this route in earnest, then return back through Canyon #6. This is a fairly new and interesting trail. We expect to finish by or before the noon hour in time for Thanksgiving dinner. RSVP requested/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Friday, November 25th, Return to Fern Canyon/Exploratory- Moderately strenuous, 5.54 miles, 900 FT gain, Class II here and there, 8 AM- It's been over four years since I have done this O&B route. It's a unique and very pretty spot. Looking to get back to the waterfall area, considered a Class III climb to get on top. Easy pace as I am sure "the fall greenery" might be overgrown from the summer heat and rains. Will take Kay's advice per her March, 2020 trek and take the lower trail back in. We won't have much sun until I repeat this trek in the spring. Trailhead- Pine Creek Canyon- Step off at 8 AM- Keep in mind that it's a good half hour ride if not longer to get around to Pine Creek via the Scenic Loop Drive. Gloves- Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, November 27th, Calico Hills Loop/Calico Basin- Moderately strenuous, 8 miles, 1000 FT gain, 7:30 AM- This hike begins at the Red Spring TH parking lot, hiking over 5 Stop Hill, up Gateway Canyon for about 10 minutes, then over to Sandstone Quarry where we will have lunch. Here we'll check out the short slot canyon. From there we follow the Grand Circle Trail past Calico#2 and #1, then take the connector route back round and up to Red Spring. There will be some scrambling. Meet the coordinator at Red Spring at 7:30 AM. RSVP/Limit of 12- Coordinator- David Hardy hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Tuesday, November 29th, Foundation Hill/Scramble- A special thanks to Steve Allen, the master scrambler. His write-up was best in describing his efforts, now my efforts, though tempered a bit, in scrambling. His summary- Join me by 8:00 AM at the Kraft Mountain TH parking area/Sandstone Road/Calico Basin for some fun on the rocks. Moderate pace. Open to anyone comfortable with Class 2-3 scrambling. Hone your skills and learn strategies for moving on the rocks and through obstacles. Route will be determined by accommodating those attending. Steve Allen- Gloves- STATS- 4 to 6 miles- Note- I don't use rope. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, November 30th, Ash Canyon Loop via Sandstone Quarry- Easy, 3.6 miles, 500 FT gain, 8 AM- This hike starts in Red Rock Canyon NCA and it will require everyone to pass through the park fee booths by 7:40 AM to meet at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot for our 8 AM start time. This effort will provide great views as we hike up some interesting slot canyons and rock formations. We will take our first short break with a beautiful view of Ash Meadows looking down at the Calico Basin. Our next stop will be at the capstone near the petroglyphs. This overall route will require some scrambling coming and going to get up some steep rock. If you are not comfortable with this, an alternate easy way will be provided. This will be done at our usual easy pace. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
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