Thursday, December 1st, Bird Spring Ridges- This moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles with around 1,500 FT of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking area also used for the short version of Badger Pass. After crossing Badger Pass, the route heads up a series of ridges to the high point of the small range, then connects with the Dead Horse Trail passing through Red Valley on the way back to the vehicles. Early assembly will be at Red Rock Casino with the group leaving from there at 7:30 A.M. Final assembly point will be the Chevron gas station at the junction of Highways 159/160, where they will meet the coordinator and any other south side participants for an 8 A.M. departure. RSVP required/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Friday, December 2nd, Hamblin Mountain/Lake Mead- Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1400 FT. elevation gain, 8:00 AM- This is one of my favorite hikes in the Lake Mead Area. The views of Lake Mead, Pinto Valley, Bowls of Fire, and Las Vegas are worth the effort. There is a large dry waterfall that requires use of hands to climb up and down. The hike begins at the turnout just past Mile Marker 18. Initial meet-up- Depart the CVS on Hollywood/Lake Mead Blvd. by 8:00 AM. We will stop by Mile Marker 4 to pick up any hikers there. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, December 3rd, Sloan Canyon- Moderate, 5 miles, 700 FT, 8:00 AM- We meet at the M Casino under the marquee at 8:00 AM. From there, we drive over to the trailhead located at Sloan Canyon Visitor Center at 2998 Nawghaw Poa Rd in Henderson. The trail offers two ways to get to the petroglyphs, the wash up all the pour overs or the wash then up the trail. We can split the group at the trail junction so the scramblers can use the pour-overs and the others use the all trail route. RSVP requested/Limit of 15- Coordinator- John Ward
Sunday, December 4th, Blue Diamond Tertiary Ridge/Backside Approach/8 AM- This 6.5 mile moderate loop hike begins in the community of Blue Diamond. From BD we will connect with the Landmine loop Trail which we will follow southeast, then it curves around to the base of the backside of Tertiary Ridge. Continuing about 2+ miles we reach a connector trail that switchbacks up to the top to gain the ridge trail. We'll follow this back to BD. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a departure time at 7:35 AM, and those participants should proceed to Blue Diamond. After crossing the wash bridge on the main entrance to the community there is parking on the left at the county park just after the first houses. The coordinator will be at that location. South side participants may drive directly to Blue Diamond. RSVP required/Limit of 15- The hike will begin at 8 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Sunday, December 4th, Rattlesnake Canyon/Red Rock Canyon/Willow Springs TH- Moderately strenuous, 4 miles plus as we head into the terrace section of the canyon above, all Class II/III, 8 AM- This out and back route is located at the south side of the Willow Springs Parking Lot. We scramble until we top the 30 to 40-foot waterfall, then it's into the terrace area which is somewhat at the base of the ridge leading up to the sandstone North Peak on the escarpment, north wall of Icebox Canyon. Meet the coordinator at the Willow Springs Trailhead/Picnic Area by 8 AM. Allow 40 minutes from the fee booths to reach the TH by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, December 5, White Owl Canyon New Loop- Moderately Strenuous, 5.5 miles, 900 ft. gain, 9:00 AM - To read a great description of this hike, use Kay’s blog dated 11/7/22 at www.aroundthebendfriends.com We will carpool from the CVS located at 1402 E. Lake Mead Parkway at 9:00 AM. This is not the one on Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd. Starting from the old marina, this scenic trail has views of the lake, the wash, birds, and rock formations. After exiting White Owl Canyon, the wash takes us to a class 3 climb and then we turn to ascend up a steep hill. Once at the top, we use the trail to return. Please RSVP. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.
Tuesday, December 6th, Keystone Thrust Loop via the Sandstone Quarry/Red Rock Canyon- Moderately strenuous, 7 miles, 1900' gain, Class II, 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 by 8:00 AM to start of the hike. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, December 7th, Red Rock Desert Loop- Moderate, 5- 6 miles, 700 ft. gain, 9:00 AM- We begin at the dirt lot at the end of the Red Rock Scenic Loop and use a spur trail to hike to Oak Creek Trailhead. Using the Arnight Trail, we proceed to the Knoll Trail junction and then to Oak Creek Trail. We return to the cars via Middle Oak Creek Trail. Carpoolers can meet at Red Rock Casino at 8:40 or meet for a 9:00 AM departure at the dirt lot. Please RSVP. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, December 8th, Horse Canyon Loop- 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 long pants as there will be bushwhacking at times. RSVP required/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Saturday, December 10th, Memorial/Remembrance Hike/Red Rock Canyon- Easy, 3 miles, 300 FT gain, 8 AM- There will be a Memorial for Ed (Digby) Matulis and Richard Hansen in the Memorial Garden of the Red Rock Canyon NCA Visitors Center at 8 am followed by an optional Remembrance Hike on the Moenkopi Loop Trail to Calico I. This will be an easy paced hike that starts and ends at the Memorial Garden. The start time is to allow everyone to be thru the entrance gate early enough to not need a reservation. Coordinators- Ron & Sandi Hindmarch/ Rosie Vitavec/John Ward
Sunday, December 11th, Desert Hills Loop- Moderate, 6 miles, 700 FT gain, 8 AM- The Desert Hills trailhead parking area is located about 3 miles east of the junction of Hwy 159/160 and is composed of interesting ridges and canyons. Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station on 159/160 by 8 AM. We'll caravan to the TH. RSVP required with a limit of 15. Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Sunday, December 11th, AtBF Holiday Party- 5:30 to 9:00 PM- John Ward-
Monday, December 12, Calico Hills Scramble - Moderately Strenuous, 4 miles, 1000 ft. gain, 8:30 AM - We begin at Sandstone Quarry at 8:30 and hike over to the hidden arch, then over to the sandstone to climb up to the tanks. There are 2 large tanks we can check to see if they have water. Our break overlooks Ash Canyon. We then scramble down the back side and make our way down to Rattlesnake Trail. We take this until we turn to scramble down to the wash and back to the cars. Lots of class 3 with some exposure and steep climbs. Get through the fee booth before 8 or pay the $2 fee. RSVP please. Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, December 13th, Fortress Butte Area Loop/Exploratory- We're doing a moderately strenuous route of about around 7-8 miles that will include viewing the butte and Petroglyph Canyon, but may not include the Hot Springs. We're looking to establish a new club trail, a very scenic up and over the ridge just as you come out of The Narrows. Elevation gain is estimated to some 1,000 FT. Meet at the Arizona Mile Marker 4 TH pull off (Hwy 93 on your left.) for White Rock Canyon/Arizona Hot Springs by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, December 15th, Bird Spring Range, North Section- A moderately strenuous hike of about 6 miles with1,500 feet of elevation gain that will start from the dirt parking area about one-half mile south of Highway 160 that is also used for the shorter Badger Pass hike. Starting in a northerly direction, the route goes around the north end of a ridge and meets the Badger Pass Trail. Near this junction the group will begin a cross-country route east up a ridge that connects with the main north-south spine of the small range. The return will be down to Badger Pass on the way back to the vehicles. The early assembly point will be at Red Rock Casino for a 7:30 AM departure, heading for the Chevron gas station at the intersection of Highways 159/160 to meet the coordinator and other south side participants. The full group will leave from there for the hike by 8 AM. RSVP required/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Friday, December 16th, Railroad Pass Mountain Loop- Moderate/Moderately strenuous, 5 miles, 900 FT of gain, 8:30 AM- Our trailhead is the upper parking lot at the Railroad Pass Casino, Exit 15A on US 93/95. Before the Chevron gas station, turn right and drive up a service road to reach this lot. The trail winds up and around this section of the River Mountains, above the Cascata Golf Course, on sections with trail and also uneven lava rocks and scree. Maybe we’ll see some Bighorns. Our break is at a saddle that offers views of Boulder City and Las Vegas. RSVP/Limit of 15- We depart the trailhead at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- John Ward
Sunday, December 18th, Blue Diamond Canyon #5A- This moderately strenuous route begins from the parking area at Wheeler Springs TH just off of State Road 159 just north of the community of Blue Diamond. The canyon cuts deep into Blue Diamond Hill with high walls and considerable scrambling. This is about 5 miles and 500 FT gain. A large fill of tailings supporting a road high above marks the end of the route. We'll meet at Wheeler Springs parking lot by 8 AM. If coming from Red Rock Canyon, this parking area is on the right just after the large brown BLM sign warning about feeding the burros. If you're coming from the opposite way, it is on the left just after where the mine road goes up onto Blue Diamond Hill. RSVP required/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Sunday, December 18th, Signature Rock/West Pinto Valley- 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 Springs, mining claims, and Eagle Rock. Depart the parking area behind the CVS Rx store located on the S/E corner of Lake Mead Blvd/Hollywood by 8:00 AM and drive to the trailhead pull-off at MM 18 on the Northshore Road. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, December 20th, Dry Falls Canyon/Hot Springs Wash/Exploratory- Strenuous given the climb up X3 pour overs/Class III, coupled with an O&B effort through Hot Springs Canyon to visit the Arizona Hot Springs. We don't plan to get our feet wet. About 4-5 miles, 2000 FT gain, as we'll take the Saddle Trail down to the Hot Springs Canyon. Some exposure- Meet at the Mile Marker 4 Arizonia Hot Springs/White Rock Canyon TH by 8 AM- Google your drive time. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, December 22nd, White Rock Loop/Red Rock Canyon- We will hike this counter clockwise. This is all trail, 6 miles, and about 1000 FT of elevation gain. To beat the crowds, be at the Rock Canyon entrance fee booths by 7 AM to enter the park and drive the Scenic Loop Road to the Willow Springs Picnic/TH area about 20 minutes later (around 7:20AM) where you will meet the coordinator. This hike will be done at a moderate pace. RSVP required/Limit of 12- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Saturday, December 24th, First Creek Grotto O&B- Easy/moderate, 4 miles, 300 FT gain, 8 AM- Let's go see if the waterfall is flowing, there's water in the grotto. We will start from the South Oak Creek Trailhead on Hwy 159 (About 1.4 miles past the Scenic Loop Exit.) and take the wash trail over to the First Creek Trail. We will leave the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM and start the hike about 8:20. RSVP requested/Limit of 15- Coordinator- John Ward-
Sunday, Christmas Day, Cottonwood Pass Loop- Moderate, 6 miles, elevation gain of 1000 FT, 8 AM- The trek will start from the gravel trailhead parking south of Highway 160 that is also used for Badger Pass Trail. It will follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi and then loop past Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back to the vehicles on the Dead Horse Loop Trail in Red Valley. We will meet the coordinator and leave from the Chevron gas station on Highways 159/160 at 8:00 AM. We'll by 8:15 AM. Given our moderate pace, we should be finished by the noon hour. RSVP required/Limit of 15 hikers- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Tuesday, December 27th, Finding the Angel O&B/Red Rock Canyon NCA- EASY, 3 miles, 300 of elevation gain- This is the easiest version to see the famed carved Angel hidden in Guardian Angel Pass. Along the way we will hike through Calico I to Calico II and see the throne chair, pizza oven, and a beautiful tank, hopefully with water in it. We will take our break by the angel. This will require you to go through the park by at least 7:40 so we can all meet in the Calico one parking lot. You do not need a reservation for Red Rock Conservation Area if you enter the park before 8 AM. This will be done at our usual leisurely pace with time to take pictures of the many beautiful sites we will see. We will be beginning our hike from the Calico I parking lot by 8AM. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi
Thursday, December 29, 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 the pull off along the Northshore Road at Mile Marker 2 heading up into a wash that eventually becomes very colorful. As we find our way down another wash there is more color and narrow sections of the canyon as we make our way to Lake Las Vegas. Trailhead meet-up- Meet the coordinator by 8:30 AM at Mile Marker 2. For those coming from the the south, wanting to car pool, meet at the parking area just before the Lake Mead fee booths on Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson. There you can hitch a ride with me by 8:10 AM. Note- It takes about 10 minutes to get over to our trailhead. Those coming from the north meet at CVS/Albertsons (Lake Mead/Hollywood). Keep in mind that it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Mile Marker 2 TH. Bring a lunch. RSVP/Limit of 15- Coordinator- David Hardy Email- hardyhikers@embarqmail.com
Saturday December 31, Ash Meadows- EASY, 3 miles, 200 feet of elevation gain, 8:30 AM- This hike starts from the Red Springs Picnic Area. This hike will explore the Calico Basin. We will head up toward the red rock and turn right to hopefully pass a small creek with a little waterfall. The ash trees will have lost their leaves but may still be a beautiful sight. Our break point will be a very large boulder at the base of Ash Canyon. This is the easiest hike we lead. Meet at Red Rock Casino parking lot at 8 AM because the weather is getting cooler. We will then drive to the Red Springs Picnic Area for an 8:30 start. Coordinators- Ron and Sandi
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