This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities, along with a contact list for members of the group. All club members should view the attachment sent out by the newsletter editor each month and print whatever pages they feel are pertinent so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.
Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for the month of January 2012. Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the various skill levels of club members. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Some of the Sunday hikes may be very strenuous and are exploratory by nature. When indicated, these hikes may require advance clearance by the hike coordinator. Two hikes are usually offered each Saturday during the hiking seasons at Red Rock Canyon and the Lake Mead area. The earlier hike is a general hike that will be conducted at a moderate pace while the later hike is intended for the general membership and is conducted at a more leisurely pace. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While sometimes equivalent to the more leisurely Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult offerings. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of the hike. If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
Hikes scheduled during January will be in a variety of locations with different assembly points. The hikes near Red Rock and some other locations will have a primary meeting location at the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store on Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino. Lake Mead hikes will generally meet under the outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta on Lake Mead Parkway near the intersection of I-215 and I-515, especially if the hike is on the south side of the lake. Hikes north of Lake Mead will generally meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood on the east side of Las Vegas. Valley of Fire hikes will assemble at the Lucky Club Casino near the intersection of I-15 and Cheyenne. Secondary meeting locations will include the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway or at one of the Mile Markers along Northshore or Lakeshore Drives at Lake Mead. Be at the selected designated location at least five to ten minutes prior to the departure time listed to allow for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
SPECIAL NOTE - On several of the Lake Mead hikes, the coordinators will NOT be at the early west side meeting locations or even at some of the primary assembly points. The hike descriptions that follow will indicate this when applicable. Participants will have to take it upon themselves to form carpools and to leave at the times indicated in order to meet the coordinators at the indicated locations. DO NOT expect the group to wait as timing is critical to maintaining the schedule.
The schedule below includes three hikes that will encircle the River Mountains on the 34-mile paved multi-purpose trail. These Sunday hikes are currently scheduled for January 1, January 8, and January 15. In case of inclement weather on any of those dates, January 29 is being held in reserve as the rain-out day. If it is necessary to complete the series on that date, further notification will be sent out through normal Around the Bend Friends channels.
Sunday, January 1 - River Mountains Trail (Part 1). Kick off the new year with the first of a three-part series of hikes held on successive Sundays that will cover the entire 34-mile trail circling the River Mountains between Boulder City and Lake Las Vegas. The opening point-to-point segment will cover 10 miles from the parking area near Alan Bible Visitor Center and culminate at the Railroad Pass Casino. While the entire trail is hard surface, this section will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation. Because of the distance and elevation change, the hike will be rated strenuous. An early west side group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure, with the primary meeting location at the Henderson Fiesta and a departure around 8:00 AM. Extra vehicles will be required for the car shuttle. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, January 2 - Black Mountain (Boulder City). Join the group for a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike to the observation point on Black Mountain above the St. Jude Children's Ranch in Boulder City. The well-maintained city trail climbs up a canyon to a saddle between Red and Black Mountains and then on to the observation point on Black Mountain, gaining 1,100 feet in the process. From the top there is an excellent view of Boulder Basin, the southernmost section of Lake Mead. The initial west side group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM and will head over to the Henderson Fiesta, the primary meeting spot. Departure from there will be around 8:40 AM. Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.
Tuesday, January 3 - River Mountain. For the second straight day the club hike will start from the River Mountains trail head next to St. Jude Children's Ranch, but this version will penetrate the caldera north of the saddle between Red and Black Mountains and continue over to the highest point in the mountain range north of Boulder City. With a total distance of 8 miles and an elevation gain around 1,600 feet, this strenuous outing also includes a section of steep climb on obscure trail getting to the peak itself. The small top affords great views of the lake and the Las Vegas valley. The west side group will leave from Best Buy at 7:15 AM and head for a meeting with the main group at Henderson Fiesta. The larger group will leave there at 8:00 AM and join the hike coordinators and any other Boulder City residents at the trail head for an 8:20 AM start up the trail. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Wednesday, January 4 - Boy Scout Canyon. The hike today will include two segments of the canyon using the parking location as the starting point for each one. The group will start by exploring the upper portion of the wash first and then backtrack to the vehicles for a snack break. After everyone has replenished their energy it will be time for a somewhat shorter jaunt into the lower section of the wash. Total distance for the day will probably be around 6 miles with some scrambling and a moderate rating. High clearance vehicles are recommended for the gravel road leading to the canyon. The west side group can meet at Best Buy for a 7:50 AM departure to join the main group at Henderson Fiesta and an 8:30 AM takeoff. Coordinator - Keith Lane.
Thursday, January 5 - Hamblin Mountain. One of the grandest views in the Lake Mead area awaits those who reach the top ridge of this remote peak north of Boulder Narrows connecting Virgin Basin with Boulder Basin. The largely out-and-back hike is rated strenuous, covers a distance of 7 miles, and climbs 1,400 feet. An alternate route on the return follows the Arrowhead Highway through Pinto Valley Wash back to Cottonwood Spring. The west side group will leave from the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:15 AM. The primary meeting location is the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure. The final pick up point will be Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road. This stop will be extremely quick, so anyone joining the group at that location must be there by 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Friday, January 6 - Waterfall Canyon. Occasionally we schedule Red Rock hikes in the dead of winter and here is an excellent one. The moderately strenuous 4-mile out-and-back hike visits a side canyon off Rocky Gap Road in which a stream flows year round over a series of cascading waterfalls of various heights. Good footwear is required as the trail crosses several areas of slick rock and has a few short, steep climbs and descents over loose surface conditions. Those who reach the 30-foot waterfall deep in the canyon will be amazed by the surrounding beauty. The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Saturday, January 7 - White Owl Canyon. Don't confuse this hike with the short version that starts at the Hole 33 parking area along Lakeshore Drive. This moderately strenuous loop hike will cover a distance of 7 or 8 miles as it enters White Owl Canyon from the top rather than at lake level and continues through on a loop route. The hike will start at the old Las Vegas Bay boat ramp near the ranger station off Lakeshore Drive. The west side group can assemble at Best Buy for a 7:20 AM departure for the primary meeting location at the Henderson Fiesta, where the entire group will leave at 8:00 AM, meeting the coordinators at the trail head around 8:15 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Saturday, January 7 - Lake Mead Route 89. Club members will be treated to another new hike on the second offering for this Saturday. The 4-mile loop route starts with a gentle cross-country trek down a dry wash to the edge of the lake for a potential sighting of migratory birds. After a short snack break near the water, the group will return to the vehicles along a gravel road. There is little elevation change an the hike is rated easy to moderate, making it ideal for recreational hikers. The group will meet under the large outdoor sign at Henderson Fiesta for an 8:30 AM getaway. Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.
Sunday, January 8 - River Mountains Trail (Part 2). The second installment of the trek around the River Mountains involves a section of trail that was just completed this last summer, so those who participated in this marathon last year will get to see something new. The section to be chewed off today will start from the Railroad Pass Casino, where the group left off the previous Sunday, and head north and east through part of Henderson to the parking lot near the Lake Mead Fee Station by Lake Las Vegas. This point-to-point section is about 11 miles in length and has some sharply rolling terrain. Even though it is entirely paved, the rating is strenuous. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure, with the primary meeting location at Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, January 9 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. Although rated moderate because the distance is 7 miles, this out-and-back hike has less than 400 feet of elevation gain and most of that is on the start of the return leg. The route follows the railroad bed that carried construction trains to the Hoover Dam site, passing through five tunnels in the first couple miles. The turn around point and snack break will occur at the parking garage by the dam. Those who want to take the short walk onto the dam and cross into Arizona should have the chance if they don't plan on eating much. The west side group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM and head for the primary meeting location at Henderson Fiesta, from which the entire group will depart about 8:40 AM. Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.
Tuesday, January 10 - Cleopatra's Wash. This strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike is through an amazing canyon that leads down to the very edge of Lake Mead. To get there participants will have to scramble over and past boulders and other obstacles, bypassing a 40-foot vertical waterfall very close turn the turn around point. Scenic cliff walls abound along the route. Getting to the hike involves a lengthy drive and the final section is on unmaintained gravel road requiring high clearance vehicles. Drivers need to be careful of boulders in the road near the parking spot. West side participants should meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage for a 7:15 AM departure. The main meeting spot is Albertsons on Lake Mead and Hollywood with an 8:00 AM departure. Final stop is Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Drive. Those meeting at that location need to be there by 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, January 11 - Potato Knoll. In the shadow of Wilson Peak is a 500-foot hill that is actually a slump pile from an avalanche that occurred eons ago on the front cliffs of the mountain. The objective for this hike will be to reach the top and take in the expansive view of Red Rock Canyon to the north and Cottonwood Valley to the south. At a total distance of 5 miles, this partial loop hike carries a moderate rating with very little elevation gain other than the short climb from the main trail behind the hill. There are also four crossings of Oak Creek along the way with a fairly good chance to see running water. The group will be meeting at Best Buy and departing for the hike at 9:00 AM. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Wednesday, January 11 - Las Vegas Adventure. Looking for something different than the run of the mill hike? Here is a day of adventure that should stand out from the rest. Join members of the Lone Mountain Hiking Club for a trip downtown. The group will be leaving Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 10:00 AM and driving to the Stratosphere Casino for a 2.5-mile walk to downtown. Participants will then ride the zip line on Fremont Street and have the buffet lunch at the Main Street Station before walking back to the Stratosphere. Estimated cost including transportation, zip line ride, and buffet is $35. Those interested should contact Lorraine Stalians at 927-0312. Reservations are necessary and must be made by January 5.
Thursday, January 12 - South Bowl of Fire. Today's outing explores a colorful area of sandstone outcroppings near the base of the Muddy Mountains and east of the now inaccessible Anniversary Narrows. Rated moderately strenuous, the hike includes sections of scrambling through the rock formations and covers a distance of about 5 miles. The hike will start from the parking area used for Hamblin Mountain but will head in the opposite direction. An early west side group will leave from the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage at 7:15 AM, meeting the main group at Albertsons on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure to join the coordinators at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Road about 8:20 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Friday, January 13 - Fossil Ridge & First Finger. Here is a hike we have thought about doing anytime we have followed the upper part of the Fossil Ridge Trail but usually forgot about when it was time to put together the schedule. The moderate route will follow the first trail to the right from the cowboy stables entrance, hook up with the Fossil Ridge Trail to the upper part of Echo Canyon, then proceed along the relatively level trail onto the ridge that separates Echo from Cave Canyon. A partial loop route, participants will find the distance to be somewhere around 6 miles. The return leg of the hike will follow along the western edge of Fossil Ridge past the horse stables and down the point of the ridge to the parking lot. Meeting location is Best Buy with an 8:15 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Saturday, January 14 - Rainbow Gardens. The earlier Saturday hike this weekend will visit a colorful canyon on the eastern slopes of Lava Butte that drains into Lake Las Vegas. Besides enjoying some scrambling action down the main canyon that exhibits traces of copper, the group will visit a couple of hidden grottos and turn around near a narrow inlet for Lake Las Vegas itself. Total distance for the moderate out-and-back hike is 5 miles and some scrambling is involved. A short diversion on the return passes a couple old mining claims and their junk remains. West side group will leave from the top of the Rampart parking garage at 7:20 AM and meet the main group at Albertsons on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for an 8:00 AM departure. The hike will start near Mile Marker 3 on Northshore Road about 8:20 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, January 14 - Bluff Trail. Starting from the old campground along the northern section of Lakeshore Drive, this easy to moderate out-and-back hike will cover a distance of 2 or 3 miles, depending on whether the group stops on the top of a knoll where the main trail ends or continues along the fainter trail that heads to a somewhat higher knob to the north. This seldom hiked trail is unique because it holds the high ground above the lowest section of the Las Vegas Wash, which carries all of the runoff from the city and is usually full of water. The primary meeting location is Henderson Fiesta with an 8:30 AM departure. West side participants may wish to carpool from Best Buy but would probably have to leave there about 40 minutes before that. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Sunday, January 15 - River Mountains Trail (Part 3). The circling of the River Mountains will conclude today with a 13-mile point-to-point segment starting from the Lake Mead Parkway entrance to the recreation area and finishing at the Alan Bible Visitor Center lower parking lot. This stretch includes several magnificent views of the lake with part of the trail overlaid on an abandoned section of Lakeshore Drive prior to its rerouting. Rating is strenuous because of distance even though the entire route is blacktopped or paved. Extra vehicles and time will be needed for carpooling. West side group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure. Primary meeting location is Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, January 16 - Ash Canyon Overlook Loop. The distance for this moderate loop hike is only about 3 miles, but it passes through some great back country terrain on the north side of the Calico Hills and includes some relatively minor scrambling in several sections of the route. After a snack break on a ledge above scenic Ash Canyon, the group will head through the sandstone formations that continue toward Turtlehead Peak, climbing up and over one sandstone formation to view an area of petroglyphs. The group will assemble in the Best Buy lot on Charleston and leave for Sandstone Quarry at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Tuesday, January 17 - Fortification Hill. The hike up the black lava ridge that sits almost directly north of Hoover Dam on the Arizona side of the Colorado River drainage is relatively short but is sure daunting. You will only cover a total distance of 4 miles getting to and back from the sign-in box at the top, but the terrain in between is quite steep and there is some significant exposure when climbing through the cliff face to reach the top level even though no gear is required. This hike is classified as strenuous. Also, the gravel road accessing the trail head is not maintained on a regular basis and requires high clearance vehicles. Meet the west side group at Best Buy for a 7:20 AM departure or the entire group at Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Wednesday, January 18 - The Muffins, Overlook & Tailings Piles. The basic opening of this moderately strenuous 8 or 9-mile loop hike is the standard approach to the caliche boulders on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill and the trek across to the highest overlook above the city. From this point the route will follow some seldom used trails and abandoned roads that wind past the tailings piles from the gypsum mining operations on the central part of the high ridge. A trail descends into a remote canyon below a couple of massive tailings piles before returning to the standard routes and a descent along Fossil Ridge. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, January 19 - Valley of Fire North-South Traverse. The north-south traverse is a classic point-to-point hike (requiring a car shuttle) from the parking area at White Domes to the Visitor Center along the ridges and mesas and through the canyons between the two points. This strenuous 6-mile hike with 2,000 feet of gross elevation gain is over very rough terrain with minimal exposure and will probably take around five hours to accomplish. Participants will need good balance to handle the terrain. The west side group will meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage for a 7:00 AM departure. The entire group will leave from the Lucky Club Casino parking lot on Cheyenne at the I-15 exit at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Friday, January 20 - Krafft Mountain Loop. Red Springs Picnic Area at Calico Basin will be the starting point for one of the most scenic canyon hikes in the Red Rock area. The moderate partial loop hike is about 5 miles in length and does include nearly one mile of scrambling in the colorful canyon behind magenta colored Krafft Mountain. A couple of the scramble sections require good concentration, even if they are not really that difficult. The return section passes through a boulder field used quite often by free climbers who like to demonstrate their talents. The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, January 21 - Red Mountain. The starting point for this moderately strenuous 6-mile loop hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain is the River Mountains trail head near St. Jude Children's Ranch and the initial route is still the traditional city trail heading toward the saddle between Red and Black Mountains, Our coordinator plans on taking the steep trails up the steep trails on the south side of the mountain that lead into the top section of Bootleg Canyon. The top of the mountain offers great views of the Boulder City area before a return down the regular city trail from the saddle between Red and Black Mountains. The west side meeting location for carpooling is Best Buy, leaving from there at 7:20 AM. The primary meeting spot will be at Henderson Fiesta with an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, January 21 - Pinto Valley Wash. At 6 miles, this outing will be slightly longer than the normal later Saturday hike but the elevation gain is very gradual. Although essentially in the wash, much of the route is on packed trail up the drainage toward a remote valley that was home to several small mining operations in the earlier parts of the last century. A portion of the old Arrowhead Highway, the first route for motorized vehicles between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, runs through the wash and portions of the road bed are still in existence and somewhat maintained by off-road enthusiasts. West side residents can carpool from the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage, but must leave there by 7:50 AM. The general meeting location is Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood with an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinators - Kay & John Blackwell.
Monday, January 23 - Lava Butte. After a one year absence, the 1,000-foot lava ridge just east of Frenchmen's Mountain is back on the schedule. This strenuous short hike combines trekking along gravel roads and boulder scrambling up a narrow ridge to the summit. Almost the entire hike is off-trail and a there is a fair amount of brush and scree to contend with. The plan for this outing is to park some distance away from the mountain and do a little exploration on the side slopes either on the way up or the way down. Total distance will probably be between 4 and 6 miles. The west side group should meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage, leaving there by 7:20 AM. The primary meeting location is Albertsons on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood with an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Tuesday, January 24 - Colorful Canyon. The hike will start at Mile Marker 20 on Northshore Road and go to the camel tracks near North Bowl of Fire before heading through a couple of canyons, the second which exhibits a variety of colorful formations. The hike is about 7 miles long and the coordinator feels that the rating should be labeled as strenuous. The west side group should meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage and leave there by 7:15 AM to join the main group at Albertsons Grocery on Lake mead Boulevard and Hollywood, departing from there by 8:00 AM. The final assembly point, where the group will meet the hike coordinators, is at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Drive at 8:20 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Wednesday, January 25 - White Rock Hills Loop. The standard loop around the two cream colored sandstone peaks on the north end of Red Rock Canyon begins at Willow Springs Picnic Area, and this hike will be no exception. What remains to be seen is whether the coordinator will choose to follow the route clockwise, hiking through the valley between the White Rock Hills and the La Madre Mountains first, or whether she will reverse the route and start with the front desert section. In any event, total distance for the moderate loop is 6.4 miles and elevation gain is about 900 feet. The snack break will probably occur near the high point on the trail northeast of White Rock Springs Peak. If interested, meet the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, January 26 - Valley of Fire Pinnacles. This new version of the pinnacles hike involves climbing up the mesa next to the geologic formations not once but twice. The distance is about 4.5 miles with 2,000 feet of gross elevation gain and a strenuous rating. Besides scrambling on sandstone, the route for this hike involves a sandy wash and lots of sharp loose rocks. The start will occur near the newly named Valley of Fire "Wave." West side participants will meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage and carpool to the primary location at 7:00 AM. The main group will assemble at the Lucky Club Casino parking lot for a 7:30 AM departure. The hike should take about 4 hours to accomplish. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Friday, January 27 - Dale's Trail. Join the group for a leisurely out-and-back trek along the trail that forms the middle section of the larger Escarpment Base Trail. Total distance covered will be between 4 and 5 miles on the undulating trail that connects Ice Box Canyon with Pine Creek Canyon. Overall rating is moderate. There is no scrambling involved on this trail hike that gets away from the scenic drive and leaves participants with a feeling of isolation from the humdrum of the core at Red Rock. The group will be assembling at Best Buy on Charleston for a departure at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, January 28 - Ejection Seat Ridge. The early hike this Saturday is a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop that explores a ridge just to the east of Black Butte on the north side of Boulder Basin where a Nellis Air Force fighter plane crashed about fifty years ago and the pilot was forced to eject. The route also includes some exploration of the canyons on the south side of the ridge where the participants will be able to test their scrambling abilities. West side residents can meet on the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage, departing at 7:15 AM for the main location at Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for the customary 8:00 AM departure. The coordinators will meet the group at Mile Marker 4 on Northshore Drive around 8:20 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Saturday, January 28 - Las Vegas Wetlands/Duck Creek. Level terrain is the rule of the day for this 3 to 4-mile easy walk near the Las Vegas wash where it flows out of the city toward Lake Las Vegas. The opening leg will follow the concrete sidewalks and a few of the dirt paths through the established wetlands replete with small ponds and flowing water. One section includes crossing a bridge above the wash where the current is fairly strong. After the return toward the entrance to the park, the group will head over to the larger ponds by Duck Creek that are populated by a host of migrating waterfowl. The early west side group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:55 AM departure. The main assembly point will be Henderson Fiesta with an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, January 30 - Blue Diamond Cactus Garden. The group will be hiking on the ridge behind the community of Blue Diamond but on the north end of the ridge toward Bonnie Springs on this moderate 5 to 6-mile trek. Starting from just off Highway 159 near Oliver Ranch, the route will climb onto the ridge in search of a dense area of cactus hidden in the recesses of a drainage with western exposure. Part of the hike is on trail and part is bushwhacking, but even that terrain is not formidable. Along the way is the remains of a turquoise mine where shards can still be found. Met the group at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure. Coordinator - Helmut De Candia.
Tuesday, January 31 - Virlis Fisher & Bridge Spring Arches. It has been a couple of years since our club scheduled this strenuous 5-mile partial loop hike near the community of Nelson, but hopefully we won't get lost as we wander around in the wilderness just northeast of Highway 165. The two arches visited today will be strikingly different. Virlis Fisher is a limestone arch partially up the side of a ridge that involves some fancy work getting up an exposed area through a crevice. Bridge Spring is a colorful sandstone arch than spans the two sides of a narrow canyon looking down toward Lake Mohave below Hoover Dam. The initial meeting point will be at Best Buy for a 7:20 AM departure. The main meeting location will be Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Around the middle of February we will start shifting more of our hiking opportunities back to the Red Rock Canyon area. If you have any favorite hikes that you would like to see scheduled, now is the time to provide your input. You don't need to coordinate a hike to make requests, but any volunteers who step up and offer to coordinate are greatly appreciated. Comments or offerings should be addressed to Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com, or you can call him at 823-2355. We need involvement from as many members as possible to keep our club vibrant and exciting.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
December Hike List 2011
This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities, along with a contact list for members of the group. All club members should view the attachment sent out by the newsletter editor each month and print whatever pages they feel are pertinent so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.
Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for the month of December 2011. The hikes listed for the first three Fridays will be combined outings with the Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be members to participate on other hikes. Two hikes are offered each Saturday in both Red Rock Canyon and the Lake Mead area. The earlier hike is a general hike that will be conducted at a moderate pace while the later hike is intended for the general membership and is conducted at a more leisurely pace. The later Saturday hikes conducted in or near Red Rock Canyon will also tend to be shorter and less difficult than the earlier hikes. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to the leisurely Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike. If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
Hikes scheduled during December will be in a variety of locations with different assembly points. The hikes near Red Rock and some other locations will have a primary meeting location at the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store on Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino. Lake Mead hikes will generally meet under the outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta on Lake Mead Parkway near the intersection of I-215 and I-515, especially if the hike is on the south side of the lake. Hikes north of Lake Mead will generally meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood on the east side of Las Vegas. Valley of Fire hikes will assemble at the Lucky Club Casino near the intersection of I-15 and Cheyenne. Secondary meeting locations will include the Siena Community Center near the main entrance to Siena, the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive, the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway, or at one of the Mile Markers along Northshore or Lakeshore Drive at Lake Mead. Be at the selected designated location at least five to ten minutes prior to the departure time listed to allow for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
Thursday, December 1 - Tank Discovery Scramble. This strenuous hike is almost pure scrambling but generally follows the Calico Tanks Trail through the Calico Hills in Red Rock Canyon. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route climbs and descends three times with an average ascent of 450 feet each climb. There is some serious exposure which can be bypassed using an alternate route for any squeamish participants. With the prospect of some precipitation, each of the five main tanks along the way may contain water. Total distance is about 4.5 miles. The group will be meeting at Best Buy with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Friday, December 2 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. The Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends will be combining forces for a moderate out-and-back hike that will cover a distance up to 7 miles. Starting from the lower parking lot near the Alan Bible Visitor Center, participants will head through five tunnels created for the railroad line that took supplies to Black Canyon during construction of Hoover Dam about eighty years ago. Highlights of the hike include a walk across the new bridge connecting Nevada and Arizona that provides an excellent view of the face of the dam. Around the Bend Friends participants will meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure to Siena, from which the entire group will leave at 8:00 AM. South side residents should be under the large outdoor sign at Henderson Fiesta for a pickup about 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, December 3 - Calico Tanks. The early group this Saturday will be heading to Sandstone Quarry for one of the classic hikes in Red Rock Canyon. The moderate 3-mile out-and-back route through a colorful canyon within the Calico Hills gains approximately 800 feet as it heads toward a natural depression in the sandstone, known as a tank, that has no outlet and holds water seasonally. Trail builders have inserted a number of stone stairways to aid in the climb. The official trail ends at the tank, but a short and intense scramble through boulders to the right of the tank leads to a ledge above Ash Canyon and Calico Basin with excellent views stretching to Arizona. The group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, December 3 - Sandstone Quarry Loop. The parking lot at Sandstone Quarry will be filled with Around the Bend Friends vehicles as the second group of the day heads there for an easy to moderate loop hike in the sandstone bluffs north of the Calico Hills. About 2 or 3 miles in length, this hike has minimal elevation gain but explores some of the side canyons between the quarry and Turtlehead Peak. Some minor scrambling is involved, although most folks should not have any difficulty in dealing with the terrain. Participants will meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Monday, December 5 - SMYC Trail. Looking for an easy jaunt away from civilization to start off your week? Then consider taking in this out-and-back hike of 2.2 miles that will start from the Lost Creek pullout along the spur road to Willow Springs. The SMYC Trail spans the distance between Ice Box Canyon and Lost Creek on the northern section of the longer Escarpment Base Trail. There is about 200 feet of elevation change during the course of this hike over gently rolling terrain. Parts of the trail are isolated from the humdrum of the scenic drive and provide a sense of being out in the wilderness. The group will be assembling at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, December 6 - Brownstone Canyon. At 8 miles in distance this strenuous loop around Turtlehead Peak will take the group into some interesting back country places not accessed by many people. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route heads east past Red Cap and drops into Gateway Canyon for some serious scrambling up a number of dry waterfalls. That scrambling continues over the sandstone above Gateway and drops into Brownstone Canyon near a wall of protected pictographs. Some amazing petroglyphs in the vicinity are another highlight before the trek continues toward a saddle at the base of La Madre Mountain and a return to the starting point. Meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, December 7 - Pine Creek. Explore one of the more popular areas on the west side of Red Rock Canyon on this easy to moderate jaunt past the foundation of an old two-story home built approximately eighty years ago. The meadows behind the homestead and along the creek still has one apple tree remaining from the days when an orchard filled the spot. Closer to the road is a slight ridge that was used for shooting much of the 1968 western "The Stalking Moon." A couple of possibilities exist for the section of the hike past the foundation but total distance will be between 2 and 3 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Wednesday, December 7 - Turtlehead Peak. If you have ever thought about climbing to the top of this daunting peak on the north side of Red Rock Canyon but have been concerned about holding a group back, then here is your opportunity. The pace today will be accommodating and there will be people to assist on this hike sponsored by Lone Mountain Hiking Club with an invitation extended to Around the Bend Friends. The strenuous out-and-back hike up the regular approach will cover a total distance of 5 miles and gain 1,900 feet along the way. Hiking sticks are recommended. The main meeting location will be the lowest parking area at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, located at the intersection of Sun City and Thomas Ryan Boulevards, with an 8:00 AM departure. ABF members not wanting to meet there will be picked up at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 8:10 AM. The stop at Dunkin Donuts will be quick so don't be late. Coordinator - Terry Hirni.
Thursday, December 8 - Fracture Ridge Peak. On the south side of Sun City Anthem is a ridge with volcanic origins and a number of peaks that have dramatic views south stretching past Searchlight along with views to the north covering most of Las Vegas. Fracture Ridge Peak is among that group. The strenuous out-and-back hike to the top covers a total distance of 7 miles and gains about 1,700 feet in the process. While the great majority of the route is on trail, the final ascent requires picking your way over a lava boulder field. The initial meeting point for west side participants will be at Best Buy with a 7:50 AM departure. The primary assembly point will be at the Walgreens Drug located at Anthem Parkway and Hampton with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Parking at the trail head is extremely limited so we will maximize the carpooling arrangements from Walgreens. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, December 9 - Liberty Bell Arch. The Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers will be heading to Arizona today on a joint hike that will take the group to a broad plateau overlooking the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. Along the way the group will pass the remains of an old mining operation and the distinctive hole in a ridge that provides the namesake for this hike. The new trail head has created a route that starts down White Rock Canyon toward the Arizona Hot Springs. Overall, the moderate out-and-back route covers a distance of 5 to 6 miles with several up and down sections in the 300 foot range. The initial meeting point will be Best Buy with a 7:45 AM departure, with those participants stopping at Siena for a full group departure at 8:00 AM. One final stop will be made at the Henderson Fiesta about 8:30 AM to collect any south side participants. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, December 10 - Echo Canyon. The last Saturday in the Red Rock area until mid-February will open with a moderate hike that penetrates a canyon behind the horse stables on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill. Although there is scrambling involved getting up some short dry waterfalls and around limestone boulders, only a few of them have any amount of difficulty. The route will climb through the canyon to the top before joining the Fossil Ridge Trail on the descent portion. Total distance for the loop hike is around 4 miles. The group will be assembling at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, December 10 - First Creek. If we happen to have any early winter precipitation along the escarpment there is a good chance that water will be flowing over the 15-foot waterfall in the hidden grotto along the drainage about a mile off the highway. Participants who opt for this hike will get a chance to find out before continuing on toward the base of Indecision Peak farther up First Creek Canyon. This area has had several bighorn sightings in the past and another is certainly possible. Total distance for this reasonably level hike will be 3 to 4 miles with a rating of easy to moderate. The group will depart from the Best Buy parking lot at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Monday, December 12 - Keystone Thrust & Cactus Hill. This moderate 2.5-mile hike definitely has some highs and lows. The highs will come as you stand on the top edge of Cactus Hill with the magnificence of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley spread out below you. The lows come as you climb down a trail on the edge of a network of sandstone slabs to stand at the base of a 30-foot seasonal waterfall. From this point you are also able to observe up close how the Keystone Thrust Fault has placed older limestone directly on top of younger sandstone, leaving this transition open to viewing. Meet the other members of the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, December 13 - Pumpkin Parfait Canyon. Also known as the Rogers Spring Loop, this moderately strenuous hike will cover a distance of roughly 7 miles as it passes the spring area and explores a couple of interesting canyons that exhibit ancient fossils. Ultimately, the route arrives at Pumpkin Parfait Box Canyon, an area resplendent with an explosion of colorful formations. Due to the distance from Las Vegas, some additional time is required for the drive. North and west side participants can meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood and leave from there at 7:30 AM. There will probably not be a coordinator at this site, so timing will be up to those who meet there. Other participants can drive directly to the main meeting spot, a pull-out located at Mile Marker 4 on North Shore Road. The entire group will depart from there at 8:00 AM. The start of the hike is located at Mile Marker 40. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Wednesday, December 14 - The Muffins. Today's group will be heading to the cowboy stables parking area on the north side of Blue Diamond Hill for a moderate out-and-back hike of 4 miles that climbs up to a set of caliche boulders on the north end of the ridge overlooking the Red Rock Visitor Center. The ascent to the boulders gains about 800 feet of elevation. Those going on the hike are requested to bring muffins or other breakfast type food items for a snack. The descent will return the group to the parking lot on the same trail. Participants should meet at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, December 15 - Valley of Fire Peak. The hike to the highest point in Valley of Fire State Park is only about 4.5 miles long with 1,800 feet of gross elevation gain, but it will probably take about six hours to accomplish because of the level of scrambling involved. Because it is very strenuous in nature, only experienced hikers should participate in this effort. There is minimal exposure along the route that will be used, but long pants, shirts with sleeves, and lots of water are recommended. When you combine the hiking time with nearly three hours of drive time, this jaunt will take most of the day. West side participants can meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage for carpooling with a 6:30 AM departure. The primary meeting location will be the parking lot at the Lucky Club Casino on Cheyenne and I-15. The entire group will leave from there at 7:00 AM. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Friday, December 16 - Moenkopi/Calico Hills. The final joint hike of the year between Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers will start at either the Red Rock fee booth parking lot or at the Visitor Center and follow the trail clockwise to the northwest of the Visitor Center and onto the 100-foot ridge with the overlook bench on the point. The route will then head across to the Calico I Overlook and take the Calico Tanks Trail toward Sandstone Quarry. Somewhere between Calico II and Sandstone Quarry, the group will take a snack break before heading straight back toward the vehicles. Estimated distance is about 5 miles with a moderate rating. The Over the Hills group will meet at Siena for an 8:00 AM departure, the ABF contingent will leave from Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the two groups will get together in front of Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, December 17 - Black Mountain (Boulder City). The Saturday season at Lake Mead begins today with a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike to the Black Mountain observation point above Boulder City in the River Mountains. Elevation gain along this well-maintained trail is 1,100 feet getting to the spot that affords a delightful view north toward Las Vegas as well as most of Lake Mead's Boulder Basin to the east. An early assembly of west side participants will occur at Best Buy and they must depart no later than 7:40 AM. The main meeting location will be under the large outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta Casino. An early group consisting of the faster hikers will leave from there at 8:15 AM with the group of slower hikers leaving at 8:30 AM. Boulder City residents should be at the River Mountains trail head no later than fifteen minutes later than the appropriate group departure from Henderson Fiesta. Carpooling from Best Buy should reflect the two different finishing times, which are likely to be an hour apart. Coordinators - Guy Galante (first group) and Chris Neinaber (second group).
Sunday, December 18 - River Mountains Trail & Champagne Brunch. To work up an appetite, the group will start with an easy to moderate 5-mile point-to-point walk along a paved section of the River Mountains Trail between the parking area adjacent to St. Jude Children's Ranch and the Railroad Pass Casino. The last half of the trail runs fairly close to the restored rail line that is used for excursions on the weekends with a turn around near Railroad Pass. After retrieving the vehicles, participants will enjoy the champagne brunch at Railroad Pass Casino along with each others' company. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure to the main meeting location at the Henderson Fiesta, from which the entire group will depart around 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, December 19 - Turtlehead Peak. This trip to the top of the distinctive peak on the north side of Sandstone Quarry will probably be a bit faster than the same hike twelve days earlier, but it won't be any easier. At a total distance of 5 miles, this strenuous out-and-back hike with 1,900 feet of elevation gain will still provide a challenge to the more intrepid individuals in the club because of the steep terrain getting to the saddle behind the peak. Views from the top are sensational and are an ample reward for the effort. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Tuesday, December 20 - Red Cap, Calico Peak, and Calico II Overlook Peak. Participants will get a chance to climb to the top of three of the sandstone peaks in the Calico Hills on this very strenuous 5-mile loop hike. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the group will head around to the back side of Red Cap for an ascent along a seldom used route. Descending from the summit, the route will pass a number of natural tanks and deal with an exposure issue getting to the top of Calico Peak. The route then crosses the Calico Tanks Trail and climbs another peak on the west side of the hills. After exerting a lot of energy scrambling over the sandstone ledges, the group will descend through the steep canyon toward Calico II Overlook before looping back to Sandstone Quarry. This hike is only open to serious hikers who are not concerned with difficulty and exposure. Otherwise, the group will meet at Best Buy and depart for the hike at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, December 21 - Krafft Mountain Loop. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club will be combining forces for a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike around the magenta colored peak north of Calico Basin that involves about one mile of scrambling in the lower section of Gateway Canyon. Come along and find out why this colorful canyon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful accessible areas in the vicinity of Red Rock. The Lone Mountain contingent and any nearby Around the Bend Friends members will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for an 8:00 AM departure to Best Buy, where the main ABF contingent will accumulate. The combined group will then depart at 8:15 AM for the trail head. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, December 22 - Arizona Hot Springs. The loop version of the hike to this popular destination in Arizona helps ease the strain on the legs by eliminating the return climb through loose gravel in White Rock Canyon that is part of the out-and-back version. However, to accomplish this the group must climb the ladder in the side canyon and wade through the pools of hot water generated by the springs. There is some moderate scrambling along this route but the buddy system helps considerably. Total distance is 6 miles with a moderate rating. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure. The entire group will leave from the Henderson Fiesta at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Friday, December 23 - Black Mountain (Henderson). The southern end of Sun City Anthem provides the starting point for a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike to a prominent peak with excellent views in all directions extending out for at least fifty miles. The first half of the route is somewhat relaxed as it begins to climb the main ridge approaching the peak but most of the elevation gain of 2,100 feet occurs in the second half of the climb. This entire slope is known for the hodgepodge of volcanic boulders and the presence of silver cholla. A west side group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:50 AM departure. All other participants should drive directly to the main meeting point at the Walgreens Drug on Anthem Parkway and Hampton for an 8:30 AM drive to the trail head. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.
Saturday, December 24 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. The split outing along the old railroad bed used during the construction of Hoover Dam starts from the lower parking area near the currently closed Alan Bible Visitor Center. In either case, the moderate hike will probably cover a distance of 7 miles as it includes a walk onto the new bridge and a possible ramble down onto the dam. West side residents should meet at Best Buy for a 7:40 AM departure to Henderson Fiesta, which will be the main meeting location. A faster group will leave there at 8:15 AM with a more leisurely group going at 8:30 AM. Carpooling from Best Buy should reflect the different finishing times. Boulder City residents could go directly to the Alan Bible parking lot but should be there by 8:30 AM or 8:45 AM respectively. Coordinators - Steve Anderson (first group) and Guy Galante (second group).
Monday, December 26 - Grand Staircase in Calico Basin. Starting from Red Spring Picnic Area, this short 2 to 3-mile boulder scrambling route climbs up the sandstone face of the southern end of the Calico Hills, gaining about 1,000 feet in the process. Some of the sections carry a Class 3 rating, meaning use of hands is required, and there is some exposure involved. Overall rating for the hike is strenuous. Views from the top extend both east to Las Vegas and west to Red Rock Canyon and the Wilson Cliffs. The descent section of the loop hike has somewhat easier terrain to negotiate. Overall, the hike should take under three hours to accomplish. The group will meet at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.
Tuesday, December 27 - Modified Mother Loop Trail. The starting point for this strenuous 8 to 10-mile loop hike through the River Mountains starts at the trail head parking lot near St. Jude Children's Ranch. The route climbs to the saddle between Red and Black Mountains, crosses the caldera on the back side of the saddle, and follows a series of mountain biking and fainter trails through the western section of the range toward Railroad Pass, returning above Cascata Golf Course via Bootleg Canyon. An early group from the west side can meet at Best Buy for a 7:15 AM departure to meet up with the main group at the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure. Participants from Boulder City should be at the trail head parking lot by 8:15 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Wednesday, December 28 - Echo Canyon. For the second Wednesday in a row the Around the Bend Friends will be joining forces with Lone Mountain Hiking Club for an outing in the Red Rock area. The offering today will be a moderate 4-mile loop hike that ascends about 500 feet through a limestone canyon containing some ancient seabed fossils. Some minor scrambling is required. After exiting at the top of the canyon, the group will return to the starting point along Fossil Ridge. The Lone Mountain group and nearby ABF members will meet up at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, departing at 8:00 AM for Best Buy, where the Around the Bend group will assemble. The combined group will leave there at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, December 29 - Gold Strike Hot Springs. The club participants will be off to the canyon on the Nevada side of the Colorado River near the Hacienda Casino that leads down to the river passing a number of hot springs pools. The 5-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderately strenuous and there is some serious scrambling going both ways in the canyon. A few sections are rope aided as they scale the sides of 12-foot boulders and ledges that block the way. West side participants will meet at Best Buy and leave at 7:45 AM for the main departure point at the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:30 AM exit. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Friday, December 30 - Siena Ridge. It's almost an uneventful trip along a desert ridge across Town Center Drive from Siena until you reach the edge of what some members of the last group to do this hike called the "Little Grand Canyon." Below your feet at this point is a deep canyon with a flood control dam connecting the two sides and protecting an area of Summerlin that includes the campus of Bishop Gorman High School. Although there is not a lot of boulder scrambling, most of the hike is on faint or no trail through the desert or along recreational gravel roads. Distance is about 5 or 6 miles depending on the route and is probably considered moderate in terms of difficulty. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure or drive directly to the parking lot for the Siena Golf Course where the group will start the hike around 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, December 31 - Liberty Bell Arch. Finish off the year with a trip past a World War II manganese mine and the distinctive arch shaped like the Revolutionary War Liberty Bell and wind up on a broad plateau nearly 800 feet above the Colorado River for a snack break. As on the previous two Saturdays, the group will be divided according to speed, with the faster group leaving a bit earlier. The west side group will leave from Best Buy at 7:40 AM but should set up carpooling based on the two departures from Henderson Fiesta. The early group leaving at 8:15 AM should include the faster hikers while the 8:30 AM departure is for the more leisurely hikers. Coordinators - Kay Blackwell (first group) and Guy Galante (second group).
At this point, very few specific hikes have been scheduled for January 2012, so any of the members has a chance to contribute their favorite Lake Mead or Red Rock hikes, either as a suggestion or as a volunteer coordinator. Please contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or dempseylv@aol.com with any offerings.
Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for the month of December 2011. The hikes listed for the first three Fridays will be combined outings with the Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be members to participate on other hikes. Two hikes are offered each Saturday in both Red Rock Canyon and the Lake Mead area. The earlier hike is a general hike that will be conducted at a moderate pace while the later hike is intended for the general membership and is conducted at a more leisurely pace. The later Saturday hikes conducted in or near Red Rock Canyon will also tend to be shorter and less difficult than the earlier hikes. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to the leisurely Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike. If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
Hikes scheduled during December will be in a variety of locations with different assembly points. The hikes near Red Rock and some other locations will have a primary meeting location at the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store on Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino. Lake Mead hikes will generally meet under the outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta on Lake Mead Parkway near the intersection of I-215 and I-515, especially if the hike is on the south side of the lake. Hikes north of Lake Mead will generally meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood on the east side of Las Vegas. Valley of Fire hikes will assemble at the Lucky Club Casino near the intersection of I-15 and Cheyenne. Secondary meeting locations will include the Siena Community Center near the main entrance to Siena, the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive, the top of the Rampart Casino parking garage on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway, or at one of the Mile Markers along Northshore or Lakeshore Drive at Lake Mead. Be at the selected designated location at least five to ten minutes prior to the departure time listed to allow for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
Thursday, December 1 - Tank Discovery Scramble. This strenuous hike is almost pure scrambling but generally follows the Calico Tanks Trail through the Calico Hills in Red Rock Canyon. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route climbs and descends three times with an average ascent of 450 feet each climb. There is some serious exposure which can be bypassed using an alternate route for any squeamish participants. With the prospect of some precipitation, each of the five main tanks along the way may contain water. Total distance is about 4.5 miles. The group will be meeting at Best Buy with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Friday, December 2 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. The Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends will be combining forces for a moderate out-and-back hike that will cover a distance up to 7 miles. Starting from the lower parking lot near the Alan Bible Visitor Center, participants will head through five tunnels created for the railroad line that took supplies to Black Canyon during construction of Hoover Dam about eighty years ago. Highlights of the hike include a walk across the new bridge connecting Nevada and Arizona that provides an excellent view of the face of the dam. Around the Bend Friends participants will meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure to Siena, from which the entire group will leave at 8:00 AM. South side residents should be under the large outdoor sign at Henderson Fiesta for a pickup about 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, December 3 - Calico Tanks. The early group this Saturday will be heading to Sandstone Quarry for one of the classic hikes in Red Rock Canyon. The moderate 3-mile out-and-back route through a colorful canyon within the Calico Hills gains approximately 800 feet as it heads toward a natural depression in the sandstone, known as a tank, that has no outlet and holds water seasonally. Trail builders have inserted a number of stone stairways to aid in the climb. The official trail ends at the tank, but a short and intense scramble through boulders to the right of the tank leads to a ledge above Ash Canyon and Calico Basin with excellent views stretching to Arizona. The group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, December 3 - Sandstone Quarry Loop. The parking lot at Sandstone Quarry will be filled with Around the Bend Friends vehicles as the second group of the day heads there for an easy to moderate loop hike in the sandstone bluffs north of the Calico Hills. About 2 or 3 miles in length, this hike has minimal elevation gain but explores some of the side canyons between the quarry and Turtlehead Peak. Some minor scrambling is involved, although most folks should not have any difficulty in dealing with the terrain. Participants will meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Monday, December 5 - SMYC Trail. Looking for an easy jaunt away from civilization to start off your week? Then consider taking in this out-and-back hike of 2.2 miles that will start from the Lost Creek pullout along the spur road to Willow Springs. The SMYC Trail spans the distance between Ice Box Canyon and Lost Creek on the northern section of the longer Escarpment Base Trail. There is about 200 feet of elevation change during the course of this hike over gently rolling terrain. Parts of the trail are isolated from the humdrum of the scenic drive and provide a sense of being out in the wilderness. The group will be assembling at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, December 6 - Brownstone Canyon. At 8 miles in distance this strenuous loop around Turtlehead Peak will take the group into some interesting back country places not accessed by many people. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the route heads east past Red Cap and drops into Gateway Canyon for some serious scrambling up a number of dry waterfalls. That scrambling continues over the sandstone above Gateway and drops into Brownstone Canyon near a wall of protected pictographs. Some amazing petroglyphs in the vicinity are another highlight before the trek continues toward a saddle at the base of La Madre Mountain and a return to the starting point. Meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, December 7 - Pine Creek. Explore one of the more popular areas on the west side of Red Rock Canyon on this easy to moderate jaunt past the foundation of an old two-story home built approximately eighty years ago. The meadows behind the homestead and along the creek still has one apple tree remaining from the days when an orchard filled the spot. Closer to the road is a slight ridge that was used for shooting much of the 1968 western "The Stalking Moon." A couple of possibilities exist for the section of the hike past the foundation but total distance will be between 2 and 3 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Wednesday, December 7 - Turtlehead Peak. If you have ever thought about climbing to the top of this daunting peak on the north side of Red Rock Canyon but have been concerned about holding a group back, then here is your opportunity. The pace today will be accommodating and there will be people to assist on this hike sponsored by Lone Mountain Hiking Club with an invitation extended to Around the Bend Friends. The strenuous out-and-back hike up the regular approach will cover a total distance of 5 miles and gain 1,900 feet along the way. Hiking sticks are recommended. The main meeting location will be the lowest parking area at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, located at the intersection of Sun City and Thomas Ryan Boulevards, with an 8:00 AM departure. ABF members not wanting to meet there will be picked up at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 8:10 AM. The stop at Dunkin Donuts will be quick so don't be late. Coordinator - Terry Hirni.
Thursday, December 8 - Fracture Ridge Peak. On the south side of Sun City Anthem is a ridge with volcanic origins and a number of peaks that have dramatic views south stretching past Searchlight along with views to the north covering most of Las Vegas. Fracture Ridge Peak is among that group. The strenuous out-and-back hike to the top covers a total distance of 7 miles and gains about 1,700 feet in the process. While the great majority of the route is on trail, the final ascent requires picking your way over a lava boulder field. The initial meeting point for west side participants will be at Best Buy with a 7:50 AM departure. The primary assembly point will be at the Walgreens Drug located at Anthem Parkway and Hampton with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Parking at the trail head is extremely limited so we will maximize the carpooling arrangements from Walgreens. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, December 9 - Liberty Bell Arch. The Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers will be heading to Arizona today on a joint hike that will take the group to a broad plateau overlooking the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. Along the way the group will pass the remains of an old mining operation and the distinctive hole in a ridge that provides the namesake for this hike. The new trail head has created a route that starts down White Rock Canyon toward the Arizona Hot Springs. Overall, the moderate out-and-back route covers a distance of 5 to 6 miles with several up and down sections in the 300 foot range. The initial meeting point will be Best Buy with a 7:45 AM departure, with those participants stopping at Siena for a full group departure at 8:00 AM. One final stop will be made at the Henderson Fiesta about 8:30 AM to collect any south side participants. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, December 10 - Echo Canyon. The last Saturday in the Red Rock area until mid-February will open with a moderate hike that penetrates a canyon behind the horse stables on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill. Although there is scrambling involved getting up some short dry waterfalls and around limestone boulders, only a few of them have any amount of difficulty. The route will climb through the canyon to the top before joining the Fossil Ridge Trail on the descent portion. Total distance for the loop hike is around 4 miles. The group will be assembling at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, December 10 - First Creek. If we happen to have any early winter precipitation along the escarpment there is a good chance that water will be flowing over the 15-foot waterfall in the hidden grotto along the drainage about a mile off the highway. Participants who opt for this hike will get a chance to find out before continuing on toward the base of Indecision Peak farther up First Creek Canyon. This area has had several bighorn sightings in the past and another is certainly possible. Total distance for this reasonably level hike will be 3 to 4 miles with a rating of easy to moderate. The group will depart from the Best Buy parking lot at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Monday, December 12 - Keystone Thrust & Cactus Hill. This moderate 2.5-mile hike definitely has some highs and lows. The highs will come as you stand on the top edge of Cactus Hill with the magnificence of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley spread out below you. The lows come as you climb down a trail on the edge of a network of sandstone slabs to stand at the base of a 30-foot seasonal waterfall. From this point you are also able to observe up close how the Keystone Thrust Fault has placed older limestone directly on top of younger sandstone, leaving this transition open to viewing. Meet the other members of the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, December 13 - Pumpkin Parfait Canyon. Also known as the Rogers Spring Loop, this moderately strenuous hike will cover a distance of roughly 7 miles as it passes the spring area and explores a couple of interesting canyons that exhibit ancient fossils. Ultimately, the route arrives at Pumpkin Parfait Box Canyon, an area resplendent with an explosion of colorful formations. Due to the distance from Las Vegas, some additional time is required for the drive. North and west side participants can meet at the Albertsons Grocery on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood and leave from there at 7:30 AM. There will probably not be a coordinator at this site, so timing will be up to those who meet there. Other participants can drive directly to the main meeting spot, a pull-out located at Mile Marker 4 on North Shore Road. The entire group will depart from there at 8:00 AM. The start of the hike is located at Mile Marker 40. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Wednesday, December 14 - The Muffins. Today's group will be heading to the cowboy stables parking area on the north side of Blue Diamond Hill for a moderate out-and-back hike of 4 miles that climbs up to a set of caliche boulders on the north end of the ridge overlooking the Red Rock Visitor Center. The ascent to the boulders gains about 800 feet of elevation. Those going on the hike are requested to bring muffins or other breakfast type food items for a snack. The descent will return the group to the parking lot on the same trail. Participants should meet at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, December 15 - Valley of Fire Peak. The hike to the highest point in Valley of Fire State Park is only about 4.5 miles long with 1,800 feet of gross elevation gain, but it will probably take about six hours to accomplish because of the level of scrambling involved. Because it is very strenuous in nature, only experienced hikers should participate in this effort. There is minimal exposure along the route that will be used, but long pants, shirts with sleeves, and lots of water are recommended. When you combine the hiking time with nearly three hours of drive time, this jaunt will take most of the day. West side participants can meet on the top floor of the Rampart Casino parking garage for carpooling with a 6:30 AM departure. The primary meeting location will be the parking lot at the Lucky Club Casino on Cheyenne and I-15. The entire group will leave from there at 7:00 AM. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Friday, December 16 - Moenkopi/Calico Hills. The final joint hike of the year between Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers will start at either the Red Rock fee booth parking lot or at the Visitor Center and follow the trail clockwise to the northwest of the Visitor Center and onto the 100-foot ridge with the overlook bench on the point. The route will then head across to the Calico I Overlook and take the Calico Tanks Trail toward Sandstone Quarry. Somewhere between Calico II and Sandstone Quarry, the group will take a snack break before heading straight back toward the vehicles. Estimated distance is about 5 miles with a moderate rating. The Over the Hills group will meet at Siena for an 8:00 AM departure, the ABF contingent will leave from Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the two groups will get together in front of Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, December 17 - Black Mountain (Boulder City). The Saturday season at Lake Mead begins today with a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike to the Black Mountain observation point above Boulder City in the River Mountains. Elevation gain along this well-maintained trail is 1,100 feet getting to the spot that affords a delightful view north toward Las Vegas as well as most of Lake Mead's Boulder Basin to the east. An early assembly of west side participants will occur at Best Buy and they must depart no later than 7:40 AM. The main meeting location will be under the large outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta Casino. An early group consisting of the faster hikers will leave from there at 8:15 AM with the group of slower hikers leaving at 8:30 AM. Boulder City residents should be at the River Mountains trail head no later than fifteen minutes later than the appropriate group departure from Henderson Fiesta. Carpooling from Best Buy should reflect the two different finishing times, which are likely to be an hour apart. Coordinators - Guy Galante (first group) and Chris Neinaber (second group).
Sunday, December 18 - River Mountains Trail & Champagne Brunch. To work up an appetite, the group will start with an easy to moderate 5-mile point-to-point walk along a paved section of the River Mountains Trail between the parking area adjacent to St. Jude Children's Ranch and the Railroad Pass Casino. The last half of the trail runs fairly close to the restored rail line that is used for excursions on the weekends with a turn around near Railroad Pass. After retrieving the vehicles, participants will enjoy the champagne brunch at Railroad Pass Casino along with each others' company. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure to the main meeting location at the Henderson Fiesta, from which the entire group will depart around 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, December 19 - Turtlehead Peak. This trip to the top of the distinctive peak on the north side of Sandstone Quarry will probably be a bit faster than the same hike twelve days earlier, but it won't be any easier. At a total distance of 5 miles, this strenuous out-and-back hike with 1,900 feet of elevation gain will still provide a challenge to the more intrepid individuals in the club because of the steep terrain getting to the saddle behind the peak. Views from the top are sensational and are an ample reward for the effort. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Tuesday, December 20 - Red Cap, Calico Peak, and Calico II Overlook Peak. Participants will get a chance to climb to the top of three of the sandstone peaks in the Calico Hills on this very strenuous 5-mile loop hike. Starting from Sandstone Quarry, the group will head around to the back side of Red Cap for an ascent along a seldom used route. Descending from the summit, the route will pass a number of natural tanks and deal with an exposure issue getting to the top of Calico Peak. The route then crosses the Calico Tanks Trail and climbs another peak on the west side of the hills. After exerting a lot of energy scrambling over the sandstone ledges, the group will descend through the steep canyon toward Calico II Overlook before looping back to Sandstone Quarry. This hike is only open to serious hikers who are not concerned with difficulty and exposure. Otherwise, the group will meet at Best Buy and depart for the hike at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, December 21 - Krafft Mountain Loop. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club will be combining forces for a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike around the magenta colored peak north of Calico Basin that involves about one mile of scrambling in the lower section of Gateway Canyon. Come along and find out why this colorful canyon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful accessible areas in the vicinity of Red Rock. The Lone Mountain contingent and any nearby Around the Bend Friends members will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for an 8:00 AM departure to Best Buy, where the main ABF contingent will accumulate. The combined group will then depart at 8:15 AM for the trail head. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, December 22 - Arizona Hot Springs. The loop version of the hike to this popular destination in Arizona helps ease the strain on the legs by eliminating the return climb through loose gravel in White Rock Canyon that is part of the out-and-back version. However, to accomplish this the group must climb the ladder in the side canyon and wade through the pools of hot water generated by the springs. There is some moderate scrambling along this route but the buddy system helps considerably. Total distance is 6 miles with a moderate rating. West side participants should meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure. The entire group will leave from the Henderson Fiesta at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Friday, December 23 - Black Mountain (Henderson). The southern end of Sun City Anthem provides the starting point for a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike to a prominent peak with excellent views in all directions extending out for at least fifty miles. The first half of the route is somewhat relaxed as it begins to climb the main ridge approaching the peak but most of the elevation gain of 2,100 feet occurs in the second half of the climb. This entire slope is known for the hodgepodge of volcanic boulders and the presence of silver cholla. A west side group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:50 AM departure. All other participants should drive directly to the main meeting point at the Walgreens Drug on Anthem Parkway and Hampton for an 8:30 AM drive to the trail head. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.
Saturday, December 24 - Historic Railroad Tunnels. The split outing along the old railroad bed used during the construction of Hoover Dam starts from the lower parking area near the currently closed Alan Bible Visitor Center. In either case, the moderate hike will probably cover a distance of 7 miles as it includes a walk onto the new bridge and a possible ramble down onto the dam. West side residents should meet at Best Buy for a 7:40 AM departure to Henderson Fiesta, which will be the main meeting location. A faster group will leave there at 8:15 AM with a more leisurely group going at 8:30 AM. Carpooling from Best Buy should reflect the different finishing times. Boulder City residents could go directly to the Alan Bible parking lot but should be there by 8:30 AM or 8:45 AM respectively. Coordinators - Steve Anderson (first group) and Guy Galante (second group).
Monday, December 26 - Grand Staircase in Calico Basin. Starting from Red Spring Picnic Area, this short 2 to 3-mile boulder scrambling route climbs up the sandstone face of the southern end of the Calico Hills, gaining about 1,000 feet in the process. Some of the sections carry a Class 3 rating, meaning use of hands is required, and there is some exposure involved. Overall rating for the hike is strenuous. Views from the top extend both east to Las Vegas and west to Red Rock Canyon and the Wilson Cliffs. The descent section of the loop hike has somewhat easier terrain to negotiate. Overall, the hike should take under three hours to accomplish. The group will meet at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.
Tuesday, December 27 - Modified Mother Loop Trail. The starting point for this strenuous 8 to 10-mile loop hike through the River Mountains starts at the trail head parking lot near St. Jude Children's Ranch. The route climbs to the saddle between Red and Black Mountains, crosses the caldera on the back side of the saddle, and follows a series of mountain biking and fainter trails through the western section of the range toward Railroad Pass, returning above Cascata Golf Course via Bootleg Canyon. An early group from the west side can meet at Best Buy for a 7:15 AM departure to meet up with the main group at the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:00 AM departure. Participants from Boulder City should be at the trail head parking lot by 8:15 AM. Coordinators - Joan & Chuck Hawkins.
Wednesday, December 28 - Echo Canyon. For the second Wednesday in a row the Around the Bend Friends will be joining forces with Lone Mountain Hiking Club for an outing in the Red Rock area. The offering today will be a moderate 4-mile loop hike that ascends about 500 feet through a limestone canyon containing some ancient seabed fossils. Some minor scrambling is required. After exiting at the top of the canyon, the group will return to the starting point along Fossil Ridge. The Lone Mountain group and nearby ABF members will meet up at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, departing at 8:00 AM for Best Buy, where the Around the Bend group will assemble. The combined group will leave there at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, December 29 - Gold Strike Hot Springs. The club participants will be off to the canyon on the Nevada side of the Colorado River near the Hacienda Casino that leads down to the river passing a number of hot springs pools. The 5-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderately strenuous and there is some serious scrambling going both ways in the canyon. A few sections are rope aided as they scale the sides of 12-foot boulders and ledges that block the way. West side participants will meet at Best Buy and leave at 7:45 AM for the main departure point at the Henderson Fiesta and an 8:30 AM exit. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Friday, December 30 - Siena Ridge. It's almost an uneventful trip along a desert ridge across Town Center Drive from Siena until you reach the edge of what some members of the last group to do this hike called the "Little Grand Canyon." Below your feet at this point is a deep canyon with a flood control dam connecting the two sides and protecting an area of Summerlin that includes the campus of Bishop Gorman High School. Although there is not a lot of boulder scrambling, most of the hike is on faint or no trail through the desert or along recreational gravel roads. Distance is about 5 or 6 miles depending on the route and is probably considered moderate in terms of difficulty. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure or drive directly to the parking lot for the Siena Golf Course where the group will start the hike around 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, December 31 - Liberty Bell Arch. Finish off the year with a trip past a World War II manganese mine and the distinctive arch shaped like the Revolutionary War Liberty Bell and wind up on a broad plateau nearly 800 feet above the Colorado River for a snack break. As on the previous two Saturdays, the group will be divided according to speed, with the faster group leaving a bit earlier. The west side group will leave from Best Buy at 7:40 AM but should set up carpooling based on the two departures from Henderson Fiesta. The early group leaving at 8:15 AM should include the faster hikers while the 8:30 AM departure is for the more leisurely hikers. Coordinators - Kay Blackwell (first group) and Guy Galante (second group).
At this point, very few specific hikes have been scheduled for January 2012, so any of the members has a chance to contribute their favorite Lake Mead or Red Rock hikes, either as a suggestion or as a volunteer coordinator. Please contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or dempseylv@aol.com with any offerings.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
November Hike List 2011
This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities, along with a contact list for members of the group. All club members should view the attachment sent out by the newsletter editor each month and print whatever pages they feel are pertinent so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.
Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of November 2011. The hikes listed for the first three Fridays will be combined outings with the Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be ABF members to participate on other hikes. Two hikes are offered each Saturday during the season in Red Rock Canyon. The 8:00 AM hike is a general hike that will be conducted at a moderate pace and often covers a distance of 5 or 6 miles. The 8:30 AM hike is intended for the general membership, is shorter with less difficulty, and is conducted at a leisurely pace to allow for more socializing. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to the leisurely Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike. If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
All of the hikes this month with the exception of Red & Black Mountains (Boulder City) on November 11 and Black Mountain (Henderson) on November 27 are in the Red Rock Canyon area. Most of the hikes scheduled during the month of November, including the two away from Red Rock, will have a primary meeting location at the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Canyon Run, across Charleston from the Red Rock Station Casino. Some hikes will have alternate or additional meeting locations that will be indicated at the end of the particular hike description. Be at the selected designated location at least five to ten minutes prior to the departure time listed to allow for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
Tuesday, November 1 - North Peak (Sandstone). For several years this strenuous 8-mile out-and-back hike has been a Halloween tradition, but it is generally not a trek that fits with the normal qualifications for a Monday hike. As a result it serves to start the month of November off with a bang. After a gradual start along Rocky Gap Road over the first two miles the trail goes ballistic as it climbs at a thirty percent grade over the next mile. Participants will be treated to an awesome view from the exposed sandstone peak that looks south and east toward both California and Arizona. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Larry Dunn.
Wednesday, November 2 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails. Starting from the community of Blue Diamond this moderate 5-mile loop hike opens along a section of the Old Spanish Trail route before climbing a 700-foot hill overshadowing the town to the west. Just after climbing to the highest point of trail on this limestone hill the group will take a break on a sandstone slab that is completely out of place for the immediate area. A group of wild burros lives in the vicinity of this route and is often spotted at the beginning or ending section of the trail. Participants should meet at Best Buy with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, November 3 - Windy Peak. The 5-mile out-and-back route with 1,300 feet of elevation gain to one of the southern sandstone peaks along the escarpment begins near the Mountain Spring Summit on Highway 160. Rated as moderately strenuous the route includes an opening section of steep gravel road before shifting to single track trail approaching an intermediate ridge that provides a view of the ultimate destination. Parts of the remaining route are faint trail that can be hard to follow. The final assault of the peak has about 100 feet of rolling exposure that can bother those with a faint heart. Join the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. We will also stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 around 8:20 AM before driving to the trailhead. Coordinator - John Snail.
Friday, November 4 - The Muffins & Old Las Vegas Overlook. Located at the northern end of Blue Diamond Hill across Highway 159 from the entrance to Red Rock Canyon are some distinctive conglomerate boulders that can be seen for miles in several directions. The moderate 5-mile hike today will climb 700 feet to the boulders along a somewhat steep trail before easing back to a gradual ascent getting to a notch in the eastern ridge that takes in a view of the entire Las Vegas valley. The return section of this loop hike is through Skull Canyon. This is a joint hike with Over the Hills Hikers, who will leave from Siena at 8:00 AM. The ABF contingent will meet at Best Buy for an 8:05 AM departure. The two groups will then get together in front of the Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive a few minutes later. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, November 5 - Blue Diamond Canyons #2 and #3. The early hike this Saturday is not long, covering a total distance of just 3 miles, but the terrain in both of the canyons near the south end of Blue Diamond Hill is quite challenging. With dry waterfalls and an assortment of boulders in both canyons, participants will have to pick their way through the maze. Total elevation gain on this moderately strenuous loop hike is about 800 feet and the view west from the normal snack break location takes in the southern half of the escarpment and Mount Potosi. The group will congregate at Best Buy with an 8:00 AM departure time. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, November 5 - First Creek. Elevation gain is less than 200 feet on this easy to moderate out-and-back hike that will visit a hidden grotto containing a 12-foot seasonal waterfall and a fairly deep pond that maintains a reasonable depth throughout the year. After a brief stop to check the water levels the group will continue up the trail toward the canyon that splits between Wilson Peak to the north and Indecision Peak to the south. Total distance covered will be around 3 or 4 miles. Bighorn sheep have been spotted on occasion in this area. The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Sunday, November 6 - Wilson Peak. Prepare yourself for a very strenuous all day trek if you choose to go on this 10-mile out-and-back hike to the top of one of the most prominent peaks along the Wilson Cliffs. The hike starts very innocuously along the First Creek Trail but soon becomes much more severe as it bushwhacks up the canyon to the ridge behind the peak. There will be quite a bit of rock scrambling with some Class 3 climbing. Elevation gain is 3,400 feet. The views from the top are said to be the most dramatic of any place in Red Rock. Plan on at least 10 hours for this effort. The meeting place for this hike will be Albertsons Grocery on Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive with a 7:30 AM departure. Please RSVP with the coordinator at (702) 341-9723. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Monday, November 7 - Lost Creek/Willow Springs Loop. Take a leisurely stroll along the trails on the northwest side of Red Rock Canyon and view a variety of vegetation, rock formations, and even some rock art. The route starts at the Lost Creek trail head and proceeds to the seasonal waterfall tucked into the escarpment a fairly short distance from the parking area. Continue on a trail just below the cliffs to the Willow Springs area and visit a protected wall of petroglyphs before turning back toward the start and passing pictographs in the form of hand prints. Total distance for this easy to moderate loop hike is under 2 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, November 8 - Gray Cap Peak. Get ready for some fabulous back country scenery on this strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike that starts at Sandstone Quarry. Passing the north end of the Calico Hills the route drops into and starts climbing through upper Gateway Canyon, which includes a number of dry waterfalls. Near the top of the canyon the surface quickly transitions from limestone to sandstone for lots of exciting scrambling action and great views. A faint trail leads to the peak, which is a limestone mantle that serves as further evidence of the Keystone Thrust earth movement. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, November 9 - Calico Tanks. The moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike today will be a joint effort involving Around the Bend Friends and the Lone Mountain Hiking Club out of Sun City Summerlin. The traditional route will start at Sandstone Quarry and climb through a canyon in the middle of the Calico Hills to a natural depression in the rock that holds water on a seasonal basis. Those willing to do a little scrambling can climb the rocks around the tank to a ledge with a great view that stretches across Lake Mead to Arizona. The Lone Mountain contingent will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin and will leave for the general meeting point of Best Buy at 8:45 AM. The entire group including ABF members will then leave for Red Rock at 9:00 AM. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, November 10 - Mountain Spring Peak. Perched behind the escarpment between the sandstone Black Velvet and Monument Peaks, the limestone Mountain Spring Peak offers the chance to experience great views from an elevated point without a lot of severity to the trek. With an elevation gain of 1,500 feet, this moderately strenuous loop hike covers a distance of 7 miles while visiting a spectacular observation point above Black Velvet Canyon and the natural spring area above the community near the pass on Highway 160. Some bushwhacking is involved so long pants are recommended. The group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. There will be a stop about 8:20 AM at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 to pick up southern participants. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, November 11 - Red & Black Mountains. Our club will take its first foray of the winter season into the Lake Mead area today with a hike to the top of both peaks located in the River Mountains. The ascent is fairly gradual to a saddle between the two peaks and the climb to each from that vantage point is relatively short. Gross elevation gain will be less than 2,000 feet on this moderately strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike. There will be multiple departure points on this outing held jointly with Over the Hills Hikers. The western ABF contingent will meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure to Siena to meet the Over the Hills group and leave at 8:00 AM. There will be one further stop at the Henderson Fiesta on Lake Mead Parkway near the intersection of I-15 and I-215 to pick up any south side participants. Departure time from the Henderson Fiesta will be around 8:40 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, November 12 - Grapevine Spring. A special request by some of our Henderson members will result in our group exploring Cottonwood Valley and visiting a couple of protected springs along with a boulder field that contains a variety of petroglyphs at ground level. This 5-mile partial loop hike will start from the paved parking area on the north side of Highway 160 heading toward the pass to Pahrump. The hike is rated as moderate and there is an elevation gain of a few hundred feet on the return leg of the route. The main group will meet at Best Buy and will depart from there at 8:00 AM. South side residents can drive directly to the gas station at the intersection of Highways 160 and 159 where they will meet the earlier group, but must be there by 8:20 AM to avoid being left. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, November 12 - Pine Creek & Fire Ecology Trail. If you want a leisurely Saturday hike join the group for a hike along the Pine Creek Trail past the old Wilson homestead foundation. Along the way take a short detour on the Fire Ecology Trail to see evidence of an old controlled burn that was instituted to protect a stand of ponderosa pines along the creek. Past the foundation the route will follow a partial loop that includes some minor scrambling across the channels of both forks of Pine Creek. Overall rating is easy to moderate and distance will be between 2 and 3 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Rosie Mick.
Sunday, November 13 - Summerlin Peak. Although this peak doesn't get a lot of action, it is actually the closest major mountain to the northwest corner of Las Vegas above Sun City Summerlin. The strenuous out-and-back hike is only about 4 miles in total distance, but it climbs 2,000 feet over a very steep route that includes one section of significant exposure getting over a rock outcropping. The view from the top is an ample reward for the effort. The group will be meeting at the trail head parking area on the west end of Cheyenne Avenue near 215 for a start time of 7:30 AM. No commuting from there is involved. If you plan on participating, remember to set your clocks back the night before, as daylight savings ends in the wee hours of the morning. Please RSVP for this hike by calling (702) 341-9723. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Monday, November 14 - Red Cap. The ultimate short scramble occurs today when the group will entertain the strenuous 3-mile partial loop version of the hike to the red mantle of sandstone at the north end of the Calico Hills. Starting from Sandstone Quarry the route climbs 900 feet on a series of slabs and boulders that take you to a fantastic perch above Red Rock, with views stretching across Lake Mead to Arizona. After the descent from the peak, visit several natural tanks on top of the ridge that may contain water if the area receives any precipitation. Join the group at the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Tuesday, November 15 - Hollow Rock Peak. Continuing the series of hikes this month starting from Mountain Spring Summit is a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike with some significant scrambling over both limestone and sandstone ridges and formations. Interestingly enough, the highest point on the hike is achieved halfway to the peak when the group climbs over a pinnacle and starts descending toward the distinctive peak at the end of a long ridge. The group may take an alternate route part way through the return for a change of pace. Total elevation gain is about 1,200 feet. The group will convene at Best Buy with an 8:00 AM departure. The group will stop at the gas station on Highways 160 and 159 to pick up south side participants about 8:20 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, November 16 - Red Springs Loop. This fairly short loop hike of a little less than 4 miles climbs through the Calico Hills over what is termed Angel Pass because of the unique stone carving that is found toward the bottom of the descent portion on the Red Rock Canyon side. Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area, this moderately strenuous outing passes both of the Calico overlooks near the bottom of the canyon that lies just west of the Calico Hills before coming around the south end of the sandstone formations near a huge unique balanced boulder. Elevation gain is under 500 feet but there is some serious scrambling involved. The group will leave from Best Buy for Calico Basin at 8:00 AM. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
Thursday, November 17 - White Rock/Sandstone Quarry Loop. Otherwise known as Grand Circle West, this moderately strenuous 7-mile loop hike begins at Sandstone Quarry and follows a section of the Grand Circle Trail to the gravel parking lot for White Rock Springs. The route then combines with the Keystone Thrust Trail for less than a mile before striking north toward La Madre Mountain on an old jeep track. The downhill section back to Sandstone Quarry is along a gravel wash that passes below Turtlehead Peak. Total elevation gain is about 1,600 feet but the gain rate is fairly gradual without any really steep sections. Departure time from Best Buy is 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, November 18 - Calico Tanks. The last joint hike for the month with Over the Hills Hikers will head back to familiar territory with a trek up the canyon in the middle of the Calico Hills to the natural depression (tank) that has no outlet and holds water on a seasonal basis until it evaporates. Climb multiple stone steps and tread through beach sand before boulder scrambling around the tank to a ledge high above Ash Canyon that provides views of Las Vegas stretching across Lake Mead to Arizona. Total distance for this moderate out-and-back hike is only 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, but there is fantastic scenery with every step. Over the Hills Hikers will leave Siena at 8:00 AM, Around the Bend Friends will depart Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the two groups will combine in front of Dunkin Donuts moments later. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Saturday, November 19 - Escarpment Base Trail. Extra vehicles will be needed to accommodate this moderate 5.4-mile point-to-point hike on a combination of trails through the desert below the Wilson Cliffs. After dropping some of the vehicles at the Lost Creek trail head, the group will drive down to the Oak Creek trail head near the end of the scenic loop drive for a start along Arnight Trail. Other portions of the route follow Pine Creek Trail, Dale's Trail, and SMYC Trail. The entire hike gains roughly 700 feet, but the route climbs up and down a series of ridges and drainages with the most pronounced along Dale's. The group will leave Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, November 19 - Badger Pass. The Bird Spring Range near South Cottonwood Valley is the location for the leisurely club trek on this Saturday. Positioned in the lower elevations of the small range of mountains are several multi-use trails that were originally developed by mountain bikers looking for a little excitement on irregular ground. This easy to moderate 3-mile loop hike climbs to the first landing along the main ridge of the mountains before descending slightly to a saddle with a cross trail descending on either side. The return to the vehicles is along Deadhorse Trail. The drive includes about 3/4 mile of gravel road each way from Highway 160. The meeting place for participants will be Best Buy with an 8:30 AM departure. A secondary stop will be made at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 160 and 159 around 8:50 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Sunday, November 20 - Gray Cap Peak. It's the same destination as the November 8 hike but a completely different route. Starting from Calico Basin, the very strenuous 5-mile out-and-back trek follows the trail over Gateway Saddle and into Gateway Canyon. Almost immediately the very steep route begins to climb up the multi-colored sandstone ridges, primarily over scrambling routes. There are several areas with exposure getting to the limestone mantle on the highest ridge. Total elevation gain is 2,700 feet. The peak sits directly above Brownstone Canyon and provides awesome views of the surrounding area. The group will meet at the Albertsons/Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive for a 7:30 AM departure. Participants must RSVP with the coordinator at (702) 341-9723. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Monday, November 21 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails. To the south and west of the small community of Blue Diamond is a broad hill that is frequented by mountain bikers, wild burros, and occasionally hiking groups. Today its trails will be the stage for us older hikers who will come out to soak in the magnificent views of Cottonwood Valley and the southern section of the Wilson Cliffs. The moderate loop hike that climbs to the top of the 400-foot hill covers a total distance of 5 miles, mostly over a dirt surface trail. The first stage of the hike is along a section of the Old Spanish Trail and the remains of a couple commemorative markers can still be found. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure time. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Tuesday, November 22 - Turtlehead Peak. It's steep, it's loose, the rocks are sharp, the vegetation is prickly, it takes entirely too long to get to the saddle behind the peak. Those are some of the good things to be said for the hike to the top of the limestone peak perched above Sandstone Quarry in Red Rock. This 5-mile out-and-back hike gains 1,900 feet of elevation and is rated as strenuous. Reaching the top is also viewed by many as passing a test to see if you are a serious hiker or not. Perhaps this is your day to find out if the views from the top are worth the suffering you must endure to get there. If you think it is, meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM start to Red Rock. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, November 23 - Keystone Thrust Loop. Our club is fortunate to have the services twice a month of our favorite naturalist on the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive staff who, while much younger than us, still seems to enjoy our company. Join her for a moderate 4-mile trek through an area viewed as the centerpiece of geologic activity that occurred millions of years ago in this area. The loop version climbs the trail behind Cactus Hill and descends into the thrust fault canyon that displays an underlayment of younger sandstone below older limestone. It continues down the drainage and picks up a section of the Grand Circle Trail on the return to the vehicles. Meet the rest of the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, November 24 - North Blue Diamond Ridges. Okay, so this is Thanksgiving Day. On a recent hike there was a discussion about the November schedule and an inquiry was made to see if there was any demand for a morning hike on turkey day. Surprisingly, at least half a dozen of those participants indicated they were interested. So here it is. The hike will be a moderate 6-mile loop gaining 1,200 feet that follows what were originally bike trails on the ridges of Blue Diamond Hill across from the entrance to Red Rock. The first mile contains that challenging effort up Boneshaker Hill. Come out and meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure and you should be back in time for an early afternoon dinner. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, November 25 - Ice Box Canyon. Participants today will enjoy a slightly longer hike than normal into this shadow-filled canyon as they will start at the Lost Creek trail head and hike along the SMYC Trail south to the regular Ice Box Trail before heading toward the base of a 40-foot seasonal waterfall that dominates the snack spot. Even so, the distance for this moderate out-and-back hike is only 4 miles. Be prepared for a bit of moderate scrambling in the drainage down the center of the canyon, although the boulders are not very big. If you need to exercise after eating lots of turkey and trimmings the day before, come out and join your friends for an 8:00 AM getaway from Best Buy. Coordinator - Helmut De Candia.
Saturday, November 26 - Krafft Mountain Loop. Without a doubt this hike visits one of the most awesome canyons in or close to Red Rock, but it doesn't necessitate wiggling up any massively large boulders. That's because the boulder section of this route is all downhill. While there are a few obstacles to overcome through lower Gateway Canyon, there should be plenty of assistance available that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful beauty of this narrow multi-colored sandstone canyon. From the normal starting point at Red Spring Picnic Area, this moderate loop hike covers a distance of 5 miles with a little less than one mile of scrambling. Meet your fellow hikers at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.
Saturday, November 26 - Ash Canyon Overlook. There will also be some scrambling involved on the later hike this Saturday when the group leaves Sandstone Quarry and follows the drainage around the north end of the Calico Hills to the top of Ash Canyon, but it shouldn't be a barrier to participating. The snack break will occur on a sandstone slab near the western edge of Gateway Peak that looks down toward the community of Calico Basin. Although basically an out-and-back route, this easy to moderate 3-mile hike will have a short detour into another area of sandstone outcroppings toward the base of Turtlehead on the return leg. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Sunday, November 27 - Black Mountain (Henderson). Comparable to Turtlehead Peak in distance and elevation gain, the Black Mountain that dominates the southern skyline above Henderson offers not only an excellent view of the Las Vegas valley to the north but also includes sight lines southeast along Highway 95 all the way to Searchlight. The out-and-back trail covers a total distance of 6 miles as it winds its way through a volcanic rock field and is rated strenuous. Total elevation gain is 2,100 feet with the steepness increasing the closer you get to the top. Initial meeting point will be Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure, but south side residents can be collected at the Walgreens located at Anthem Parkway & Hampton around 8:30 AM. Please call the coordinator at 823-2355 or e-mail at dempseylv@aol.com to RSVP. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, November 28 - Red Springs Loop. If you missed the opportunity to experience this wonderful scrambling hike twelve days prior, here is another chance to visit the image of an angel carved into a large boulder in a side canyon of Red Rock somewhat above the Calico II Overlook. Although only 4 miles in length, this loop hike is rated moderately strenuous due to the amount of scrambling required to negotiate across the Calico Hills from Red Springs Picnic Area and through the canyon at the western base of those low sandstone hills. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Tuesday, November 29 - Two North Peaks. At 11 miles in total distance, this partial loop hike will test even the most hard core of our club's hikers. Starting from Willow Springs Picnic Area, the group will hike up Rocky Gap Road to the pass over to Lovell Canyon and take the official trail on to the top of the limestone North Peak, an elevation gain approaching 3,000 feet. Following a short break to take in the scenery and replenish, participants will continue down a connecting ridge that leads to the sandstone North Peak sitting directly above Ice Box Canyon and across from Bridge Mountain. Rating is very strenuous. The meeting place is Best Buy with a departure time of 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, November 30 - Potato Knoll. Also known locally as Wilson's Pimple because of its size and location near the base of Wilson Peak, this 500-foot hill offers a fairly good view of the entirety of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley. The most scenic route to the top starts from the gravel parking lot next to the scenic drive exit back onto Highway 159 and crosses the Oak Creek drainage once on the way out and three times on the way back. Distance for the partial loop including a climb to the top is 5 miles with a moderate rating. Join your fellow club members for this month end hike at Best Buy with an 8:30 AM departure time. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
If you were paying attention, you probably noted that we have scheduled at least one hike on every day of the month, including Thanksgiving morning. This is a phenomenon and is not likely to happen again (or very often), but we can say it happened at least once. Take advantage of the expanded schedule by participating whenever you can.
As far as December is concerned, there are nine hikes with coordinators already on the board but none in the last two weeks of the month. If you would like to suggest hikes or volunteer as a coordinator for a specific hike it would be highly appreciated. For Thursday and Saturday hikes, we generally transition from the Red Rock area to Lake Mead on December 15 for a two month period, and we will probably continue to offer two Saturday hikes at Lake Mead as well. Right now we have nothing scheduled for the last three Thursdays, including December 15, and all of the Saturdays are completely open. Hikes on other days of the week can be at either location throughout the month. To contribute, contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or dempseylv@aol.com.
Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of November 2011. The hikes listed for the first three Fridays will be combined outings with the Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be ABF members to participate on other hikes. Two hikes are offered each Saturday during the season in Red Rock Canyon. The 8:00 AM hike is a general hike that will be conducted at a moderate pace and often covers a distance of 5 or 6 miles. The 8:30 AM hike is intended for the general membership, is shorter with less difficulty, and is conducted at a leisurely pace to allow for more socializing. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to the leisurely Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike. If you have any questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
All of the hikes this month with the exception of Red & Black Mountains (Boulder City) on November 11 and Black Mountain (Henderson) on November 27 are in the Red Rock Canyon area. Most of the hikes scheduled during the month of November, including the two away from Red Rock, will have a primary meeting location at the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Canyon Run, across Charleston from the Red Rock Station Casino. Some hikes will have alternate or additional meeting locations that will be indicated at the end of the particular hike description. Be at the selected designated location at least five to ten minutes prior to the departure time listed to allow for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
Tuesday, November 1 - North Peak (Sandstone). For several years this strenuous 8-mile out-and-back hike has been a Halloween tradition, but it is generally not a trek that fits with the normal qualifications for a Monday hike. As a result it serves to start the month of November off with a bang. After a gradual start along Rocky Gap Road over the first two miles the trail goes ballistic as it climbs at a thirty percent grade over the next mile. Participants will be treated to an awesome view from the exposed sandstone peak that looks south and east toward both California and Arizona. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Larry Dunn.
Wednesday, November 2 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails. Starting from the community of Blue Diamond this moderate 5-mile loop hike opens along a section of the Old Spanish Trail route before climbing a 700-foot hill overshadowing the town to the west. Just after climbing to the highest point of trail on this limestone hill the group will take a break on a sandstone slab that is completely out of place for the immediate area. A group of wild burros lives in the vicinity of this route and is often spotted at the beginning or ending section of the trail. Participants should meet at Best Buy with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, November 3 - Windy Peak. The 5-mile out-and-back route with 1,300 feet of elevation gain to one of the southern sandstone peaks along the escarpment begins near the Mountain Spring Summit on Highway 160. Rated as moderately strenuous the route includes an opening section of steep gravel road before shifting to single track trail approaching an intermediate ridge that provides a view of the ultimate destination. Parts of the remaining route are faint trail that can be hard to follow. The final assault of the peak has about 100 feet of rolling exposure that can bother those with a faint heart. Join the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. We will also stop at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 around 8:20 AM before driving to the trailhead. Coordinator - John Snail.
Friday, November 4 - The Muffins & Old Las Vegas Overlook. Located at the northern end of Blue Diamond Hill across Highway 159 from the entrance to Red Rock Canyon are some distinctive conglomerate boulders that can be seen for miles in several directions. The moderate 5-mile hike today will climb 700 feet to the boulders along a somewhat steep trail before easing back to a gradual ascent getting to a notch in the eastern ridge that takes in a view of the entire Las Vegas valley. The return section of this loop hike is through Skull Canyon. This is a joint hike with Over the Hills Hikers, who will leave from Siena at 8:00 AM. The ABF contingent will meet at Best Buy for an 8:05 AM departure. The two groups will then get together in front of the Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive a few minutes later. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, November 5 - Blue Diamond Canyons #2 and #3. The early hike this Saturday is not long, covering a total distance of just 3 miles, but the terrain in both of the canyons near the south end of Blue Diamond Hill is quite challenging. With dry waterfalls and an assortment of boulders in both canyons, participants will have to pick their way through the maze. Total elevation gain on this moderately strenuous loop hike is about 800 feet and the view west from the normal snack break location takes in the southern half of the escarpment and Mount Potosi. The group will congregate at Best Buy with an 8:00 AM departure time. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, November 5 - First Creek. Elevation gain is less than 200 feet on this easy to moderate out-and-back hike that will visit a hidden grotto containing a 12-foot seasonal waterfall and a fairly deep pond that maintains a reasonable depth throughout the year. After a brief stop to check the water levels the group will continue up the trail toward the canyon that splits between Wilson Peak to the north and Indecision Peak to the south. Total distance covered will be around 3 or 4 miles. Bighorn sheep have been spotted on occasion in this area. The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Sunday, November 6 - Wilson Peak. Prepare yourself for a very strenuous all day trek if you choose to go on this 10-mile out-and-back hike to the top of one of the most prominent peaks along the Wilson Cliffs. The hike starts very innocuously along the First Creek Trail but soon becomes much more severe as it bushwhacks up the canyon to the ridge behind the peak. There will be quite a bit of rock scrambling with some Class 3 climbing. Elevation gain is 3,400 feet. The views from the top are said to be the most dramatic of any place in Red Rock. Plan on at least 10 hours for this effort. The meeting place for this hike will be Albertsons Grocery on Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive with a 7:30 AM departure. Please RSVP with the coordinator at (702) 341-9723. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Monday, November 7 - Lost Creek/Willow Springs Loop. Take a leisurely stroll along the trails on the northwest side of Red Rock Canyon and view a variety of vegetation, rock formations, and even some rock art. The route starts at the Lost Creek trail head and proceeds to the seasonal waterfall tucked into the escarpment a fairly short distance from the parking area. Continue on a trail just below the cliffs to the Willow Springs area and visit a protected wall of petroglyphs before turning back toward the start and passing pictographs in the form of hand prints. Total distance for this easy to moderate loop hike is under 2 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, November 8 - Gray Cap Peak. Get ready for some fabulous back country scenery on this strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike that starts at Sandstone Quarry. Passing the north end of the Calico Hills the route drops into and starts climbing through upper Gateway Canyon, which includes a number of dry waterfalls. Near the top of the canyon the surface quickly transitions from limestone to sandstone for lots of exciting scrambling action and great views. A faint trail leads to the peak, which is a limestone mantle that serves as further evidence of the Keystone Thrust earth movement. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, November 9 - Calico Tanks. The moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike today will be a joint effort involving Around the Bend Friends and the Lone Mountain Hiking Club out of Sun City Summerlin. The traditional route will start at Sandstone Quarry and climb through a canyon in the middle of the Calico Hills to a natural depression in the rock that holds water on a seasonal basis. Those willing to do a little scrambling can climb the rocks around the tank to a ledge with a great view that stretches across Lake Mead to Arizona. The Lone Mountain contingent will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin and will leave for the general meeting point of Best Buy at 8:45 AM. The entire group including ABF members will then leave for Red Rock at 9:00 AM. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, November 10 - Mountain Spring Peak. Perched behind the escarpment between the sandstone Black Velvet and Monument Peaks, the limestone Mountain Spring Peak offers the chance to experience great views from an elevated point without a lot of severity to the trek. With an elevation gain of 1,500 feet, this moderately strenuous loop hike covers a distance of 7 miles while visiting a spectacular observation point above Black Velvet Canyon and the natural spring area above the community near the pass on Highway 160. Some bushwhacking is involved so long pants are recommended. The group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. There will be a stop about 8:20 AM at the gas station at the junction of Highways 159 and 160 to pick up southern participants. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, November 11 - Red & Black Mountains. Our club will take its first foray of the winter season into the Lake Mead area today with a hike to the top of both peaks located in the River Mountains. The ascent is fairly gradual to a saddle between the two peaks and the climb to each from that vantage point is relatively short. Gross elevation gain will be less than 2,000 feet on this moderately strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike. There will be multiple departure points on this outing held jointly with Over the Hills Hikers. The western ABF contingent will meet at Best Buy for a 7:45 AM departure to Siena to meet the Over the Hills group and leave at 8:00 AM. There will be one further stop at the Henderson Fiesta on Lake Mead Parkway near the intersection of I-15 and I-215 to pick up any south side participants. Departure time from the Henderson Fiesta will be around 8:40 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, November 12 - Grapevine Spring. A special request by some of our Henderson members will result in our group exploring Cottonwood Valley and visiting a couple of protected springs along with a boulder field that contains a variety of petroglyphs at ground level. This 5-mile partial loop hike will start from the paved parking area on the north side of Highway 160 heading toward the pass to Pahrump. The hike is rated as moderate and there is an elevation gain of a few hundred feet on the return leg of the route. The main group will meet at Best Buy and will depart from there at 8:00 AM. South side residents can drive directly to the gas station at the intersection of Highways 160 and 159 where they will meet the earlier group, but must be there by 8:20 AM to avoid being left. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, November 12 - Pine Creek & Fire Ecology Trail. If you want a leisurely Saturday hike join the group for a hike along the Pine Creek Trail past the old Wilson homestead foundation. Along the way take a short detour on the Fire Ecology Trail to see evidence of an old controlled burn that was instituted to protect a stand of ponderosa pines along the creek. Past the foundation the route will follow a partial loop that includes some minor scrambling across the channels of both forks of Pine Creek. Overall rating is easy to moderate and distance will be between 2 and 3 miles. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Rosie Mick.
Sunday, November 13 - Summerlin Peak. Although this peak doesn't get a lot of action, it is actually the closest major mountain to the northwest corner of Las Vegas above Sun City Summerlin. The strenuous out-and-back hike is only about 4 miles in total distance, but it climbs 2,000 feet over a very steep route that includes one section of significant exposure getting over a rock outcropping. The view from the top is an ample reward for the effort. The group will be meeting at the trail head parking area on the west end of Cheyenne Avenue near 215 for a start time of 7:30 AM. No commuting from there is involved. If you plan on participating, remember to set your clocks back the night before, as daylight savings ends in the wee hours of the morning. Please RSVP for this hike by calling (702) 341-9723. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Monday, November 14 - Red Cap. The ultimate short scramble occurs today when the group will entertain the strenuous 3-mile partial loop version of the hike to the red mantle of sandstone at the north end of the Calico Hills. Starting from Sandstone Quarry the route climbs 900 feet on a series of slabs and boulders that take you to a fantastic perch above Red Rock, with views stretching across Lake Mead to Arizona. After the descent from the peak, visit several natural tanks on top of the ridge that may contain water if the area receives any precipitation. Join the group at the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Tuesday, November 15 - Hollow Rock Peak. Continuing the series of hikes this month starting from Mountain Spring Summit is a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike with some significant scrambling over both limestone and sandstone ridges and formations. Interestingly enough, the highest point on the hike is achieved halfway to the peak when the group climbs over a pinnacle and starts descending toward the distinctive peak at the end of a long ridge. The group may take an alternate route part way through the return for a change of pace. Total elevation gain is about 1,200 feet. The group will convene at Best Buy with an 8:00 AM departure. The group will stop at the gas station on Highways 160 and 159 to pick up south side participants about 8:20 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, November 16 - Red Springs Loop. This fairly short loop hike of a little less than 4 miles climbs through the Calico Hills over what is termed Angel Pass because of the unique stone carving that is found toward the bottom of the descent portion on the Red Rock Canyon side. Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area, this moderately strenuous outing passes both of the Calico overlooks near the bottom of the canyon that lies just west of the Calico Hills before coming around the south end of the sandstone formations near a huge unique balanced boulder. Elevation gain is under 500 feet but there is some serious scrambling involved. The group will leave from Best Buy for Calico Basin at 8:00 AM. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
Thursday, November 17 - White Rock/Sandstone Quarry Loop. Otherwise known as Grand Circle West, this moderately strenuous 7-mile loop hike begins at Sandstone Quarry and follows a section of the Grand Circle Trail to the gravel parking lot for White Rock Springs. The route then combines with the Keystone Thrust Trail for less than a mile before striking north toward La Madre Mountain on an old jeep track. The downhill section back to Sandstone Quarry is along a gravel wash that passes below Turtlehead Peak. Total elevation gain is about 1,600 feet but the gain rate is fairly gradual without any really steep sections. Departure time from Best Buy is 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, November 18 - Calico Tanks. The last joint hike for the month with Over the Hills Hikers will head back to familiar territory with a trek up the canyon in the middle of the Calico Hills to the natural depression (tank) that has no outlet and holds water on a seasonal basis until it evaporates. Climb multiple stone steps and tread through beach sand before boulder scrambling around the tank to a ledge high above Ash Canyon that provides views of Las Vegas stretching across Lake Mead to Arizona. Total distance for this moderate out-and-back hike is only 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, but there is fantastic scenery with every step. Over the Hills Hikers will leave Siena at 8:00 AM, Around the Bend Friends will depart Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the two groups will combine in front of Dunkin Donuts moments later. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Saturday, November 19 - Escarpment Base Trail. Extra vehicles will be needed to accommodate this moderate 5.4-mile point-to-point hike on a combination of trails through the desert below the Wilson Cliffs. After dropping some of the vehicles at the Lost Creek trail head, the group will drive down to the Oak Creek trail head near the end of the scenic loop drive for a start along Arnight Trail. Other portions of the route follow Pine Creek Trail, Dale's Trail, and SMYC Trail. The entire hike gains roughly 700 feet, but the route climbs up and down a series of ridges and drainages with the most pronounced along Dale's. The group will leave Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, November 19 - Badger Pass. The Bird Spring Range near South Cottonwood Valley is the location for the leisurely club trek on this Saturday. Positioned in the lower elevations of the small range of mountains are several multi-use trails that were originally developed by mountain bikers looking for a little excitement on irregular ground. This easy to moderate 3-mile loop hike climbs to the first landing along the main ridge of the mountains before descending slightly to a saddle with a cross trail descending on either side. The return to the vehicles is along Deadhorse Trail. The drive includes about 3/4 mile of gravel road each way from Highway 160. The meeting place for participants will be Best Buy with an 8:30 AM departure. A secondary stop will be made at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 160 and 159 around 8:50 AM. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Sunday, November 20 - Gray Cap Peak. It's the same destination as the November 8 hike but a completely different route. Starting from Calico Basin, the very strenuous 5-mile out-and-back trek follows the trail over Gateway Saddle and into Gateway Canyon. Almost immediately the very steep route begins to climb up the multi-colored sandstone ridges, primarily over scrambling routes. There are several areas with exposure getting to the limestone mantle on the highest ridge. Total elevation gain is 2,700 feet. The peak sits directly above Brownstone Canyon and provides awesome views of the surrounding area. The group will meet at the Albertsons/Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive for a 7:30 AM departure. Participants must RSVP with the coordinator at (702) 341-9723. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Monday, November 21 - Blue Diamond Bike Trails. To the south and west of the small community of Blue Diamond is a broad hill that is frequented by mountain bikers, wild burros, and occasionally hiking groups. Today its trails will be the stage for us older hikers who will come out to soak in the magnificent views of Cottonwood Valley and the southern section of the Wilson Cliffs. The moderate loop hike that climbs to the top of the 400-foot hill covers a total distance of 5 miles, mostly over a dirt surface trail. The first stage of the hike is along a section of the Old Spanish Trail and the remains of a couple commemorative markers can still be found. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure time. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Tuesday, November 22 - Turtlehead Peak. It's steep, it's loose, the rocks are sharp, the vegetation is prickly, it takes entirely too long to get to the saddle behind the peak. Those are some of the good things to be said for the hike to the top of the limestone peak perched above Sandstone Quarry in Red Rock. This 5-mile out-and-back hike gains 1,900 feet of elevation and is rated as strenuous. Reaching the top is also viewed by many as passing a test to see if you are a serious hiker or not. Perhaps this is your day to find out if the views from the top are worth the suffering you must endure to get there. If you think it is, meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM start to Red Rock. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, November 23 - Keystone Thrust Loop. Our club is fortunate to have the services twice a month of our favorite naturalist on the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive staff who, while much younger than us, still seems to enjoy our company. Join her for a moderate 4-mile trek through an area viewed as the centerpiece of geologic activity that occurred millions of years ago in this area. The loop version climbs the trail behind Cactus Hill and descends into the thrust fault canyon that displays an underlayment of younger sandstone below older limestone. It continues down the drainage and picks up a section of the Grand Circle Trail on the return to the vehicles. Meet the rest of the group at Best Buy for a 9:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, November 24 - North Blue Diamond Ridges. Okay, so this is Thanksgiving Day. On a recent hike there was a discussion about the November schedule and an inquiry was made to see if there was any demand for a morning hike on turkey day. Surprisingly, at least half a dozen of those participants indicated they were interested. So here it is. The hike will be a moderate 6-mile loop gaining 1,200 feet that follows what were originally bike trails on the ridges of Blue Diamond Hill across from the entrance to Red Rock. The first mile contains that challenging effort up Boneshaker Hill. Come out and meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure and you should be back in time for an early afternoon dinner. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, November 25 - Ice Box Canyon. Participants today will enjoy a slightly longer hike than normal into this shadow-filled canyon as they will start at the Lost Creek trail head and hike along the SMYC Trail south to the regular Ice Box Trail before heading toward the base of a 40-foot seasonal waterfall that dominates the snack spot. Even so, the distance for this moderate out-and-back hike is only 4 miles. Be prepared for a bit of moderate scrambling in the drainage down the center of the canyon, although the boulders are not very big. If you need to exercise after eating lots of turkey and trimmings the day before, come out and join your friends for an 8:00 AM getaway from Best Buy. Coordinator - Helmut De Candia.
Saturday, November 26 - Krafft Mountain Loop. Without a doubt this hike visits one of the most awesome canyons in or close to Red Rock, but it doesn't necessitate wiggling up any massively large boulders. That's because the boulder section of this route is all downhill. While there are a few obstacles to overcome through lower Gateway Canyon, there should be plenty of assistance available that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful beauty of this narrow multi-colored sandstone canyon. From the normal starting point at Red Spring Picnic Area, this moderate loop hike covers a distance of 5 miles with a little less than one mile of scrambling. Meet your fellow hikers at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jim Billetdeaux.
Saturday, November 26 - Ash Canyon Overlook. There will also be some scrambling involved on the later hike this Saturday when the group leaves Sandstone Quarry and follows the drainage around the north end of the Calico Hills to the top of Ash Canyon, but it shouldn't be a barrier to participating. The snack break will occur on a sandstone slab near the western edge of Gateway Peak that looks down toward the community of Calico Basin. Although basically an out-and-back route, this easy to moderate 3-mile hike will have a short detour into another area of sandstone outcroppings toward the base of Turtlehead on the return leg. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Sunday, November 27 - Black Mountain (Henderson). Comparable to Turtlehead Peak in distance and elevation gain, the Black Mountain that dominates the southern skyline above Henderson offers not only an excellent view of the Las Vegas valley to the north but also includes sight lines southeast along Highway 95 all the way to Searchlight. The out-and-back trail covers a total distance of 6 miles as it winds its way through a volcanic rock field and is rated strenuous. Total elevation gain is 2,100 feet with the steepness increasing the closer you get to the top. Initial meeting point will be Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure, but south side residents can be collected at the Walgreens located at Anthem Parkway & Hampton around 8:30 AM. Please call the coordinator at 823-2355 or e-mail at dempseylv@aol.com to RSVP. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, November 28 - Red Springs Loop. If you missed the opportunity to experience this wonderful scrambling hike twelve days prior, here is another chance to visit the image of an angel carved into a large boulder in a side canyon of Red Rock somewhat above the Calico II Overlook. Although only 4 miles in length, this loop hike is rated moderately strenuous due to the amount of scrambling required to negotiate across the Calico Hills from Red Springs Picnic Area and through the canyon at the western base of those low sandstone hills. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.
Tuesday, November 29 - Two North Peaks. At 11 miles in total distance, this partial loop hike will test even the most hard core of our club's hikers. Starting from Willow Springs Picnic Area, the group will hike up Rocky Gap Road to the pass over to Lovell Canyon and take the official trail on to the top of the limestone North Peak, an elevation gain approaching 3,000 feet. Following a short break to take in the scenery and replenish, participants will continue down a connecting ridge that leads to the sandstone North Peak sitting directly above Ice Box Canyon and across from Bridge Mountain. Rating is very strenuous. The meeting place is Best Buy with a departure time of 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, November 30 - Potato Knoll. Also known locally as Wilson's Pimple because of its size and location near the base of Wilson Peak, this 500-foot hill offers a fairly good view of the entirety of Red Rock Canyon and Cottonwood Valley. The most scenic route to the top starts from the gravel parking lot next to the scenic drive exit back onto Highway 159 and crosses the Oak Creek drainage once on the way out and three times on the way back. Distance for the partial loop including a climb to the top is 5 miles with a moderate rating. Join your fellow club members for this month end hike at Best Buy with an 8:30 AM departure time. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
If you were paying attention, you probably noted that we have scheduled at least one hike on every day of the month, including Thanksgiving morning. This is a phenomenon and is not likely to happen again (or very often), but we can say it happened at least once. Take advantage of the expanded schedule by participating whenever you can.
As far as December is concerned, there are nine hikes with coordinators already on the board but none in the last two weeks of the month. If you would like to suggest hikes or volunteer as a coordinator for a specific hike it would be highly appreciated. For Thursday and Saturday hikes, we generally transition from the Red Rock area to Lake Mead on December 15 for a two month period, and we will probably continue to offer two Saturday hikes at Lake Mead as well. Right now we have nothing scheduled for the last three Thursdays, including December 15, and all of the Saturdays are completely open. Hikes on other days of the week can be at either location throughout the month. To contribute, contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or dempseylv@aol.com.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
October Hike List 2011
This monthly hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities along with a contact list for other members of the group. All club members should open the attachment sent out by the newsletter editor each month and print whatever pages they feel are pertinent so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.
Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of October 2011. The hikes listed for Fridays will be combined outings with Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be ABF members to participate on other hikes. Saturday hikes are intended for the general membership, are shorter with less difficulty, and are conducted at a leisurely pace to allow for more socializing. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellations due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of the hike. If you have questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
This month the transition continues from the Mount Charleston area to Red Rock Canyon. Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Hikes scheduled for the Mount Charleston area are on October 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 14, 17, and 21. All other hikes listed are in the Red Rock Canyon area with the exception of Lone Mountain on October 8, which will be held in conjunction with the fall picnic, and the Pueblo Park Moonrise hike on October 13. Those write ups will include information regarding the meeting location for the hikes. For hikes held in the Red Rock Canyon area, the primary meeting and departure location is the parking lot in front of the Best Buy Store at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Canyon Run. This is across Charleston from the Red Rock Station Casino and the store backs up to Highway 215. Some hikes may use the parking lot for the Albertsons shopping center on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive two stoplights west of 215. If so, the group will meet in front of the entrance to Dunkin Donuts. Over the Hills Hikers will continue to meet at the Siena Community Center through the remainder of this year and will join the main group at the secondary stop in front of Dunkin Donuts. Hike descriptions for Red Rock area hikes will include the meeting location. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
PLEASE NOTE - On October 8, the club will be hosting its fall picnic in conjunction with a hike at Lone Mountain. Two groups will be formed for the hike, with one group going to the top of the 750-foot peak and the other walking around the base of the mountain. No reservations are required for the hike. Reservations are required, however, if you wish to go to the picnic, since the club is buying food for the event. If you are planning on attending the picnic you will need to RSVP with Richard Good at (702) 596-3342 or by e-mail at docjo4916@aol.com. If you are willing to help with cooking or cleanup please let him know. We are asking attendees to bring a small side dish or dessert to share with others. Also, you will need to bring your own beverages, lawn chairs, and outdoor or board games. Parking will be at any of the lots within the regional park found at the west end of Craig with Jensen as the cross street.
Saturday, October 1 - Lee Canyon Narrows. The club will be attempting another new hike today when it heads for the eastern slopes of Mummy Mountain to do an easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike on a little known trail in the Spring Mountains. With the hike starting near the intersection of Deer Creek and Lee Canyon Roads, the route begins on a stretch of gravel road with a gradual incline and enters a wash with some interesting historical artifacts along the route. At a large boulder, participants can decide whether to maneuver down the obstruction or take an easy side trail that leads to the lower end of the narrows, where the group can enjoy the beauty of the slot canyon without any scrambling. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM. Coordinators - Edwina Labrecque & Becky Guynn.
Monday, October 3 - Raintree Point-to-Point. Usually our route to the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine starts from either end and directly returns, but this option will afford participants the chance to explore the entire route. Starting from the eastern end of North Loop Trail, the group will ascend 1,500 feet of elevation before getting to the tree in the shadow of Mummy's Toe. The hike will continue toward the top end of Cockscomb Ridge and descend along Trail Canyon to the community of Echo. Total distance is just under 7 miles with a rating of strenuous. The coordinators plan to take their time with lots of water breaks. The car shuttle involved is fairly lengthy, so participants should plan on about 7 hours before returning to Santa Fe Station, where they will depart from at 8:00 AM. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
Tuesday, October 4 - Griffith Peak. Here is perhaps your last chance in 2011 to bag a peak with an elevation greater than 11,000 feet before the snows of winter start to set in. This trip to the summit will be the most direct route, utilizing South Loop Trail in both directions. Starting from the Cathedral Rock parking area, this strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike will skirt the picnic area at the top of Kyle Canyon, which is currently closed for debris removal, before starting the 3,400 foot climb to the top. By this time of year, the aspen groves along the lower portion of the route should be exhibiting a golden hue. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station with a 7:30 AM departure time. Coordinator - Richard Hansen.
Wednesday, October 5 - Cave Canyon & Las Vegas Overlook. The moderately strenuous 6-mile loop hike scheduled for today will be conducted as a joint outing with Lone Mountain Hiking Club. The group will be heading up Cave Canyon to climb up a 14-foot dry waterfall and some additional moderate scrambling before reaching the Las Vegas Overlook for a snack break. Elevation gain to this point is about 1,400 feet. The route down will head south to The Muffins, then follow the established trail back to the horse stables parking lot. Lone Mountain members will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for an 8:00 AM departure and then head over to Best Buy to pick up the ABF contingent, with the combined group leaving for the trail head at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - David Kretchmar.
Thursday, October 6 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons. Climb through a narrow drainage past some old mine shafts during the first part of this strenuous 5-mile point-to-point hike. The lowest of the three shafts only has a slight grade as it descends into the hill, but water from an underground spring flows out the entrance. Lots of scrambling occurs in the higher sections of this hike as the transition is made into Fletcher Canyon about 3/4 of a mile above Obstacle Rock. Participants will need to drop through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock with two miles left in the hike. Some carpooling is required, but the two parking areas are only about a mile apart. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Friday, October 7 - North Loop/Autumn Colors. At the beginning of 2011 the Over the Hills Hikers set up the schedule for the entire year that included three autumn colors hikes in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains, starting with this hike. Today the out-and-back hike conducted jointly with Around the Bend Friends will start at the North Loop trail head off Deer Creek Road and climb about 1,500 feet past an open meadows area and up the infamous dozen switchbacks to Raintree. Total distance will be 6 miles with a moderately strenuous rating. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure with the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM and the two groups joining soon after near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, October 8 - Lone Mountain. At 3 miles, it's a rather short hike to the top of this 750-foot peak on the northwest side of Las Vegas and an even shorter hike of 2 miles if you are only planning on doing the level walk around the base. If you want some exercise before the chowing down process begins, get to our club picnic area in the center of the park by 9:00 AM regardless of which version of the hike you are planning on doing. We will be taking our time with the moderate climb to the top as the picnic itself will start around 11:00 AM. Those doing the easy to moderate loop at ground level around the peak may have to bring a book or take part in some of the games prior to the start of the eating. Hike Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, October 10 - Ice Box Canyon. The real switch to Red Rock Canyon begins today with a moderate 3-mile trek into a narrow canyon in the northern part of the escarpment. Starting from the regular trail head along the scenic drive, the group will follow a dirt trail with lots of imbedded rock for more than one mile along the north side of the creek. At that point the trail drops into the drainage where we will encounter nearly one-half mile of moderate boulder scrambling before reaching a 50-foot seasonal waterfall. The traditional snack break will occur on a ledge below the waterfall. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, October 11 - Terrace Canyon. We aren't fooling around with our first Tuesday hike in Red Rock as we have scheduled one of the most strenuous outings short of the complicated peaks on the escarpment above. The out-and-back hike into Terrace Canyon covers a total distance of 6 miles and gains 1,500 feet of elevation. What makes it tough is that there is nearly 4 miles of boulder scrambling in the series of connecting canyons that wind back to the western end of the sandstone formations. Once you reach the final destination, however, you are in one of the most idyllic spots in Red Rock, with fantastic scenery incorporating awesome rock formations and the possibility of an encounter with back country bighorn sheep. Meet the group in front of Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Wednesday, October 12 - Fossil Ridge. Located across Highway 159 from the entrance to Red Rock Canyon is Blue Diamond Hill, a big blob of limestone that rises over 1,000 feet and is known for the gypsum mine on the south end of the six mile long hill. At the north end are a number of deep canyons with vertical walls leading to open ridges. Fossil Ridge lies along the western edge of Echo Canyon and provides great views into the depths of the canyon along with other interesting geologic features. This outing will be a moderate 5-mile loop hike that gets as far south as the edge of the mining property before doubling back along the canyon and dropping past the interior horse stables area. The group will assemble in front of Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, October 13 - Krafft Mountain Loop. The group will not be going to the top of a peak today but will be concentrating on a colorful canyon that offers a great combination of scenery and challenge. Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area at Calico Basin, this moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike climbs over a saddle and into a unique canyon with a variety of sandstone formations, cliffs, and boulders. No canyon hike is ever complete without some boulder scrambling and this hike offers a few interesting descents along the route. You won't want to miss one of the prettiest places in the Red Rock area that has been featured in a number of magazine articles. The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, October 13 - Pueblo Park Moonrise. Timing is everything if you want to catch the onset of the moon as it first shows itself in the darkened night sky above Las Vegas. Barring lots of clouds, this evening should be perfect to watch a full moon climb over the top of Frenchman's Mountain on the east side of the city. Sunset is at 6:08 PM and moonrise is 6:51 PM, allowing for darkened conditions to be perfect. Pueblo Park offers an easy 3-mile out-and-back paved walk that will put us in the prime location about ten minutes into the return leg. There will be a fifteen minute snack break at the turn around point. Flashlights may help on the return but there are a number of overhead lights in the park. Interested parties should meet at the Smith's Grocery Store on Lake Mead Boulevard and Rampart Boulevard in the parking lot closest to the intersection of the two streets. We will depart for the hike at 5:30 PM and return about two hours later. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, October 14 - Bristlecone Trail/Autumn Colors. The Over the Hills Hikers 2011 agenda set this Friday for the last scheduled hike of the year in Lee Canyon. The group will be doing a moderate out-and-back hike of 4.8 miles along the western section of the trail near the ski resort in conjunction with Around the Bend Friends that shows off several groves of aspen trees within the forest. Elevation gain is only 700 feet and the climb rate is very gradual. The break will occur at the turn around point near the junction with Bonanza Trail. Over the Hills participants should meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM driving start while the ABF contingent will leave Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The two groups will meet at the top of Lee Canyon Road. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, October 15 - Calico Hills. Double hike Saturdays start with the return to Red Rock as the early outing will be a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike that will originate from either the Red Rock Visitor Center or the fee booth parking lot. The route will follow the trails along the western side of the Calico Hills with lots of short undulations and plenty of scenery. The group will get as far north as Sandstone Quarry, where it will stop for a short break before hitting the downhill section back to the vehicles. Net elevation gain is around 800 feet. The group will be meeting in the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Saturday, October 15 - Arnight/Knoll Loop. The later group will be on the opposite side of Red Rock today when they tackle an easy to moderate loop hike that covers a distance of just under 3.5 miles. Incorporating all or parts of three trails (Arnight, Knoll, and Oak Creek), the route proceeds in a counter clockwise direction close to the base of the escarpment, gaining roughly 300 feet of elevation along the way. Among the scenery is a close-up look at the steep entrance to Juniper Canyon below Rainbow Wall. There is about 50 feet of relatively minor scrambling crossing a drainage along the Knoll Trail. The group will depart from the Best Buy parking lot at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Sunday, October 16 - Red Cap Loop. This outing starts a series of three consecutive Sundays that will involve quite a bit of serious scrambling in the Red Rock Canyon area. The Red Cap Loop is fairly short at 4 or 5 miles, but there is lots of intensity on the rock slabs and boulders that make up the Calico Hills. Starting from Calico Basin, the route will climb up to Gateway Saddle and continue on what our coordinator calls Dragon Ridge to get to the base of Red Cap. The group will use the eastern approach to the top of the sandstone peak and will descend back to the starting point through Ash Canyon. This outing is rated as very strenuous. The group will assemble in the parking lot in front of Albertsons Grocery on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, October 17 - Twin Falls. This moderate out-and-back hike of about 4 miles in total distance will take the group to the base of two different seasonal waterfalls in the vicinity of Cathedral Rock. From the gravel parking lot just off Echo Drive the group will start along the Echo Trail, heading toward Cathedral Rock with a stop at Little Falls, nestled in a side canyon draining part of the ridge between Griffith and Charleston. After leaving Little Falls, the route will continue onto the lower section of the Cathedral Rock Trail through Mazie Canyon and proceed as far as Echo Falls, which issues through the northern section of the Echo Cliffs. Elevation gain is close to 400 feet. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
Tuesday, October 18 - Little Zion (aka The Park). Perched on the upper edge of the escarpment above Bonnie Springs is a large area of immense sandstone slabs that just beg for exploration. This area, with rock formations that resemble some found in Zion National Park, will be the goal of this strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike through rough country starting from Lovell Canyon. Along the way the group will reach an overlook above Spring Mountain Ranch before heading onto a steep dirt trail that leads to the final destination. Lots of scrambling is involved, and there is a little maintained gravel road that must be driven for about 4 miles to reach the trail head. The group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey. (For this hike to Little Zion, I am adding an additional stopping point to pick up participants. If you would like to go on the hike, which is located in Lovell Canyon on the back side of the escarpment, and you live on the south side of Las Vegas, you can meet us at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 160 and 159. You will need to be there no later than 7:50 AM. Also, please send me a return e-mail so I know that you will be there. Chris.)
Wednesday, October 19 - White Rock Hills Loop. One of the most popular moderate hikes in Red Rock Canyon is this 6.4-mile loop that follows a trail around the two cream colored sandstone peaks at the north end of the canyon. There is 900 feet of elevation gain along the route, but most of the climb is fairly gradual. One of the highlights of this hike is the chance to see two markedly different desert ecosystems that exist no more than a mile apart. While the south side of the peaks is generally creosote desert, the north side has a variety of larger bushes and trees including manzanita and pinion pine. The meeting place will be Best Buy on Charleston with an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Thursday, October 20 - Oak Creek Canyon. The starting point for this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike will be the official trail head located just off Highway 159 on the way down the hill toward Spring Mountain Ranch. The fairly level route will cross the creek and follow a series of abandoned recreational gravel roads toward the gap between Wilson Peak and Potato Knoll. Turning west, the trail will proceed above the creek bed as it penetrates the canyon, eventually dropping into the main drainage for a short section of increasingly intense scrambling. The snack break will occur on boulders within the confines of the canyon. The group will meet at and depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Friday, October 21 - South Loop/Autumn Colors. The official 2011 summer season in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains comes to an end today with a moderate out-and-back hike along the South Loop Trail, possibly as far as the first overlook. If it reaches that point, the group will get in nearly 5 miles and climb 1,400 feet of elevation to view the golden aspen groves of Kyle Canyon from above. Sponsored jointly by Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends, participants can decide between the two normal meeting locations. Over the Hills Hikers will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure and ABF participants will exit from Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM, meeting the earlier group near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Saturday, October 22 - La Madre Miner's Cabin. Return to the thrilling days of mining in Red Rock Canyon on this moderately strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike that leaves you wondering "How could they ever expect to find anything of value in the ground way up here?" The hike starts along an abandoned gravel road that passes a couple of old foundations and reaches a pond collecting spring water behind a sixty year old wildlife dam. The trail then becomes single track as it climbs to the remains of a stone cabin with a log roof perched on a ledge overlooking the back side of the White Rock Hills. The group will meet at the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, October 22 - Calico I Loop. At 3 miles, this fairly level loop hike only gains about 200 feet of elevation and starts from the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. Crossing the scenic loop drive, participants will follow along dirt trails to the west of the Calico Hills, reaching the first overlook parking area that offers a short side trip to the very edge of the sandstone formations. Again crossing the scenic loop, the route heads west and intersects with the Moenkopi Trail, taking the northern section around to the northwest side of the visitor center before returning to the start. The assembly point for the group is the Best Buy parking lot with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Sunday, October 23 - Turtlehead From the Back. This very strenuous version of the hike to Turtlehead will start from Calico Basin rather than the normal opening of Sandstone Quarry. Heading over Gateway Saddle, participants will drop into Gateway Canyon and head up the canyon to a side gully that climbs to the top of Turtlehead Peak from the Brownstone Canyon side. The descent will be down the north side of the peak to the ridge and back through Gateway Canyon with a possible descent in Ash Canyon. Total distance should be 6 miles or less, but it will probably feel like much more. The meeting place will be at Albertsons Grocery on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, October 24 - SMYC & Dale's Trails. This moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike will cover the northern section of the Escarpment Base Trail. Starting from the spur parking lot for Lost Creek, the route heads south on SMYC Trail, crosses Ice Box Canyon Trail, and follows the rolling Dale's Trail as far Skull Rock, where the group will take a well earned snack break. The return section of the hike tends to be uphill, making stamina even more important. The great views of the sandstone cliffs to the west compensate for this extra effort. Join the group at the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Tuesday, October 25 - Calico/Gateway Canyon. The longest of the loop routes that explore lower Gateway Canyon, this hike will start from Red Springs Picnic Area at Calico Basin and head around the south end of the Calico Hills before turning north and reaching Sandstone Quarry. After a bit of minor scrambling through a drainage north of the Calico Hills the group will stop for a rest break on the sandstone slabs below Red Cap. Now the downhill section starts and it includes more serious scrambling within the confines of Gateway Canyon. This is a strenuous 8 mile loop hike that visits some of the prettiest back country near Red Rock. The departure time from Best Buy is at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Wednesday, October 26 - Red Springs Loop. There is lots of scrambling involved in this moderately strenuous loop hike through the Calico Hills, even though the total distance is a shade under 4 miles. Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area the group will make a steep climb to a notch in the sandstone hills. Part way down the descent on the Red Rock side is a large boulder that contains a carving of an angel whose origins nobody in our club knows for certain. Most of the return is in the canyon between the Calico Hills and the Red Rock scenic drive and involves several areas of varying degrees of scrambling. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, October 27 - Rattlesnake Canyon. Located in the northern section of the escarpment above Lost Creek, Rattlesnake Canyon is a smaller version of Terrace Canyon and somewhat more accessible. There is little true hiking involved, with most of the effort characterized as scrambling, and some of it over and around boulders. It's probably only about 4 miles in total length, but the level of scrambling rates this as strenuous. The group may split at the base of a dry waterfall, with the more adventurous continuing on to an upper canyon split. Participants are urged to bring radios along to stay in contact with the group. If interested, meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinators - Edwina Labrecque & Becky Guynn.
Friday, October 28 - Waterfall Canyon. This relatively short out-and-back hike is mostly along Rocky Gap Road heading out from Willow Springs, but roughly one-half mile in each direction is along a narrow trail in the bottom of a canyon that seems to maintain the effects of running water no matter what time of year. At 4 miles total this hike carries a rating of moderately strenuous. Within the narrow canyon are more than a dozen waterfalls and slides of various sizes, with the largest being about 30-feet tall that requires use of hands to reach the top and continue upstream. Over the Hills Hikers will leave Siena at 8:00 AM and Around the Bend Friends will leave Best Buy about 8:05 AM, meeting up at Dunkin Donuts on the way to Red Rock. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, October 29 - Fern Canyon. The early hike on the last Saturday of October will make a visit to the North Fork of Pine Creek Canyon, which is home to several wet areas with ferns which give the canyon its local name. The hike starts rather innocuously as it passes the Wilson foundation but intensifies quickly as it hits the trail above the entrance to the canyon. Boulder scrambling commences shortly after with several large boulders to negotiate getting to the heart of the canyon well above the confluence of the two forks of Pine Creek. Total distance for the strenuous out-and-back hike is 4 to 5 miles and there is about 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, October 29 - Ash Creek Loop. At a distance of 3 miles, this fairly level loop hike near Calico Basin will visit several of the springs areas on the eastern side of the Calico Hills. Rated easy to moderate, most of the route is on established but unofficial trail as it follows the creek to the opening for Ash Canyon and a snack break on red sandstone slabs tucked into the northwest corner of Calico Basin. Part of the route follows directly below the colorful sandstone hills and a huge rock where local climbers often practice their wares picking their way to the top only to rappel back down. The meeting place is the Best Buy parking lot with an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Sunday, October 30 - Gray Cap Peak. Rounding out the series of very strenuous Sunday outings in October is this trip to an awesome peak sitting directly above Brownstone Canyon. Again starting from Calico Basin, this 5-mile trek will ramble over Gateway Saddle into Gateway Canyon and take the direct route up through the multi-colored sandstone to the gray limestone cap that gives the peak its name. There is lots of scrambling and several areas of exposure on this largely out-and-back route. If interested, plan on being at the Albertsons parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive by 7:30 AM. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, October 31 - The Muffins & Skull Canyon. Finish of the month on Halloween Day with your hiking buddies on a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike that follows an established trail on Blue Diamond Hill from the horse stables on Highway 159, visiting a grouping of distinctive caliche boulders on the north end of the hill. After taking in the great views of Red Rock Canyon to the north, continue climbing at a more gradual rate toward the old Las Vegas Overlook before descending through a limestone canyon that is home to a variety of birds, including chukkars, and is sometimes visited by the wild burros in the vicinity. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Please help in filling the November hike list by making suggestions or volunteering to coordinate outings. Besides the Red Rock Canyon area, cooler temperatures will allow us to start hiking in the Lake Mead area by the middle of the month. While we generally continue our Thursday and Saturday offerings in Red Rock until the middle of December, hikes can be scheduled for the lower elevations of Lake Mead on other days of the week. Contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or at dempseylv@aol.com if you have any ideas for hikes.
Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of October 2011. The hikes listed for Fridays will be combined outings with Over the Hills Hikers. Siena residents who were members of that group are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in those hikes, but would need to be ABF members to participate on other hikes. Saturday hikes are intended for the general membership, are shorter with less difficulty, and are conducted at a leisurely pace to allow for more socializing. Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club. Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderately easy or moderate, although occasionally a more difficult hike may be scheduled. While somewhat equivalent to Saturday hikes, they may have a faster pace or some difficult terrain. Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. New hikers without recent hiking experience are encouraged to join the 8:30 AM Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult hikes. No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below. Cancellations due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of the hike. If you have questions or need directions for any of the hikes call Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
This month the transition continues from the Mount Charleston area to Red Rock Canyon. Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Hikes scheduled for the Mount Charleston area are on October 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 14, 17, and 21. All other hikes listed are in the Red Rock Canyon area with the exception of Lone Mountain on October 8, which will be held in conjunction with the fall picnic, and the Pueblo Park Moonrise hike on October 13. Those write ups will include information regarding the meeting location for the hikes. For hikes held in the Red Rock Canyon area, the primary meeting and departure location is the parking lot in front of the Best Buy Store at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Canyon Run. This is across Charleston from the Red Rock Station Casino and the store backs up to Highway 215. Some hikes may use the parking lot for the Albertsons shopping center on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive two stoplights west of 215. If so, the group will meet in front of the entrance to Dunkin Donuts. Over the Hills Hikers will continue to meet at the Siena Community Center through the remainder of this year and will join the main group at the secondary stop in front of Dunkin Donuts. Hike descriptions for Red Rock area hikes will include the meeting location. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements and driving directions.
PLEASE NOTE - On October 8, the club will be hosting its fall picnic in conjunction with a hike at Lone Mountain. Two groups will be formed for the hike, with one group going to the top of the 750-foot peak and the other walking around the base of the mountain. No reservations are required for the hike. Reservations are required, however, if you wish to go to the picnic, since the club is buying food for the event. If you are planning on attending the picnic you will need to RSVP with Richard Good at (702) 596-3342 or by e-mail at docjo4916@aol.com. If you are willing to help with cooking or cleanup please let him know. We are asking attendees to bring a small side dish or dessert to share with others. Also, you will need to bring your own beverages, lawn chairs, and outdoor or board games. Parking will be at any of the lots within the regional park found at the west end of Craig with Jensen as the cross street.
Saturday, October 1 - Lee Canyon Narrows. The club will be attempting another new hike today when it heads for the eastern slopes of Mummy Mountain to do an easy to moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike on a little known trail in the Spring Mountains. With the hike starting near the intersection of Deer Creek and Lee Canyon Roads, the route begins on a stretch of gravel road with a gradual incline and enters a wash with some interesting historical artifacts along the route. At a large boulder, participants can decide whether to maneuver down the obstruction or take an easy side trail that leads to the lower end of the narrows, where the group can enjoy the beauty of the slot canyon without any scrambling. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM. Coordinators - Edwina Labrecque & Becky Guynn.
Monday, October 3 - Raintree Point-to-Point. Usually our route to the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine starts from either end and directly returns, but this option will afford participants the chance to explore the entire route. Starting from the eastern end of North Loop Trail, the group will ascend 1,500 feet of elevation before getting to the tree in the shadow of Mummy's Toe. The hike will continue toward the top end of Cockscomb Ridge and descend along Trail Canyon to the community of Echo. Total distance is just under 7 miles with a rating of strenuous. The coordinators plan to take their time with lots of water breaks. The car shuttle involved is fairly lengthy, so participants should plan on about 7 hours before returning to Santa Fe Station, where they will depart from at 8:00 AM. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
Tuesday, October 4 - Griffith Peak. Here is perhaps your last chance in 2011 to bag a peak with an elevation greater than 11,000 feet before the snows of winter start to set in. This trip to the summit will be the most direct route, utilizing South Loop Trail in both directions. Starting from the Cathedral Rock parking area, this strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike will skirt the picnic area at the top of Kyle Canyon, which is currently closed for debris removal, before starting the 3,400 foot climb to the top. By this time of year, the aspen groves along the lower portion of the route should be exhibiting a golden hue. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station with a 7:30 AM departure time. Coordinator - Richard Hansen.
Wednesday, October 5 - Cave Canyon & Las Vegas Overlook. The moderately strenuous 6-mile loop hike scheduled for today will be conducted as a joint outing with Lone Mountain Hiking Club. The group will be heading up Cave Canyon to climb up a 14-foot dry waterfall and some additional moderate scrambling before reaching the Las Vegas Overlook for a snack break. Elevation gain to this point is about 1,400 feet. The route down will head south to The Muffins, then follow the established trail back to the horse stables parking lot. Lone Mountain members will meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for an 8:00 AM departure and then head over to Best Buy to pick up the ABF contingent, with the combined group leaving for the trail head at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - David Kretchmar.
Thursday, October 6 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons. Climb through a narrow drainage past some old mine shafts during the first part of this strenuous 5-mile point-to-point hike. The lowest of the three shafts only has a slight grade as it descends into the hill, but water from an underground spring flows out the entrance. Lots of scrambling occurs in the higher sections of this hike as the transition is made into Fletcher Canyon about 3/4 of a mile above Obstacle Rock. Participants will need to drop through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock with two miles left in the hike. Some carpooling is required, but the two parking areas are only about a mile apart. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Friday, October 7 - North Loop/Autumn Colors. At the beginning of 2011 the Over the Hills Hikers set up the schedule for the entire year that included three autumn colors hikes in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains, starting with this hike. Today the out-and-back hike conducted jointly with Around the Bend Friends will start at the North Loop trail head off Deer Creek Road and climb about 1,500 feet past an open meadows area and up the infamous dozen switchbacks to Raintree. Total distance will be 6 miles with a moderately strenuous rating. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure with the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM and the two groups joining soon after near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, October 8 - Lone Mountain. At 3 miles, it's a rather short hike to the top of this 750-foot peak on the northwest side of Las Vegas and an even shorter hike of 2 miles if you are only planning on doing the level walk around the base. If you want some exercise before the chowing down process begins, get to our club picnic area in the center of the park by 9:00 AM regardless of which version of the hike you are planning on doing. We will be taking our time with the moderate climb to the top as the picnic itself will start around 11:00 AM. Those doing the easy to moderate loop at ground level around the peak may have to bring a book or take part in some of the games prior to the start of the eating. Hike Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Monday, October 10 - Ice Box Canyon. The real switch to Red Rock Canyon begins today with a moderate 3-mile trek into a narrow canyon in the northern part of the escarpment. Starting from the regular trail head along the scenic drive, the group will follow a dirt trail with lots of imbedded rock for more than one mile along the north side of the creek. At that point the trail drops into the drainage where we will encounter nearly one-half mile of moderate boulder scrambling before reaching a 50-foot seasonal waterfall. The traditional snack break will occur on a ledge below the waterfall. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, October 11 - Terrace Canyon. We aren't fooling around with our first Tuesday hike in Red Rock as we have scheduled one of the most strenuous outings short of the complicated peaks on the escarpment above. The out-and-back hike into Terrace Canyon covers a total distance of 6 miles and gains 1,500 feet of elevation. What makes it tough is that there is nearly 4 miles of boulder scrambling in the series of connecting canyons that wind back to the western end of the sandstone formations. Once you reach the final destination, however, you are in one of the most idyllic spots in Red Rock, with fantastic scenery incorporating awesome rock formations and the possibility of an encounter with back country bighorn sheep. Meet the group in front of Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Wednesday, October 12 - Fossil Ridge. Located across Highway 159 from the entrance to Red Rock Canyon is Blue Diamond Hill, a big blob of limestone that rises over 1,000 feet and is known for the gypsum mine on the south end of the six mile long hill. At the north end are a number of deep canyons with vertical walls leading to open ridges. Fossil Ridge lies along the western edge of Echo Canyon and provides great views into the depths of the canyon along with other interesting geologic features. This outing will be a moderate 5-mile loop hike that gets as far south as the edge of the mining property before doubling back along the canyon and dropping past the interior horse stables area. The group will assemble in front of Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, October 13 - Krafft Mountain Loop. The group will not be going to the top of a peak today but will be concentrating on a colorful canyon that offers a great combination of scenery and challenge. Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area at Calico Basin, this moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike climbs over a saddle and into a unique canyon with a variety of sandstone formations, cliffs, and boulders. No canyon hike is ever complete without some boulder scrambling and this hike offers a few interesting descents along the route. You won't want to miss one of the prettiest places in the Red Rock area that has been featured in a number of magazine articles. The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, October 13 - Pueblo Park Moonrise. Timing is everything if you want to catch the onset of the moon as it first shows itself in the darkened night sky above Las Vegas. Barring lots of clouds, this evening should be perfect to watch a full moon climb over the top of Frenchman's Mountain on the east side of the city. Sunset is at 6:08 PM and moonrise is 6:51 PM, allowing for darkened conditions to be perfect. Pueblo Park offers an easy 3-mile out-and-back paved walk that will put us in the prime location about ten minutes into the return leg. There will be a fifteen minute snack break at the turn around point. Flashlights may help on the return but there are a number of overhead lights in the park. Interested parties should meet at the Smith's Grocery Store on Lake Mead Boulevard and Rampart Boulevard in the parking lot closest to the intersection of the two streets. We will depart for the hike at 5:30 PM and return about two hours later. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, October 14 - Bristlecone Trail/Autumn Colors. The Over the Hills Hikers 2011 agenda set this Friday for the last scheduled hike of the year in Lee Canyon. The group will be doing a moderate out-and-back hike of 4.8 miles along the western section of the trail near the ski resort in conjunction with Around the Bend Friends that shows off several groves of aspen trees within the forest. Elevation gain is only 700 feet and the climb rate is very gradual. The break will occur at the turn around point near the junction with Bonanza Trail. Over the Hills participants should meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM driving start while the ABF contingent will leave Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The two groups will meet at the top of Lee Canyon Road. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, October 15 - Calico Hills. Double hike Saturdays start with the return to Red Rock as the early outing will be a moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike that will originate from either the Red Rock Visitor Center or the fee booth parking lot. The route will follow the trails along the western side of the Calico Hills with lots of short undulations and plenty of scenery. The group will get as far north as Sandstone Quarry, where it will stop for a short break before hitting the downhill section back to the vehicles. Net elevation gain is around 800 feet. The group will be meeting in the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Saturday, October 15 - Arnight/Knoll Loop. The later group will be on the opposite side of Red Rock today when they tackle an easy to moderate loop hike that covers a distance of just under 3.5 miles. Incorporating all or parts of three trails (Arnight, Knoll, and Oak Creek), the route proceeds in a counter clockwise direction close to the base of the escarpment, gaining roughly 300 feet of elevation along the way. Among the scenery is a close-up look at the steep entrance to Juniper Canyon below Rainbow Wall. There is about 50 feet of relatively minor scrambling crossing a drainage along the Knoll Trail. The group will depart from the Best Buy parking lot at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Sunday, October 16 - Red Cap Loop. This outing starts a series of three consecutive Sundays that will involve quite a bit of serious scrambling in the Red Rock Canyon area. The Red Cap Loop is fairly short at 4 or 5 miles, but there is lots of intensity on the rock slabs and boulders that make up the Calico Hills. Starting from Calico Basin, the route will climb up to Gateway Saddle and continue on what our coordinator calls Dragon Ridge to get to the base of Red Cap. The group will use the eastern approach to the top of the sandstone peak and will descend back to the starting point through Ash Canyon. This outing is rated as very strenuous. The group will assemble in the parking lot in front of Albertsons Grocery on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, October 17 - Twin Falls. This moderate out-and-back hike of about 4 miles in total distance will take the group to the base of two different seasonal waterfalls in the vicinity of Cathedral Rock. From the gravel parking lot just off Echo Drive the group will start along the Echo Trail, heading toward Cathedral Rock with a stop at Little Falls, nestled in a side canyon draining part of the ridge between Griffith and Charleston. After leaving Little Falls, the route will continue onto the lower section of the Cathedral Rock Trail through Mazie Canyon and proceed as far as Echo Falls, which issues through the northern section of the Echo Cliffs. Elevation gain is close to 400 feet. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Susan Haase.
Tuesday, October 18 - Little Zion (aka The Park). Perched on the upper edge of the escarpment above Bonnie Springs is a large area of immense sandstone slabs that just beg for exploration. This area, with rock formations that resemble some found in Zion National Park, will be the goal of this strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike through rough country starting from Lovell Canyon. Along the way the group will reach an overlook above Spring Mountain Ranch before heading onto a steep dirt trail that leads to the final destination. Lots of scrambling is involved, and there is a little maintained gravel road that must be driven for about 4 miles to reach the trail head. The group will meet at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey. (For this hike to Little Zion, I am adding an additional stopping point to pick up participants. If you would like to go on the hike, which is located in Lovell Canyon on the back side of the escarpment, and you live on the south side of Las Vegas, you can meet us at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 160 and 159. You will need to be there no later than 7:50 AM. Also, please send me a return e-mail so I know that you will be there. Chris.)
Wednesday, October 19 - White Rock Hills Loop. One of the most popular moderate hikes in Red Rock Canyon is this 6.4-mile loop that follows a trail around the two cream colored sandstone peaks at the north end of the canyon. There is 900 feet of elevation gain along the route, but most of the climb is fairly gradual. One of the highlights of this hike is the chance to see two markedly different desert ecosystems that exist no more than a mile apart. While the south side of the peaks is generally creosote desert, the north side has a variety of larger bushes and trees including manzanita and pinion pine. The meeting place will be Best Buy on Charleston with an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Thursday, October 20 - Oak Creek Canyon. The starting point for this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike will be the official trail head located just off Highway 159 on the way down the hill toward Spring Mountain Ranch. The fairly level route will cross the creek and follow a series of abandoned recreational gravel roads toward the gap between Wilson Peak and Potato Knoll. Turning west, the trail will proceed above the creek bed as it penetrates the canyon, eventually dropping into the main drainage for a short section of increasingly intense scrambling. The snack break will occur on boulders within the confines of the canyon. The group will meet at and depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Friday, October 21 - South Loop/Autumn Colors. The official 2011 summer season in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains comes to an end today with a moderate out-and-back hike along the South Loop Trail, possibly as far as the first overlook. If it reaches that point, the group will get in nearly 5 miles and climb 1,400 feet of elevation to view the golden aspen groves of Kyle Canyon from above. Sponsored jointly by Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends, participants can decide between the two normal meeting locations. Over the Hills Hikers will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure and ABF participants will exit from Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM, meeting the earlier group near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Saturday, October 22 - La Madre Miner's Cabin. Return to the thrilling days of mining in Red Rock Canyon on this moderately strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike that leaves you wondering "How could they ever expect to find anything of value in the ground way up here?" The hike starts along an abandoned gravel road that passes a couple of old foundations and reaches a pond collecting spring water behind a sixty year old wildlife dam. The trail then becomes single track as it climbs to the remains of a stone cabin with a log roof perched on a ledge overlooking the back side of the White Rock Hills. The group will meet at the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, October 22 - Calico I Loop. At 3 miles, this fairly level loop hike only gains about 200 feet of elevation and starts from the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. Crossing the scenic loop drive, participants will follow along dirt trails to the west of the Calico Hills, reaching the first overlook parking area that offers a short side trip to the very edge of the sandstone formations. Again crossing the scenic loop, the route heads west and intersects with the Moenkopi Trail, taking the northern section around to the northwest side of the visitor center before returning to the start. The assembly point for the group is the Best Buy parking lot with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Sunday, October 23 - Turtlehead From the Back. This very strenuous version of the hike to Turtlehead will start from Calico Basin rather than the normal opening of Sandstone Quarry. Heading over Gateway Saddle, participants will drop into Gateway Canyon and head up the canyon to a side gully that climbs to the top of Turtlehead Peak from the Brownstone Canyon side. The descent will be down the north side of the peak to the ridge and back through Gateway Canyon with a possible descent in Ash Canyon. Total distance should be 6 miles or less, but it will probably feel like much more. The meeting place will be at Albertsons Grocery on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, October 24 - SMYC & Dale's Trails. This moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike will cover the northern section of the Escarpment Base Trail. Starting from the spur parking lot for Lost Creek, the route heads south on SMYC Trail, crosses Ice Box Canyon Trail, and follows the rolling Dale's Trail as far Skull Rock, where the group will take a well earned snack break. The return section of the hike tends to be uphill, making stamina even more important. The great views of the sandstone cliffs to the west compensate for this extra effort. Join the group at the Best Buy parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Tuesday, October 25 - Calico/Gateway Canyon. The longest of the loop routes that explore lower Gateway Canyon, this hike will start from Red Springs Picnic Area at Calico Basin and head around the south end of the Calico Hills before turning north and reaching Sandstone Quarry. After a bit of minor scrambling through a drainage north of the Calico Hills the group will stop for a rest break on the sandstone slabs below Red Cap. Now the downhill section starts and it includes more serious scrambling within the confines of Gateway Canyon. This is a strenuous 8 mile loop hike that visits some of the prettiest back country near Red Rock. The departure time from Best Buy is at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Wednesday, October 26 - Red Springs Loop. There is lots of scrambling involved in this moderately strenuous loop hike through the Calico Hills, even though the total distance is a shade under 4 miles. Starting from Red Springs Picnic Area the group will make a steep climb to a notch in the sandstone hills. Part way down the descent on the Red Rock side is a large boulder that contains a carving of an angel whose origins nobody in our club knows for certain. Most of the return is in the canyon between the Calico Hills and the Red Rock scenic drive and involves several areas of varying degrees of scrambling. Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, October 27 - Rattlesnake Canyon. Located in the northern section of the escarpment above Lost Creek, Rattlesnake Canyon is a smaller version of Terrace Canyon and somewhat more accessible. There is little true hiking involved, with most of the effort characterized as scrambling, and some of it over and around boulders. It's probably only about 4 miles in total length, but the level of scrambling rates this as strenuous. The group may split at the base of a dry waterfall, with the more adventurous continuing on to an upper canyon split. Participants are urged to bring radios along to stay in contact with the group. If interested, meet at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinators - Edwina Labrecque & Becky Guynn.
Friday, October 28 - Waterfall Canyon. This relatively short out-and-back hike is mostly along Rocky Gap Road heading out from Willow Springs, but roughly one-half mile in each direction is along a narrow trail in the bottom of a canyon that seems to maintain the effects of running water no matter what time of year. At 4 miles total this hike carries a rating of moderately strenuous. Within the narrow canyon are more than a dozen waterfalls and slides of various sizes, with the largest being about 30-feet tall that requires use of hands to reach the top and continue upstream. Over the Hills Hikers will leave Siena at 8:00 AM and Around the Bend Friends will leave Best Buy about 8:05 AM, meeting up at Dunkin Donuts on the way to Red Rock. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, October 29 - Fern Canyon. The early hike on the last Saturday of October will make a visit to the North Fork of Pine Creek Canyon, which is home to several wet areas with ferns which give the canyon its local name. The hike starts rather innocuously as it passes the Wilson foundation but intensifies quickly as it hits the trail above the entrance to the canyon. Boulder scrambling commences shortly after with several large boulders to negotiate getting to the heart of the canyon well above the confluence of the two forks of Pine Creek. Total distance for the strenuous out-and-back hike is 4 to 5 miles and there is about 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, October 29 - Ash Creek Loop. At a distance of 3 miles, this fairly level loop hike near Calico Basin will visit several of the springs areas on the eastern side of the Calico Hills. Rated easy to moderate, most of the route is on established but unofficial trail as it follows the creek to the opening for Ash Canyon and a snack break on red sandstone slabs tucked into the northwest corner of Calico Basin. Part of the route follows directly below the colorful sandstone hills and a huge rock where local climbers often practice their wares picking their way to the top only to rappel back down. The meeting place is the Best Buy parking lot with an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Sunday, October 30 - Gray Cap Peak. Rounding out the series of very strenuous Sunday outings in October is this trip to an awesome peak sitting directly above Brownstone Canyon. Again starting from Calico Basin, this 5-mile trek will ramble over Gateway Saddle into Gateway Canyon and take the direct route up through the multi-colored sandstone to the gray limestone cap that gives the peak its name. There is lots of scrambling and several areas of exposure on this largely out-and-back route. If interested, plan on being at the Albertsons parking lot on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive by 7:30 AM. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, October 31 - The Muffins & Skull Canyon. Finish of the month on Halloween Day with your hiking buddies on a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike that follows an established trail on Blue Diamond Hill from the horse stables on Highway 159, visiting a grouping of distinctive caliche boulders on the north end of the hill. After taking in the great views of Red Rock Canyon to the north, continue climbing at a more gradual rate toward the old Las Vegas Overlook before descending through a limestone canyon that is home to a variety of birds, including chukkars, and is sometimes visited by the wild burros in the vicinity. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Please help in filling the November hike list by making suggestions or volunteering to coordinate outings. Besides the Red Rock Canyon area, cooler temperatures will allow us to start hiking in the Lake Mead area by the middle of the month. While we generally continue our Thursday and Saturday offerings in Red Rock until the middle of December, hikes can be scheduled for the lower elevations of Lake Mead on other days of the week. Contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or at dempseylv@aol.com if you have any ideas for hikes.
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