January 2017 Hike List

The information below is important to determine where our group meets prior to each hike. Please read this section before skipping to the actual hike descriptions.

The January  schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley), Valley of Fire, and the Lake Mead area. Below is information regarding our meeting locations for each of these destinations. There are different assembly points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or south sides of the lake. Meeting locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the appropriate hike description.

Red Rock Canyon Area. Our assembly point for hikes in Red Rock Canyon and the immediate vicinity is at the Red Rock Casino on Charleston Boulevard just east of 215. To access the meeting location turn into the casino property at the signalized intersection directly across from Canyon Pointe, turn right directly in front of the casino, and immediately turn right into the outdoor lot. If traveling east on Charleston from 215 you can turn right at the first entrance and then make an immediate left into the lot. The group will be parking at the north end of the lot near Charleston Boulevard. For hikes located in Cottonwood Valley and west there will be a secondary meeting location available for individuals coming from the south side of Las Vegas. That will be at the gas station located at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 (Blue Diamond Road). This will be a quick stop that will occur about twenty or twenty-five minutes after the regular departure from Red Rock Casino.

Mount Charleston Area. For hikes north of Las Vegas in either the Mount Charleston area or in the Sheep Mountains the assembly point will be at the Santa Fe Station Casino. This property has two parking garages, one on the north end of the casino close to Highway 95 and the Rancho exit and one on the southeast side closer to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road. We always use the third level of the southeast parking garage as our meeting location. This garage can be accessed from Lone Mountain Road traveling in either direction at the entrance near the theater addition. It can also be accessed from Rancho. If traveling northbound on Rancho turn in at the casino entrance signalized intersection and turn left to access the garage. If traveling southbound on Rancho pass the signal and turn at the entrance that directly accesses the garage. This second option is used if you are getting to Santa Fe using northbound Highway 95 and taking the Rancho exit. Drive up to the third level and turn left - we will be meeting right there

Lake Mead South. For all hikes on the south side of the lake the general meeting spot will be near the large outdoor sign in front of the Henderson Fiesta Casino. Henderson Fiesta is located on Lake Mead Parkway just east of the junction of I-215 and I-515. Lake Mead Parkway is the eastbound extension of I-215. There will also be an earlier assembly point for west side participants at the Red Rock Casino, with directions above, and there could be local stopping points after the group leaves Henderson Fiesta. Those stopping points will be detailed in the appropriate hike descriptions.

Lake Mead North. For hikes on the north side of the lake the early west side collection point will be on the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino rather than at Red Rock Casino. Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin (a J. W. Marriot property) is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway. The garage is located on the northeast side of the casino and is four stories in height. The best route from Rampart to the general meeting location is Summerlin Parkway to Highway 95 to I-15 north to eastbound Lake Mead Boulevard. The general assembly point will be in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood. There will also be a secondary pickup point at the pullout area close to Mile Marker 4 on the eastbound side of Northshore Road for south side participants not using the CVS Pharmacy location.

Valley of Fire. For hikes in the state park northeast of Las Vegas the general assembly point will be in the parking lot of Lucky Cub Casino. The Lucky Club Casino is located on the northeast corner of the junction of I-15 and Cheyenne Road along Cheyenne. If traveling northbound on I-15 and using the Cheyenne exit, it is necessary to cross several lanes of traffic quickly and access the left turn lane to get in to the property off the first side street. West side participants can meet early and carpool from the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino. Information on that location is specified in the above paragraph.

IMPORTANT NOTE #1 - Hike coordinators may not always be at either the early or primary assembly points. Participants will need to monitor the time and set up carpooling to the next meeting location or pickup point when that occurs. Although most of these situations are noted in the hike descriptions, others may occur that are not so noted.

IMPORTANT POINT #2 - When reading the descriptions you will see references to both Lake
Mead Boulevard and Lake Mead Parkway. These are different streets. Lake Mead Boulevard is an east- west street on the north side of Las Vegas that runs completely across the city. Lake Mead Parkway is on the south side of the city and is an east-west street that starts at the junction of I-515 and I-215 and extends over to the lake. Please do not mix these up.

Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed. Usually the group will begin arriving as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure times.

Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. As two of our prime considerations on any hike are safety and enjoyment, it is important that each participant have the capability of completing any advertised hike at the pace published by the coordinator.

Hikers new to our club must begin with one of the leisurely hikes offered on the monthly schedule. After they have gained sufficient experience, have been able to assess their abilities relative to the group, and have had a chance to interact with our coordinators, they will be free to start moving up to more difficult hikes. New hikers who are guests of existing members may initially participate in other than leisurely hikes, but must be accompanied by the existing member who will take respon- sibility for their safety if the situation demands.

Hike coordinators will have the right to reject any hiker, whether new to the club or an existing member, if they believe that such person's participation would infringe on the ability of the group to conduct the hike as advertised or if overall safety becomes an issue.

Questions regarding general information should be directed to Steve Allen at siallen@icloud.com or by telephone at (847) 772-3193. Specific questions regarding hikes should be directed to the listed coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact information.

Exposure

Class 1- Terrain that does not require use of hands or other equipment but can be negotiated using only foot power.

Class 2- Terrain that is uneven or irregular that may require use of hands for stabilization.
Class 3- Generally steep terrain that definitely requires use of hands over stretches to accomplish the

task.

Class 4- In addition to use of hands, some level of equipment may be necessary to accomplish the task. This can include webbing or short sections of rope for minor climbs or belay systems for more difficult climbs.

Difficulty Levels

Easy- Hikes of 3 miles or less with not more than 300 feet of gain, generally with only gradual elevation gains on even surface trails.

Easy to Moderate- Hikes ranging up to 5 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail irregularities.

Moderate- Hikes that generally have a maximum distance of 8 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. Somewhat longer mileage with less elevation gain or shorter mileage with more elevation gain may also fit in this category.

Moderately Strenuous- Distances of up to 12 miles and/or 1,600 feet of elevation gain involving less than 25% of off-trail hiking such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.

Strenuous- Longer distances with elevation gain capped around 3,000 feet or shorter distances that encompass significant off-trail sections not requiring additional safety equipment.

Sunday, January 1st, No scheduled hike

Monday, January 2nd, Lawn Mower Route-  We begin 2 miles beyond the gas station on 159 and 160. The route will follow the Landmine Trail and then the Rubber Ducky Trail.  We will check the ducky tree for rubber ducks.  A little beyond that we connect with the 0ld Spanish Trail for a short distance and then connect with the Lawn Mower Trail.   We will follow this until we connect with the trail leading back to the parking lot.  5-6 miles, around 600 feet. elevation gain. This is to be a moderate paced hike.   Depart Red Rock Casino by 7:45 AM. Meet the coordinator at the gas station on 159 & 160 at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy

Tuesday, January 3rd, Summerlin Peak (5082’) -  It’s another wintertime rite of passage, this time with a twist. László discovered a new descent route, so let’s make it a loop. Standard Class 2 ascent up the north flank of the mountain, followed by a Class 3 descent on the south side. It’s a deceptive five miles with 2000’ vertical gain, featuring lots of steep terrain and sharp limestone. Color it strenuous. Depart from Cliff Shadows Park near Cheyenne and the 215, 8:00 AM. Look for the white fence. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Wednesday, January 4th, Red Cap and Beyond- This moderately strenuous hike to the highest point in the Calico Hills involves a significant amount of scrambling and use of hands. The climb to the top of the formation will be from the northeast side of the sandstone hills. The return will be along a slot on the northwest side connecting to the route usually used for the approach to ascend to Red Cap. We will then proceed up a major wash, negotiate up a dry waterfall and proceed to another smaller sandstone climb up to a familiar tank. We will loop over to the Turtlehead Peak Trail passing some familiar petroglyphs. A smaller 3^rd peak near the trailhead will be negotiated to finish off the fun. There is some exposure involved approaching Red Cap as well as descending from the second climb. Distance is about 4 miles with a total elevation gain of about 1,300 feet. The assembled group will leave at 8:00 AM from Red Rock Casino. Coordinator- Tony Fountain

Wednesday, January 4th, Urban Bird Walk/Floyd Lamp Park-  4 miles, flat. easy to moderate pace with stops for birds. Bring binoculars and camera. Expected species: Night heron, ducks, burrowing owls. Meet at trailhead on Racel Street at the north end of Cimarron Road at 9:30 AM. Coordinator- David Morrow

Thursday, January 5th, Cholla Forest via Seven Falls- This is a moderately strenuous hike that begins at the water tower at the end of a maintained dirt road located on the left one mile past the Lake Mead NRA Boulder Basin fee booth. The route climbs up a canyon with several interesting dry falls, climbs over a ridge, follows a dirt road up to an area where teddy bear cholla cacti thrive, then finds another colorful canyon to descend. Bighorn sheep are often seen along the route. The entire favorite Lake Mead hike is 7 miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Henderson Fiesta for an 8:30 AM departure. (Rampart @ 8:00 AM) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, January 6th, White Rock Loop CCW- The standard 6.4-mile loop around the two cream-colored peaks at the north end of Red Rock Canyon will be done counter-clockwise from Willow Springs Picnic Area. With 900 feet of net elevation gain along the nicely maintained trail the hike garners a moderate rating. The assembled group will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Barb Ulmer

Saturday, January 7th, Colorful Canyon-This moderate to moderately strenuous 7.5 mile hike has 1400 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is Northshore Road's mile marker 20.5 (the one with the restroom). The trail passes the camel tracks and heads across the desert to a "colorful canyon" for a break. The return loops through another canyon with a lot of gypsum in the walls. Meet behind the CVS on Hollywood & Lake Mead for an 8:00 AM departure. (Rampart @ 7:25 AM & Mile Marker 4 @ 8:15 AM) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday January 7th, Red Spring Picnic Area Loop- A  4 mile loop in the Calico Basin. Moderate pace, elevation gain approximately 300-400 feet. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator Mike Lemay.

Sunday, January 8th, Boneshaker Hill / Muffins- This Sunday's moderately strenuous hike will climb Boneshaker Hill, use the cross trail over to the Muffins Trail then descend via the Muffins. It will be 6 miles with 1,300 feet elevation gain. We will not pass by any of the three overlooks. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. (Cowboy Trails parking @ 8:15 AM) The coordinator may be at the trailhead. Coordinator  Kay Blackwell

Monday, January 9th, Fossil Ridge- Starting from the Cowboy Stables parking lot at Blue Diamond Hill the group will follow a counter clockwise route back to the old gravel mining road and return along the top section of Echo Canyon.  Total distance will be around 5 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  Pace will be somewhat leisurely to accommodate all participants.  If interested meet the coordinator at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure or be at the Cowboy Stables parking lot for an 8:45 AM start to the hike.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Tuesday, January 10th, The Whale (~5800’) - Another distant peak that the club rarely visits. From the trailhead, we’ll meander southwest deep into the desert hills to reach this elusive pinnacle. Clocking in at eight miles, it boasts an impressive 2900’ of vertical. Mostly Class 2 on fairly steep terrain. Strenuous with lots of scree. Depart from Cliff Shadows Park near Cheyenne and the 215, 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor 

Tuesday, January 10th, Blue Diamond Bike Trails- This is the old tried and true moderately rated route behind Blue Diamond on what the bikers call the Hurl Trails! We will begin at the turnout just after the bridge going into Blue Diamond and have our snack break on a new ridge outcropping overlook. This will probably push the mileage up to 6 miles with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Or meet at the trailhead at 8:15 AM Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Wednesday, January 11th, Valley of Fire Two Elephant Loop- It’s just over 5 miles, feels like 8 miles, has five climbs with a total gross gain of 1,230 feet, strenuous.  This hike was last offered over 3 years ago, so it’s been a while.  We visit the famous elephant rock then climb up onto the south ridges of the VoF, heading east, turn north, then climb up a large boulder rock fall to the ridges north of the St. Thomas wash.  From there it’s down (mostly) to the sitting elephant rock, up an over the sand dunes, across the St. Thomas wash and back to the cars. Usual departures for VoF: 7:30 AM top of Rampart garage, 7:50 AM Lucky Club Casino. If meeting out at VoF contact me. Coordinator- Brian Dodd

Wednesday, January 11th, Oak Creek-  This moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike will be conducted at a fairly moderate pace.  There is not much elevation gain overall and the only slightly irregular terrain is on the ridge approaching the turn around point in Oak Creek Canyon drainage.  Expect a lot of great scenery and a chance to see climbers on the 1,000 foot vertical walls on either side of the canyon. The main group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure.  Alternatively, you can head directly to the gravel parking lot where the scenic drive exits back onto Highway 159 for an 8:45 AM start to the hike.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Thursday, January 12th, Fortification Hill-  4miles with 1600' elevation gain with one Class 2 short scramble area. Moderately strenuous. High clearance vehicles required. West side group will leave Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM and meet the East side group at the Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Steve Anderson  

Friday, January 13th, Cleopatra Wash O&B-  Reaching the TH-  At Mile Marker 30 on the North Shore Road turn right onto Boathouse Road for a mile or so.  Parking-  Large camping area/fire pit before the upper wash begins.  4X4 or High Clearance vehicles required.  Traditional moderate to moderately strenuous trek down through the ancient volcanic walls and spires, just short of reaching the receding waters of Lake Mead.  Distance 8-9 miles with an elevation change of 1300 feet. We’ll use the work arounds at the pour overs and dry falls. Leave the Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. Meet the coordinator by 8:00 AM behind the CVS parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood.  We’ll check the secondary pick-up area, the pull-off at MM 4, on the way over.  Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, January 14th, Lone Grapevine Spring- The main objective of this easy to moderate 5-mile loop hike is to visit an area an ancient area of petroglyphs etched into boulders lying on the ground in the shadow of Windy Peak.  Along the way we will visit a couple of protected springs and a water trough fed from Grapevine Spring used by trail riders.  Overall elevation gain is around 500 feet and only a hundred yards or so is off-trail.  We will be conducting this hike at a leisurely pace in keeping with Saturday hike principles.  Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:25 AM departure or be at the Late Night Parking Area on Highway 160 by 9:00 AM for the start of the hike.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Saturday, January 14th, River Mountain Peak via Inner Caldera Loop- The highest peak in the River Mountains can be reached from Bootleg Canyon using the Inner Caldera Loop. Starting from the upper Bootleg Trailhead, this moderately strenuous peak climb will be 6 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The views from the top are worth the effort. Meet at the Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. (Rampart @ 7:30 AM) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Sunday, January 15th, Krafft Mountain Loop- 6 mile moderate hike with 1,000 feet of elevation. We will begin at Red Springs picnic area and hike up 5 Stop. Hiking down and through Lower Gateway is trail and scrambling on sandstone. Meet at Red Rock at 8:00 AM or at Red Springs at 8:15AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, January 15th, Frenchman Peak- Six miles, moderately strenuous with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. We will begin hiking up a very steep and rough dirt road just off of E Lake Mead Blvd and continue on this road all the way to the top where we will have a snack and a 360 degree view.  0n the way up we may see a collection of pickups and jeeps in the ravine far below.  If windy, we will explore on the back side of Frenchman. Leave the Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. Meet the coordinator at 8:00 AM at the back side of CVS on the SE corner of Hollywood and East Lake Mead.  Coordinator- David Hardy

Sunday, January 15th, River Mountains Trail Part I- Somehow this three part ordeal around the River Mountains southeast of Las Vegas got requested again, so here we go for another year.  This year we will follow the blacktop loop in a clockwise direction from the starting point near the fee booth on Lake Mead Parkway, meaning the first segment will cover about 13 miles and finish at the Alan Bible Visitor Center lower parking lot.  This moderately strenuous trek tends slightly downhill but has some rolling terrain in the opening couple of miles.  Part of the trail is laid over the top of an abandoned stretch of old Lakeshore Drive.  Pace will be steady at about three miles per hour and the group will stay together.  West side participants can meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM departure.  The main assembly point will be in the upper parking lot at Railroad Pass Casino with an 8:00 AM departure.  Carpooling will be necessary.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Monday, January 16th, Ejection Seat Ridge- This moderate hike begins at mile marker 14.5 on Northshore Road. It drops into a wash before climbing a ridge up to a plateau. There is (or used to be) the remains of an ejection seat used in an airplane crash that happened nearby. The remains of the crash are found in a wash further into the hike. The route is 4 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. Meet behind the CVS on Hollywood & Lake Mead for an 8:30 AM departure. (Rampart @ 7:25 AM & Mile Marker 4 @ 8:15 AM) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, January 17th, Angel/Calico Peaks- From Red Spring, let’s make it a CW loop and grab two summits. From the boardwalk, first Angel, then Calico. Bring it back home through a slot canyon in Ash Canyon. In the five-mile range with 1500’ vertical. Class 3, strenuous. Depart from the Red Spring boardwalk 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor

Tuesday, January 17th, Union Pacific Railroad Trail- This out-and-back urban walk on a paved surface follows a portion of the railroad right-of-way between Boulder City and Las Vegas.  The 6.5-mile outing will start from Nevada State College in Henderson and proceed northwest past several housing areas to our turn-around point just south of Major Avenue.  Future development of the trail will continue past the Henderson Fiesta and Arroyo Grande Sports Complex into Green Valley.  Wet side participants will assemble at Red Rock Casino and depart at 8:30 AM.  Our general meeting point will be near the large outdoor sign at the Henderson Fiesta with a 9:15 AM departure.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Wednesday, January 18th, South Bowl of Fire- A mostly  moderate trek with a few moderately strenuous areas through the Jurassic Age sandstone that is surrounded by limestone mountains. Up tp Class 3 scrambling. Distance 7-8 miles as we’ll hike in and around several of the prominent rock outcroppings. Elevation gain of  1200 feet.  TH- Mile Marker 18.2 off of North Lake Shore Drive. Leave Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. Meet the coordinator by 8:00 AM behind the CVS parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood.  We’ll check the secondary pick-up area, the pull-off at MM 4, on the way over.  Coordinator- David Gray 

Thursday, January 19th, Bowl of Fire-  The start will be from Callville wash, about 3 miles on a dirt road from mile 16 on the North Shore Rd.  If the road is impassable, we will be able to start at Mile 18.  Flame Canyon will be our first goal.  Once we scramble into this canyon we will be taking a left turn that requires getting up the bunny hole, a rather difficult move.  From then on it is up to the crest, passing by Snow White along the way.  Lunch will be on top after which we will find our way down into a scenic wash and back to the cars.  Around 7 miles and 800 feet elevation gain.  Leave the Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. main group will meet at the back side of CVS on the SE corner of Hollywood and East Lake Mead by 7:55 AM.  Meet the coordinator at 8:15 AM at Mile 4. PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS HIKE USING hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. Coordinator- David Hardy

Thursday, January 19th, Blue Diamond Canyons 2&3- This is a moderately strenuous scramble in the canyons across the highway from Blue Diamond. Plan on less than 4 miles with less than 1,000 feet of gain. Bring strapping if you wish to conquer the downward drop in Canyon #3. Otherwise, there is a go around. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Since there is very little parking, please carpool to the trailhead which is located below the small utility building there. If you are coming from the south side, please organize yourselves at the gas station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Friday, January 20th, Redstone Picnic Area/Boathouse Road- Shuttle required. This is a mostly moderate to moderately strenuous trek that begins at the unique redstone outcroppings found at MM 27, then continues further up to the right and around in between the sandstone ridge and remnants of an extinct volcano that overlooks the immediate area.  From there we’ll turn left and follow the ridge line of the towering rock walls that overlook North Lakeshore Rd as it heads further east, giving us a great view of the expanse of the surrounding mountainous terrain and Lake Mead. (Shuttle will be set on Boathouse Rd at MM 30.)  Distance 7 plus miles with an elevation change of 1300 feet. Leave Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. Meet the coordinator by 8:00 AM behind the CVS parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood.  We’ll check the secondary pick-up area, the pull-off at MM 4, on the way over.  Coordinator- David Gray

Saturday, January 21st, Pinto Valley Wash- This leisurely hike begins at mile marker 18 on Northshore Road, about 15 miles from the intersection with Lake Mead Boulevard. The trail begins traveling up the wash toward Lake Mead and then continues up this same wash after the 15-foot dry waterfall is either negotiated or a trail around the waterfall is taken. The wash and surrounding area is full of color and interesting rock formations and parts of it are the old Arrowhead Highway. It is an easy to moderate out-and-back hike of 6 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain. Meet behind the CVS on Hollywood & Lake Mead for an 8:30 AM departure. (Rampart @ 7:25 AM & Mile Marker 4 @ 8:15 AM) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Saturday, January 21st, Fracture Ridge Peak-  Strenuous hike of 7 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation. West side departs from Red Rock at 7:30 AM to meet the at the Walgreens at the corner of Anthem Parkway and Hampton at 8:00 AM. The trailhead is on Shadow Canyon Drive. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Sunday, January 22nd, Rainbow Garden- We will begin this hike from Mile 2 parking up a wash that eventually becomes very colorful.  As we find our way down another wash there is more colors and narrow spots on our way to Lake Las Vegas.  We will return the same way.  5 miles, around 500 feet elevation gain, easy to moderate. Leave the Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. The main group will meet at the back side of CVS on the SE corner of Hollywood and East Lake Mead by 7:55 AM. Meet the coordinator at 8:30 AM at Mile 2.  Coordinator  David Hardy

Monday, January 23rd, Bitter Springs Trail Back Country Byway 4X4- Excursion, Exploratory-  Test your mettle and metal on this 28 mile rough and “wild” gravel road that runs off from the paved road into the VOF over to State Road 167 though the beauty of the Muddy Mountains.  It’s tough in the wash at times, you’ll need help from spotters to guide you around the uneven terrain.  We’ll get wet going through the Bitter Springs.The Buffington Pockets area is beautiful given the orangish coloring of the sandstone outcroppings, great views of the distant mountains. Leave the Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. Meet the trail coordinator by 8:00 AM behind the CVS parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd (East) and Hollywood.  From CVS, we’ll head west on Lake Mead Blvd to Lamb Blvd, going north to catch the 15 N/B, exiting at the VOF.  Coordinator-  David Gray

Tuesday January 24th, Potato Knoll- The relatively level terrain associated with this moderate 5 mile partial loop hike is interrupted by a short but steep climb up the 500 foot hill in the Shadow of Wilson Peak. The snack break will occur on the sandstone outcroppings found on the southern end of the hill. Leisurely pace. Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Mike Lemay

Wednesday, January  25th Charlie’s Spring/Washes O&B/Valley of Fire- This is a mostly moderate trek through two broad washes that drain the west and south end side of this state park.  Interesting redstone/limestone rock formations, coloring, and grand views of the Muddy Mountains await us.  Bits of petrified wood are seen here and there.  Total distance of 7-9 miles as we’ll head up the main wash to see if it connects with the Old Arrowhead Road, then back down to the spring, then on to Pole Road where we’ll take our break.  Elevation gain of 700 feet. From there we head back.  The terrain is mostly flat, hard packed dirt with small gravel.  A couple of 4-5 foot pour overs require both hands, the step down/up is easy.  Leave Rampart Casino at by 7:15 AM. Meet the coordinator by 8:00 AM behind the CVS parking lot off of the S/E corner, Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood.  We’ll check the secondary pick-up area, the pull-off at MM 4, on the way over.  Coordinator- David Gray

Thursday, January 26th, Senator Mountain, 5127’-  A scenic but obscure and rarely done peak in the White Hills south of the dam.  8 miles round trip, 2000' of net gain, Class 2 including a long, exposed ridge traverse.  Strenuous.  Pace moderate.  High clearance vehicles needed.  Meet 7:00 AM at the Fiesta Casino in Henderson, under the large marquee.  Coordinator- Ed Forkos.  May call 702-242-3924 if questions.

Friday, January 27th, Blue Diamond Canyon #1-  This moderately strenuous hike will begin in the first canyon on the south end of Blue Diamond Hill where there will be considerable scrambling.  After about 1.5 miles the route will follow a ridgeline up toward the mine then follow another ridge with views above the gypsum plant and Las Vegas until we arrive high above Hwy 159.  Then we will follow a slope with some scrambling near the bottom to return where we started. 5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:20 AM. Meet the coordinator at the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road into Blue Diamond at 8:45 AM.   Coordinator- David Hardy

Saturday, January 28th, Hamblin Mountain- The trailhead for this moderately strenuous hike is located just beyond mile marker 18 on Northshore Road, about 15 miles from the intersection with Lake Mead Boulevard. The route follows a series of washes to a small ridge, crosses the ridge and follows another drainage to the base of the peak. The top section of the peak is jagged with some exposure, but the views of Lake Mead are fantastic. Another very colorful canyon offers the option of a partial loop hike. Total distance is between 6 and 7 miles with a vertical gain of 1440 feet. Meet at the Rampart at 7:30 AM or at the CVS on Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd. at 8:10 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez

Saturday, January 28 - Bluff Trail & Las Vegas Wash.  Forgotten by most avid hikers in Las Vegas, the Bluff Trail provides a surprising level of scenery for its somewhat remote location.  The out and back hike follows the south bluff line along lower Las Vegas Wash from the Las Vegas Bay Campground.  We'll be climbing slightly to an apparent lava accumulation point with a view of part of Las Vegas.  After returning to the vehicles, we will drive to a gravel parking lot off the start of Northshore Drive for a short hike to a coffer dam construction site.  Total distance for the two hikes will be 4 to 5 miles with an easy to moderate rating.  Participants on the west side will leave from Red Rock Casino at 8:15 AM with the main assembly point at Henderson Fiesta and a 9:00 AM departure.  Boulder City residents can drive to the campground, where the group should arrive about 9:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey. 

Sunday,January 29th, Bird Spring Range-   A moderately strenuous hike of about 6 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain will start from the dirt parking area about one-half mile south of Highway 160 also used for the shorter Badger Pass hike.  Starting in a northerly direction, the route goes around the north end of a ridge and meets the Badger Pass Trail.  Near this junction the group will begin a cross-country route east up a ridge that connects with the main north-south spine of the small range.  The return will be down to Badger Pass on the way back to the vehicles.  The early assembly point will be at Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM departure, heading for the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 to meet the coordinator and other south side participants.  The full group will leave from there for the hike at 7:45 AM.  Coordinator- David Hardy

Sunday, January 29th, River Mountains Trail Part II-  The second segment of this 34-mile loop will start at the lower parking lot by Alan Bible Visitor Center and climb the hill alongside Highway 95 past the Black Mountain Trailhead and the Boulder City Zip Line and finish at the Railroad Pass Casino.  The one-way distance is 10 miles and is all on pavement.  Pace will be steady at just under three miles per hour.  The early west side group will meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:15 AM departure and the full group will assemble at Railroad Pass Casino where we will set up carpooling arrangements and head to the starting point around 8:00 AM.  After the hike, if anyone is interested, the casino has a fairly inexpensive brunch and we could replace all the carbs and fluids we lost on the climb.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey

Monday, January 30th, Camel Tracks- This will be a moderate hike done at a leisurely pace out to view some fossilized camel and bird tracks located near the North Bowl of Fire. We will use the trailhead located at Northshore Road's mile marker 20.5 (the one with the restroom). Much of the 800 feet in elevation gain will be earned on the return portion of the out and back 5 mile hike. Meet behind the CVS on Hollywood & Lake Mead for an 8:30 AM departure. (Rampart @ 7:25 AM & Mile Marker 4 @ 8:15 AM) Coordinator- Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, January 31st, Ash Meadows-  This loop hike starting from Red Springs Picnic Area should cover around 4 miles as it follows a counter-clockwise route below Krafft Mountain and Five Stop Hill with a snack break at the bottom of Ash Canyon.  The hike should be rated as moderate because there are intermittent short sections of steep terrain involved, but we will compensate for that by maintaining a fairly leisurely pace with enough rest stops.  This route is the reverse of previous attempts to do the hike so some route finding may be involved.  Meet the coordinator at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure or be at Red Springs Picnic Area ready to hike by 8:45 AM.  Coordinator- Chris Dempsey