The May schedule includes hikes
in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Spring Mountains.
Meeting locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified in the hike
description. You can locate detailed information on these locations at the ATBF
blog and in a file at the Yahoo group website. Also, the exposure information
is now located on the blog.
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 NOTE #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.
Times indicated for each hike
are departure times and are strictly observed.
Please pay attention to the difficulty
ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your
abilities. Participants can find additional descriptions about hikes on the
blog by clicking on the Updated Hike Descriptions link and/or Jim Boone’s Bird
and Hike link. Members should also contact the coordinator if they have any
concerns or questions about the hike. 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.
It is the responsibility of new
members to prove their hiking ability, therefore, hikers new to our club must
begin with one of the easy or easy to moderate 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 responsibility 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 Lettie Gutierrez at chico04@msn.com or by
telephone at (702)498-3050. Specific questions regarding hikes should be
directed to the listed coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact
information.
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 7 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 2000 feet of elevation gain involving less than 25% of
off-trail hiking such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.
Strenuous- Longer distances with
elevation gain of 3,000 feet or shorter distances that encompass significant
off-trail sections not requiring additional safety equipment.
Monday,
May 1st, Skull Canyon/Overlook/Muffins Loop -
Starting from the horse stables parking lot, we will use the Skull Canyon trail
to climb to the ridge and take our break at the Overlook. The return will be
via the Muffins and down to the vehicles. This moderate to moderately strenuous loop will be hiked at a moderate
pace. Distance: 6 miles; Gain: 1300 ft. Carpool from Red Rock Casino parking
lot at 7:45 am and meet the
coordinator at the Horse Stables parking lot at 8:00am. Coordinator -Dennis Rohne
Monday, May 1st, Rattlesnake Canyon O&B- This is a popular 3.0 mile strenuous
scramble trek with 800 feet of elevation. Our goal is to reach the terrace
area. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00am
and drive to Willow Springs Parking Lot/Red Rock Canyon. Coordinator- David
Gray
Tuesday, May 2nd, Calico Peak
(4870’) - How about a CCW loop from the boardwalk? Trek over to
Ash Canyon and pick up the faint summit trail on the south side of the canyon.
Grab Angel Peak on the home leg before descending to Guardian Angel Pass.
Looking at five miles with two thousand vertical. Class 3, strenuous. Depart from Red Spring in Calico Basin at 7:00am. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor
Wednesday, May 3rd, Big Falls/Mary Jane Falls
O&B - Traditional 4 mile trek that
is rated strenuous based on the
1,700 feet elevation gain, possible snow cover/scrambling required for the
approach to Big Falls. We’ll also do some exploring to locate the newest trail
up to Mary Jane Falls per the trek in August of 2016. Depart the Santa Fe
Station by 8:00am. Park at the Mary
Jane Falls Parking Lot. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, May 4th, Little Zion Loop –
This will be a strenuous 6 mile loop hike behind the Red Rock
escarpment starting at the Rainbow Springs TH. The route
will climb up through a wash to reach the escarpment rim then travel around the
rim to drop into Little Zion, a beautiful sandstone oasis. On the return, the
loop will be made down a different wash and will connect via the Mountain
Springs Trail. Elevation gain will be around 1600 feet. Meet at the Red Rock
Casino for carpooling in high clearance vehicles. We will leave at 8:00am sharp.
Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 5th,
Fletcher Canyon Plus - The out-and-back easy to moderate
hike passes through a wide area of assorted forest before climbing a series of
short ramps. The last 1/3 mile passes through a slot canyon that is a mere 5
feet wide at its narrowest. The hike reaches its farthest point below a
waterfall formation called Obstacle Rock. The canyon scenery is spectacular.
Total distance for the easy - moderate hike is 4 miles with an elevation gain
of 430 feet. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:30am.
After the hike we will be having lunch at the upper lodge. Please email Ron and Sandi at alphisr@aol.com to tell them
whether you are planning on joining them for lunch. PS the view and food
is always good there. Coordinators - Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Friday, May 5th,
Krafft Mountain Loop - Also known as the Gateway Canyon Loop, this moderately strenuous hike begins at the Red Springs picnic area at
Calico Basin. The trail climbs to a saddle west of Kraft Mountain and drops
into Lower Gateway Canyon. The next 1.25 miles of the hike is in the drainage,
with about 1/2 mile including some challenging rock scrambling down the canyon.
A variation after crossing the saddle and two optional starting points for the
hike result in a total distance of 4 to 6 miles. From Red Spring Picnic Area,
the loop hike is 5.5 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain. The group will meet at Red Rock
Casino for a 7:00am departure. Coordinator-
Barbara Ulmer
Saturday, May 6th, Stepladder Peak –
Beginning at the trailhead across from the
Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor Center, the moderately strenuous hike uses the Shady Hollow Trail, Tin Can
Alley and the Cowboy Washington Trail to take the hiker on a loop into the
woods of Telephone Canyon. At a saddle, the trail heads up to the peak that
rises between Kyle Canyon and Deer Creek Road. There is a small amount of rock
scrambling before reaching the rocky peak. The descent is done on a
bushwhacking route toward Kyle Canyon Road where it connects with the
Stepladder Trail before returning to the cars. The hike is 7 miles with 1450
feet of elevation gain. Meet
at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Sunday, May 7th, 6000 Lee Canyon Loop –
What this 7 mile moderately strenuous loop hike lacks in
unusual scenery makes up for in unusual location. Starting at
the 6000 elevation of Lee Canyon Road, the first saddle affords views of Three
Lakes Valley across I-95. Then, the route travels through a target practice
area. It will connect with the Rocky Gorge wash and climb up and over to Lee
Canyon TH. From there, we hike down through Lee Canyon back to
the cars. We might see burros. (Trail & Washes) Meet at
the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 8th,
Mack’s Canyon Road O&B - The gravel route that goes by
the South/North Sisters offers a unique trek into one of the prettiest spots
where the peaks meet the desert scrub country. Rated moderate with a total distance of 6 miles with an elevation change
of just over 1,000 feet. Depart Santa Fe Station at 8:00am. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday,
May 9, Fletcher Peak (10,319’) - Let’s do a big lollipop. From the
Cougar Ridge Trailhead, ascend the steep ridgeline to Mummy Springs. Continue
over to Raintree and on to the pinnacle. Bring it home on the North Loop Trail
and Wild Horse Ridge. In the six-mile range with a couple thousand vertical.
Class 2, moderately strenuous. Depart from the Santa Fe at 8:00am. Coordinator - Michael
O'Connor
Wednesday, May 10th, Calico Hills Two Peak, including
Little Arch and Tony’s Wall - Strenuous. Starting from the Sandstone Quarry parking lot,
the hike will ascend to the first peak passing the little arch. Then we will
drop down to pick up the main Calico Tank trail. Just above the Calico
Tank we will scramble up a slot to the Overlook 2 peak. After our snack
break we will descend pass Tony’s Wall and down the canyon to the mushroom rock
before returning to the parking lot. Approximately 4 miles with 1,100 feet
elevation gain. Departure from Red Rock Casino at 7:30am. Coordinator – Tony Fountain
Thursday, May 11th, Fletcher Canyon via Acastus Trail
O&B – This strenuous out and back hike has only
1300 feet of elevation gain but is 9 miles in length. We
will begin at the Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor Center. Using the Acastus
Trail, we will hike all the way to Obstacle Rock in Fletcher Canyon (snow
permitting) and return. (Trail) Meet at the Santa Fe
Casino for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 12th,
No Name Trail Loop CW/Wallace Canyon Overlook - A
traditional “back to basics” trek up through the great bristlecone pines to
enjoy the views offered, especially the overlook at the backend of Wallace
Canyon, located just above No Name Saddle. We’ll take our break there. Rated moderately strenuous based on the 6
mile distance, the elevation gain of 1900 FT, and possible patches of snow.
Depart Santa Fe by 8:00am and drive
to Upper Bristlecone Trail parking lot. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, May 13th,
South Loop First Overlook -The out-and-back moderate, trail hike climbs up through
a canyon with a series of switchbacks and goes along the top of the Echo
Cliffs. It reaches an open ledge with a great view of Kyle Canyon after about
2.5 miles and over 1400 feet of elevation gain. The pace will be moderate as we
keep the group together. We depart the Santa Fe at 7:45am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, May 14th, Lee Canyon / Sawmill Wiggles –
In 8 miles, this route will include a beautiful shaded section of Lee Canyon, a
visit to the Lee Canyon narrows, a picnic at Sawmill TH, and a pleasant hike
down through desert woodlands. There are 1400’ of
elevation gain on this moderately strenuous loop hike. (Trail & Short Bushwhack) Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for
an 8:00am departure. Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Monday, May 15th,
Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon - This will be an
exploratory trek for me as we make our way along for about 50 feet or so of the
North Loop Trail to locate the “small trail/scree descent” that leads down to
the right, then on to the huge boulder that marks the start of upper Fletcher Canyon.
From here it’s all downhill- 2,800 FT. Shuttle required. Total distance- 5
miles- Rated moderately strenuous
based on the elevation gain of 1,900 FT, scrambling through the rabbit hole at
Obstacle Rock. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00am
and drive to Trail Canyon parking lot. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, May 16, South Sister (10,175’) - Standard
approach from the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead. Right at five miles with two
thousand vertical. Steep terrain with a short, Class 3 section near the
summit. Moderately strenuous. Depart from the Santa Fe at 8:00am. Coordinator
- Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, May 17th,
North Loop Trail/4-Mile Overlook O&B - The first altitude training hike in preparation for the treks to our
local peaks. Total distance is 8 miles with estimated 2,800 feet of elevation. Strenuous rating given altitude, possibly snowy terrain. Depart the
Santa Fe by 8:00am Coordinator-
David Gray
Thursday, May 18th, Cathedral Rock, Etc. –
This Cathedral Rock hike is popular with more advanced hikers. The
6.5 miles include Little Falls, Echo Falls, Cathedral Rock and the
all-inclusive Manhole Cover (!) on a moderately strenuous hike
with 1650’ of elevation gain. It begins and ends at the Echo TH in Kyle
Canyon. (Trail) Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator
– Kay Blackwell
Friday, May 19th,
Deer Creek/Meadows Loop- A traditional moderately strenuous trek up through
the heart of the Deer Creek area via Old Deer Creek Road and the North Loop
Trail where it will be still early spring. Return by the Cactus Jack Trail,
Wild Horse Ridge. Great views- Total distance of 5 miles- Elevation gain of
1,600 FT. Depart the Santa Fe by 8:00am
and drive to the Deer Creek Picnic Area Parking Lot. Coordinator – David Gray
Saturday, May 20th, Rocky Gorge Loop (Short) –
This short version of the regularly long loop is only 6 miles. It is
labeled moderately strenuous with only 1100 feet of elevation
gain. Starting at the Blue Tree TH, it follows a wash down to climb a trail up
and over an escarpment into Rocky Gorge. From there, the trail continues up
through the wash and comes out on a dirt road to connect with a trail and
return to the cars. (Trail, Dirt Road & Short Bushwhack) Meet
at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator –
Kay Blackwell
Sunday, May 21st, Upper Mud Springs Loop –
This is a strenuous 9 mile loop hike beginning at the Sawmill
TH with 1500 feet of elevation gain that is accomplished on the return. The
trail travels through desert woodlands in the lower elevations affording views
of the mountains of the Spring Mountain Divide. We will not see Mud Springs on
this section of the trail. (Trail) Meet at the Santa Fe
Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator – Kay
Blackwell
Sunday, May 21st,
Eagle’s Nest/Fletcher Canyon – This is a moderate hike of 6 miles with 1100 feet
of elevation. The trailhead is the new Fletcher Canyon parking lot. We will do
the Eagle’s Nest loop first then hike up Fletcher Canyon to Obstacle Rock. This
trail passes through a wide area of assorted
forest before climbing a series of short ramps. The last 1/3 mile passes
through a slot canyon that is a mere 5 feet wide at its narrowest. The hike
reaches its farthest point below a waterfall formation called Obstacle Rock.
The canyon scenery is spectacular. After our break,
it’s back to the cars. We depart the Santa Fe at 7:45am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, May 22nd,
South Sister Overlook O&B - This 5-mile moderately strenuous trek stops short,
at “Phase III,” of the tough climb to the peak. This ridge offers great 360
degree views. Good chance to see wild horses roaming. Elevation gain 1,700
feet. Pace balanced to accommodate elevation gain. Depart Santa Fe station at 8:00am and drive to Lower Bristlecone
Parking Lot. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, May 23rd,
Griffith Peak - Up South Loop Trail to the Griffith Cutoff gains 3,400 feet of
elevation along the way. This strenuous
out and back route covers a total distance of 10 miles. The rocks at the
peak have been uplifted from an ancient inland sea bed and contain a host of
aquatic fossils along with a spectacular view of the entire surrounding
area. The meeting place will be at the Santa Fe Station with an 8:00am departure time.
Coordinator -Tim Borem
Wednesday,
May 24th, Raintree via North Loop - This moderately strenuous hike will proceed
along the North Loop Trail from Highway 158 to the old bristlecone tree.
Raintree is located on a saddle at the base of Mummy's Toe Mountain. This
out-and-back hike on the North Loop will be less than 6 miles with an elevation
gain of 1400 feet. Departure from the Santa Fe Casino at 8:00am. Coordinator – Tony Fountain
Thursday, May 25,
Cockscomb Peak (9692’) - From Trail Canyon, it’s a
laborious two-mile climb to the saddle, then on to Cockscomb Ridge before
tackling the tricky, limestone section to the summit. Class 3 with some
exposure. Six miles with just under two thousand vertical. Color it strenuous. Depart from the Santa Fe at 8:00am. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor
Saturday, May 27th,
Fletcher Canyon Parking Lot to School – This is an easy hike that is a total of 4 miles.
We will park at the Fletcher Canyon parking lot and walk through the campground
and neighborhood to Lundy Elementary School. After our break, we turn around
and walk back to the cars. Meet at the Santa Fe for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator – Judy Warner
Saturday, May 27th,
South Sister Saddle Loop – The hike begins at the Lower
Bristlecone Trailhead, hiking up this trail to the
Bonanza Trail junction, taking the Bonanza Trail up approximately 2 miles to a
trail turning off over the little ridge to the right and descending this ridge
to the saddle. From there, the South Sister Trail is taken back to the
trailhead. This moderately strenuous
route is 8 miles with 1700 feet of elevation gain. We will depart the Santa Fe
at 7:30am. Coordinator – Lettie
Gutierrez
Sunday, May 28th, Lower Mud Springs Loop –
The lower 9 mile portion of the Mud Springs Loop begins at a TH on Macks Canyon
Road. This is a strenuous route with 1900 feet of elevation
gain that we will accomplish in a clockwise direction this year. At the apex of
the loop, we will pass by Mud Springs and see if it is any different after so
much rain and snow in the past year. (Trail) Meet at the Santa Fe
Casino for an 8:00am departure.Coordinator – Kay
Blackwell
Sunday, May 28th,
North Loop Trail/Wildhorse Ridge Loop – After parking our
cars in the large parking lot past the traditional North Loop trailhead, we
hike back up a spur trail to catch North Loop. Our pace will be moderate to keep the group together on
this 5 mile hike with about 1000 feet of elevation. We will take our break in
the meadow amongst the Bristlecone Pines. Then we catch the trail that will
take us to Wild Horse Ridge. This trail does have several steep sections going
down but the views and scenery make it worth it. We exit on Cougar Ridge Road
and head back to the cars. We depart the Santa Fe at 7:45am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, May 29th,
Bristlecone Loop – The starting point for this moderate
hike is at the end of Lee Canyon Road just beyond the ski resort. The first
part is along the highway as we walk down to the Lower Bristlecone parking lot.
The trail follows a forest service road as we hike to the Bonanza Trail sign.
After our break, the 2-mile western portion of the loop hikes through the pine
and aspen forests, with some minor rock scrambling. Total distance is 6 miles
with 750 feet of elevation gain. We depart the Santa Fe at 8:00am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, May 30th, Mummy's Toe/Fletcher Peak - This out hike will
start up the North Loop to Mummy's Toe and then on the return we will see
our accomplishment and stop by Fletcher Peak prior to returning down the North
loop. It will be rate very strenuous
due to the 12 miles and 2500+ feet of elevation gain. Coordinator - Tim Borem
Wednesday, May 31st,
Griffith Peak O&B - This will be done at a
moderate pace based on the elevation gain and altitude. Rated strenuous as the total distance will be
over 8 miles with a gain of some 3,800 feet. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00am and drive to Cathedral Rock
parking lot. Coordinator- David Gray
