AtBF April 2019
Hike Schedule
The schedule
includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead
National Recreational 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 all locations at the AtBF blog and in a file at
the https://groups.io/g/atbf website.
Also, the exposure information is now located on the blog. Blogsite: www.aroundthebendfriends.com
IMPORTANT NOTE- 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. 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 Hike Descriptions link
and/or using the Search Box found at the top right of the blog. 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 easy or easy moderate 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 club president John Ward at wardjohn1948@yahoo.com. Specific questions regarding hikes should be
directed to the listed coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact
information.
Difficulty Levels-
Easy- Hikes of 3-4 miles or less with not more than 500 feet of
gain, generally with only gradual elevation gains on even surface trails.
Easy to Moderate- Hikes ranging up to 5 miles and 500
to 700 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail
irregularities.
Moderate- Hikes that have a maximum distance of 7 miles with
800-1000 feet of elevation gain.
Moderately Strenuous- Distances of up to 12 miles and/or
1400 to 2400 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 2500 to 3000 feet or shorter distances that encompass significant off-trail
sections not requiring additional safety equipment.
Monday, April 1, Waterfall Canyon: Moderate to Moderately
Strenuous; 4 miles; 850’ gain; 2.75 hours; 8:00AM. The hike
route leaves Willow Springs Trailhead with moderate scrambling up the Red Rock
Wash until it climbs out up to Rocky Gap Road very near the entrance to
Waterfall Canyon. Within the canyon, there is moderate scrambling and several
crossings of the stream that flows with many waterfalls. The trail can be wet
at times so be prepared for slipperiness. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00AM
departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, April 2, Calico Triple: Strenuous; 6 miles; 2000’
vertical; class 3 scrambling with exposure; 8AM. Ascend Ash
Canyon and continue on to the difficult North Chute for the backdoor approach
to Red Cap South. Head east to Calico Peak via the acclaimed “Diane Dempsey
Descent.” After lunch, it’s another taxing down climb to the Garden of Eden.
Finish it off with an ascent of our third crown of the day, Angel Peak. Depart
the Red Spring Boardwalk at 8:00AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, April 3, Blue Point/ST Thomas: Moderate; 7 mile;
8AM.
This generally moderate 4-4.5 mile part of today’s fun starts at Blue Point
Spring near Mile Marker 40 on Northshore Road. There are numerous red Aztec
sandstone formations that will be explored, including an arch in which the
waters of Lake Mead can be framed for photographs along with several other
arches. Then we will drive to the St Thomas trailhead (last 3 miles on a dirt
road) for an easy 2.5 mile hike full of the history of the now exposed ghost
town. I will bring a plat map and other info to help us explore the area. Hike
and drive time will result in a late afternoon return to town. The Rampart
Casino will be the early west side staging point with a 7:20AM departure. The
primary meeting spot is at CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood for
an 8:00AM departure. The coordinators and any other south side participants
should be at the Northshore Road Mile Marker 4 pullout by 8:15AM to join the
rest of the group. Coordinators- John Ward/ Chuck Hawkins.
Thursday, April 4, Hoodoo Forest Loop: Moderately Strenuous;
5 miles; 1700 FT gain; class 2 scrambling; 7:30AM. This hike is
in the DNWR. We will need high clearance vehicles. From the Visitors Center we
will drive 9 miles north on Alamo Road then turn right onto Cow Camp Rd and
drive up 6 miles to the parking area. The hike will go up one canyon, traverse
a series of ridges, and down another canyon. There will be plenty of hoodoos to
behold including dog hoodoo, eagle hoodoo, etc. On the ridge we will pass by
standing rock and descend next to a forest of hoodoos. Depart the Santa Fe by
7:30AM. Coordinators- Jerry and Cheryl Thomas.
Thursday, April 4, White Rock Loop: Moderate; 6 miles; 1,000
FT elevation gain; 7:30AM. This is all trail given the popular route around this
landmark. Meet the coordinator at the Lost Creek parking area about 7:30AM.
This is the first parking area on the spur road to Willow Springs Picnic Area.
Meet at the Red Rock Casino at 6:50am or go directly to the trailhead. This
hike will be done at a moderate pace. If the weather is extra cool, start time
may be later, so check the website. Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, April 5, 99 Cabin: Strenuous; 6 miles; 2000 FT gain;
7AM.
We will take the dirt road south off of SR 160 into Cottonwood Valley as far as
reasonable as it has taken quite a beating. Then we will hike to the Cottonwood
Summit and connect with a rough road going right that involves a steep climb.
After reaching the run down cabin above the 99 Mine we will continue up until
we reach the end of the road. We will leave from the Chevron gas station on SR
159 and 160 at 7AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, April 6, South Fork of Pine Creek Canyon:
Moderately Strenuous; 4.5 miles; 1000 FT gain; 8AM. It will be a
day of fun back in a very pretty sandstone escarpment canyon of Red Rock.
Expect class 2-3 scrambling as we make our way back, bouldering all the way.
We’ll take our break at the half way mark. As its spring, we might get our feet
wet as the snowmelt runoff continues. Depart the Red Rock Casino by 8AM. Or meet
at the Pine Creek Canyon TH by 9AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, April 7, Hilltop Ridge (Blue Diamond Hills) Exp.: Moderate; 5.5 miles; 600 feet of elevation gain; 8 AM. If this hike cannot be explored before show date, I will be following a GPS track to find a wiggling route that takes you up to the ridge line on the west side of the North Blue Diamond Hills. This part of the hike is all trail. If a loop looks feasible to all who attend, we will loop back around with desert bushwhacking. Meet at the Cowboy Trails TH for an 8:00 am start out the end of the Conglomerate Gardens Loop trail. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Monday, April 8, Mountain Springs Peak Loop: Moderately
Strenuous; 6.5 miles; 1400 FT gain; 8AM. A standard for great views offered by
the limestone on the escarpment rim. From Mountain Springs Peak, we drop down
to the snack break overlook then find a wash to descend down to the Mountain
Springs Trail. This trail follows the back base of the escarpment back to
Mountain Springs. The initial meet-up with the coordinator will be at the
Chevron gas station located at the intersection of SR 159/160. We’ll depart for
the Mountain Springs Trailhead by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, April 9, Quartzite Peak: Moderately Strenuous; 7.5
miles; 1600 FT elevation gain; class 2 scrambling; 7:30AM. This hike is
in a remote area of the DNWR. We will need 4x4 high clearance vehicles. We will
drive up Mormon Well Road 14.5 miles from the DNWR Visitors Center. The hike is
up a wash and then some ridges to the peak. There will be some class 2
scrambling. Great views of the valley from the peak. Depart the Santa Fe by
7:30AM. Coordinators- Jerry and Cheryl Thomas
Wednesday, April 10, Calico 1 and 2 from Calico Basin:
Moderate; 5 miles; 500’ elevation; 8:00 AM. We begin at the big wash in
Calico Basin and catch a gentle ridge over to Calico 1, then it’s onto the
trail that takes us to a nice high point near Calico 2. After our break, we
return via the trail that drops down into the wash, goes around the southern
end of the Calico Hills and connects to the wash to go back to the cars. The
pace will be on the slow side of steady with breaks. Depart Red Rock Casino by
8:00AM or meet at the big wash by 8:15AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, April 11, Redstone Discovery: Moderately Strenuous;
5 miles; 700’ elevation gain; approx. 4 hours + Travel Time - We will
begin at Northshore Road MM 25.5 which is on the left after the Call Box
Trailhead. The hike takes us up, over and around redstone formations and
canyons with mild scrambling. There are several panels of petroglyphs that we
will view with the locale expertise of a guest hiker. Meet at the
CVS/Albertsons (Lake Mead & Hollywood) for an 8:00AM departure. Or, meet at
the MM 4 pull out at 8:15AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, April 12, High Route Cottonwood Valley (aka Bird
Spring Range South): Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles; 7AM. This hike will
start from the dirt parking area we also use for Badger Pass. We go to Badger
Pass and leave the trail for a cross-country route up a steep ridge to a higher
ridge with views of Las Vegas. From there the group will head south along the
ridge and connect with the Deadhorse Trail passing through Red Valley back to
the vehicles. Early assembly will be at Red Rock Casino on the west side, with
the group leaving at 6:30AM. Final assembly point will be the gas station at
the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 with a departure time of 7:00AM. Check
the website if we have cold weather as the start time could change.
Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, April 13, Conglomerate Gardens Loop: Moderate; 6.4
miles; 1000’ gain; between 3 & 4 hours; 8:00AM. This loop is
a very wiggly route located south of the Cowboy Trails parking lot. It was
created by bikers who dubbed it Kibbles ‘n’ Bits! There are many dark
conglomerate boulders and cacti displays. The one rule we try to follow is to
not cut the trails on the many wiggles! Meet at the Cowboy Trails Trailhead on
SR 159 for an 8:00AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, April 14, Gateway Canyon Overlook: Moderate; 5
miles; 600’ elevation gain; 8AM. It’s a trail, then cross country route
requiring a bit of minor scrambling that will take us up to a ridge which has
an overlook offering great views high above Gateway Canyon. Bring your camera.
Initially, we’ll meet at the start of the Calico Basin Road by 8AM. From there
it will be a short drive to the trailhead parking area. Cold temps could result
in a change of the start time, so check the website. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, April 15, Grand Circle CCW: Strenuous; 11 miles;
8AM.
Come for the workout, enjoy the 360 views of Red Rock Canyon. Meet at the fee
both parking lot by 8AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, April 16, Goodman Peak: Strenuous; 4.0 miles; 2200
FT elevation gain; class 3 scrambling; 7:30AM. This hike will start out at
the Lost Creek Trailhead and head up towards North Peak. Goodman Peak is a
small peak with little prominence. The route will offer plenty of class 2 and 3
scrambling including a couple of very exposed traverses. Meet at the Red Rock
Casino by 7:30AM. Coordinators- Jerry and Cheryl Thomas.
Tuesday, April 16, Northern Calico Scramble - Moderate Scramble; <4 miles; <1000' elevation gain; 8 AM. - This moderate scramble will take us up to various fun scrambles in the northern Calico Hills on a varied route. Expect fun, not danger. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure so that we can carpool around the Scenic Loop. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, April 16, Northern Calico Scramble - Moderate Scramble; <4 miles; <1000' elevation gain; 8 AM. - This moderate scramble will take us up to various fun scrambles in the northern Calico Hills on a varied route. Expect fun, not danger. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure so that we can carpool around the Scenic Loop. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Wednesday, April 17, Oak Creek Canyon Wash Loop: Moderate;
5.7 miles; 600 FT gain; 8AM. Starting out, we’ll head up along the
north side of Oak Creek Wash almost reaching the beginning of the canyon. Here
we cross the creek, head southwest for the “outer” trail that will take us up
through the pines and large boulders found along the south inner canyon wall.
It’s here that deer have been seen quite often. Then it’s down to the landmark
break area. We’ll complete the loop by coming back out via the well-established
trail along the south edge of the wash, then cross the creek for the final trek
back to the cars. Depart the Scenic Loop Exit Trailhead (SR 159) by 8AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, April 18, Escarpment Base Extended: Strenuous; 12
miles; 1900’ gain; 6 hours; 7:00AM. The hike begins at the Scenic Loop
Exit Trailhead. It is an out and back hike using various trails to hike along
the escarpment base up to Lost Creek Trailhead for a break. The return retraces
the route. We will maintain a strong pace of around 2 mph. Meet at the Scenic
Loop Exit for a 7:00AM start of the hike. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Thursday, April 18, Fern Canyon/Pine Creek Canyon: Moderate;
4 miles; 400 FT gain; 8AM. The first and last mile of this hike is easy, the rest
requires some moderate scrambling which gives it its rating. We will encounter
a creek and a variety of ferns, including large ones. Turn-around point is the
rock jam. We will start the hike from the Pine Creek Canyon Trailhead by 8AM. Coordinator-
David Hardy
Friday, April 19, Bootleg Canyon (POW/West Leg/East Leg):
Moderate; 6 miles; gain of 600 FT; 8:00AM. We begin this hike at the
parking lot just below the Veterans Home on Veterans Drive. We will start on
the POW Trail and work our way over to the West Leg Trail taking that to the
top where we will have a short break. Then return on the East Leg Trail by the
zip line and then back to the cars. TH Directions- Coming into Boulder City
take a left onto Veterans Drive at the first stop light. At the top of the hill
make a left at the Veterans Home and follow that for about a ¼ of a mile to the
parking lot/trailhead. Those leaving from Red Rock Casino should depart at 7:00
A.M. Depart the Fiesta Henderson by 7:30AM. Meet at the TH by 8:00AM.
Coordinator- Linda O’Leary
Saturday, April 20, Skull Rock Loop: Moderate; 6 miles; 600’
FT gain; 8AM. Created in December of 2017, this moderate loop begins at
the Red Rock Scenic Loop Exit and travels over to Skull Rock using the Arnight
Trail and Dale’s Trail. The return uses the Fire Ecology Trail to cross over
Pine Creek then climb the hill to the ridge. A very old two track road is found
on top of this ridge that travels down toward the scenic loop where we will
connect with another trail alongside the road to return to the cars. All trail.
Meet at the Scenic Loop Exit parking lot to start the hike at 8:00AM.
Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, April 21, Rattlesnake Canyon (@ Willow Springs):
Moderately Strenuous; class 2-3 scrambling; 2.5 miles; gain of 800 FT; 8AM. This is a
great scramble based on the terrain that features continuous climbing up and
around boulders of all sorts and sizes to a 30 foot waterfall. Here we take our
break, enjoying the grand scenery. We leave the Red Rock Casino by 8AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, April 22, Echo Canyon/First Finger/Fossil Ridge:
Moderate; 6 miles; 900’ gain; class 2 scrambling; moderate pace; 8:00AM. This hike will
go up Echo Canyon where hands are necessary to climb 3 dry waterfalls. Then we connect
to the Fossil Ridge Trail and turn onto the old road and hike up to our break
spot. Then it’s down the First Finger to reconnect to Fossil Ridge and back to
the cars. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:00AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, April 23, Fern Canyon Overlook (6200’): Strenuous;
9 miles; 3000’ vertical; 7:30AM. It’s an out-and-back affair from
Willow Springs. Up Rocky Gap Road followed by the grinding ascent of North Peak
Trail. Continue on to the overlook and munch on a PBJ as you dangle your
tootsies 1200 feet above the canyon floor. Jaw-dropping panorama. Depart the
Red Rock Casino at 7:30AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Wednesday, April 24, White Rock Hills Loop with A Twist:
Moderate; 6 miles; 900’ elevation; 8AM. We begin at the Willow Springs Picnic
Area and hike CCW. The twist begins after the White Rock Road. We will stay in
the wash and hike up to the break spot on the sandstone. This wash section is
trail, boulders, and sandstone but does not require use of hands. After our
break, we finish the loop with views of sandstone and limestone peaks back to
the cars. We will depart Red Rock Casino at 8AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, April 25, Gass Peak (DNWR): Moderately Strenuous
to Strenuous; 6.5 miles; 2100’ gain; 4.5 hours + travel time; 7:30AM - The drive to
the Gass Peak Trailhead in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge is a long and
bumpy one. Bring high clearance vehicles. The climb up to the peak is long and
basically gentle until you reach the main ridge of the range. Then there are a
couple of steep sections. At the top, there is an array of solar panels and
weather instruments. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:30AM departure.
Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, April 26, Calico Basin/Gray Cap Ridge Exploratory:
Moderately Strenuous; 6 miles; 1000’ gain; 8:00AM. Our hike
begins at the big wash in Calico Basin and uses the trail to get over to the
base of the Gray Cap Ridge east of Gray Cap. Our exploration begins as we climb
up to the ridge and make our way west. Our break will be somewhere along the
ridge. We will check to see if we can take a different way down. Possible use
of hands might be necessary. Depart the Red Rock at 8:00AM. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
Saturday, April 27, AtBF Spring Club Picnic- Coordinator-
Doug Pesaresi
Sunday, April 28, Big Falls on Snow/Ice O&B: Moderately
Strenuous; 4 miles; 1700’ gain; 8AM.
We did this traditional trek in early May of 2017, hiking all the way up
on a hard icy snow pack that was so deep that obstacle rock was NOT an
obstacle! In approaching the final turn in the canyon below MT Charleston, you
could hear water running under the snow pack in places, as well as, the thunder
of the falls. Given this year’s snows, I have a feeling it will be something to
see! See Kay’s blog-
http://aroundthebendfriends2.blogspot.com/search?q=big+falls Depart the Santa Fe Casino by 8AM. Coordinator-
David Gray
Monday, April 29, Little Red Rock Scramble: Moderately
Strenuous; 6.6 miles; 900’ gain; class 3; 8:00 AM. In addition to
seeing many petroglyphs, the scrambling also adds to the fun. We begin at the
end of Far Hills Road and hike up to the dirt road. Once we gain the sandstone
rocks, we scramble where there is some exposure and use of hands is necessary.
After viewing the petroglyphs at the high point, we take our break on a nice
ledge with views. Then it’s back to the cars hiking across the desert.
Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, April 30, Juniper Peak (6109’): Strenuous; 6 miles;
2600’ vertical; class 3 section near the cap; 7:30AM. Standard
route. An out-and-back affair from Pine Creek. Drop down to the Wilson
Homestead, cross the creek and thread the cholla cactus grove. Ascend Juniper
Canyon and the rock garden before tackling the steep sandstone. Depart the Red
Rock Casino by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
