AtBF
July 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,
July 1-
Tuesday,
July 2, Griffith Peak: Strenuous, 9 miles, 3300’ elevation gain, ~5.5 hours.
Beginning at the South Loop/Cathedral Rock Trailhead, we will climb past the
South Loop overlooks to the saddle junction on the ridge. A left turn here
gives a small respite before the last steep climb up to Griffith Peak. Meet at
the Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Wednesday,
July 3, AtBF Club Meeting, REI Boca Park, 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Wednesday,
July 3, Escarpment/Visitor Center via Old Town/Shuttle: Moderate to
Moderate Strenuous, 4-7 miles, 450 FT gain, 8 AM. This will be a combo trek
accommodating both moderate and moderately strenuous hikers. Our hike trailhead
will be at the Old Town School and includes the following trails: Kyle Wash
Trail, Acastus Trail, and the Escarpment Loop. The easy route will be about 4.0
miles to the Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor Center. Here the descent will be
about 750 feet. Distance including the escarpment loop is just at 7.0 miles
with an elevation gain of 450 FT. Shuttle parking will be required for the
drivers at the Traffic Circle Trailhead. Meet at the Santa Fe to depart by 8:00
AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday,
July 4, South Sister (10,175’): Strenuous, 5 miles, 2k vertical,
7:00 AM. Let's wave Old Glory from atop South Sister. Standard approach from
the Old Mill Picnic Area. Challenging terrain with a short, Class 3 section
near the summit (optional). Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator-
Michael O’Connor
Friday, July
5, 1st Overlook South Loop OB: Moderate/Moderately Strenuous, 6
miles, 1500 FT elevation, 7:30 AM. We begin at the Echo Trailhead and catch the
South Loop Trail at the Cathedral Rock intersection. Our saunter is mostly
uphill from this point but my pace will be on the slow side of moderate. We
will take breaks and enjoy the views on our way to the 1st Overlook. After a
leisurely break, we return to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM.
Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday,
July 6, Hummingbird Gulch to Raintree/Shuttle: Moderately Strenuous to
Strenuous, 5.0 miles, 1600 FT gain, Class III scrambling at times, 7 AM. These
are two favorite spots in our archives of treks. Our trailhead will be the
small gravel pull off on your left just before Robbers Roost along Deer Creek
Road. Return via the North Loop Trail. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday,
July 7-
Monday, July
8, Griffith Saddle/The Meadow: Moderately Strenuous, 11 miles,
3200 FT gain, photo shoot, 7 AM. We'll take the standard route through a
beautiful area just below Southern Nevada's third highest peak that offers 360
views. Moderate pace. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday,
July 9, Mummy's Toe: Strenuous, 9 miles, 2600 FT gain, 5 hours, 7:00 AM. It's
an out-and-back hike that starts innocuously on the North Loop Trail and turns
very steep past Mummy Springs. As the upper trail comes to an end above the
springs it becomes steep and loose, just a preamble to the rough terrain that
must be crossed getting to the peak itself. At the top there is a sensational
view of Kyle Canyon from a true mountain climbing setting. Meet at the Santa Fe
Station for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Tim Borem
Tuesday and
Wednesday, July 9 & 10, Great Basin NP: Make reservation for July
9th at the Border Inn (775-234-7300). Price per 2 double room is $85 plus tax
($92.61). RSVP to Kay Blackwell (kaywhiffen@yahoo.com) Further decisions will
be made by June 30th for hikes, etc. I will send out a club email when I know
more about the snow levels. Thanks.
Wednesday,
July 10, Stanley B OB: Moderate, 5 miles, 600FT elevation, 7:30 AM. After parking
at the Fletcher Canyon Trailhead, we will take the Acastus Trail to the Stanley
B Trail. The trail goes up a scenic ravine and then onto a trail all the way to
the mine area where we will take our break. Then it's back to the cars. Depart
the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday,
July 11, Big Falls: Moderately Strenuous, 4 miles, 1,000 FT gain, 8 AM. 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! I returned
to this area in April and found the trail and alcove deep in snow. So given
this year’s weather, I am expecting a lot of water to be coming over the falls.
Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Friday, July
12, No Name Balloon/Version I: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1400
FT elevation, 7:30 AM. We begin on Upper Bristlecone to catch No Name. The
scenery is beautiful as we slowly hike up the steep trail to the saddle. The
trail continues through a Bristlecone forest that some call magical and I would
agree. After our break at the junction of No Name and Bonanza. We begin our
return by going down Bonanza to catch Upper Bristlecone. We will use a horse
trail on a ridge to reconnect with Upper Bristlecone by the creek. Pace will be
slow and steady so we can all enjoy the forest. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM.
Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday,
July 13, MT Charleston Peak O&B: Strenuous, 17.2 miles, 4000 FT
elevation gain, 4:30 AM. I am returning after a two year period via the North
Loop. Pace will be moderate with numerous breaks. Note- TV news/weather
personality Tom Hawley will be sponsoring his luncheon today. We start the trek
at 4:30 AM from Trail Canyon Trail. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday,
July 14-
Monday, July
15, North Loop Ridges Balloon: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles,
1700 FT elevation, 7:00 AM. We will hike up the North Loop to the high point at
the top of the switchbacks. After our break on the ridge behind the rock
outcrop, we will continue down the ridge. We then cross over to another ridge
along the lower portion of the North Loop. Be prepared for some bushwhacking,
steep terrain, possible scrambling on limestone and excellent views. My pace
will be on the slow side of moderate with breaks as needed. Depart the Santa Fe
at 7:00 AM. Coordinator– Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday,
July 16-
Wednesday,
July 17, Cathedral Rock Plus OB: Moderate, 5 miles, 900 FT
elevation, 7:30 AM. We will park at the Echo Trailhead and make our way over to
the junction for Cathedral Rock. As we go up the trail, we might have some
obstacles to maneuver around due to the avalanche. After our break on top of
Cathedral Rock, we return to the cars. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM.
Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday,
July 18, Macks Peak (10,036’): Strenuous, 4 miles, 1800 FT
vertical, 7:00 AM. It is one of the classic 10k peaks in the Spring Mountains.
At the terminus of Macks Canyon Road is a remote campground which doubles as
our trailhead. A deceptively short affair with steep terrain, it more than
merits its strenuous rating. Just below the summit is a steep, scree-laden,
Class 3 section. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Friday, July
19, Stanley B Mines/South Fletcher Ridge: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles,
2400 FT gain, 8 AM. A fun trek up to, then beyond the mines to the ridge on the
south edge of Fletcher Canyon. It's a great overlook. We’ll be off trail at
times. TH- Pull-off on the right after green “Rainbow” sign on Kyle Canyon Rd.
Depart the Santa Fe by 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday,
July 20, North Loop to First Knob O&B: Moderate, 4 miles, 1600 FT
gain, 7:30 AM. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:30 AM. Coordinators- David and Brenda
Morrow
Sunday, July
21, Lower Bristlecone/Bonanza/Pine Cone Canyon: Moderately
Strenuous, 6 miles, 1500 FT gain, 8 AM. This trek begins at the Lower
Bristlecone Trailhead and connects to the Bonanza Trail on the ridgeline above
via a series of long switchbacks. At the junction with the No Name Trail, we'll
take our break and enjoy the day. Continuing on our scenic route, we start back
for the cars by descending Pine Cone Canyon. It's a steep down with some loose
rock and fallen pine cones littering the ground. Depart the Santa Fe at 8 AM.
Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, July
22, Raintree Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1800 FT elevation, 7:30 AM.
We will begin at the parking area for Cougar Ridge Road and access the North
Loop via a spur trail. Then it's up to the Meadow where we take a water break.
The 12 switchback ascend through the forest to the high point of 10,000 feet.
The trail gently descends to Raintree. After a break, we will head to Mummy
Springs and use Deer Creek Ridge to return to the cars. This ridge is steep as
it descends through a beautiful bristlecone and pine forest. Depart the Santa
Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday,
July 23, Mummy’s Nose (10,748’): Strenuous, 4 miles, 2800 FT
vertical, 7:00 AM. From the construction pullout on SR #156 just above Deer
Creek Road. This puppy is short and steep. Do the math. Precipitous terrain,
loose rocks. Ascend the chute and tackle the Class 3 approach to the summit.
Loop back down Rita’s Ridge. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator-
Michael O’Connor
Wednesday,
July 24, South Loop Saddle: Strenuous, 9 miles, 3000 FT gain, 7:30 AM. Our pace will
be slow to moderate. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:30 AM. Coordinators- David and
Brenda Morrow
Thursday,
July 25, Trail Canyon / Fletcher Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles,
1600 FT elevation gain, 2300 FT elevation loss, 7 AM. This is a point to point
shuttle hike. We will begin at the Trail Canyon Trailhead, hike up Trail
Canyon, then go straight out the North Loop and drop to the right steeply down
on a vague trail. When we reach the landmark boulder, we will find the canyon
trail that will take us all the way down beautiful Fletcher Canyon, through the
rabbit hole and out the regular Fletcher Canyon Trail. Meet at the Santa Fe
Casino for a 7 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, July
26, Wallace Canyon and Beyond: Moderately Strenuous, 6-7 miles,
1600 FT elevation gain, 7:00 AM. Even though the plane has been removed, the
site is infamous for the series of crashes that happened during the winter of
February 1978. We begin on Upper Bristlecone to No Name to Wallace Trail to the
Wallace Saddle and then down to the crash site. Then we hike around the ridge
and cross over to another ridge following a game trail. There is bushwhacking
as we gain our destination, a large rocky outcrop that overlooks the Pahrump
Valley. After our break, we return to the Wallace Saddle and then use a game
trail to gain the saddle at the top of No Name. We pass through the Bristlecone
Forest to gain the Bonanza Trail. Once back on Upper Bristlecone, we will use a
game trail on a ridge to drop down close to the end of Upper Bristlecone Trail.
My pace will be slow and steady. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator-
Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday,
July 27-
Sunday, July
28, MT Charleston Peak: Strenuous, 17.5 miles, 4000 FT gain, 5 AM. We'll make our
approach from the South Loop Trailhead. Start time- 5 AM. Coordinator- David
Gray
Monday, July
29, North Loop/Wild Horse Ridge: Moderate, 4 miles, 1000 FT
elevation, 7:30 AM. We will park at Cougar Ridge Road pullout and take a spur
trail to connect with the North Loop. My pace will be slow and steady up to the
Meadow. After our break, then we take the Wild Horse Canyon Trail down to
Cactus Jack and then make our way over to the ridge. The ridge offers great
views and is fairly flat until the end. Use of hands might be necessary to drop
down off the ridge. We take a seldom used game trail with some bushwhacking to
drop down onto the road. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
Tuesday,
July 30-
Wednesday,
July 31, No Name Balloon/Version II: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous,
5.5 miles, 1400 FT elevation, 7:00 AM. We begin on Upper Bristlecone and after
a mile, we turn onto No Name. This trail goes through the pine and aspen forest
and then begins a steep ascent up to the saddle where the bristlecone trees
are. After regrouping, we continue along the relatively flat yet scenic trail
to the junction of the Bonanza Trail. After our break, we'll head down the
Bonanza Trail to the Upper Bristlecone and back to the cars. My pace will be on
the slow side of moderate. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator- Lettie
Gutierrez
