Here is the list of scheduled club hikes for the month of September 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 Saturday club 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 we begin the transition from the Mount Charleston area to Red Rock Canyon. Hikes in Red Rock Canyon will occur on September 16, 29 , and 30. The primary meeting and departure location for Red Rock hikes 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. Secondary meeting locations, especially for Friday hikes, will include the Siena Community Center and the Dunkin Donuts two stoplights west of 215 on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive. 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. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements.
PLEASE NOTE - A special event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28. In addition to a hike along Deer Creek past several historic structures, there will be a potluck picnic at the Deer Creek Picnic Area following the hike. You will need to bring folding chairs, whatever beverage you want to drink, a cooler, and one dish with ten to twelve servings to share with others. We should be able to use the grills at the picnic area, which will require charcoal, but other field stoves would be great. Anyone planning on attending must call Chris or Diane Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 to find out what is needed.
Thursday, September 1 - Griffith Peak. This will not be the traditional out-and-back route to the peak using South Loop Trail. Instead, we will be starting from the top of the community of Rainbow and climbing along Rainbow Canyon to the saddle between Griffith and Harris Peaks. Once at the saddle, we will take the Harris Springs Trail to the south side of the peak for the ascent. The route down will follow South Loop Trail and the connector trail through the forest that is part of the Rainbow Loop. Total distance for this strenuous loop hike is 10 miles and there is about 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, September 2 - Cathedral Rock/Little Falls. This moderate 4-mile hike actually consists of two segments. The first part is a 3-mile out-and-back to the top of the rock outcropping above the west end of Kyle Canyon that provides fantastic views stretching all the way back to Highway 95 about twenty miles away. The trail for this part climbs 950 feet of elevation as it winds through Mazie Canyon. After returning to the top of the stairs above the parking lot, the group will continue to a hidden seasonal waterfall along the north side of the cliff walls. This part adds another mile and 250 feet of elevation gain. This is a joint hike with Over the Hills Hikers, who will depart from Siena at 8:00 AM. The ABF group will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart at 8:15 AM. The two groups will join at the pull-off near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, September 3 - Charleston Golf Cart Path. Join the group for an easy to moderate trek along the cart path behind Mount Charleston Resort that serviced an old nine-hole golf course. Open for a short time nearly a decade ago, the blacktop path is still clearly defined and meanders through the lower section of Kyle Canyon Wash and up through the first tier of the ridge south of the drainage. Although only 3 miles in total distance, this loop hike does have a few short and steep climb sections. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Monday, September 5 - Bristlecone Trail. The top of Lee Canyon will be the setting for a moderate 5-mile out-and-back hike along the western section of the popular trail that is also used by mountain bikers. The trail climbs about 700 feet from the end of Lee Canyon Road near the ski resort before reaching the turn-around point at the junction with Bonanza Trail. Most of the route is on narrow dirt trail through the forest, but there are some open views of the various mountains surrounding Lee Canyon. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, September 6 - Mummy's Nose. If you are looking for a really challenging hike that tests your climbing skills through difficult terrain, then look no further than this very strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike from a pull-off along Lee Canyon Road to the top of the peak that is somewhat separated from the rest of the head features. Total elevation gain is close to 3,000 feet and there is a very steep approach followed by a Class 3 chute at the top of the approach to the peak. Because of the severe nature of this hike, potential participants are asked to RSVP with the hike coordinator at (702) 396-2125 or by e-mail at oconnorx@cox.net. Otherwise, the group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, September 7 - South Loop 1st Overlook. Head up the South Loop Trail from the Cathedral Rock parking area to an overlook positioned at an elevation of 9,000 feet on this moderate 4.8-mile out-and-back hike. The trail climbs 1,400 feet and passes a large rock with seabed fossils midway up a series of fourteen switchbacks that provide views of the Echo Cliffs and a canyon that starts close to the summit of Griffith Peak. The overlook provides great views of the upper part of Kyle Canyon, including all of the major surrounding peaks. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Sharon Rennie & John Kammeyer.
Thursday, September 8 - South Sister. Although this is a relatively short hike at 5 miles, it seems like constant climbing to reach the distinctive peak perched on the north side of Lee Canyon. The starting point for this strenuous out-and-back hike is the Old Mill Picnic Area. After starting fairly level for the first half of the route, most of the 2,000 foot elevation gain occurs within slightly more than a mile, making this a really steep jaunt. The rocky peak has some exposure as the route climbs through a cliff to the top section where the sign-in book is located. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, September 9 - Harris Slot Canyon. With cooler September temperatures likely it again becomes possible to attempt this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike in lower Kyle Canyon which starts near the beginning of Harris Spring Road. The fairly level route follows a trail in a wash that passes through a short, narrow canyon with imposing cliff walls on either side. The usual turn-around point is near an old auto graveyard where the vehicles had been pushed over the bank on the north side of the canyon. Over the Hills Hikers will meet at Siena and depart at 8:00 AM, with Around the Bend Friends leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The two groups will join near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, September 10 - Kyle Canyon Wash. Every once in a while we find a hike that loses net elevation, and this moderate point-to-point hike drops nearly 1,000 feet of elevation over its 4-mile distance. Starting from the Echo trail head near the top of Kyle Canyon Road, most of the route is on trail as it follows the main drainage past a few campgrounds and the Mount Charleston Visitor Center. The last 3/4 mile includes minor scrambling in the gravel-filled wash before exiting near the Resort at Mount Charleston. Car shuttling is required at the end of the hike. The meeting point is at Santa Fe Station with an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.
Monday, September 12 - Deer Creek & Mormon Girls Camp. We generally have to wait until after Labor Day for this hike to allow the camp to be vacated after its heavy summer use, so it's now time to try this moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike that starts through the Deer Creek Picnic Area, following the small stream past several structures of historical significance. After following a gravel road servicing a number of private homes to its end, the route goes off-trail for a short distance before hooking up with the upper section of the camp. The only drawback to this hike is that the finish is along Highway 158 back to the start. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, September 13 - Mount Charleston. Usually this is the perfect time of the year for the hike to the highest mountain in southern Nevada as the monsoon season is generally over. The hike planned for today will be point-to-point with South Loop Trail being used for the climb and North Loop Trail and Trail Canyon Trail for the descent. This scenic route is 17 miles long, has net elevation gain of 4,360 feet, and is rated very strenuous. The car shuttle at the end is only a mile and should take relatively little time. This is an all day hike that usually takes nine or ten hours. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 5:15 AM departure. Please contact the coordinator to RSVP. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, September 14 - Rainbow Loop. Now that the popular social trail that connects South Loop Trail with the summer cabins above the community of Rainbow has mostly been cleared of storm debris, there shouldn't be much problem with doing this moderate 5.7-mile loop hike that climbs 1,300 feet of elevation on the south side of upper Kyle Canyon. Starting from the gravel pull-out on Kyle Canyon Road across from Fletcher Trail, the group will start through the Fletcher View Campground while following the main canyon drainage for a mile and a half. The descent portion of the hike passes through the summer cabins and the regular housing in Rainbow. Meet your fellow hikers at the Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, September 15 - Bristlecone Loop Variation. This moderate 6 to 7-mile loop hike will provide you with a glimpse of the countryside surrounding the lower section of Bristlecone Trail. Starting from Old Mill Picnic Area, the group will walk along a seldom used rock bordered path that intersects with the gravel road section of Bristlecone Trail. In about one-half mile, the hikers will take a detour onto a narrow track that heads cross country to the intersection of Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails. The coordinator can decide whether to take the upper section of Bristlecone past the ski resort or return along the gravel road to the start. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Don Caldwell.
Friday, September 16 - Ash Canyon Overlook. The start of the autumn season in Red Rock Canyon starts today as the Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends combine for an easy to moderate 3-mile trek beginning at Sandstone Quarry and continuing in the area generally north of the Calico Hills. The snack spot will be on a rock outcropping above Ash Canyon and the community of Calico Basin. Following the break, there will be some further exploration in the narrow sandstone canyons and knobs east of the Turtlehead trail before retuning to the start. The Over the Hills group will depart from Siena at 8:00 AM, the ABF group will leave Best Buy at 8:05 AM, and the groups will join at the Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive before heading to the starting point. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Saturday, September 17 - Lower South Loop Loop. Ann likes to repeat the word loop in the title of this hike as it involves South Loop Trail and the route is a loop. In any event, it covers a total distance of 3 miles and climbs 800 feet to the break spot on an abandoned gravel road that once serviced a well point for the Old Town and Rainbow communities below. This short hike is rated as moderate. A recent work project by our club cleared most of the downed trees along the route, but there are still a few obstacles to be negotiated in getting around. Plan on meeting the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Monday, September 19 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop. Experience the best of the Bristlecone Trail at the top end of Lee Canyon on this moderately strenuous 6-mile partial loop hike. The route will follow the western section of the Bristlecone Trail through the forest to the junction with the Bonanza Trail, then climb the southern section of that trail to the saddle where No Name Trail joins from the south. Following a break, the route will start its descent on No Name Trail and continue back to the vehicles on the Bristlecone Trail that was used to start the hike. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Tom Reiner & Edwina Labrecque.
Tuesday, September 20 - Above Big Falls. Yet another very strenuous outing, this 4-mile out-and-back hike will follow the drainage back to the base of Big Falls and climb up the steep slope to the left of the waterfall for some exploration in the seldom visited upper canyon that eventually leads to the remains of the plane crash just below the Mount Charleston Peak. For the uninitiated, the steep slope next to Big Falls is where a young hiker fell to his death a few weeks ago after losing his hold on some vegetation that he didn't realize was dead and brittle. While no RSVP's have been requested, you shouldn't participate unless willing to take risks. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 7:30 AM. Coordinators - Don Caldwell and Mark Zirzow.
Wednesday, September 21 - Fletcher Canyon. This is the only time this month that our club will be offering the moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike into a dramatic slot canyon, so take advantage of the opportunity. There is only about 500 feet of elevation gain along the trail that constitutes most of the route with only a few very short but steep climb sections. The final uphill part through the narrow section of the canyon involves some minor scrambling, but can be handled by most hikers. The group will be taking a snack break near the base of Obstacle Rock before starting back down. The meeting point is at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Thursday, September 22 - Fletcher Peak. This 7-mile out-and-back hike mostly along North Loop Trail allows for probably the easiest summit of the major peaks surrounding Kyle Canyon, even though the hike is still rated as strenuous. Elevation gain is under 2,000 feet and the primary trail is well maintained. The shorter trail that accesses the peak is a bit sporadic and there is some very minor scrambling required to get to the top of the mountain. If you haven't been to the summit of this mountain and would like to try, this is an easier opportunity than the same destination the following week. Meet the other hikers at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Steve Anderson.
Friday, September 23 - Trail Canyon. Although this hike was not on the original Over the Hills Hikers schedule it will be run for their convenience with a consistent starting time for Friday hikes, even though many of the members will be attending the Lake Tahoe trip. One of the basic shorter hikes in the Spring Mountains, the participants will simply climb the entire length of the trail to the junction with North Loop before turning around and returning to the starting point. Total distance is 4.3 miles, elevation gain is 1,600 feet, and the rating is moderate, even though stretches of the trail are fairly steep. The Over the Hills Hikers will leave from Siena at 8:00 AM with the ABF contingent leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM and the two groups meeting near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Saturday, September 24 - Telephone Canyon. It's all downhill on this easy to moderate 4-mile point-to-point hike that starts from the Robbers' Roost parking area along Highway 158 and ends at Kyle Canyon Road near the police substation. Along the way there is a drop of 1,300 feet of elevation, which includes only one steep area over a distance of a quarter mile. The route passes the remains of an old cabin and winds its way through an assortment of pine, oak, mountain mahogany, and cliff rose. A few vehicles will be spotted at the end of the hike to return drivers to their cars at the starting point prior to passenger pickup. Meet at Santa Fe Station for the customary 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Sunday, September 25 - Mummy's Head. If you are willing to try something really difficult, consider joining today's coordinator for an exploratory hike starting in Lee Canyon and ascending to the backside of Mummy's head. This is a very strenuous hike that will include significant sections of scrambling and exposure. Total distance is expected to be in the range of 8 miles and the elevation gain is around 3,500 feet. Because of the nature of this hike, you must receive clearance from the coordinator to participate. His phone number is (702) 510-0875 and his e-mail address is br3vs@yahoo.com. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - John Snail.
Monday, September 26 - Cathedral Rock. If you are looking for a laid back hike to start off the week, then join the group for a moderate 3-mile trek through avalanche prone Mazie Canyon to the top of the distinctive rock outcropping at the top of Kyle Canyon. Elevation gain is 950 feet, which means the average vertical gain on the trail is fairly steep. Getting to the top for the sensational view of Kyle Canyon is a good reward for the effort. Although the aspen trees seem to have recovered, most of the pine trees along the trail were devastated in a massive 2005 avalanche that roared down the canyon. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, September 27 - Fletcher Peak via Hummingbird Gulch. Scrambling is the key to climbing through the steep canyon known as Hummingbird Gulch used as a route to Fletcher Peak. Elevation gain is around 2,600 feet and the climb rate is one of the steeper ones in the Spring Mountains. Besides loose rock, there is a tremendous amount of brush, and long pants are recommended. The return will be down the North Loop Trail that was used exclusively on the previous Thursday hike to the same destination. This is a very strenuous hike of 7 miles that will leave even the "pros" tired. The group meeting location is Santa Fe Station and the departure time is 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, September 28 - Deer Creek & Potluck Picnic. Join your fellow club members for a fun-filled day in the Spring Mountains. We will start with a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike through the Deer Creek Picnic Area and along a gravel road, passing several historical structures along the way. Following the hike will be a potluck picnic along Deer Creek that should take us to early afternoon. The group will meet for the hike at Santa Fe Station, departing at 8:00 AM. If you don't want to hike but would like to attend the picnic, you should show up around 11:15 AM at the picnic area along Highway 158. No reservations are necessary for the hike but are required for the potluck. Call Chris or Diane Dempsey at 823-2355 with any questions or to RSVP for the potluck portion. We will be assigning what to bring (such as side dish, salad, or dessert) but the early sign-ups should get a choice. You will also need to bring folding chairs, coolers, and your beverage of choice. Some grilling meats will be provided, but you may have to bring any veggie burgers, chicken, or other specialty meats. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, September 29 - White Rock Hills Loop. The return to Red Rock Canyon from the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains continues this week with a jaunt around the two cream colored sandstone peaks at the north end of Red Rock. At 6.4 miles, this moderate loop hikes provides a great workout for average hikers, as it has about 900 feet of elevation change between the lowest and highest spots. Also remarkable about this hike is the stark contrast between the creosote desert on the south side of the mountains and the lush vegetation on the north side that generally sees twice as much precipitation. The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Sharon Rennie.
Friday, September 30 - Oak Creek Canyon. Finish off the month with the Over the Hills Hikers and Around the Bend Friends as the two groups combine for a 4 to 5-mile trek along Oak Creek to an idyllic spot in the drainage at the beginning of the canyon. The moderate out-and-back hike is completely on trail with only 300 feet of elevation gain and is suitable for most hikers. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure, the Around the Bend Friends will leave from Best Buy at 8:05 AM and the two groups will get together at the Dunkin Donuts on Charleston and Desert Foothills Drive shortly thereafter. Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.
Please note that there are several multi-day trips scheduled in September for regional destinations. Kay Blackwell is coordinating a trip to Zion National Park from September 8 to September 11. Contact Kay at 256-8985 for more information or lodging options. Dick Brown from Over the Hills Hikers is coordinating a trip to Lake Tahoe in conjunction with Around the Bend Friends for September 19 to September 23. Contact Chris Dempsey from ABF at 823-2355 for more information or lodging options for that outing. Jane Davis is coordinating a camping trip to Bryce Canyon from September 23 to September 25. If you are into camping and hiking, contact Jane at (410) 299-7049 for information on that trip.
The October hike list is now open for suggestions. While there may be a few Mount Charleston area hikes to view fall colors scattered throughout the month, most of the club activities will be scheduled for the Red Rock Canyon area. We will be offering at least two and possibly three hikes to choose from on Saturdays in the Red Rock area to alleviate congestion on any particular trail. The main hike departing at 8:30 AM will be a shorter social hike for the general membership and rated at moderate or less. Earlier hikes on Saturdays will tend to be slightly longer and may be rated up to moderately strenuous. We will probably repeat this process when we start scheduling Lake Mead hikes on Saturdays in December. Tuesday and Thursday hikes are generally moderately strenuous or greater. Hikes on other days of the week can vary, depending on the wishes of any volunteer coordinators. If you would like to suggest any hikes, either as a coordinator or a participant, please send Chris Dempsey an e-mail at dempseylv@aol.com or call him at 823-2355.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
August Hike List 2011
Here is the listing of scheduled club hikes for the month of August 2011. The hikes listed for Fridays will be Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers combined outings. Siena residents who were members of Over the Hills Hikers are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in these 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 Saturday club hikes 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 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements.
Tuesday, August 2 - Harris Peak. A wind storm this past winter caused significant damage in the Rainbow Canyon area that, although the route appears to be in better shape than first thought, may have an effect on the conduct of this strenuous hike to the top of the mountain above the ultimate location for the Lower Kyle Canyon Visitor Center. The 5-mile out-and-back hike climbs along the side of Rainbow Canyon to a saddle, then turns to a bushwhacking route through trees and brush to the pinnacle. Elevation gain is around 2,500 feet and most of the route is steep. The view from the top includes a significant portion of Las Vegas. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, August 3 - Lower Telephone Canyon. Looking for a leisurely ramble on trails through the woods that don't require a lot of elevation gain? Then join the group today for an easy to moderate 3-mile partial loop hike that gets into thick stands of mountain mahogany, oak, and pine through the lower section of Telephone Canyon. Total elevation gain is only a few hundred feet. Check out the impressive cliffs near the top of the ridge to the west on the return leg of this hike that is reminiscent of Mondays at the Mount. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, August 4 - Raintree via Trail Canyon. The somewhat longer version of the hike to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine starts and ends on the Trail Canyon Trail that can be found at the edge of the community of Echo. In the middle is a breathtaking section of the North Loop Trail that crosses the top of Fletcher Canyon, with views of all the major peaks surrounding Kyle Canyon and several of the side canyons. Total distance for this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike is 7.4 miles and the elevation gain is 2,200 feet. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, August 5 - Bristlecone Trail. The goal for this moderate 5-mile out-and-back hike through the pine and aspen forest at the top of Lee Canyon is to enjoy the scenery, which includes views of all the major peaks surrounding the canyon. Total elevation gain is about 700 feet and the trail is quite gradual. When combined with a leisurely pace, this hike is ideally suited for the general membership of the club. The group will be taking a snack break at the halfway point of the hike located at the intersection of the Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails. Over the Hills Hikers will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure, ABF members will leave from Santa Fe at 8:15 AM, and the two groups will get together around 9:00 AM at the trail head. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Saturday, August 6 - Upper Kyle Canyon Loop. The club offering today is an interesting loop hike approximately 3 miles in length that originates from the Cathedral Rock parking area near the top of Kyle Canyon Road. Passing through the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, the group will follow an old trail through an avalanche zone to a short stretch of the South Loop Trail. The snack break will occur at the highest point of the hike, about 800 feet above the starting point, and the hike will continue through an area hit by a small forest fire a couple of years ago. Hike rating is moderate with the biggest obstacle being some downed trees along the way. Departure time from Santa Fe Station is 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Monday, August 8 - Rainbow Loop. Bring a saw along for this work adventure clearing one of our favorite trails in the southern part of Kyle Canyon. A winter storm toppled lots of trees that now obstruct the narrow trail between South Loop Trail and the summer cabins at the top of the community of Rainbow. Group size will be limited to about ten individuals who need to RSVP with Chris Dempsey. The hike itself is a moderate 5.7-mile loop climbing 1,100 feet with about one mile of fairly steep climb through the avalanche zone above the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. The group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, August 9 - Upper Little Falls Canyon. There may be another name for this location that would be more descriptive, but this is probably the most accurate. A strenuous loop hike about 8 miles in total distance, the route will start up the Cathedral Rock Trail and head toward the manhole about 1/3rd mile beyond. The group will then follow a steep, faint trail climbing through the canyon, scramble up to the South Ridge between Charleston and Griffith, and return down the South Loop Trail. Total elevation gain is close to 3,000 feet. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Prospective participants should contact the coordinator at 575-8628 or e-mail him at amboydukes50@aol.com to RSVP. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Wednesday, August 10 - Charleston Golf Cart Path. Many years ago, a nine-hole golf course was opened in lower Kyle Canyon just east of the Mount Charleston Resort. It only lasted for a couple of weeks before having to shut down due to lack of proper licensing. For some time we have toyed with having a hike (walk) along the cart path that served the golf course. Today is the day to imagine what playing golf at Mount Charleston would have been like. This should be an easy to moderate outing covering 2 or 3 miles that climbs the ridge to the south of the main canyon wash. The group will assemble at the Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.
Thursday, August 11 - Window in the Cliff. Starting from the north trail head for Bonanza Trail, the route climbs the myriad of switchbacks to the saddle north of Bonanza Peak, then turns right toward Willow Peak for about one-third mile of intense scrambling over and past rock formations and scree to a 30-foot wide hole affording great views as far as the nuclear testing area. Total elevation gain should be just under 2,000 feet. This is a strenuous out-and-back hike covering a distance of 8 miles. The gravel road leading to the trail head is best driven by high clearance vehicles. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, August 12 - Deer Creek. Get ready for a peek back into the history of the Spring Mountains on this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike that gains about 900 feet of elevation. Starting off through the Deer Creek Picnic Area and along the stream, the group will soon reach a collection of 1930's resort cabins that are being restored by their proud owner. The remains of a sawmill just above the cabins and a few building sites associated with it complete the tour back in time. This is a joint Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing, with the OHH group leaving from the Siena Community Center at 8:00 AM and the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The two groups will combine at the start of Kyle Canyon Road shortly thereafter. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, August 13 - Mary Jane Falls. While there may not be any water flowing over the multi-tiered 100-foot waterfall, this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike is still pleasant as it climbs through the forest and past cliffs to the base of the falls. Total elevation gain is listed as 920 feet, but more than a dozen switchbacks ease the climb rate and offer some excellent views of the west end of Kyle Canyon. Participants wanting to explore a bit more can visit the shallow cave at the base of the cliffs just beyond the waterfall. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.
Monday, August 15 - Fletcher Canyon. One of the most rewarding short hikes in the Spring Mountains, this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike includes a section at the top end that passes through a canyon with cliff walls on either side that at one point narrow to five feet. Most of the hike is on trail with four short sections that are a bit steep and loose, but none of these is more than 100 feet long. Some scrambling is required in the narrows, but it isn't of major significance. The snack break will occur at the base of Obstacle Rock. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Tuesday, August 16 - Bonanza Trail. This hike will be the whole enchilada as it will cover the entire distance between the ski resort at the top of Lee Canyon and the northern trail head near Cold Creek. This very strenuous hike is point-to-point and will cover a total distance of 15 miles while engaging in two major climbs, one at the start and one in the middle. We expect to have enough participants to split into two groups with one leaving from each end and exchanging keys in the middle at the lunch break. High clearance vehicles are recommended for the gravel road leading to the northern trail head. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 7:00 AM. Please RSVP with Chris Dempsey if you intend to participate. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Wednesday, August 17 - Cathedral Rock/Little Falls. Return to the thrilling days of Mondays on the Mount (on a Wednesday) as the group tackles the 950 foot climb through Mazie Canyon to the top of the magnificent rock outcropping towering over the Mount Charleston Lodge at the end of Kyle Canyon Road. After descending, take a short side trip to a 20-foot waterfall near the base of the outcropping that will probably be dry by that time in summer. Total distance is about 4 miles with a moderate rating. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, August 18 - Mummy Springs. Usually this hike gets scheduled earlier in the year but somehow it got misplaced this time. Done as a counter-clockwise loop from the North Loop trail head, the route climbs past Deer Creek on a ridge that leads to the trail past the springs to the higher elevations of Mummy Mountain. After a snack stop at the springs, the group will pass Raintree on the return leg down North Loop Trail. Total distance for this moderately strenuous hike is between 6 and 7 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The ridge leading to Mummy Springs is quite steep. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, August 19 - Wild Horse Canyon. Another of our staple hikes that accommodate a leisurely pace will be held as a joint Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing. Done as a clockwise loop, the moderate 3.3-mile hike opens with an 800 foot climb up the North Loop Trail to the open meadows slightly more than a mile and a half away, where the rest stop will occur. The descent portion of the hike is into a heavily wooded narrow canyon with a few natural springs that support aquatic plants. The canyon exits through picturesque Split Rock. Over the Hills Hikers 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. The two groups will join at the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Saturday, August 20 - South Loop 1st Overlook. One of the more difficult hikes our club undertakes on a Saturday, this hike will be done at a leisurely pace to allow all the participants to get to the ledge at 9,000 feet that provides sensational views of Kyle Canyon. Total distance for the out-and-back hike is 4.8 miles and there is 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Fourteen switchbacks ease the final grade to the overlook and one of them has a boulder containing an array of ancient seabed fossils that really stand out when water is splashed on the rock. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, August 23 - Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon. It's 1,400 feet of climb getting up the 2.2 miles of Trail Canyon to the intersection with North Loop Trail and 2,000 feet of descent going down through Fletcher Canyon to its start at Kyle Canyon Road. All of this occurs during a 6-mile point-to-point hike rated as strenuous because of its steepness and irregular terrain. The creek through upper Fletcher usually runs year round, allowing participants to dip their feet in a pool below an 8-foot waterfall less than a mile above Obstacle Rock. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Thursday, August 25 - Horse Trough at Telephone Canyon. Here is a chance for newcomers to Around the Bend Friends to participate in one of the old standards developed by our longer-term club members. Starting from Robbers' Roost along Highway 158, the route will follow a counter clockwise loop in the top section of the canyon. After an initial descent into the central part of the canyon, the group will follow a trail that crosses to the east side in search of a horse watering trough along the multi-use trails overlooking Angel Peak. Parts of the return are along abandoned recreational gravel roads. Rating is moderate and total distance is 5 miles. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Marg Biesiada & Guy Galante.
Friday, August 26 - Sawmill Trails. A combined Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing, this moderate 3-mile loop hike behind the Sawmill Picnic Area rolls through a large stand of cliff roses before making the one significant climb of a few hundred feet onto a ridge north of the picnic area. The ridge offers excellent views to the northeast, including dry lake beds and part of Creech Air Force Base. The return leg goes through part of the Blue Tree rustic campground area. Over the Hills Hikers will leave from the Siena Community Center at 8:00 AM, Around the Bend Friends members will leave from Santa Fe at 8:15 AM, and the two groups will meet at the Sawmill Picnic Area shortly before 9:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, August 27 - Fletcher Canyon. This scenic 4-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderate and is one of the better short hikes in the Spring Mountains, making it perfectly suited for a Saturday. The first mile and a half plus winds through the forest with a gradual elevation gain and the possibility of flowing water in the creek as the trail heads toward a narrow slot canyon. Within the canyon, 100-foot walls close to within 5 feet as the group scrambles to the base of Obstacle Rock for a snack break before returning. The meeting location is at Santa Fe Station and the departure time is 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Sunday, August 28 - Lee Peak. This will NOT be the traditional route to the unofficial peak on the ridge east of Devil's Thumb that is usually accessed by Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail. Instead, it will be a partial exploratory hike that starts from the ski resort in Lee Canyon and climbs past the ski runs using the natural drainage and ridge routes afforded by the terrain. Scree is abundant and is a concern on the down slope. Estimated distance is 7 to 8 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. As this is a very strenuous hike not suitable for most members, those interested should check with the coordinator at 510-0875 or br3vs@yahoo.com prior to the hike. Coordinator - John Snail.
Tuesday, August 30 - Bonanza Peak. This will probably be the last time this year that the club makes the long trip to the community of Cold Creek and the drive up a rough gravel road to the north end of the Bonanza Trail. Climbing through a series of switchbacks, the trail hits a saddle between Bonanza and Willow Peaks, then heads south toward the official top looking across from McFarland Peak at the northern end of the Spring Mountains. Total distance for this strenuous out-and-back hike is 10 miles. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
If you have any hikes you would like to suggest, please contact Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or 823-2355. You can either make a simple request for a specific hike or volunteer to coordinate one. We do have some guidelines that we try to maintain for certain days. Friday and Saturday hikes are generally shorter and more social with a leisurely pace. Tuesday hikes are as difficult as you can get. Thursday hikes are also quite strenuous, but generally not as tough as Tuesdays and usually at a slower pace. Hikes scheduled for Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays can vary substantially in terms of difficulty based on who has volunteered to coordinate and what they would like to do. On occasion, we may offer more than one hike on a given day if they are of different difficulty or speed levels.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements.
Tuesday, August 2 - Harris Peak. A wind storm this past winter caused significant damage in the Rainbow Canyon area that, although the route appears to be in better shape than first thought, may have an effect on the conduct of this strenuous hike to the top of the mountain above the ultimate location for the Lower Kyle Canyon Visitor Center. The 5-mile out-and-back hike climbs along the side of Rainbow Canyon to a saddle, then turns to a bushwhacking route through trees and brush to the pinnacle. Elevation gain is around 2,500 feet and most of the route is steep. The view from the top includes a significant portion of Las Vegas. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, August 3 - Lower Telephone Canyon. Looking for a leisurely ramble on trails through the woods that don't require a lot of elevation gain? Then join the group today for an easy to moderate 3-mile partial loop hike that gets into thick stands of mountain mahogany, oak, and pine through the lower section of Telephone Canyon. Total elevation gain is only a few hundred feet. Check out the impressive cliffs near the top of the ridge to the west on the return leg of this hike that is reminiscent of Mondays at the Mount. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, August 4 - Raintree via Trail Canyon. The somewhat longer version of the hike to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine starts and ends on the Trail Canyon Trail that can be found at the edge of the community of Echo. In the middle is a breathtaking section of the North Loop Trail that crosses the top of Fletcher Canyon, with views of all the major peaks surrounding Kyle Canyon and several of the side canyons. Total distance for this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike is 7.4 miles and the elevation gain is 2,200 feet. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, August 5 - Bristlecone Trail. The goal for this moderate 5-mile out-and-back hike through the pine and aspen forest at the top of Lee Canyon is to enjoy the scenery, which includes views of all the major peaks surrounding the canyon. Total elevation gain is about 700 feet and the trail is quite gradual. When combined with a leisurely pace, this hike is ideally suited for the general membership of the club. The group will be taking a snack break at the halfway point of the hike located at the intersection of the Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails. Over the Hills Hikers will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure, ABF members will leave from Santa Fe at 8:15 AM, and the two groups will get together around 9:00 AM at the trail head. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Saturday, August 6 - Upper Kyle Canyon Loop. The club offering today is an interesting loop hike approximately 3 miles in length that originates from the Cathedral Rock parking area near the top of Kyle Canyon Road. Passing through the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, the group will follow an old trail through an avalanche zone to a short stretch of the South Loop Trail. The snack break will occur at the highest point of the hike, about 800 feet above the starting point, and the hike will continue through an area hit by a small forest fire a couple of years ago. Hike rating is moderate with the biggest obstacle being some downed trees along the way. Departure time from Santa Fe Station is 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Ann Cronin.
Monday, August 8 - Rainbow Loop. Bring a saw along for this work adventure clearing one of our favorite trails in the southern part of Kyle Canyon. A winter storm toppled lots of trees that now obstruct the narrow trail between South Loop Trail and the summer cabins at the top of the community of Rainbow. Group size will be limited to about ten individuals who need to RSVP with Chris Dempsey. The hike itself is a moderate 5.7-mile loop climbing 1,100 feet with about one mile of fairly steep climb through the avalanche zone above the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. The group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, August 9 - Upper Little Falls Canyon. There may be another name for this location that would be more descriptive, but this is probably the most accurate. A strenuous loop hike about 8 miles in total distance, the route will start up the Cathedral Rock Trail and head toward the manhole about 1/3rd mile beyond. The group will then follow a steep, faint trail climbing through the canyon, scramble up to the South Ridge between Charleston and Griffith, and return down the South Loop Trail. Total elevation gain is close to 3,000 feet. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Prospective participants should contact the coordinator at 575-8628 or e-mail him at amboydukes50@aol.com to RSVP. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Wednesday, August 10 - Charleston Golf Cart Path. Many years ago, a nine-hole golf course was opened in lower Kyle Canyon just east of the Mount Charleston Resort. It only lasted for a couple of weeks before having to shut down due to lack of proper licensing. For some time we have toyed with having a hike (walk) along the cart path that served the golf course. Today is the day to imagine what playing golf at Mount Charleston would have been like. This should be an easy to moderate outing covering 2 or 3 miles that climbs the ridge to the south of the main canyon wash. The group will assemble at the Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.
Thursday, August 11 - Window in the Cliff. Starting from the north trail head for Bonanza Trail, the route climbs the myriad of switchbacks to the saddle north of Bonanza Peak, then turns right toward Willow Peak for about one-third mile of intense scrambling over and past rock formations and scree to a 30-foot wide hole affording great views as far as the nuclear testing area. Total elevation gain should be just under 2,000 feet. This is a strenuous out-and-back hike covering a distance of 8 miles. The gravel road leading to the trail head is best driven by high clearance vehicles. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, August 12 - Deer Creek. Get ready for a peek back into the history of the Spring Mountains on this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike that gains about 900 feet of elevation. Starting off through the Deer Creek Picnic Area and along the stream, the group will soon reach a collection of 1930's resort cabins that are being restored by their proud owner. The remains of a sawmill just above the cabins and a few building sites associated with it complete the tour back in time. This is a joint Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing, with the OHH group leaving from the Siena Community Center at 8:00 AM and the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The two groups will combine at the start of Kyle Canyon Road shortly thereafter. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, August 13 - Mary Jane Falls. While there may not be any water flowing over the multi-tiered 100-foot waterfall, this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike is still pleasant as it climbs through the forest and past cliffs to the base of the falls. Total elevation gain is listed as 920 feet, but more than a dozen switchbacks ease the climb rate and offer some excellent views of the west end of Kyle Canyon. Participants wanting to explore a bit more can visit the shallow cave at the base of the cliffs just beyond the waterfall. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.
Monday, August 15 - Fletcher Canyon. One of the most rewarding short hikes in the Spring Mountains, this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike includes a section at the top end that passes through a canyon with cliff walls on either side that at one point narrow to five feet. Most of the hike is on trail with four short sections that are a bit steep and loose, but none of these is more than 100 feet long. Some scrambling is required in the narrows, but it isn't of major significance. The snack break will occur at the base of Obstacle Rock. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Tuesday, August 16 - Bonanza Trail. This hike will be the whole enchilada as it will cover the entire distance between the ski resort at the top of Lee Canyon and the northern trail head near Cold Creek. This very strenuous hike is point-to-point and will cover a total distance of 15 miles while engaging in two major climbs, one at the start and one in the middle. We expect to have enough participants to split into two groups with one leaving from each end and exchanging keys in the middle at the lunch break. High clearance vehicles are recommended for the gravel road leading to the northern trail head. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 7:00 AM. Please RSVP with Chris Dempsey if you intend to participate. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Wednesday, August 17 - Cathedral Rock/Little Falls. Return to the thrilling days of Mondays on the Mount (on a Wednesday) as the group tackles the 950 foot climb through Mazie Canyon to the top of the magnificent rock outcropping towering over the Mount Charleston Lodge at the end of Kyle Canyon Road. After descending, take a short side trip to a 20-foot waterfall near the base of the outcropping that will probably be dry by that time in summer. Total distance is about 4 miles with a moderate rating. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, August 18 - Mummy Springs. Usually this hike gets scheduled earlier in the year but somehow it got misplaced this time. Done as a counter-clockwise loop from the North Loop trail head, the route climbs past Deer Creek on a ridge that leads to the trail past the springs to the higher elevations of Mummy Mountain. After a snack stop at the springs, the group will pass Raintree on the return leg down North Loop Trail. Total distance for this moderately strenuous hike is between 6 and 7 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The ridge leading to Mummy Springs is quite steep. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, August 19 - Wild Horse Canyon. Another of our staple hikes that accommodate a leisurely pace will be held as a joint Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing. Done as a clockwise loop, the moderate 3.3-mile hike opens with an 800 foot climb up the North Loop Trail to the open meadows slightly more than a mile and a half away, where the rest stop will occur. The descent portion of the hike is into a heavily wooded narrow canyon with a few natural springs that support aquatic plants. The canyon exits through picturesque Split Rock. Over the Hills Hikers 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. The two groups will join at the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Saturday, August 20 - South Loop 1st Overlook. One of the more difficult hikes our club undertakes on a Saturday, this hike will be done at a leisurely pace to allow all the participants to get to the ledge at 9,000 feet that provides sensational views of Kyle Canyon. Total distance for the out-and-back hike is 4.8 miles and there is 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Fourteen switchbacks ease the final grade to the overlook and one of them has a boulder containing an array of ancient seabed fossils that really stand out when water is splashed on the rock. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Tuesday, August 23 - Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon. It's 1,400 feet of climb getting up the 2.2 miles of Trail Canyon to the intersection with North Loop Trail and 2,000 feet of descent going down through Fletcher Canyon to its start at Kyle Canyon Road. All of this occurs during a 6-mile point-to-point hike rated as strenuous because of its steepness and irregular terrain. The creek through upper Fletcher usually runs year round, allowing participants to dip their feet in a pool below an 8-foot waterfall less than a mile above Obstacle Rock. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Thursday, August 25 - Horse Trough at Telephone Canyon. Here is a chance for newcomers to Around the Bend Friends to participate in one of the old standards developed by our longer-term club members. Starting from Robbers' Roost along Highway 158, the route will follow a counter clockwise loop in the top section of the canyon. After an initial descent into the central part of the canyon, the group will follow a trail that crosses to the east side in search of a horse watering trough along the multi-use trails overlooking Angel Peak. Parts of the return are along abandoned recreational gravel roads. Rating is moderate and total distance is 5 miles. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinators - Marg Biesiada & Guy Galante.
Friday, August 26 - Sawmill Trails. A combined Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing, this moderate 3-mile loop hike behind the Sawmill Picnic Area rolls through a large stand of cliff roses before making the one significant climb of a few hundred feet onto a ridge north of the picnic area. The ridge offers excellent views to the northeast, including dry lake beds and part of Creech Air Force Base. The return leg goes through part of the Blue Tree rustic campground area. Over the Hills Hikers will leave from the Siena Community Center at 8:00 AM, Around the Bend Friends members will leave from Santa Fe at 8:15 AM, and the two groups will meet at the Sawmill Picnic Area shortly before 9:00 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Saturday, August 27 - Fletcher Canyon. This scenic 4-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderate and is one of the better short hikes in the Spring Mountains, making it perfectly suited for a Saturday. The first mile and a half plus winds through the forest with a gradual elevation gain and the possibility of flowing water in the creek as the trail heads toward a narrow slot canyon. Within the canyon, 100-foot walls close to within 5 feet as the group scrambles to the base of Obstacle Rock for a snack break before returning. The meeting location is at Santa Fe Station and the departure time is 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Sunday, August 28 - Lee Peak. This will NOT be the traditional route to the unofficial peak on the ridge east of Devil's Thumb that is usually accessed by Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail. Instead, it will be a partial exploratory hike that starts from the ski resort in Lee Canyon and climbs past the ski runs using the natural drainage and ridge routes afforded by the terrain. Scree is abundant and is a concern on the down slope. Estimated distance is 7 to 8 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM. As this is a very strenuous hike not suitable for most members, those interested should check with the coordinator at 510-0875 or br3vs@yahoo.com prior to the hike. Coordinator - John Snail.
Tuesday, August 30 - Bonanza Peak. This will probably be the last time this year that the club makes the long trip to the community of Cold Creek and the drive up a rough gravel road to the north end of the Bonanza Trail. Climbing through a series of switchbacks, the trail hits a saddle between Bonanza and Willow Peaks, then heads south toward the official top looking across from McFarland Peak at the northern end of the Spring Mountains. Total distance for this strenuous out-and-back hike is 10 miles. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
If you have any hikes you would like to suggest, please contact Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or 823-2355. You can either make a simple request for a specific hike or volunteer to coordinate one. We do have some guidelines that we try to maintain for certain days. Friday and Saturday hikes are generally shorter and more social with a leisurely pace. Tuesday hikes are as difficult as you can get. Thursday hikes are also quite strenuous, but generally not as tough as Tuesdays and usually at a slower pace. Hikes scheduled for Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays can vary substantially in terms of difficulty based on who has volunteered to coordinate and what they would like to do. On occasion, we may offer more than one hike on a given day if they are of different difficulty or speed levels.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July Hike List 2011
Here is the listing of scheduled club hikes for the month of July 2011. The hikes listed for Fridays will be Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers combined outings. Siena residents who were members of Over the Hills Hikers are not required to be members of Around the Bend Friends to take part in these 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 Saturday club hikes 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.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements.
Saturday, July 2 - Wild Horse Canyon. This scenic 3.3-mile loop hike starts at the trail head for North Loop Trail on Highway 158 at 8,400 feet of elevation. The first half of the hike climbs to a meadows area for a snack break, gaining 700 feet of elevation in the process. The second half of the moderate loop descends into Wild Horse Canyon, which is densely forested with a few springs, flowing water, and aquatic plants. The only difficult section of the trail is the steep descent into the canyon after leaving the meadows. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Sunday, July 3 - Mount Charleston. The big hike in the Spring Mountains is rated very strenuous, since it covers a total distance of 17 miles and gains over 4,200 feet of elevation getting to the peak. Because of the heavy and late snow levels in the higher elevations, this trek will follow the out-and-back route along South Loop Trail. Even so, there may still be a stray pile or two of the white stuff to negotiate on the way up to the saddle just north of Griffith Peak. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 5:30 AM, much earlier than normal hikes. Please RSVP with Chris Dempsey if you plan on taking part. Coordinator- Brian Dodd.
Tuesday, July 5 - Fletcher Peak. Our earlier attempt at this mountain was rebuffed by strong winds and cold temperatures, with both numbers around 40 (degrees and wind speed). The standard approach will take to group up North Loop Trail to the cutoff and on to the peak, covering a distance of 7.5 miles and gaining 1,700 feet of elevation. This trek carries a strenuous rating, but it is probably the easiest major peak around Kyle Canyon to access. There is some scrambling near the top as the trail tends to become obscure. The group will have a 7:30 AM departure from Santa Fe Station. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Wednesday, July 6 - South Loop 3rd Overlook. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club continue with the second of a three hike series intended to get first-timers to one of the 11,000-foot peaks in the Spring Mountains. Today's hike will be a moderately strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike to a rock outcropping along the South Loop Trail. Gaining 2,100 feet of elevation, this hike can be viewed as a test of endurance, and the pace will be set to accommodate those individuals willing to give it a try. The Lone Mountain group will leave from Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:00 AM, the ABF group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM, and the two groups will get together at the Cathedral Rock parking area prior to the start of the hike. Coordinator - Jerry Blum.
Wednesday, July 6 - Raintree. It isn't often that you get your choice of hikes for a day in the Spring Mountains, but today will be an exception. Although this hike is a moderately strenuous 6-mile out-and-back climbing 1,500 feet of elevation, it is designed to accommodate those individuals who would like to stretch their boundaries but are concerned about getting into too fast a group. This particular outing will assume a slow pace and incorporate some extra stops, so if you are interested in challenging yourself a bit join this group for a day on North Loop Trail. The destination is the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine that sits on a ridge below Mummy's Toe. The group will meet at Santa Fe and depart at 8:00 AM for the trail head. Coordinator - Pam Washington.
Thursday, July 7 - Cockscomb Peak. This will mark the first time our club has attempted to summit the rocky peak topping Cockscomb Ridge and it should be interesting. The strenuous 6-mile point-to-point hike will start with Trail Canyon to the North Loop junction, then out along the ridge by the traditional route. Just before getting to the base of the rock comb, the group will descend along the eastern base and climb to the top from the back side. The return will be down Fletcher Canyon with plenty of scrambling, including a drop through the rabbit hole. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Those wanting to participate should RSVP with Chris Dempsey by return e-mail. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Friday, July 8 - Telephone Canyon. This is a very popular group hike for people that don't want to get out of breath climbing steep trails, because nearly the entire route goes downhill. Starting from the Robbers' Roost parking area the route, which consists mostly of trail with some gravel road, drops over 1,000 feet of elevation and finishes near the police substation along Kyle Canyon Road. Total distance for the point-to-point hike is 4 miles with a moderate rating. This hike will be a joint Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing, with the Over the Hills group departing Siena at 8:00 AM and the ABF group departing Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The groups will meet near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. A few extra vehicles will be needed to accommodate the car shuttle. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, July 9 - Bristlecone Trail. Participants will be seeing the best of the Bristlecone Trail twice today, as the group will be doing a moderate 4 to 5-mile out-and-back hike along the western section of the trail, which is mostly a single track path climbing gently through the woods, to the junction with Bonanza Trail. Total elevation gain is about 600 feet and the route provides stunning views of Mummy Mountain the two Sisters, and a good glimpse of Mount Charleston near the turn-around point. The group meets at Santa Fe Station and departs from there at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Monday, July 11 - Stanley B Mine & Springs. Debris from a winter storm involving high winds has choked the narrow canyon above the mine shafts, which will probably necessitate altering the strategy for this hike into Stanley B Springs offered by Around the Bend Friends. The most likely possibility is to conduct the hike starting from the parking area near the Mount Charleston Visitor Center and the Fletcher Trail and follow Kyle Canyon drainage up to the normal start of the hike about a mile to the west. If that route is followed, total distance should be about 4 miles. Elevation gain should only be 600 feet and there is a small amount of minor scrambling, resulting in a moderate rating. The group will be meeting on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Tuesday, July 12 - North Sister. This very strenuous hike only covers a total distance of 4 or 5 miles, but it includes some of the steepest and loosest terrain to be found in the Spring Mountains. Starting from Lee Canyon, the route will climb to the top of a distinctive peak almost directly north of Mummy Mountain. There are some cliffs that have to be negotiated getting to the top, but rather than equipment they essentially require extra care. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station and departing at 8:00 AM. Because of the difficulty and danger involved in the hike, participants will be screened. If interested, please contact Chris Dempsey by telephone or e-mail. Coordinators - Larry Dunn & Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, July 13 - Griffith Peak. Today is graduation day for those who began training a few weeks ago to accomplish getting to the top of the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club will be combining forces for this strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike that gains 3,400 feet while climbing along the South Loop Trail. A slower pace is probably the rule of the day to accommodate people trying this summit for the first time. The Lone Mountain group will leave from Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:00 AM, with the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM. The groups will combine at the Cathedral Rock parking area. Coordinator - Jerry Blum.
Wednesday, July 13 - Deer Creek. Even though this 3-mile out-and-back hike is rated easy to moderate, it still has a couple of short, steep climbs (and descents) along the route. That shouldn't be a problem, though, as this hike will be conducted at a leisurely pace for the benefit of participants who might be concerned with going faster than their comfort level. Total elevation gain is 800 feet and most of the surface is gravel road that services a number of personal residences and summer cabins in the area. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Pam Washington.
Thursday, July 14 - Pahrump Overlook Peak. This strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike sponsored by Around the Bend Friends will have as its objective a high rock outcropping along a ridge extending northwest from the top of Lee Canyon toward Pahrump, with good views of that city. The route involves a considerable amount of scrambling along the ridge, which is accessed from the No Name Trail near the saddle at the mid-point of that trail. The approach to the ridge is then made along a steep trail that can be quite loose. Be prepared for obstacles left from winter storms in the area. The group will assemble on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.
Friday, July 15 - Raintree via North Loop. The combined Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers will tackle the eastern end of the North Loop Trail this week with a moderately strenuous out-and-back hike to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine. Climbing about 1,500 feet of elevation, the trail tops out just under 10,000 feet winding through the forest to the base of Mummy's Toe. The steepest section is up a series of twelve switchbacks just below the high point. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure, the ABF group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM, and the two groups will combine near Highway 95 and Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, July 16 - Wild Horse Ridge. This moderate 3.3-mile loop hike starts up North Loop Trail from the eastern trail head, climbing 700 feet in the process, with a snack break at an open meadows area that is the highest point the group will reach on this day. After the break, the route follows the start of the Wild Horse Trail until the canyon route turns steeply downhill. The route for this hike continues on a faint trail, gaining the ridge between Wild Horse and Deer Creek Canyons, and continues back to the starting point. There is some minor scrambling, a short section of steep downhill terrain, and some great views along the route. Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Monday, July 18 - Bristlecone Loop. At the top of Lee Canyon is a moderate 6-mile loop hike along one of the more popular trails in the Spring Mountains. With two trail heads to choose from, there is an opportunity to vary the route and alter the scenery by going in the opposite direction. Part of the trail is through a heavy stand of forest, part is along a gravel forest service road, and a section of less than a mile is on pavement. This is the only trail in the Spring Mountains that allows mountain biking, so hikers should keep an eye out for this species, as well as the mule deer that frequent the area. The group will be using Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, July 19 - Mummy's Tummy. It's that time of year to make the annual pilgrimage to the top of the second highest peak in the Spring Mountains. With an elevation gain of 3,900 feet and a total distance of 9 miles, this very strenuous out-and-back hike tests the abilities of even skilled hikers. The toughest sustained section is the scree field above North Loop Trail that must be tackled in order to gain the approach ridge, but the scrambling fun continues right to the final notch in the surrounding cliffs that leads to the top. The meeting location is Santa Fe Station and the departure time is 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, July 20 - Fletcher Canyon. It will be a return of Mondays on the Mount on a Wednesday with our special guest coordinator, who will lead us on a moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike into a beautiful slot canyon from the starting point near the Mount Charleston Visitor Center. There is only about 600 feet of elevation gain along the gentle trail that eventually leads to a narrowing of the canyon. Over the last part of the route getting to Obstacle Rock, the cliff walls on either side pull in so that in one section the bottom of the canyon is only five feet across. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, July 21 - Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon. This is only marginally a repeat of the hike that was held the previous day, as the ending point is the same. This strenuous 6-mile point-to-point route will start with a trek up Trail Canyon to the junction with North Loop Trail past Cockscomb Ridge. Turning east on that trail for a short distance, the group will try to find the easiest descent into the top portion of Fletcher Canyon. As the group winds through a spectacular setting of cliffs and forest, it will have to negotiate a few scrambling areas before dropping through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock. Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 22 - Kyle Canyon Wash. The second point-to-point hike in as many days will be quite a bit easier than the first as it is an all downhill route. Starting near the parking area for Cathedral Rock, the group will access the main drainage for Kyle Canyon, using adjoining trails whenever possible, and wind up climbing out of the drainage near the Mount Charleston Hotel in lower Kyle Canyon. The total distance hiked will be close to 4 miles. Somewhat over half of the route is in the drainage, requiring minor scrambling. Rating is moderate, and a few extra cars will be needed to transport drivers back to the starting point. The Over the Hills Hikers group will meet at Siena for an 8:00 AM departure with the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM and the two groups joining along Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Saturday, July 23 - Cathedral Rock. It's time for a return trek to the top of this massive rock outcropping near the base of the ridge between Mount Charleston and Griffith Peak. A moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike climbing 950 feet, the official trail passes through avalanche prone Mazie Canyon to an old abandoned gravel road that was originally built to access a well point for the communities below. The view of Kyle Canyon from the top is spectacular. Short side trip also can be taken to the manhole at the well or to Little Falls upon returning to the parking lot. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.
Monday, July 25 - South Loop 3rd Overlook. A repeat of a hike the club did at the beginning of the month will take the group to a sensational rock outcropping high above Kyle Canyon. From this vantage point, you can look down quite a ways to the top of Cathedral Rock. An out-and-back hike of 7 miles with a gain of 2,100 feet along the South Loop Trail, this trek is rated moderately strenuous. Even this late into the summer, it is likely the group will encounter some hard packed snow remaining from a minor avalanche and a narrow canyon crossing before a series of switchbacks on the way up to the 1st overlook. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jerry Blum.
Tuesday, July 26 - Mummy's Toe. Some people have been asking about visiting various parts of Mummy's anatomy, and here is another one. The strenuous 8-mile hike today will be a partial loop/partial out-and-back that will climb a ridge close to Deer Creek, winding up on the trail above Mummy Springs that leads to the toe. As the trail deteriorates, the scramble to the top becomes intense. On the way down, the group will opt for a somewhat easier route by passing Mummy Springs and Raintree and following the North Loop Trail to the parking area. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, July 27 - Telephone Canyon Loop. The hike today is the outcome of an experiment conducted in early June when another group didn't have enough hikers to justify spotting cars at either end of our traditional hike down from Robbers' Roost. The result is a moderate 5-mile loop that gains 900 feet of elevation as it follows (but doesn't see much of) Highway 158 heading toward the Roost. The descent into the canyon requires care to avoid falling and is the only steep section of the hike. Foliage in the canyon includes pine, oak, and mountain mahogany. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station for the hike at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, July 28 - Bonanza Trail. First of all you need to know that we will not be doing the full trail between the ski resort and Cold Creek. Our hike today will be a moderately strenuous out-and-back along the southern portion of the trail from the ski resort that will go along the ridge to an open spot with great views of Mack's Peak and the Sisters. We will not be going as far as McFarland and the total distance should be around 8 miles. There is still plenty of challenge as we will climb part way on No Name Trail and the surroundings are beautiful. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station, leaving from there at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 29 - Mary Jane Falls. The water will probably have stopped trickling over the 100-foot waterfall with most of the snow having melted off the higher elevations of the North Ridge, but there still may be a pile of snow in the shadows at the base of the waterfall. Total distance for this moderate out-and-back hike is close to 3 miles and there is 920 feet of elevation gain. This hike will combine the Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers on another Friday excursion into the Spring Mountains. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center with an 8:00 AM departure and the Around the Bend group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM, joining forces near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Saturday, July 30 - Trail Canyon. Even though today is the travel day for club members going on the Ely trip, there will still a social Saturday club hike. The target will be the junction of Trail Canyon and North Loop Trail behind Cockscomb Ridge. To get there, the group will be gaining about 1,500 feet of elevation on a moderately strenuous out-and-back hike of 4.4 miles on the Trail Canyon Trail. The lower stages of the trail are fairly steep and head straight toward Mummy Mountain. The upper portion has several switchbacks and an easier climb rate. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.
For those people interested in the club outing to Ely, the dates of the trip will be July 30 to August 3. We will be staying at the quaint Nevada Hotel with fairly inexpensive room rates. Based on weather being good, the first day of hiking will be in Great Basin National Park some 60 miles away, the second day will be in Cave Lake State Park about 15 miles away, and the third day could be in Ward Mountain Wilderness Area just south of the town. More information about this club trip can be found in the monthly newsletter.
If you have any hikes you would like to suggest, please contact Chris Dempsey at lvdempsey@aol.com or 702-823-2355. You can either make a simple request for a specific hike or you can volunteer to coordinate it. We do have some guidelines that we try to maintain for certain days. Friday and Saturday hikes are generally shorter and more social with a fairly slow pace. Tuesday hikes are as difficult as you can get. Thursday hikes are also quite strenuous, but generally not as tough as Tuesdays. Hikes scheduled for Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays can vary substantially in terms of difficulty based on who has volunteered to coordinate and what they would like to do. On occasion, we may offer more than one hike on a given day if they are of different difficulty or speed levels. Also, when we return to Red Rock Canyon in late September, we will be scheduling more than one hike on Saturdays to control numbers within the Conservation Area.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Mount Charleston area hikes will stage on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station and depart from that location at the appointed time. Be at the designated location at least five to ten minutes before departure time for carpooling arrangements.
Saturday, July 2 - Wild Horse Canyon. This scenic 3.3-mile loop hike starts at the trail head for North Loop Trail on Highway 158 at 8,400 feet of elevation. The first half of the hike climbs to a meadows area for a snack break, gaining 700 feet of elevation in the process. The second half of the moderate loop descends into Wild Horse Canyon, which is densely forested with a few springs, flowing water, and aquatic plants. The only difficult section of the trail is the steep descent into the canyon after leaving the meadows. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Sunday, July 3 - Mount Charleston. The big hike in the Spring Mountains is rated very strenuous, since it covers a total distance of 17 miles and gains over 4,200 feet of elevation getting to the peak. Because of the heavy and late snow levels in the higher elevations, this trek will follow the out-and-back route along South Loop Trail. Even so, there may still be a stray pile or two of the white stuff to negotiate on the way up to the saddle just north of Griffith Peak. The departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 5:30 AM, much earlier than normal hikes. Please RSVP with Chris Dempsey if you plan on taking part. Coordinator- Brian Dodd.
Tuesday, July 5 - Fletcher Peak. Our earlier attempt at this mountain was rebuffed by strong winds and cold temperatures, with both numbers around 40 (degrees and wind speed). The standard approach will take to group up North Loop Trail to the cutoff and on to the peak, covering a distance of 7.5 miles and gaining 1,700 feet of elevation. This trek carries a strenuous rating, but it is probably the easiest major peak around Kyle Canyon to access. There is some scrambling near the top as the trail tends to become obscure. The group will have a 7:30 AM departure from Santa Fe Station. Coordinator - Brian Dodd.
Wednesday, July 6 - South Loop 3rd Overlook. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club continue with the second of a three hike series intended to get first-timers to one of the 11,000-foot peaks in the Spring Mountains. Today's hike will be a moderately strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike to a rock outcropping along the South Loop Trail. Gaining 2,100 feet of elevation, this hike can be viewed as a test of endurance, and the pace will be set to accommodate those individuals willing to give it a try. The Lone Mountain group will leave from Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:00 AM, the ABF group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM, and the two groups will get together at the Cathedral Rock parking area prior to the start of the hike. Coordinator - Jerry Blum.
Wednesday, July 6 - Raintree. It isn't often that you get your choice of hikes for a day in the Spring Mountains, but today will be an exception. Although this hike is a moderately strenuous 6-mile out-and-back climbing 1,500 feet of elevation, it is designed to accommodate those individuals who would like to stretch their boundaries but are concerned about getting into too fast a group. This particular outing will assume a slow pace and incorporate some extra stops, so if you are interested in challenging yourself a bit join this group for a day on North Loop Trail. The destination is the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine that sits on a ridge below Mummy's Toe. The group will meet at Santa Fe and depart at 8:00 AM for the trail head. Coordinator - Pam Washington.
Thursday, July 7 - Cockscomb Peak. This will mark the first time our club has attempted to summit the rocky peak topping Cockscomb Ridge and it should be interesting. The strenuous 6-mile point-to-point hike will start with Trail Canyon to the North Loop junction, then out along the ridge by the traditional route. Just before getting to the base of the rock comb, the group will descend along the eastern base and climb to the top from the back side. The return will be down Fletcher Canyon with plenty of scrambling, including a drop through the rabbit hole. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM. Those wanting to participate should RSVP with Chris Dempsey by return e-mail. Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.
Friday, July 8 - Telephone Canyon. This is a very popular group hike for people that don't want to get out of breath climbing steep trails, because nearly the entire route goes downhill. Starting from the Robbers' Roost parking area the route, which consists mostly of trail with some gravel road, drops over 1,000 feet of elevation and finishes near the police substation along Kyle Canyon Road. Total distance for the point-to-point hike is 4 miles with a moderate rating. This hike will be a joint Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers outing, with the Over the Hills group departing Siena at 8:00 AM and the ABF group departing Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM. The groups will meet near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. A few extra vehicles will be needed to accommodate the car shuttle. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, July 9 - Bristlecone Trail. Participants will be seeing the best of the Bristlecone Trail twice today, as the group will be doing a moderate 4 to 5-mile out-and-back hike along the western section of the trail, which is mostly a single track path climbing gently through the woods, to the junction with Bonanza Trail. Total elevation gain is about 600 feet and the route provides stunning views of Mummy Mountain the two Sisters, and a good glimpse of Mount Charleston near the turn-around point. The group meets at Santa Fe Station and departs from there at 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.
Monday, July 11 - Stanley B Mine & Springs. Debris from a winter storm involving high winds has choked the narrow canyon above the mine shafts, which will probably necessitate altering the strategy for this hike into Stanley B Springs offered by Around the Bend Friends. The most likely possibility is to conduct the hike starting from the parking area near the Mount Charleston Visitor Center and the Fletcher Trail and follow Kyle Canyon drainage up to the normal start of the hike about a mile to the west. If that route is followed, total distance should be about 4 miles. Elevation gain should only be 600 feet and there is a small amount of minor scrambling, resulting in a moderate rating. The group will be meeting on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Guy Galante.
Tuesday, July 12 - North Sister. This very strenuous hike only covers a total distance of 4 or 5 miles, but it includes some of the steepest and loosest terrain to be found in the Spring Mountains. Starting from Lee Canyon, the route will climb to the top of a distinctive peak almost directly north of Mummy Mountain. There are some cliffs that have to be negotiated getting to the top, but rather than equipment they essentially require extra care. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station and departing at 8:00 AM. Because of the difficulty and danger involved in the hike, participants will be screened. If interested, please contact Chris Dempsey by telephone or e-mail. Coordinators - Larry Dunn & Michael O'Connor.
Wednesday, July 13 - Griffith Peak. Today is graduation day for those who began training a few weeks ago to accomplish getting to the top of the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains. The Around the Bend Friends and Lone Mountain Hiking Club will be combining forces for this strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike that gains 3,400 feet while climbing along the South Loop Trail. A slower pace is probably the rule of the day to accommodate people trying this summit for the first time. The Lone Mountain group will leave from Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:00 AM, with the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM. The groups will combine at the Cathedral Rock parking area. Coordinator - Jerry Blum.
Wednesday, July 13 - Deer Creek. Even though this 3-mile out-and-back hike is rated easy to moderate, it still has a couple of short, steep climbs (and descents) along the route. That shouldn't be a problem, though, as this hike will be conducted at a leisurely pace for the benefit of participants who might be concerned with going faster than their comfort level. Total elevation gain is 800 feet and most of the surface is gravel road that services a number of personal residences and summer cabins in the area. The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Pam Washington.
Thursday, July 14 - Pahrump Overlook Peak. This strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike sponsored by Around the Bend Friends will have as its objective a high rock outcropping along a ridge extending northwest from the top of Lee Canyon toward Pahrump, with good views of that city. The route involves a considerable amount of scrambling along the ridge, which is accessed from the No Name Trail near the saddle at the mid-point of that trail. The approach to the ridge is then made along a steep trail that can be quite loose. Be prepared for obstacles left from winter storms in the area. The group will assemble on the 3rd floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.
Friday, July 15 - Raintree via North Loop. The combined Around the Bend Friends/Over the Hills Hikers will tackle the eastern end of the North Loop Trail this week with a moderately strenuous out-and-back hike to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine. Climbing about 1,500 feet of elevation, the trail tops out just under 10,000 feet winding through the forest to the base of Mummy's Toe. The steepest section is up a series of twelve switchbacks just below the high point. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center for an 8:00 AM departure, the ABF group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM, and the two groups will combine near Highway 95 and Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Roger Hembree.
Saturday, July 16 - Wild Horse Ridge. This moderate 3.3-mile loop hike starts up North Loop Trail from the eastern trail head, climbing 700 feet in the process, with a snack break at an open meadows area that is the highest point the group will reach on this day. After the break, the route follows the start of the Wild Horse Trail until the canyon route turns steeply downhill. The route for this hike continues on a faint trail, gaining the ridge between Wild Horse and Deer Creek Canyons, and continues back to the starting point. There is some minor scrambling, a short section of steep downhill terrain, and some great views along the route. Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Ed Matulis.
Monday, July 18 - Bristlecone Loop. At the top of Lee Canyon is a moderate 6-mile loop hike along one of the more popular trails in the Spring Mountains. With two trail heads to choose from, there is an opportunity to vary the route and alter the scenery by going in the opposite direction. Part of the trail is through a heavy stand of forest, part is along a gravel forest service road, and a section of less than a mile is on pavement. This is the only trail in the Spring Mountains that allows mountain biking, so hikers should keep an eye out for this species, as well as the mule deer that frequent the area. The group will be using Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Tuesday, July 19 - Mummy's Tummy. It's that time of year to make the annual pilgrimage to the top of the second highest peak in the Spring Mountains. With an elevation gain of 3,900 feet and a total distance of 9 miles, this very strenuous out-and-back hike tests the abilities of even skilled hikers. The toughest sustained section is the scree field above North Loop Trail that must be tackled in order to gain the approach ridge, but the scrambling fun continues right to the final notch in the surrounding cliffs that leads to the top. The meeting location is Santa Fe Station and the departure time is 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, July 20 - Fletcher Canyon. It will be a return of Mondays on the Mount on a Wednesday with our special guest coordinator, who will lead us on a moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike into a beautiful slot canyon from the starting point near the Mount Charleston Visitor Center. There is only about 600 feet of elevation gain along the gentle trail that eventually leads to a narrowing of the canyon. Over the last part of the route getting to Obstacle Rock, the cliff walls on either side pull in so that in one section the bottom of the canyon is only five feet across. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.
Thursday, July 21 - Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon. This is only marginally a repeat of the hike that was held the previous day, as the ending point is the same. This strenuous 6-mile point-to-point route will start with a trek up Trail Canyon to the junction with North Loop Trail past Cockscomb Ridge. Turning east on that trail for a short distance, the group will try to find the easiest descent into the top portion of Fletcher Canyon. As the group winds through a spectacular setting of cliffs and forest, it will have to negotiate a few scrambling areas before dropping through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock. Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 22 - Kyle Canyon Wash. The second point-to-point hike in as many days will be quite a bit easier than the first as it is an all downhill route. Starting near the parking area for Cathedral Rock, the group will access the main drainage for Kyle Canyon, using adjoining trails whenever possible, and wind up climbing out of the drainage near the Mount Charleston Hotel in lower Kyle Canyon. The total distance hiked will be close to 4 miles. Somewhat over half of the route is in the drainage, requiring minor scrambling. Rating is moderate, and a few extra cars will be needed to transport drivers back to the starting point. The Over the Hills Hikers group will meet at Siena for an 8:00 AM departure with the ABF group leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM and the two groups joining along Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinators - Diane Dempsey & Susan Haase.
Saturday, July 23 - Cathedral Rock. It's time for a return trek to the top of this massive rock outcropping near the base of the ridge between Mount Charleston and Griffith Peak. A moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike climbing 950 feet, the official trail passes through avalanche prone Mazie Canyon to an old abandoned gravel road that was originally built to access a well point for the communities below. The view of Kyle Canyon from the top is spectacular. Short side trip also can be taken to the manhole at the well or to Little Falls upon returning to the parking lot. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.
Monday, July 25 - South Loop 3rd Overlook. A repeat of a hike the club did at the beginning of the month will take the group to a sensational rock outcropping high above Kyle Canyon. From this vantage point, you can look down quite a ways to the top of Cathedral Rock. An out-and-back hike of 7 miles with a gain of 2,100 feet along the South Loop Trail, this trek is rated moderately strenuous. Even this late into the summer, it is likely the group will encounter some hard packed snow remaining from a minor avalanche and a narrow canyon crossing before a series of switchbacks on the way up to the 1st overlook. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator - Jerry Blum.
Tuesday, July 26 - Mummy's Toe. Some people have been asking about visiting various parts of Mummy's anatomy, and here is another one. The strenuous 8-mile hike today will be a partial loop/partial out-and-back that will climb a ridge close to Deer Creek, winding up on the trail above Mummy Springs that leads to the toe. As the trail deteriorates, the scramble to the top becomes intense. On the way down, the group will opt for a somewhat easier route by passing Mummy Springs and Raintree and following the North Loop Trail to the parking area. The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday, July 27 - Telephone Canyon Loop. The hike today is the outcome of an experiment conducted in early June when another group didn't have enough hikers to justify spotting cars at either end of our traditional hike down from Robbers' Roost. The result is a moderate 5-mile loop that gains 900 feet of elevation as it follows (but doesn't see much of) Highway 158 heading toward the Roost. The descent into the canyon requires care to avoid falling and is the only steep section of the hike. Foliage in the canyon includes pine, oak, and mountain mahogany. The group will depart from Santa Fe Station for the hike at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, July 28 - Bonanza Trail. First of all you need to know that we will not be doing the full trail between the ski resort and Cold Creek. Our hike today will be a moderately strenuous out-and-back along the southern portion of the trail from the ski resort that will go along the ridge to an open spot with great views of Mack's Peak and the Sisters. We will not be going as far as McFarland and the total distance should be around 8 miles. There is still plenty of challenge as we will climb part way on No Name Trail and the surroundings are beautiful. Meet the group at Santa Fe Station, leaving from there at 8:00 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Friday, July 29 - Mary Jane Falls. The water will probably have stopped trickling over the 100-foot waterfall with most of the snow having melted off the higher elevations of the North Ridge, but there still may be a pile of snow in the shadows at the base of the waterfall. Total distance for this moderate out-and-back hike is close to 3 miles and there is 920 feet of elevation gain. This hike will combine the Around the Bend Friends and Over the Hills Hikers on another Friday excursion into the Spring Mountains. The Over the Hills group will meet at the Siena Community Center with an 8:00 AM departure and the Around the Bend group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM, joining forces near the start of Kyle Canyon Road. Coordinator - Susan Haase.
Saturday, July 30 - Trail Canyon. Even though today is the travel day for club members going on the Ely trip, there will still a social Saturday club hike. The target will be the junction of Trail Canyon and North Loop Trail behind Cockscomb Ridge. To get there, the group will be gaining about 1,500 feet of elevation on a moderately strenuous out-and-back hike of 4.4 miles on the Trail Canyon Trail. The lower stages of the trail are fairly steep and head straight toward Mummy Mountain. The upper portion has several switchbacks and an easier climb rate. The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinator - Chris Nienaber.
For those people interested in the club outing to Ely, the dates of the trip will be July 30 to August 3. We will be staying at the quaint Nevada Hotel with fairly inexpensive room rates. Based on weather being good, the first day of hiking will be in Great Basin National Park some 60 miles away, the second day will be in Cave Lake State Park about 15 miles away, and the third day could be in Ward Mountain Wilderness Area just south of the town. More information about this club trip can be found in the monthly newsletter.
If you have any hikes you would like to suggest, please contact Chris Dempsey at lvdempsey@aol.com or 702-823-2355. You can either make a simple request for a specific hike or you can volunteer to coordinate it. We do have some guidelines that we try to maintain for certain days. Friday and Saturday hikes are generally shorter and more social with a fairly slow pace. Tuesday hikes are as difficult as you can get. Thursday hikes are also quite strenuous, but generally not as tough as Tuesdays. Hikes scheduled for Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays can vary substantially in terms of difficulty based on who has volunteered to coordinate and what they would like to do. On occasion, we may offer more than one hike on a given day if they are of different difficulty or speed levels. Also, when we return to Red Rock Canyon in late September, we will be scheduling more than one hike on Saturdays to control numbers within the Conservation Area.
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