July Hike List 2012

This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities.  All club members should at least review the newsletter when it is sent out each month so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

 

Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for July 2012.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  The more strenuous Tuesday hikes are only open to existing club members.  In addition, Tuesday participants should have completed at least two of the Thursday hikes, which are generally rated moderately strenuous or strenuous.  Two hikes are usually offered each Saturday during the seasons at Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead.  The earlier Saturday hike will generally be rated either moderate or moderately strenuous and will be conducted at a moderate pace.  The later hike that day is intended for the general membership, is rated no more than moderate, and is conducted at a leisurely pace.  During the summer season near Mount Charleston only one Saturday hike is offered and that is conducted at a leisurely pace.  Hikes on other days of the week may vary significantly depending on who has volunteered to serve as coordinator.  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 MUST begin with the 8:30 AM Saturday hike or a weekday hike rated no more than moderate before attempting any of the more difficult offerings.  No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below.  Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike.  Whenever possible, e-mails will be sent out through Yahoo Groups informing of any changes or cancellations.  If you have any questions or comments about any of the hikes contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.

 

With the exception of possible evening walks or hikes in the valley, all club hikes during the summer months will be conducted in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains near Mount Charleston.  The assembly point for all these hikes is along the south wall on the third floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station Casino.  As there are two garages at Santa Fe, the correct one is the one closest to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road.  Usually the group will begin assembling about one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure time.  If you are meeting the group at this location for the first time, the easiest directions are to exit on Rancho from northbound Highway 95, pass the front of the casino on Rancho, and enter the garage on your right between the two signalized intersections.  Details for other assembly areas will be included in the appropriate hike description.  Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.

 

Continuing this month is a series of training hikes on Wednesdays that are intended to prepare participants for a hike to the top of Mount Charleston on August 15.  If you have any questions about whether this series is right for you, contact Brian Dodd, the overall coordinator for the series, at briandodd@cox.net.  These hikes are being conducted on a joint basis with Lone Mountain Hiking Club and there is an early meeting point at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin, located at the intersection of Sun City Boulevard and Thomas Ryan Boulevard, prior to the final assembly at Santa Fe.

 

Also, Friday hikes are generally set up to accommodate the members of a group formerly known as Over the Hills Hikers, which was merged into our club in 2011.  For Friday hikes, there will be an early assembly point at the Siena Community Center parking lot starting at 7:30 AM with a departure for Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM to meet the main group.

 

 

Monday, July 2 - Deer Creek.  Follow the creek as it trickles through the Deer Creek Picnic Area and connect with a gravel road that serves a number of private summer cottages scattered on the down slope of Mummy Mountain.  The gravel road passes some old cabins originally built in the 1920's that are currently being renovated and the site of a sawmill operation from the same era.  Total distance for the moderate out-and-back hike is 3 miles and there is 750 feet of elevation gain.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Tuesday, July 3 - Mount Charleston.  Here is the first club attack of the year on the highest peak in southern Nevada.  For this hike, the coordinator has selected an open loop with the ascent up Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail to the peak and a descent along South Loop Trail to the Cathedral Rock parking area.  This is a very strenuous point-to-point hike that covers 17 miles.  While net elevation gain is roughly 4,300 feet, rolling terrain along the ridges pushes that total to 5,000 feet.  Only experienced club members should participate in this outing.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 6:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Thursday, July 5 - Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon.  Here is one of the more interesting point-to-point hikes in the Spring Mountains.  The opening climb will be along Trail Canyon Trail to the saddle behind Cockscomb Ridge for a short break before the group starts the long descent through the entire length of Fletcher Canyon back to Kyle Canyon Road.  Distance is about 6 miles, elevation gain is 1,600 feet, and there is 2,300 feet of descent through Fletcher, which follows sporadic trail for the top section and has areas of scrambling.  Rating is moderately strenuous for this hike that requires car shuttling.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, July 6 - Mary Jane Falls.  An early spring and snow melt allowed for scheduled construction in the Mary Jane parking lot to be completed way ahead of schedule, so here is a chance to see if there is any remaining water trickling over the multi-tiered waterfall draining part of North Loop Ridge.  Rated as moderate, the out-and-back hike climbs 920 feet to the base of the falls, with a total distance of 3 miles.  The early group will meet at the Siena Community Center for a 7:45 AM departure for Santa Fe Station, and the collective group will leave Santa Fe at 8:15 AM for the trail head.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, July 7 - Wild Horse Canyon.  This moderate 3-mile loop hike starts along North Loop Trail and climbs 900 feet to the mid-level meadows that is a normal break point for those targeting Raintree as a destination.  No more climbing is necessary as the group starts a steep descent covering a one-half mile distance into a picturesque canyon that was home to a lone wild horse a number of years ago.  Highlights in the canyon include a spring with aquatic plants and a split rock near the exit onto Deer Creek Road.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

 

Sunday, July 8 - Fletcher Peak via Hummingbird Gulch/Fletcher Canyon.  This very strenuous point-to-point hike involves a lengthy car shuttle as the starting point is the entrance to Hummingbird Gulch along Highway 158 and the exit is the end of Fletcher Canyon at Kyle Canyon Road.  Total distance is 8 or 9 miles with significant scrambling both on the climb and on the descent through Fletcher Canyon.  Participants should probably wear long hiking pants because of the amount of brush.  Also, please RSVP for this hike with Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinators - Lettie Gutierrez & Chris Dempsey.

 

Monday, July 9 - South Loop 1st Overlook.  With the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area closed and access to South Loop utilizing the alternate Cathedral Rock Trail, this moderate out-and-back hike becomes somewhat more than 5 miles in total distance.  Elevation gain is 1,400 feet between the parking area at Cathedral Rock and the overlook that provides a sensational view of the entirety of Kyle Canyon as well as a great view of Mount Charleston itself.  A set of fourteen switchbacks eases the climb right below the overlook.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 7:45 AM.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, July 10 - Griffith Peak.  For this ascent to the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains we will be switching gears and starting from the top of Rainbow, the lowest of the three small communities in Kyle Canyon.  The strenuous loop route will start up the trail above Rainbow Canyon to the saddle between Griffith and Harris Peaks, then turn onto the Harris Springs Trail to the summit of Griffith.  The loop will be closed by returning along South Loop Trail and the upper portion of the Rainbow Loop.  Distance is 10 miles and elevation gain is 3,400 feet.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, July 11 - Bonanza Peak.  The Mount Charleston prep series continues today after a week off for Independence Day.  This strenuous 10-mile effort starts at the northern end of the Bonanza Trail near the community of Cold Creek.  Nearly seventy switchbacks will make the turning seem endless as the well-maintained trail follows all but the last quarter mile to the summit.  The out-and-back hike gains 2,600 feet reaching the peak.  The last few miles between Cold Creek and the trail head are on a rough gravel road that generally is best negotiated by high clearance vehicles.  An early group will leave Desert Vista Community Center at 7:00 AM to join the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station and a 7:20 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jon Lubinski.

 

Wednesday, July 11 - Telephone Canyon.  For those individuals wanting a less strenuous mid-week hike, our favorite guest coordinator will be leading a moderate 4-mile point-to-point hike through Telephone Canyon.  The group will hit the trail at the pullout for Robbers' Roost along Highway 158 and lose about 1,000 feet of elevation on the all downhill route that ends just below the police substation in Kyle Canyon.  Mountain bikers can often be seen along the way along with an occasional horseback rider.  The group will depart at 8:00 AM from the regular meeting location at Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

 

Thursday, July 12 - Fletcher Peak via Wild Horse Canyon.  This variation of the route to the most accessible peak near Kyle Canyon will start the climb through Wild Horse Canyon, which means a fairly steep approach getting to the mid-ridge meadows below the well known dozen switchbacks on North Loop Trail.  The final ascent to the peak itself involves just a bit of off-trail scrambling.  The descent will be down North Loop Trail to the vehicles.  Total distance for this strenuous hike is just under 8 miles with 1,900 feet of elevation gain.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jon Lubinski.

 

Friday, July 13 - Cathedral Rock.  The well known rocky outcropping near the base of the South Ridge will be the target for this out-and-back 3- mile hike.  Rated moderate because the total distance is only 3 miles, there is still 950 feet of elevation gain that provides a fair test for most hikers.  Once on the top, participants will be treated to a full length view of Kyle Canyon all the way back to its origin near Highway 95.  The early meeting spot will be the Siena Community Center between 7:30 and 7:45 AM with the entire group assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, July 14 - Deer Creek.  If you missed the historical tour of the eastern slopes of Mummy Mountain last month, here is another chance to experience and relive the early days of the Spring Mountains.  The 3-mile out-and-back hike will pass the first vacation community established in the mountain range as well as a 1920's era sawmill operation that still exhibits a couple of standing buildings in various states of repair.  The pace will be leisurely for this moderate hike that gains 750 feet of elevation.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart from there at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, July 15 - Mummy Springs Loop.  Finding the right ridge that leads to the trail between Mummy Springs and Mummy's Toe is essential to ease the steep climb along the middle and upper sections of Deer Creek.  The route for this strenuous 7-mile loop hike climbs to the trail between those two points before continuing down on North Loop Trail from Raintree.  Net elevation gain is around 1,600 feet, with most of that climb found on the approach to the Mummy's Toe Trail.  The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station and leaving there at 7:00 AM for the trail head.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, July 16 - Trail Canyon.  The first half of the climb to the junction of Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail has no switchbacks and provides a good test of endurance, while the second half meanders through the forest with a few open views of the surrounding peaks.  This 4.5-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderately strenuous because of the 1,600 feet of elevation gain, but the pace of this hike will be accommodating to the participants.  The break will either occur at some logs near the trail junction or at a ledge above Fletcher Canyon just slightly above that point.  Departure time for the group from Santa Fe Station will be 7:45 AM.  Coordinator - Gail Surgent.

 

Tuesday, July 17 - Harris Peak.  It's not very far to the top of the 10,000-foot peak on the south edge of Kyle Canyon, but the climb is quite steep, averaging over twenty percent.  The strenuous out-and-back hike starts at the top of the community of Rainbow and follows a trail along the edge of Rainbow Canyon to a saddle before turning left and shooting for the peak.  The second half of the ascent is a route with a few cairns to mark the best approach. Overall, the hike is between 4 and 5 miles with a 2,300-foot vertical gain.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, July 18 - McFarland Approach.  Elevation gain is only about 1,500 feet for this strenuous out-and-back hike, but the overall distance of 11 miles provides a test of endurance for participants on this Mount Charleston preparatory hike.  The Bonanza Trail provides the route along the ridge approaching the base of McFarland Peak and includes unique views of the two Sisters and Mack's Peak, three of the more significant peaks in the Lee Canyon area.  An early group will meet at Desert Vista Community Center and leave there at 7:00 AM for Santa Fe Station, with the combined group departing at 7:20 AM.  Coordinator - Jon Lubinski.

 

Wednesday, July 18 - Fletcher Canyon.  One of the most enjoyable short hikes in the Spring Mountains is this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike that starts from Kyle Canyon Road near the Spring Mountain Visitor Center.  With only 600 feet of elevation gain, this is truly one of the easier routes to negotiate within the mountain range.  It's also one of the most beautiful, especially in the upper end where it enters a slot canyon that narrows to as little as 5 feet with a rest stop just below Obstacle Rock.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station and depart from there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinators - Susan Haase & Tom Reiner.

 

Thursday, July 19 - South Loop 3rd Overlook.  Views will be pretty spectacular for participants when they reach this rock outcropping along the South Loop Trail at an elevation of 9,700 feet.  The top of Cathedral Rock is visible below as well as the major peaks surrounding Kyle Canyon above.  With the trail alteration due to construction in the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike will be between 7 and 8 miles with a vertical gain of 2,100 feet.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station and will leave there at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, July 20 - Mystery Hike.  Every once in a while we get a coordinator who wants to surprise the group by not saying specifically where the hike will take place.  Such is the case this Friday.  All I can tell you is that the hike will be 4 miles long and is rated as moderate.  Come along and find out where the group will be hiking in the Spring Mountains on this particular day.  The early southwest group will meet at the Siena Community Center for a 7:45 AM departure to join the main group, which is leaving Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.

 

Saturday, July 21 - Sawmill Trail.  On the way up to Lee Canyon is an area that was developed a few years ago to provide both hiking and horse riding opportunities in the scrub just east of North Sister.  The basic hike from this location is an easy to moderate 3-mile loop that climbs a few hundred feet to the top of a ridge that provides pretty good views back toward Indian Springs and the nuclear testing site a bit beyond.  Toward the end of the ridge, the route turns for a short distance on Blue Tree Road before returning to the starting point.  The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for the customary 8:30 AM Saturday departure.  Coordinator - Guy Galante.

 

Sunday, July 22 - Pahrump Overlook Peak.  This strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike starts at the top of Lee Canyon Road on the Bristlecone Trail, transitions to the steeper No Name Trail, and makes the steepest climb up a loose trail to a ridge with views to the west including several peaks in California.  Sporadic trail and sections of bushwhacking lead to the peak on the highest spot of the ridge looking down on the city of Pahrump.  The group will be making an early start as they leave from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM for the hike.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, July 23 - Twin Falls.  Start the week off with a moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike in the Cathedral Rock area that will visit two of the prominent waterfalls in upper Kyle Canyon.  The group will be using the Echo trail head just north of Kyle Canyon Road as it bends toward Cathedral Rock.  The journey will head up to Little Falls, just north of Cathedral Rock, retrace steps down the drainage and proceed to Echo Falls on the edge of Mazie Canyon.  Elevation gain is probably under 500 feet but there is a slight amount of scrambling getting to the first waterfall.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station and leave there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinators - Susan Haase & Tom Reiner.

 

Tuesday, July 24 - Lee Peak.  It is said that Lee Peak technically does not qualify as a peak because it does not have enough delineation from the North Ridge, but try telling that to the individuals that survive the strenuous 13-mile trek to the top involving 3,800 feet of elevation gain.  The out-and-back hike starts up Trail Canyon and turns left on North Loop Trail, passing Cave Springs and several overlook areas.  Although it is still quite steep with a lot of loose rock, the easiest access is to gain the summit from the west.  Views from the top are sensational.  The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, July 25 - Griffith Peak.  South Loop Trail will serve as the highway for a strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike to the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains.  With the trail head near Cathedral Rock at 7,650 feet and the summit at 11,060 feet, there is just over 3,400 feet of net elevation gain.  Although the trail stays mainly in the wooded sections of the South Ridge slopes, there are several open overlooks and the 360 degree view from the summit is spectacular.  This is one of the joint training hikes for Mount Charleston, so an early group will meet at Desert Vista Community Center, leaving there at 7:00 AM for Santa Fe Station with the full group leaving there at 7:20 AM.  Coordinators - Lettie Gutierrez & Jon Lubinski.

 

Wednesday, July 25 - Mary Jane Falls.  A more laid back option for this Wednesday will be a moderate out-and-back trek to one of the major waterfalls in Kyle Canyon.  Starting from the parking lot off Echo Drive on the north side of Kyle Canyon, the group will head up the well maintained trail that includes a number of switchbacks to ease the climb rate.  Even so, the elevation gain will be 920 feet in the first half of the 3-mile total distance.  Pace should be leisurely to allow for more camaraderie.  The assembly point will be Santa Fe Station with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

 

Thursday, July 26 - South Sister.  This dramatic peak on the north side of Lee Canyon has one of the steepest approaches around in the last few hundred yards below the top.  After starting nearly level walking through Old Mill Picnic Area and up a well marked trail, the route starts climbing through a canyon to a saddle and a series of connecting ridges.  Accessing the top where the sign-in box is located requires some Class III work through the surrounding cliffs.  Overall, this is a strenuous out-and-back hike covering 5 miles and gaining 2,000 feet of elevation.  The group will leave from Santa Fe Station for the trail head at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Thursday, July 26 - Cottonwood Canyon.  Several members have asked for evening hikes in the Las Vegas area and here is an opportunity to experience one.  Cottonwood Canyon is located in an arroyo near Costco on the west side of the city.  The entrance to the park is on Park Run Drive just west of Town Center Drive one stoplight north of Charleston.  The walk will cover a total of 3 level miles and is rated easy.  Although you shouldn't need it, you can bring a flashlight along.  If you don't know where the park is, you can meet a preliminary group at the Best Buy parking lot on Charleston across from Red Rock Station or you can drive directly to the park.  We will leave Best Buy at 6:50 PM and start the walk at 7:00 PM.  Coordinator - Joan Sahagun.

 

Friday, July 27 - Upper Kyle Canyon Drainage.  This hike is rapidly becoming one of our club's favorites because it is downhill all the way and participants don't have to work very hard.  The starting point is the Echo trail head near the top of Kyle Canyon.  The easy to moderate 4-mile route passes through the community of Old Town and eventually drops into the Kyle Canyon drainage.  The group will exit the drainage near the old golf course behind the Resort at Mount Charleston, where a few vehicles will have been left for the car shuttle.  Departure time from Siena will be 7:45 AM and the full group will leave Santa Fe Station at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

 

Saturday, July 28 - Wild Horse Ridge.  The start of this moderate 3-mile loop hike goes up North Loop Trail similar to the hike three weeks previously and takes the same faint trail across the side slope looking down into Wild Horse Canyon.  At an unmarked trail junction the group will follow a faint trail that descends the side slope of a ridge to the rocky level outcropping known as Wild Horse Ridge.  Views abound as we head east toward Highway 158.  Overall, this 3-mile loop hike carries a rating of moderate and gains around 900 feet.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Monday, July 30 - North Loop Meadows.  The first half of this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike is the same as what the club experienced two days prior, climbing along North Loop Trail to the mid-ridge meadows below a set of twelve switchbacks that lead up to Raintree.  However, after a snack break at the meadows the group will turn around and retrace their steps back to the vehicles.  Elevation gain is around 900 feet on this trail hike.  The group will get together at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Tuesday, July 31 - Mount Charleston/Griffith Peak.  One of the big doubles in the Spring Mountains is a hike that takes in both the highest and third highest peaks in the range.  For this outing, the group will basically be doing an out-and-back trek along South Loop Trail to the top of Charleston, then will take a short side trip on the way down to the top of Griffith.  The full very strenuous hike is about 18 miles in length and has over 5,000 feet of gross elevation gain.  Only the most experienced hikers should contemplate this trek.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 6:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Best of luck to all those club members making the long drive up to Elko, Nevada on July 16 for a five day outing in the Ruby Mountains.  All twenty of the rooms originally allocated were taken, so there should be a full house of around 40 participants that week.  Just as a reminder, the next club outing away from Las Vegas will take place September 10-14 in Flagstaff, Arizona.  Refer to the club newsletter for more information about this outing.    

July 16 - 20, 2012    Ruby Mountains Organizer: Chris Dempsey 

The club outing to Elko, Nevada with hikes in Ruby Mountains, being held between Monday July 16 and Friday, July 20, is nearly set. At the present time, all twenty rooms originally put on hold have been booked, meaning we will have close to forty participants for the event. At the time of this writing, we have one double queen room currently held by Ed Matulis who is look- ing for another male club member to take the other bed and share of the cost of $79 plus tax per night. If your interested contact Ed at 575-8628 and also send Chris Dempsey an e-mail at dempseylv@aol.com letting him know you are going on the trip. 

All of the hikes scheduled will be out-and-back with a moderate and a more strenuous destina- tion. With the exception of Friday, they will all occur in Lamoille Canyon, the main recreation area within the mountain range. The schedule of hikes is as follows: 

Tuesday, July 17—All participants will start on the Ruby Crest Trail with Liberty Pass as the moderate destination and Liberty Lake as the more strenuous destination. 

Wednesday, July 18—All participants will hike Right Fork Lamoille Creek with the moderate group covering a distance of five miles and the more strenuous group around 8 miles.. 

Thursday, July 19—Again all participants will head up the same trail with the moderate group going as far as Island lake and the more strenuous group heading for Island Lake Peak, an addi- tional gain of 1420 feet. 

Friday, July 20—Those wishing to stretch their legs a bit before the long drive home will do a short 2-mile hike between Angel lake and Smith Lake. This hike is on the north end of the range near Wells with good access back to Highway 93.

June 2012 Hike List

This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities.  All club members should at least review the newsletter when it is sent out each month so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

 

Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for June 2012.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club.  Two hikes are usually offered each Saturday during the seasons at Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead.  The earlier Saturday hike will generally be rated between moderate and strenuous and will be conducted at a moderate pace.  The later hike that day is intended for the general membership, is rated no more than moderate, and is conducted at a leisurely pace.  During the summer season near Mount Charleston, only one Saturday hike is offered and that is conducted at a leisurely pace.  Hikes on other days of the week may vary significantly depending on who has volunteered to serve as coordinator.  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 MUST begin with the 8:30 AM Saturday hike or a weekday hike rated no more than moderate before attempting any of the more difficult offerings.  No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below.  Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of a hike.  Whenever possible, e-mails will be sent out through Yahoo Groups informing of any changes or cancellations.  If you have any questions or comments about any of the hikes contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.

 

With the exception of possible evening walks or hikes in the valley, all of the club hikes during the summer months will be conducted in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains near Mount Charleston.  The assembly point for all these hikes is on the third floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station Casino along the south wall.  As there are two garages at Santa Fe, the correct one is the one closest to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road.  Usually, the group will begin assembling about one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure time.  If you are meeting the group at this location for the first time, the easiest directions are to exit on Rancho from northbound Highway 95, pass the front of the casino on Rancho, and enter the garage on your right between the two signalized intersections.  Details for other assembly areas will be included in the appropriate hike description.

 

Our club will also be participating in a number of hikes over the summer months that will be conducted jointly with Lone Mountain Hiking Club.  A series of hikes will be conducted on Wednesdays between May 30 and August 15, and are designed as a training program for club members who would like to add Mount Charleston to their resume, but haven't attempted the peak yet because of questions on appropriate pace.  The overall coordinator for this series will be Brian Dodd, although several other individuals will serve as coordinators for the individual hikes.  If you have questions about whether this series of hikes is right for you, please contact Brian at briandodd@cox.net.  For all joint hikes, there will be an early meeting point at Desert Vista Community Center, located at the intersection of Sun City Boulevard and Thomas Ryan Boulevard in Sun City Summerlin, prior to meeting the remainder of the group at Santa Fe Station.  The first hike of the series, scheduled for May 30, will be Cathedral Rock, a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike climbing 950 feet of elevation.  The early group will meet at Desert Vista Community Center, leaving there at 7:00 AM for the second meeting location at Santa Fe Station, with the full group departing from there at 7:20 AM.

 

In 2011, another club named Over the Hills Hikers, which traditionally hiked on Fridays, was merged into Around the Bend Friends.  Although the Friday offerings listed below are not joint hikes, there will be an early assembly point at the Siena Community Center parking lot starting at 7:30 AM with a departure to Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM to meet the main group on all Friday hikes in June.

 

Also of note is the fact we have two scheduled hikes on both Monday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 20.  As one of the June 11 hikes is in the evening, there is no time conflict and someone may wish to participate in both events.  The hikes listed for June 20, however, are at the same relative time, so you will be forced to pick one should you happen to hike with the club that day.       

 

 

Friday, June 1 - Raintree.  One of the standard hikes in the Spring Mountains is this moderately strenuous out-and-back 6-mile hike to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine on the down slope of Mummy's Toe.  With well maintained trail all the way, participants only have to deal with the 1,500 feet of elevation gain, reaching a high point of just under 10,000 feet above sea level.  This hike will be conducted at a very leisurely pace.  Some participants may opt to go only as far as the mid-range meadows before turning back.  The group will be assembling at Santa Fe Station for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Saturday, June 2 - Cathedral Rock.  Due to construction in the upper end of Kyle Canyon, the start of this hike may be at the Echo Trail parking area rather than the traditional pullout along Kyle Canyon Road.  The difference is fairly negligible, as the moderate out-and-back hike will be either 3 or 4 miles in total distance.  It's all trail, but there is 950 feet of elevation gain to provide some test of endurance.  As a Saturday hike, pace for this event will be leisurely.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Sunday, June 3 - Raintree.  This hike will be an exact repeat of the route used to get to the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine two days prior, starting from the North Loop Trail head off Highway 158, but the pace is likely to be a bit faster.  As before, total distance for the moderately strenuous out-and-back hike is 6 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  The group will assemble at the regular location at Santa Fe Station and leave there at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, June 4 - Fletcher Canyon.  One of our club's favorite summer outings, which will be repeated once more this month, is the trek into a narrow slot canyon north of the Mount Charleston Visitor Center.  The 4-mile out-and-back hike is rated moderate with 500 feet of elevation gain.  While there are only a few short sections of steep trail, there is some minor boulder scrambling necessary to get to the snack spot below Obstacle Rock.  Pace will be leisurely at no more than two miles per hour with frequent breaks.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM and depart by 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Tuesday, June 5 - Mummy's Tummy.  It's only June but the big mountains are already beckoning our tougher hikers.  Mummy's Tummy is the second highest official peak in the Spring Mountains at over 11,500 feet.  Total distance for the very strenuous out-and-back hike is around 9 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.  By far the most difficult stretch is negotiating the scree field from North Loop Trail to the top of the ridge that leads to the peak, with a serious Class 3 scramble up a notch to the top of the mountain.  The group will leave from the assembly point at Santa Fe Station promptly at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, June 6 - Stanley B Springs.  This event will be the tougher version of the trek up Stanley B Springs Canyon.  At a distance of 4 miles, this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike will gain 1,500 feet of elevation reaching the top of the canyon at a saddle just southeast of Cockscomb Ridge, where the group will enjoy a well earned snack break before starting the descent.  Surface conditions include trails with varying levels of clarity and some scrambling.  This is a joint hike with Lone Mountain Hiking Club.  The early group meets at Desert Vista for a 7:00 AM departure, with the full group leaving from Santa Fe Station at 7:20 AM.  Coordinators - Terry Hirni & Jon Lubinski.

 

Thursday, June 7 - South Sister.  One of the tougher Thursday club outings will be this 5-mile out-and-back trek to a distinctive peak on the north side of Lee Canyon.  The route starts at a fairly gradual elevation gain through and past the Old Mill Picnic Area, but soon turns steep as it approaches a saddle overlooking Mack's Peak to the north.  The assault to a final saddle on the peak is very steep and loose, requiring hiking sticks or hands for balance, and there is Class 3 scrambling getting to the rocky top.  Rating is strenuous.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, June 8 - No Name Trail #2.  Although the route for this hike involves the opening section of the No Name Trail between Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails, it only follows that trail for a short distance before cutting back to the south and following a second trail along a ridge to a saddle above the ski resort in Lee Canyon.  Total distance for the outing will be between 3 and 4 miles with somewhat less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  The early group will meet at Siena Community Center and depart at 7:45 AM to Santa Fe.  The full group will meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ann Cronin.

 

Saturday, June 9 - Charleston Golf Cart Path.  Once upon a time there was a nine hole golf course in Kyle Canyon, but it has been fully abandoned now for more than a decade.  For this hike we will be following the asphalt cart path that ran through the course, starting at The Resort on Mount Charleston and following a 3-mile loop route through and across the main Kyle Canyon drainage.  Although short, this hike is rated as moderate.  Although there isn't a long elevation grade, there are several short but steep sections of path.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Sunday, June 10 - Fletcher Peak.  At just over 10,200 feet, Fletcher Peak is the most easily accessed major summit surrounding the Kyle Canyon area in the Spring Mountains.  The route used for today's adventure will be the standard one following the North Loop Trail from Highway 158 and past the top of Hummingbird Gulch.  The out-and-back hike is still rated as strenuous as it covers a total distance of 7.5 miles and climbs a net 1,800 feet with a couple of sections of loose trail and a bit of scrambling near the top.  The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station and will depart from there at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, June 11 - Cathedral Rock.  The pace will be quite leisurely for this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike at the west end of Kyle Canyon.  Using the standard trail through Mazie Canyon there is an elevation gain of 950 feet in reaching the outcropping that provides an exceptional view back to the vicinity of the valley north of Las Vegas and to the Las Vegas Range on the eastern horizon.  Expect the hike to take up to three hours with a restful snack break at the top.  Meeting time at Santa Fe Station will be 7:15 AM with a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Monday, June 11 - Stroll in the Starlight.  A Las Vegas evening is the setting for an easy stroll along paved trails and sidewalks on the west side of the city.  The group will be congregating at Bruce Trent Park, located at the intersection of Rampart Boulevard and Vegas Drive, where the Las Vegas Farmers' Market generally holds courton weekends.  Start of the walk will be at 7:00 PM, so get there ten or fifteen minutes beforehand to meet the rest of the group.  Overall distance is about 4 miles and will be very level.  Participants should bring flashlights or headlamps, some snacks, and enough water for a warm evening.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, June 12 - Mack's Peak.  This out-and-back hike is short but tough.  It also involves driving to the end of Mack's Canyon Road, an adventure in itself.  Although technically not a high clearance road, it is seldom graded and may contain ruts that could cause problems for a regular sedan.  The hike itself is a total of 4 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, almost all of which occurs within one mile of the top.  The final route to the peak is along a very steep ledge with significant scrambling and some high level exposure and carries a strenuous rating.  The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Wednesday, June 13 - Cockscomb Ridge.  The hike up Trail Canyon involves a lot of work and the views from Cockscomb Ridge provide the rewards on this moderately strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike.  The first half of Trail Canyon Trail pretty much heads straight up the canyon and participants are always glad when they reach the switchbacks in the last mile before the intersection with North Loop Trail.  Participants may have some options as far as the distance onto Cockscomb Ridge, which requires more significant scrambling the farther it goes.  The early group departs from Desert Vista at 7:00 AM with the full group leaving Santa Fe Station at 7:20 AM.  Coordinators - Lettie Gutierrez & Brian Dodd.

 

Thursday, June 14 - No Name/Bonanza Loop.  One of our often repeated hikes in the Spring Mountains will be occurring for the first time this year as the group opts for the moderate 6-mile hike that starts at the top of Lee Canyon Road.  After a warm up mile on the Bristlecone Trail, the loop section will begin along the No Name Trail, which consists of a steep first half and a level second half before ending at the Bonanza Trail.  Hiking down the switchbacks of Bonanza to its junction with Bristlecone, the route will return to the starting point along the western section of that trail.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Friday, June 15 - Stanley B Springs.  A shorter version of the club hike scheduled for June 6, this trek will wind along the trail penetrating Stanley B Springs Canyon to the mining claim sign nailed to a large tree at the top end of the trail.  The group will then head up the right fork of the canyon, going as far as the mine shafts that the claim sign represents.  Total distance of the out-and-back route should be around 3 miles with a moderate rating.  The initial group will assemble at the Siena Community Center starting at 7:30 AM and leaving for Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM, from which the entire group will depart at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, June 16 - Fletcher Canyon.  The Saturday group finally gets a crack at the narrow slot canyon that runs perpendicular to Kyle Canyon on this outing.  Total distance for this out-and-back hike is at 4 miles and carries a rating of moderate.  Bring a snack to eat in the drainage below Obstacle Rock.  The last one-third of a mile below Obstacle Rock is mainly minor scrambling, but most participants will hardly notice.  The group will be meeting at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

 

Sunday, June 17 - Mummy Springs.  Following the standard route to the springs that issues from a small cliff near the base of Mummy's Toe means heading up North Loop Trail and passing Raintree, the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine that is renowned as perhaps the oldest living tree in the Spring Mountains.  Once at the tree, a side trail slides across a side slope to the springs.  Rated as moderately strenuous, this 7-mile out-and-back hike gains 1,400 net but several hundred more gross.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, June 18 - Mary Jane Falls.  This hike, which is usually one of the first scheduled for the higher elevations each spring, was the subject of proposed construction to the parking lot which would have shut the trail head down for most of the year.  Due to the early spring and fast work, it now appears that all the improvements have been made and the parking lot is ready.  The basic out-and-back hike is 3 miles in total distance and has 920 feet of climb, resulting in a rating of moderate.  Pace for this particular effort will be leisurely, with the hike probably taking 2 hours plus the snack break below the falls.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM with a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Tuesday, June 19 - Griffith Peak.  All of the approaches to the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains are about the same distance, but this one heading up South Loop Trail to the Griffith Cutoff gains 3,400 feet of elevation along the way.  This strenuous out-and-back route covers a total distance of 10 miles.  The rocks at the peak have been uplifted from an ancient inland sea bed and contain a host of aquatic fossils along with a spectacular view of the entire surrounding area.  The meeting place will be at the Santa Fe Station with a 7:30 AM departure time.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, June 20 - Bonanza Trail (Partial).  An early season effort along the Bonanza Trail will provide an abundance of sensational scenery in the area around Lee Canyon.  Starting from the end of Lee Canyon Road, the group will take Upper Bristlecone Trail through the forest to the intersection with Bonanza Trail, then turn left and follow Bonanza north along a ridge for a few more miles toward McFarland Peak.  Rating is moderately strenuous for the 9-mile out-and-back hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  The snack spot will provide an open view of Mack's Peak and the Sisters.  Departure time will be 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez. 

 

 Wednesday, June 20 - Raintree.  Duplicating the June 1 and June 3 efforts, the route for today will head west on the North Loop Trail from Highway 158.  Rated as moderately strenuous, this out-and-back hike will cover 6 miles of total distance and gain 1,500 feet in the process.  As the fourth in a series of joint club hikes expected to provide increasing training for Mount Charleston itself in August, there are two assembly points.  The early west side group can meet at Desert Vista Community Center for a 7:00 AM departure, with the entire group leaving from Santa Fe Station at 7:20 AM.  Coordinators - Brian Dodd & Jon Lubinski.

 

Thursday, June 21 - Bonanza Peak.  The most difficult part of this strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike may just be the drive along the gravel road that extends from the quaint community of Cold Creek to the northern trail head of Bonanza Trail.  This road is seldom in great shape and really requires high clearance vehicles.  Otherwise, the elevation gain of 2,600 feet is fairly well spread over seventy or so switchbacks along the trail that passes below the peak by about 100 yards.  The remaining climb to the peak is off-trail with a slight amount of scrambling.  Departure time will be 7:30 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Friday, June 22 - Deer Creek.  The historic tour of the Spring Mountains occurs on this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike that starts from the parking lot servicing the Deer Creek Picnic Area.  After following the asphalt path along the creek through the picnic grounds, the group will transition to a gravel road that goes through the remains of the first proposed resort area in the mountains.  Just beyond this collection of structures are the remains of a sawmill operation that ran for several years.  The Siena group will meet at its community center at 7:30 AM with a 7:45 AM departure to Santa Fe, from which the entire group will leave at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, June 23 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  The top of Lee Canyon will be the location for a moderate 5-mile out-and-back hike conducted at a very leisurely Saturday pace.  Elevation gain is about 600 feet from the vicinity of the ski park to the junction with Bonanza Trail, where the group will take a snack break before returning on the trail through the woods.  Reaching a clearing at the trail junction, the group will be treated to excellent views of the highest peaks in the Spring Mountains.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for the customary 8;30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

 

Monday, June 25 - Bristlecone Loop.  Starting off the last week in June will be a leisurely trek along the full Bristlecone Loop at the west end of Lee Canyon.  The moderate 6-mile hike will be conducted in a counter-clockwise direction, possibly from the lower trail head, and should take 4 to 5 hours with plenty of short water breaks and a longer snack break along the way.  Total elevation gain is about 800 feet.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station starting at 7:15 AM and leaving for the trail head at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

 

Tuesday, June 26 - Mummy's Nose.  This part of Mummy's anatomy is relatively short but very, very steep.  Round trip for the extremely strenuous out-and-back hike is only 4 miles, but the elevation gain is 3,000 feet, making the average gradient close to 30 per cent.  Add lack of trail, several sections of Class 3 climbing, and some exposure and you have something worthy for extreme hikers.  RSVP's are not being requested, but DO NOT attempt to participate unless you are one of the top elite hikers in the club.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, June 27 - Pahrump Overlook Peak.  The peak itself may not be an example of a pyramid shaped mountain, but the trek along the ridge to get to the high point has lots of undulating terrain with a variety of surface conditions and lots of scrambling.  A strenuous out-and-back hike of 7 miles, ninety percent of the 1,400 feet of elevation gain occurs within less than a mile on No Name Trail and above the saddle where No Name finally begins to level out.  One of the best characteristics of this hike are the great views of the valley to the west containing the city of Pahrump.  Departure times are 7:00 AM from Desert Vista and 7:20 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinators - Brian Dodd & Jon Lubinski.

 

Thursday, June 28 - Rainbow Loop.  What will be the remaining level of damage along one of our favorite forest trails in the Spring Mountains?  We will finally find out the answer to that question when we tackle the moderate 5.7-mile loop route that is one of our club's original creations.  In early 2011 a massive wind storm sliced through Rainbow Canyon and dumped huge branches onto the trail.  Several cleanup sessions were required to get the route open enough to conduct a club hike before the end of the summer.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, June 29 - Telephone Canyon.  A month after a storm front brought in cold temperatures and windy conditions for the previous club attempt on this hike we might be experiencing the opposite with hot weather.  Good thing this is an all downhill hike, dropping over 1,000 feet of elevation between the starting point at Robbers' Roost and the finish near the police substation in lower Kyle Canyon.  Distance for the point-to-point hike is 4 miles with an easy to moderate rating.  The early group at Siena will start gathering at the Siena Community Center at 7:30 AM and leave for Santa Fe Station at 7:45 AM.  The entire group will leave Santa Fe at 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Saturday, June 30 - Upper Kyle Canyon Drainage.  For the second day in a row our club will be hosting a point-to-point hike, which will require a few extra vehicles.  Also covering 4 miles but with somewhat less elevation loss, this hike is rated easy to moderate and will start from the vicinity of the Echo trail head off Kyle Canyon Road.  The destination will be at The Resort on Mount Charleston.  The route passes directly through Old Town and provides great views of some of the historic (?) residences.  The meeting location for this hike is at Santa Fe Station with an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

 

Finally, a reminder that Around the Bend Friends will be hosting a club outing to Ely and the Ruby Mountains from Monday, July 16 to Friday, July 20.  A handful of rooms are still available for this five day event.  Refer to the May newsletter or to a separate e-mail in early June regarding information on how to make hotel reservations in Ely.

May 2012 Hike List

This hike schedule is a supplement to the club's monthly newsletter, which includes other important information regarding club business and activities.  All club members should at least review the newsletter when it is sent out each month so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

 

Here is a list of scheduled club hikes for the month of May 2012.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  Most Tuesday and Thursday hikes are intended for the more advanced hikers in the club.  Two hikes are usually offered each Saturday during the seasons at Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead.  The earlier Saturday hike will generally be rated somewhere between moderate and strenuous and will be conducted at a moderate pace.  The later hike that day is intended for the general membership, is rated no more than moderate, and is conducted at a leisurely pace.  Hikes on other days of the week will tend to be moderate, although more difficult hikes may be scheduled from time to time.  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 later Saturday hikes or equivalent before attempting any of the more difficult offerings.  No reservations are required for any of the hikes unless specified below.  Cancellation due to weather may occur without prior notice the morning of the hike.  Whenever possible, e-mails will be sent out through Yahoo Groups informing of any cancellations.  If you have any questions or comments about any of the hikes contact Chris Dempsey at (702) 823-2355 or e-mail him at dempseylv@aol.com.

 

May is the transition month when we change venues from Red Rock Canyon to the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains.  Hikes in the early part of the month will generally be in or near Red Rock Canyon.  The staging point for those hikes will be in front of the Best Buy store on Charleston across from the Red Rock Station Casino.  During the later part of the month club hikes will take place in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains near Mount Charleston.  For these hikes, the group will assemble on the third floor of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station (the parking garage closest to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road) against the south wall facing Lone Mountain Road.  DO NOT confuse this with the north garage which is positioned along the edge of Highway 95.  Details for any other assembly area will be included in the appropriate hike description.

 

 

Tuesday, May 1 - White Rock Hills Peak.  The impressive sandstone peak on the east side of Willow Springs will be the target for a strenuous out-and-back hike that will kick off the month of May.  Distance is about 5 miles and elevation gain is 1,600 feet.  The starting point will be the White Rock Springs parking lot at the end of the gravel road at Mile Marker 6 of the scenic drive.  The route will follow the White Rock Hills Trail for a short distance before heading cross country toward Surprise Canyon and an ascent to the main ridge of the two peak range.  There will be a lot of Class 3 climbing along the route but the exposure is not supposed to be excessive.  Interested parties need to RSVP with and be cleared by the coordinator at 220-3224.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM start.  Coordinator - Richard Natale.

 

Wednesday, May 2 - Waterfall Canyon.  It's always astonishing when you come across a canyon with flowing water in the desert, but Waterfall Canyon seems to meet that condition for much of the year.  This moderately strenuous out-and-back hike is not long at 4 miles, but there are several tricky areas getting to the turn around point where a snack break will occur.  One of the major hurdles is climbing along the edge of a 30-foot waterfall that is rated Class 3.  Elevation gain from the starting point at Willow Springs is perhaps 1,200 feet and most of the route is along Rocky Gap Road.  This is a joint hike with Lone Mountain Hiking Club from Sun City Summerlin.  That group will meet at Desert Vista Community Center and depart from there at 8:00 AM.  The ABF contingent will leave from Best Buy at 8:15 AM for the trail head.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Thursday, May 3 - Black Velvet Canyon.  It has been more than a year since our club has undertaken this strenuous 8-mile trek across Cottonwood Valley to the boulder-strewn canyon between Black Velvet and Monument Peaks.  The last time the club did this hike was the same day the remains of an Arizona climber were found in the upper part of the canyon beyond our turn around point.  There is minimal elevation gain across the desert between the parking area and the mouth of the canyon, which contains some sizeable boulders that can be serious impediments depending on any flowing water.  Other than the short scramble into the canyon, this hike will follow a loop route.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Friday, May 4 - The Muffins & Skull Canyon.  This will be the last scheduled hike until probably November that will take place on the north end of Blue Diamond Hill across from the Red Rock Visitor Center.  The route for this moderate 6-mile loop hike will start from the horse stables parking lot and follow the trail up to the distinctive composite boulders on the north end of the main ridge.  The trail becomes fainter as it turns south, heading along a fairly deep unnamed canyon toward the old Las Vegas Overlook.  At this point, the group will turn down scenic Skull Canyon for a return to the starting point.  Elevation gain along the way is around 1,000 feet.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, May 5 - Ash Canyon Overlook Loop.  Here is an alternate version of a route our club added to its repertoire in early April.  This 4-mile loop hike is probably going to be rated moderately strenuous because it has some scrambling in Gateway Canyon and about one-half mile of bushwhacking across the south slopes of Gateway Peak.  The overall elevation gain is around 1,000 feet.  The starting point is the gravel extension to the paved road on the northwest side of Calico Basin and the early part of the hike heads up Five Stop Hill to Gateway Saddle.  The overlook above Ash Canyon provides sensational views of the west side of the Calico Hills.  The group will assemble at Best Buy with a departure at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Don Caldwell.

 

Saturday, May 5 - Lone Mountain.  It might get a little warm by the time the group is done with this out-and-back Las Vegas level hike, so bring a little extra water.  Otherwise, it should only take a couple of hours for the 2.5-mile hike to the top of the peak along the standard trail.  Elevation gain is at 750 feet and some of the trail is loose gravel while other sections of it cross limestone rock slabs.  The close-in view of the northern part of the city is quite amazing.  For this hike, the group will assemble at the parking lot on the south side of Lone Mountain Regional Park.  Entrance to this lot is from Jensen Avenue between the east-west streets of Alexander and Craig.  The group will start the hike promptly at 8:30 AM, so be a bit earlier than that if you want to go along.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Monday, May 7 - White Rock Springs Peak.  Rescheduled from mid-April, this strenuous out-and-back hike is only 4 miles long, but it crosses some pretty difficult terrain as it climbs 1,100 feet to the lower peak in the White Rock Hills.  Much of the route is over sandstone boulders and slabs that require Class 3 maneuvering and there are areas of fairly significant exposure.  There are two tops on this peak and the most difficult terrain covers the distance between them, so it is not for the faint of heart.  The hike will start from the first gravel pullout at Mile Marker 6 of the scenic drive and will use the gravel road as a warm up.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Tuesday, May 8 - La Madre Notch.  It has been nearly eight years since our coordinator last accomplished this hike because it took him that long to forget exactly what a pain it was to do.  Unfortunately memory starts to fade and the thought of being able to do this hike one more time takes over for sensibility.  The very strenuous out-and-back hike will start from the White Rock Springs parking area and follow a cross country route through limestone washes and up ridges, past cliffs and steep boulder fields.  Total distance will be around 7 miles with over 1,800 feet of elevation gain.  Come prepared to loose a little blood as scrapes and cuts may be the rule of the day.  Participants should RSVP for this hike by e-mail at dempseylv@aol.com.  Meet the group at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Wednesday, May 9 - Potato Knoll.  The club's traditional route to the top of the 500-foot hill below Wilson Peak will be in play for a moderate 5.3-mile partial loop hike that will include the short scramble to the top.  Starting from the gravel parking area at the exit of the scenic loop onto Highway 159, the route follows a series of trails actually laid out by equestrians that go across the desert toward the main drainage for Oak Creek.  There is one crossing of the creek on the way out and three crossings on the way back, two of which may actually exhibit some flowing water.  The top of the hill provides a great view of the Red Rock area.  The group will meet at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.

 

Thursday, May 10 - Hollow Rock Peak.  The back side of the escarpment will provide the setting for a strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike to the southernmost peak of the sandstone Wilson Cliffs.  Starting near the Mountain Spring Summit on Highway 160, the route utilizes a gravel road to access a single track trail that leads to a ridge above the communities at Mountain Springs.  The highest point of the hike is attained on top of a limestone knob just over one mile into the hike.  The route then descends to a transition point between limestone and sandstone before dealing with a few steep cuts in the ridge just before getting to the peak.  Excellent views abound for those that make the destination.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure and there will be a second pickup point at the gas station on Highway 160 and the intersection with Highway 159 at 7:50 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Friday, May 11 - Ice Box Canyon.  Cooler temperatures might be found in this popular canyon penetrating the northern section of the Wilson Cliffs, as the walls on either side are quite high and steep and keep direct sunlight from getting to the bottom.  Although only rated as moderate, this 3-mile out-and-back hike has nearly one-half mile of scrambling in the drainage for each direction.  Fortunately, the boulders are not very big that participants will have to climb across to get to the base of a 40-foot seasonal waterfall that will probably be dry unless we have some late spring rains.  Join the group at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Guy Galante.

 

Saturday, May 12 - Fern Canyon.  Officially known as North Fork Pine Creek, this narrow canyon got its localized name because of the abundance of ferns that grow in the moist environment between its steep side walls.  Although only 4 miles in length, this out-and-back hike includes some pretty significant boulder scrambling after the trail drops into the drainage at the bottom of the canyon and consequently draws a rating of strenuous.  Several of the east facing walls are used by technical climbers and it's not unusual to see them scaling the walls on a nice weekend day.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

 

Saturday, May 12 - SMYC Wildflower Hike.  Join our coordinator for an easy to moderate trek along a sensational trail that will hopefully highlight wildflower and cactus blossoms along the way.  Starting from Willow Springs Picnic Area, the out-and-back hike should cover 3+ miles as it heads south along the escarpment toward the Ice Box Trail.  Pace will be leisurely and participants should bring their cameras in case they run into the great photo opportunities that only desert flowers can provide.  Overall elevation gain will be minimal but the terrain is somewhat rolling.  The group will be assembling at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ann Cronin.

 

Monday, May 14 - Keystone Thrust Loop.  Here is a different version of the Red Rock hike that features passing the somewhat famous Keystone Thrust Fault.  The moderately strenuous 7-mile partial loop hike will begin at Sandstone Quarry and follow the Grand Circle Trail up to the White Rock Springs parking lot.  The group will then continue around the back side of Cactus Hill and scramble down the length of Keystone Thrust Canyon, going either over or under the scenic drive.  Continuing in the drainage for another half mile, the route turns left on Grand Circle and returns to the starting point.  Overall elevation gain is less than 1,000 feet.  The group will meet early at Best Buy with a 7:00 AM departure for the trail head.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

 

Tuesday, May 15 - Hidden Forest.  We are going to need some high clearance vehicles to drive Alamo Road between the Corn Creek Station of Desert National Wildlife Range and the starting point at Deadman's Canyon, with rough road for almost twenty miles.  Participants will definitely be rewarded for their effort, however, when they reach the pine forest in the heart of the Sheep Mountains and visit a rest cabin originally built by the CCC and recently restored.  The out-and-back hike is 11 miles in length with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, but it is quite gradual without any steep sections.  Because the drive takes nearly two hours in each direction, don't make other plans until the evening.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for this hike and will depart from there at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, May 16 - First Creek.  If Red Rock Canyon has any late spring blossoms left we are sure to see them on this short trek across the desert to the mouth of a canyon in the Wilson Cliffs.  Halfway to our rest area we will see if there is any flowage over the waterfall in the hidden grotto in the creek drainage.  Continuing over the top of the waterfall, we will follow the stream bed up to some colorful canyon boulders that comprise another seasonal waterfall (usually dry).  Total distance for the easy to moderate out-and-back hike is 4 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain.  The pace will be leisurely.  Meet the rest of the group at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey. 

 

Thursday, May 17 - Raintree via North Loop.  It's certainly possible that we may encounter snow in shaded sections on our first endeavor to the higher Spring Mountains this year.  We will be climbing to almost 10,000 feet along the trail that leads to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine near the base of Mummy's Toe.  Our first 2012 experience in the higher elevations should provide an insight into how soon it will be possible to hike to the major peaks surrounding Mount Charleston.  The hike today will be out-and-back along North Loop Trail and cover a total distance of 6 miles, gaining over 1,500 feet in the process.  Rating is moderately strenuous.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, May 18 - Calico Hills Scramble.  A new route for our club, this moderately strenuous hike through the south end of the Calico Hills will cover a distance of 4 or 5 miles.  The intended route will start from Red Springs Picnic Area and will proceed to climb over the ridge behind the boardwalk and drop into the canyon on the Red Rock side leading to Calico I Overlook.  This section involves significant scrambling over difficult terrain.  Once at Calico I, the group will use the low trail to get to Calico II Overlook and return along the higher trail that used to be part of Grand Circle.  The return to Red Springs is along the high trail.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for an 8:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, May 19 - Harris Slot Canyon.  The first Saturday hike in the Spring Mountains will be a bit lower in elevation at closer to 6,000 feet when the group conducts an out-and-back hike through a narrow slot canyon and into a long drainage emanating from the eastern slopes of Harris Peak.  The full length moderate hike covers a total distance of 6 miles and probably gains about 700 feet getting to an old car graveyard where the vehicles had been pushed from the top of the north ridge toward the bottom of the canyon.  Some participants may opt for a shorter hike of 3 or 4 miles by turning around earlier.  Carpooling should be arranged accordingly.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Guy Galante.

 

Sunday, May 20 - Cave Springs.  The route is pretty straightforward for this moderately strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike on the north side of Kyle Canyon.  Start at the trail head for Trail Canyon at the edge of the Echo community near Mount Charleston, take it all the way to its intersection with North Loop Trail, then turn left and go up to Cave Springs for a shaded snack spot near a horse trough fed by a hose anchored in the spring above.  To get back, simply turn around and follow the trail back to the start.  Elevation gain is probably 2,000 feet for the hike near the base of Mummy Mountain.  Assembly point will be at the Santa Fe Station with the group leaving there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

 

Monday, May 21 - Fletcher Canyon.  Perhaps the most repeated hike in the Spring Mountains will be featured on a Monday as the transition to the higher elevations near Mount Charleston continues.  The 4-mile out-an-back trek gains 600 feet starting from the trail head at Kyle Canyon Road.  Although rated as moderate, it is one of the better novice hikes in the mountain range with its gradual elevation gain and its dramatic scenery in the slot canyon near the turn-around point.  With 80-foot walls closing in to a 6-foot width, it is a great spot for photographers.  Late snowdrifts can sometimes create a hindrance in getting to the snack spot below Obstacle Rock.  Join the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin. 

 

Tuesday, May 22 - Raintree via Trail Canyon.  It's not nearly as tough as a standard Tuesday hike, but it will give club members another chance to acclimate to the higher elevations before going for any of the major peaks in the area.  Even so, this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike will wind up at 7.3 miles in length while gaining 2,200 feet of elevation.  There is no scrambling involved, but the Trail Canyon section is fairly steep trail.  The section of the hike directly above Fletcher Canyon is one of the prettiest side ridge trails in the Spring Mountains, with views of peaks and canyons galore.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Wednesday, May 23 - Deer Creek & Robbers' Roost.  A couple of short hikes are combined to stretch today's daily distance to 4 miles.  First is a moderate out-and-back hike covering 3 miles that will pass the picnic grounds along the creek and connect with a gravel road that services a number of private residences on the lower slopes of Mummy Mountain.  The rest stop will be at the top of a ridge with great views to the north.  After a return to the vehicles, the group will drive to Robbers' Roost and hike up to the shallow caves once used as a hideout by rustlers.  This segment is something less than one mile.  The group will get together at Santa Fe Station for a 9:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Jen Lindsay.  

 

Thursday, May 24 - Fletcher Peak.  The peak baggers didn't have to wait very long for a chance at one of the major summits in the Spring Mountains.  The strenuous out-and-back hike to 10,200-foot Fletcher Peak will follow the North Loop Trail from its eastern terminus at Deer Creek Road (Highway 158), cutting off on the trail that passes the top of Hummingbird Gulch on the way to the top.  Net elevation gain is 1,800 feet for this 7.4 mile trek.  The final section getting to the summit is fairly steep and could involve some minor scrambling (rock or snow).  The meeting point for the group is Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

 

Friday, May 25 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  A prelude to the following Thursday scheduled hike, this outing will feature the section of the Lee Canyon trail that stretches between the upper trail head near the ski resort and the junction with the Bonanza Trail.  The out-and-back hike will be 5 miles long with an elevation gain of just 600 feet, making this one of the easier moderate hikes in the Spring Mountains.  While the lower section of trail follows a forest service road, this section is primarily single track trail that threads past the top of Lee Canyon and provides sensational views of the surrounding mountain peaks.  Join the group at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 8:15 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

 

Saturday, May 26 - Telephone Canyon.  Here is a rare occasion to do a hike that goes downhill the entire way.  There will be a need for extra vehicles on the car shuttle, but the group will start this hike at the Robbers' Roost parking area just off Highway 158 and end up in the high desert near the police substation and Highway 157.  In between, the route will utilize a bit of old gravel road and lots of mountain biking trails as it descends into a canyon that has a storied name.  It is always possible to see horseback riders in the lower section of the canyon.  At 4 miles, this point-to-point hike loses about 1,000 feet of elevation and is rated easy to moderate.  The group will get together at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

Monday, May 28 - Sawmill Trails.  It's Memorial Day but there is no reason we can't do our remembering on a hiking trail in the Spring Mountains.  The Sawmill Picnic Area is located along Lee Canyon Road as it approaches the transition area between scrub desert and pine forest and is used as an equestrian staging site as well.  The hike we have planned will wander through a grove of cliff roses, climb a ridge that provides a great view stretching north toward the Nevada Testing Site, and descend along the top section of Blue Tree Road.  It's a loop hike that will cover a distance of roughly 3 miles and carry a moderate rating.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station and depart there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Annie Hoskin.

 

Tuesday, May 29 - Bonanza Peak.  It may be aggressive to attempt this hike so early in the season, but the veritable lack of snowfall this year means we have a chance of clear trail all the way to the top at 10,400 feet of elevation.  The straightforward hike follows the north end of the Bonanza Trail with a bit of bushwhacking just below the summit.  The total distance is about 10 miles with gain of 2,600 feet and a strenuous rating.  The worst part may be the drive, which is long and includes a couple of miles on a high clearance gravel road just before the trail head.  Watch for wild horses near the community of Cold Creek.  The long day requires us to meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

 

Thursday, May 31 - Bristlecone Loop.  One of the most popular hiking trails in the Spring Mountains is this moderate 6-mile loop route at the top of Lee Canyon.  A slight complication for hikers, this is the only official trail in the higher elevations that permits mountain biking.  Hopefully we won't get run over by any as we close the loop from the lower trail head and perform the hike in a counter clockwise direction.  This means we will be hiking the single track trail near the ski resort just before having to take the paved road back down to the vehicles.  In all, there is between 700 and 800 feet of gradual elevation gain, so thinner air won't be a huge problem.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station and leave there at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

 

 

During the summer months the attendance on our hikes drops somewhat as people return to their northern residences and others avoid the higher elevations because of thinner air.  We also have a reduced number of trails to design hikes around, especially this year when the Forest Service has undertaken to make improvements to many trails and parking areas in Kyle Canyon.  Rather than keep repeating hikes on a two or three week rotation, we will probably cut back to scheduling hikes no more than five days each week.  We will also be only offering one hike on Saturdays instead of the two we have scheduled in Red Rock and Lake Mead.  If necessary, we may split the group before leaving Santa Fe Station and provide a five or ten minute interval between them on the trails.  Regardless, if there is a particular hike you would like to coordinate this summer and would like to get it scheduled, please contact Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com and provide him with the information.  We are always looking for new hiking opportunities at all levels so we can keep the full spectrum of our membership involved in hiking.