July 2013 Hike List

Almost all of the hikes listed in this schedule in the Las Vegas area will occur in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains.  For each of those hikes, the group will be assembling on the south side of the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station Casino.  This garage can be accessed either from Lone Mountain Road on the south side of the property or from Rancho if driving in a southbound direction.  Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin assembling as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure 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 MUST begin with the Saturday hikes in the Spring Mountain area (also referred to as Mount Charleston area), as these are the only ones that guarantee a fairly leisurely pace.

Questions regarding any of the hikes should be directed to Chris Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or (702) 823-2355. 

Monday, July 1 - Pueblo Park.  An early morning out-and-back stroll along a paved path with negligible elevation gain.  Total distance is close to 4 miles with an easy rating.  Meet the other participants at the southeast corner of the Smith's Grocery parking lot located at the intersection of Rampart and W. Lake Mead Boulevard.  The walk will begin from that location at 6:00 AM sharp.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Monday, July 1 - Mary Jane Falls.  This out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of 3 miles with an elevation gain of 920 feet and is rated moderate.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Tuesday, July 2 - South Sister & North Sister.  This double peak hike should be attempted only by the most experienced hikers in our club.  The hike will begin at the end of Mack's Canyon Road, a gravel road that can be driven by most regular vehicles.  The very strenuous loop hike should cover a distance of 4 or 5 miles and have a gross elevation gain of 2,500 feet.  There will be Class 3 scrambling over steep terrain and serious exposure.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be early at 6:30 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, July 3 - McFarland Approach.  A joint outing with Lone Mountain Hiking Club in the Mount Charleston preparation series, this strenuous out-and-back hike covers around 12 miles with an elevation gain around 1,500 feet.  The first staging point at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin will have a departure time of 7:00 AM with those assembling at Santa Fe Station leaving at 7:15 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Thursday, July 4 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop.  A moderately strenuous loop hike involving two trails at the top of Lee Canyon, this trek will cover about 5 miles and have 1,300 feet of elevation gain.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.


Saturday, July 6 - Griffith Peak via Rainbow. This is a 10 mile loop that
begins up Rainbow Canyon above Rainbow. (very steep) Then it travels up to and
around Griffith Peak. (beautiful) Then it summits the peak. (awesome) Then it
descends down the South Loop and the Rainbow Loop Trail. The elevation gain is
above 4000 feet and the pace will be moderately strenuous. Meet at the Santa Fe
at 7am. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Saturday, July 6 - Cathedral Rock Picnic Area.  An exploratory hike involving the new walking trails through the redesigned Cathedral Rock Picnic Area that should cover about 3 miles and gain 500 feet of elevation, visiting the South Loop Trail in the process.  Rating should probably be easy to moderate. Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Monday, July 8 - Big Falls to Mary Jane Falls.  A strenuous combination hike that visits both of the major waterfalls at the top of Kyle Canyon.  Total distance is around 5 miles with 1,500 feet of gross elevation gain.  Assembly will be at Santa Fe Station with a 9:00 AM departure.  This hike is part of the overnight outing at The Resort at Mount Charleston, but participants can also return home overnight.  Coordinators - Keith & Beth Lane.

Tuesday, July 9 - Raintree Point-to-Point.  Car shuttling will be required for this moderately strenuous hike that will start at the North Loop trailhead off Highway 158 and finish at the Trail Canyon parking lot.  Total distance is 6.5 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.  The group will assemble for the hike at 9:00 AM in the lobby of The Resort at Mount Charleston for this hike.  Day hikers can assemble informally at Santa Fe Station but need to leave there by 8:25 AM to reach the resort on time.  Coordinators - Keith & Beth Lane.

Wednesday, July 10 - Griffith Peak.  The last joint training hike prior to the assault on Mount Charleston is a 10-mile out-and-back hike with 3,600 feet of elevation gain along South Loop Trail that carries a strenuous rating.  Lone Mountain Hiking Club participants will leave Desert Vista Community Center at 7:00 AM with ABF members departing from Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Wednesday, July 10 - South Loop to Rainbow Break.  This easy to moderate 3-mile hike will cover much of the same terrain as the previous Saturday hike but there should be a few different wrinkles.  The hike will be conducted at a leisurely pace to accommodate all participants.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM.  Coordinator - Marg Biesiada.

Thursday, July 11 - Telephone Canyon Loop.  This moderate 6-mile loop hike will start from the gravel pullout at the bottom of the canyon and proceed in a clockwise direction, dropping into the bottom of the canyon at its midpoint.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:15 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, July 12 -  Cathedral Rock via Echo Trail.  The alternate starting point from the gravel parking lot near the start of Echo Road will be used for this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike that gains around 1,000 feet of elevation.  The group will depart at 8:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, July 12 - Angel Park Trail Sunset Stroll.  Bruce Trent Park, located at the corner of Rampart Boulevard and Vegas Drive, will be used as the staging point for an easy 4-mile urban hike along a level paved trail.  Those driving to Bruce Trent should use the farthest parking lot to the north, which is closest to Vegas Drive.  The hike will begin promptly at 7:30 PM.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Saturday, July 13 - Fletcher Canyon.  This easy to moderate out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of 4 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.


Sunday, July 14 - Trail Canyon / Fletcher Canyon. This is a 5 mile
point-to-point hike that gains 2000 feet in elevation. From Trail Canyon and a
little bit of North Loop Trail, the hike drops down into the upper reaches of
Fletcher Canyon then finishes at the Fletcher Canyon trailhead. Moderate to
strenuous pace. Meet at the Santa Fe at 7am. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell

Tuesday, July 16 - Cockscomb Ridge Peak.  Involving a very strenuous out-and-back route starting from the Trail Canyon parking lot, the hike will climb to the junction with North Loop Trail and turn onto Cockscomb Ridge, approaching the peak access on the east side of the peak.  Distance is 6 miles, elevation gain is 2,000 feet, and steep scrambling with exposure is involved.  Experienced club hikers only.  The group will depart at 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Tim Borem.

Wednesday, July 17 - Mount Charleston.  The highest peak in Southern Nevada is the target of this very strenuous 17-mile point-to-point trek with 4,300 feet of net elevation gain that will start up Trail Canyon, access the peak using North Loop Trail, and make the descent along South Loop Trail.  The Lone Mountain Hiking Club contingent on this joint outing will leave Desert Vista Community Center at 5:00 AM with the ABF group departing from Santa Fe Station at 5:15 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Thursday, July 18 - Raintree via North Loop.  The standard route up North Loop Trail will be utilized for the approach to the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine, but the return will include a descent along Wild Horse Ridge on this moderately strenuous 6 to 7-mile trek with 1,700 feet of elevation gain.  The assembled group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, July 19 - Mary Jane Falls.  Total distance will be 3 miles on this moderate out-and-back hike that gains 920 feet of elevation.  Departure of the group from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, July 20 - Wallace Canyon & Beyond.  Rated moderately strenuous, this early Saturday hike will visit the plane crash site in Wallace Canyon, then head along a combination of ridges to the junction of No Name and Bonanza Trails, then loop back to the start via Bristlecone Trail.  Total distance should be around 6 or 7 miles.  Departure from Santa Fe Station is at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Saturday, July 20 - Wild Horse Canyon.  The eastern end of North Loop Trail up to the mid-ridge meadows will be used for the ascent on this moderate 3-mile hike, with an early steep descent along a dirt trail into a shaded canyon.  This leisurely Saturday offering will depart from Santa Fe Station at the normal time of 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

Sunday, July 21 - Big Falls & Beyond.  Boulder hopping is involved in the trek through the canyon to the waterfall, followed by a hand over hand scramble up the cliff to the meadow above the top of the falls.  Total distance should be a bit less than 4 miles for this strenuous hike that is not short on exposure around the waterfall.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26 - Club Outing to Ruby Mountains.  Few hikes are currently scheduled in Las Vegas during this five day period as a group of about sixty members heads north to Elko for four days of hiking in Lamoille Canyon and at Angel Lake.


Thursday, July 25 - South Sister. This hike to a prominent mountain peak out
of Lee Canyon is 5 miles with over 2000 feet of elevation gain. We will go at a
moderate to strenuous pace. Meet at the Santa Fe at 7am. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell 

Saturday, July 27 - Fletcher Canyon & Beyond.  Climbing through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock will lead to the upper section of the canyon and a snack stop at a waterfall before a return to the vehicles on this moderately strenuous 5 to 6-mile out-and-back hike.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Saturday, July 27 - Modified Lower Bristlecone.  The leisurely Saturday group will get a chance to explore some new territory off the gravel road section of the trail on a moderate out-and-back hike that should cover a total distance of 4 miles.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Sunday, July 28 - North Lee Canyon Exploratory.  Although this hike starts along the same route as the previous day's hike, after the turnoff from lower Bristlecone it will follow a faint path to Bonanza Trail, turn right and intersect to South Sister saddle before returning to the vehicles.  Total distance should be around 6 miles for this strenuous outing.  Departure of the group from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, July 29 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  For the third straight day our club will be hiking in the upper reaches of Lee Canyon with this moderate 5-mile out-and-back trek from the trailhead at the top of Highway 156 to the junction of Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

Lone Mountain Park Sunrise Stroll.  The participants for this early morning stroll will make a loop around the base of Lone Mountain, starting from the regional park at the junction of Craig and Jensen.  Distance is about 2.5 miles with little elevation change and an easy to moderate rating.  The hike will begin from the parking lot closest to the intersection of the two streets promptly at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Tuesday, July 30 - Mack's Peak.  The strenuous out-and-back route used getting to the summit of this jagged peak is rather short at 4 miles but is generally quite steep in both directions and has some pretty serious scrambling and exposure getting up a series of ledges to the summit.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

June 2013 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 comes out each month so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

Here is a list of the scheduled club hikes for June 2013.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  The very 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 hikes will generally be rated either moderate or moderately strenuous and will be conducted at a moderate pace.  The later hike on Saterday is intended for the general membership, is rated no more than moderate, and is conducted at a leisurely pace.  During the summer season in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains, only one hike is scheduled on Saturdays and it is intended for the general membership.  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 a later Saturday hike or an equivalent weekday hike 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 dempseylv@aol.com or at (702) 823-2355.

All hikes in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains (commonly referred to as the Mount Charleston area) use a pre-hike assembly point on the south side of the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station.  This garage can be accessed either from Lone Mountain Road on the south side of the property or from Rancho if driving in a southbound direction.  DO NOT expect to find the group in the parking garage on the north side of the casino.  Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin assembling as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure time.

On Wednesdays through the month of June and into July we are glad to once again offer a series of hikes that will train people to make their initial summit on Mount Charleston, at 11,918 feet the highest peak in southern Nevada.  This series is primarily sponsored by Lone Mountain Hiking Club from Sun City Summerlin, but is also being offered to members of Around the Bend Friends as joint hikes.  The series actually starts this month with Cathedral Rock scheduled for May 15, a May 22 hike up Trail Canyon to Cave Springs and a May 29 hike along the Bristlecone Loop.  Participation in any or all of these hikes will count toward club mileage.  If you would like to participate in any of these outings, contact Chris Dempsey for details.  Otherwise, the June and July portion of the series will be listed in the Around the Bend Friends schedule.  The 17-mile trek to the top of Mount Charleston is currently scheduled for July 17.

Saturday, June 1 - Deer Creek & Robbers' Roost.  Explore the early days on the slopes of the Spring Mountains on this moderate two-part hike starting from Highway 158, also known as Deer Creek Road.  The first part of this outing is a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike with 800 feet of elevation gain that follows the creek toward its origin below Mummy Mountain and passes a number of historic structures and sites.  After returning to the vehicles, there will be an optional stop on the way back to Las Vegas at the Robbers' Roost parking area for a short out-and-back climb of less than one mile to an old west hide-out for horse rustlers.  Departure time for the group from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Sunday, June 2 - Mummy Springs Loop.  Starting from near the eastern end of the North Loop Trail, the group today will be focusing on a strenuous 6-mile loop hike that follows Deer Creek farther upstream that the previous day's hike and climbs a fairly steep ridge to the trail past Mummy Springs before heading on toward Raintree.  The highest elevation on the hike occurs on the return section just before a series of twelve switchbacks that lead to North Loop Meadows, where the group will take a side trail down Wild Horse Canyon to the starting point.  Net elevation gain is around 1,600 feet.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, June 3 - Trail Canyon.  By the end of the summer many of us will be wishing we don't have to deal with this particular trail again for the year, but in June it's fresh and new.  The moderately strenuous out-and-back trek from the recently constructed trailhead near the community of Echo gains 1,400 feet of elevation over a total distance of 5 miles, with lots of steep uphill on the trail in the canyon through the woods.  The snack break will be taken on a ledge above the top section of Fletcher Canyon that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lower Kyle Canyon.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, June 4 - Mummy's Tummy via Trail Canyon.  The new trailhead off Echo Road will be the starting point for club hikes two days in a row, but the destination for this outing is much more impressive than that of the previous day.  It's also much more difficult as the total gain on this very strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike is 3,900 feet to the top of the mountain at 11,532 feet above sea level.  After hiking up Trail Canyon and heading west on North Loop Trail, the real work begins with a scramble up an extremely steep scree field to a ridge west of the peak.  Although the rest of the route to the top is mostly on trail, it also crosses rock ledges and climbs through a Class 3 notch to the summit.  Meet the coordinator and the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a departure at 7:15 AM.  Coordinator - Laszlo Heredy.

Wednesday, June 5 - Raintree via North Loop Trail.  Part of the Mount Charleston training program, this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike to a 3,000 year old bristlecone pine covers a distance of 6 miles and gains 1,500 feet in the process.  The toughest part of this route involves the dozen switchbacks that come right after getting to the open meadows area halfway to the tree.  Once on the final ridge, however, there are some great open views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.  Participants can either meet at Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin for a 7:00 AM departure or at Santa Fe station for a 7:15 AM departure.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Wednesday, June 5 - Cathedral Rock.  If you would like to do something a bit shorter and more laid back, consider this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike to the top of a rock outcropping partially up the eastern slopes of the ridge between Griffith Peak and Mount Charleston.  Elevation gain is 950 feet and the open views of the entire area surrounding Kyle Canyon are stunning.  Along the way you will be able to see the remaining evidence of a massive avalanche that occurred late in the winter of 2005.  We are also anxious to see how the new construction of parking and picnic facilities has turned out at the top of the canyon.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM for this hike.  Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Thursday, June 6 - South Loop 1st Overlook.  We get another opportunity to view the results of a two year closing of the Upper Kyle Canyon Picnic Area when we tackle this moderate 5-mile out-and-back route to the first overlook ledge along the South Loop Trail.  Elevation gain is close to 1,400 feet with some steep straight sections of the trail leading to a crossing of the canyon that spawned the 2005 avalanche, followed by a series of fourteen switchbacks to the turn-around spot where the snack break will occur.  As usual when getting to higher elevations, the views are pretty impressive.  The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a departure at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, June 7 - Kyle Canyon Wash to Harris Slot Canyon.  Options abound for this moderate two-part point-to-point hike in Kyle Canyon.  The entire hike will cover a distance of 10 miles between the starting point at the top of the canyon and the slot canyon that comes back out to Highway 157 near Harris Springs Road.  The first part of the trek will cover 4 miles down to the Resort at Mount Charleston, where the group will be stopping for lunch.  After the optional meal, the group will continue down to the vehicles below the slot canyon, with this segment covering a distance of 6 miles.  Initial departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 9:00 AM.  Vehicles can be spotted at the Resort for those who only want to hike the opening section and possibly eat lunch with the group.  If driving to the Resort for lunch, plan on 11:30 AM.  The hike will resume around 1:00 PM, so anyone interested in the afternoon segment should show up ten or fifteen minutes prior to that.  If doing only the afternoon segment, please e-mail the coordinator at keithandbeth67@yahoo.com so he can expect you and possibly wait for you.  Return to Santa Fe Station should be around 4:00 PM.  Coordinator - Keith Lane.

Saturday, June 8 - Mary Jane Falls.  There currently isn't any water coming over the the 100-foot multilevel waterfall draining a significant section of the ridge east of Mount Charleston, but the hike is still a good challenge for those trying to acclimate to the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains and provides some really good views of upper Kyle Canyon.  The moderate out-and-back hike covers a total distance of 3 miles and gains 920 feet of elevation in the process.  Just beyond the base of the waterfall is a short trail of about 200 feet that leads to a shallow cave that shows plenty of evidence of previous campfires.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Lorraine Stalians.

Sunday, June 9 - Fletcher Peak via Wild Horse Canyon.  The distance is close to 8 miles for this partial loop hike that will start climbing on the trail through Wild Horse Canyon, head up the dozen switchbacks above North Loop Meadows, and finish with the partial trail, partial scramble route to the 10,200-foot peak on the eastern edge of upper Kyle Canyon.  Total elevation gain is 1,800 feet and the hike carries a strenuous rating.  The group will follow North Loop Trail all the way to the eastern trailhead on the return section of the hike.  If you miss this hike but want to experience this little known route, it will be repeated on June 26 as part of the Mount Charleston training series.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station for this hike at 7:15 AM.  Coordinator - Jon Lubinsky.

Monday, June 10 - Hike coordinated by Richard Hansen. Leave Santa Fe @ 8am.

Tuesday, June 11 - Griffith Peak.  This strenuous 10-mile loop version of the hike to the top of the third highest official peak in the Spring Mountains starts from the gravel parking lot at the top of the small community of Rainbow.  The route will follow the steep trail up Rainbow Canyon to the saddle just west of Harris Peak, then join the Harris Springs Trail for an approach to the summit, which involves just a bit of steep scrambling through scree to reach the top.  The downward portion will be along South Loop Trail to the cut across trail to Rainbow.  Elevation gain is still around 3,400 feet but this route is somewhat more difficult than the standard South Loop approach.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Wednesday, June 12 - South Loop 2nd Overlook.  This trek is an extension of the ABF hike scheduled for June 6.  For this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike, the group will continue up the South Loop Trail past the 1st Overlook and proceed to a ledge sitting at just under 9,700 feet of elevation with even more spectacular views of the Kyle Canyon area than the lower overlook.  Total distance will be around 7 miles with 2,000 feet of vertical gain, but the trail on the extended section is not quite as steep as that early in the hike.  Since this is a Mount Charleston training hike involving two clubs there will be two departure points, with the earlier group leaving Desert Vista Community Center in Sun City Summerlin at 7:00 AM and the ABF contingent taking off from Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Thursday, June 13 - Cave Springs.  Trail Canyon Trail is an important part of this moderately strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike to the horse trough fed by hoses from the springs situated in the caves just above this garden spot on the North Loop Trail.  Elevation gain is around 2,000 feet to the shaded spot near the springs, where participants will get a sensational view of the ridge extending from Griffith Peak north to Mount Charleston.  Escape the heat of Las Vegas and join your friends at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Friday, June 14 - Raintree via North Loop.  One of the standard club hikes that seems to be repeated on a monthly basis during the summer is this moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike to the 3,000 year old bristlecone pine in the shadow of Mummy's Toe.  That's because it provides just the right combination of distance, vertical gain, and scenery to create an enjoyable yet challenging outing for hikers of all different abilities.  Elevation gain is in the magnitude of 1,600 feet with the most difficult section being the dozen switchbacks that come just after leaving the open meadows area at the halfway point of the climb.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, June 15 - Fletcher Canyon.  Perhaps the most requested of the easier hikes in the Spring Mountains is this moderate 4-mile out-and-back route that follows a seasonal creek bed just over a mile and a half to a gorgeous slot canyon penetrating the first plateau at the base of Fletcher Peak.  A little scrambling up the canyon, which narrows to just six feet across in one section, will deposit hikers directly below Obstacle Rock for a shaded snack break.  Elevation gain is only around 500 feet with the four steeper sections of trail not over 100 feet each.  Departure of the group from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Irv Crain.

Sunday, June 16 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons.  This strenuous 6-mile loop hike begins from the parking area close to the Fletcher Canyon trailhead and follows the main Kyle Canyon Wash a little more than a mile upstream to the entrance to Stanley B Springs Canyon.  The early going in that canyon is fairly easy trail, but as the route reaches the mine shafts in the eastern drainage it becomes steep and loose with lots of obstacles.  A saddle at the top of the canyon provides the setting for recharging your energy before the route plummets steeply over irregular terrain, getting into Fletcher Canyon about 3/4 mile above Obstacle Rock, where participants must squeeze down through the rabbit hole.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station is at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, June 17 

Tuesday, June 18 - Mount Charleston.  The stronger hikers in our club will be taking their first crack of 2013 at the highest mountain in Southern Nevada on this very strenuous 16 to 17-mile outing that gains over 4,200 feet of elevation.  This version of the trek will use Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail both on the way up and on the downward leg, eliminating the need for any car shuttling.  The pace should be fairly strong with an estimated completion time of nine hours.  Participants should bring plenty of water, lots of food to re-energize in the dugout on the peak, and be prepared for changing weather conditions during the day.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 6:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Tuesday, June 18 - Wallace Canyon Plane Crash.  Any club members wanting to experience the great outdoors this Tuesday without committing to an all-day hike should consider this strenuous 4-mile hike to the site of a 1978 small plane crash.  The route follows the Bristlecone Trail for about one mile before veering left on a faint trail that climbs a very steep ridge to a saddle separating Lee and Wallace Canyons.  Another faint trail leads to the site of the well-preserved fuselage, with some side slope scrambling involved.  After a break and a stop for pictures the group will retrace their steps to the trailhead.  Plan on meeting at Santa Fe Station for a departure at 9:00 AM.  Coordinator - Keith Lane.

Wednesday, June 19 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop.  The last of the shorter hikes in the joint Mount Charleston training program is this moderately strenuous 6-mile loop hike that combines the well-known Bristlecone Trail at the top of Lee Canyon with a section of unnamed trail that likely was part of the Bonanza Trail in earlier days.  The climb on No Name Trail is rather steep with most of the elevation gain of 1,100 feet contained in a stretch only about one-half mile long.  The upper portion of No Name is fairly level as it approaches a switchback section of Bonanza Trail for the start of the descent.  Scenery along the way includes open views of the Lee Canyon surrounding peaks.  One group will depart from Desert Vista Community Center at 7:00 AM with the second group leaving Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinsky & Larry Shahan.

Wednesday, June 19 - South Loop 2nd Overlook.  A repeat of the hike scheduled the previous Wednesday, this outing will be conducted just for Around the Bend Friends and will be conducted at a somewhat more leisurely pace.  Other than that, participants will still cover a total of 7 miles and gain about 2,000 feet while getting to the ledge over halfway up the side of the ridge between Griffith and Charleston with fantastic views of the entire area.  This out-and-back hike is rated moderately strenuous because of the combination of distance and gain.  If interested in experiencing a great hike in the Spring Mountains, meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Thursday, June 20 - Harris Peak.  It's short but possibly not very sweet, except for the view from the summit, on this strenuous out-and-back hike with a total distance between 4 and 5 miles and nearly 2,300 feet of gain.  That's because the trail leading up through Rainbow Canyon is very steep with a few segments where participants virtually have to pull themselves up to get to the saddle between Harris and Griffith Peak to the west.  Once the route leaves the saddle there is still steep and irregular terrain and not much trail to work with passing through dense stands of vegetation.  From the summit much of Las Vegas is in view along with part of Lake Mead and the Arizona mountains in the background.  The group will depart at 7:30 AM from the assembly point at Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, June 21 - Wild Horse Ridge.  It really doesn't seem like we will be climbing that high on this moderate 3.3-mile loop hike starting on the eastern section of North Loop Trail, but the open views from Wild Horse Ridge on the descent take in many of the mountains surrounding the nuclear test site near Mercury and may go as far as fabled Area 51.  While the climb to the meadows used as the jumping off point for the ridge is reasonably steep, probably the most difficult part of the hike is the descent along a connecting side ridge with only sporadic trail available.  Meet the other participants on this hike at Santa Fe Station and an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, June 22 - Cathedral Rock.  The Saturday group will finally get its chance at this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike climbing 950 feet to the top of an impressive rock outcropping partially up the ridge connecting Griffith Peak and Mount Charleston.  Closed early in the season due to construction on the site, this hike is usually one of the first weekend treks scheduled because it is such a favorite.  The trail climbs fairly steeply through Mazie Canyon, which was significantly affected by an avalanche back in 2005 that destroyed many of the trees near the bottom of the canyon.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a scheduled departure at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Sunday, June 23 - Griffith Peak.  Unlike the hike to this same destination on June 11, this trek will follow the normal out-and-back route using South Loop Trail from its inception near the recently reconstructed picnic area at the top of Kyle Canyon.  With 3,400 feet of elevation gain, this strenuous 10-mile route still provides ample challenge for most hikers, who must display a marked degree of stamina over the roughly 6 hours involved in the hike.  One interesting note about the summit is that it is the hatching ground for thousands of ladybugs in the spring, and these could certainly be in evidence at the top.  Assembly point for the hike will be at Santa Fe Station with a departure time of 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, June 24 - Lower Lee Canyon - Starting at Sawmill parking lot, the coordinator plans to hike into lower Lee Canyon which will include the Lee Canyon Narrows. The hike will take you below the narrows into the wide washes and ridges below. Meet at 7:30am at the Santa Fe Casino. Coordinator - Jon Lubinski.

Tuesday, June 25 - Mummy's Nose.  By far the toughest short hike of the month is this very strenuous 5-mile out-and-back to one of the prominent facial features of the Mummy's head near Lee Canyon.  Elevation gain is 2,800 feet with very steep off-trail scrambling sections that contain lots of scree.  Going will be quite slow, with the anticipated time necessary to complete the hike at 5 hours.  For those with the stamina required to get to the top, the resulting views are sensational.  The group will leave from the Santa Fe parking garage promptly at 7:30 AM for the trailhead.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Wednesday, June 26 - Fletcher Peak via Wild Horse Canyon.  The last Mount Charleston training hike for the month is a strenuous 8-mile partial loop hike that is a repeat of the June 9 club hike.  Overall elevation gain is about 1,800 feet with three steeper sections of trail spread over the course of the hike.  A few springs toward the top of Wild Horse Canyon usually feed a pleasant little stream and, combined with an abundance of shade, this water promotes growth of aquatic plants in a few areas.  The return to the vehicles will follow North Loop Trail out to its trailhead at Deer Creek Road.  The first departure time from Desert Vista Community Center is 7:00 AM with those assembling at Santa Fe Station leaving at 7:15 AM and the two groups getting together at the trailhead.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Thursday, June 27 - Bonanza Peak.  Accessed from the north end of the Bonanza Trail near Cold Creek, this strenuous 10-mile out-and-back hike to one of the northernmost major peaks in the Spring Mountains also gains about 2,600 feet of elevation.  For the most part, gain rates along the trail are fairly consistent, with very few really steep sections and just a little off-trail scrambling getting to the peak itself.  Since the summit essentially sits directly on the spine of the mountain range, views west toward Pahrump and the mountains surrounding Death Valley are as impressive as those in the other direction looking toward the Lake Mead area with Arizona mountains in the distance.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure because of the longer than normal drive.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, June 28 - Deer Creek & Robbers' Roost.  If you missed out on this hike to open the month of July you have one more chance to get a glimpse of history unfolding on the eastern slopes of Mummy Mountain.  The first part of a two part hike takes a look at a resort planned for the Spring Mountains prior to 1930 and a previously existing sawmill operation.  The second part takes a look at a secluded and defendable cave that was utilized by some horse thieves in the days of the wild west.  Total distance for the two segments is 4 miles with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain.  Although having a few short and steep sections, the combination of these two short hikes justifies only a moderate rating.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, June 29 - Bristlecone Loop.  Rounding out the first half of 2013 is a moderate 6-mile loop hike on the trail at the top of Lee Canyon that will be conducted in a counter-clockwise direction from the lower trailhead.  Even though the elevation gain is close to 900 feet, the gain rate along the maintained forest service fire road is quite gradual.  The snack break will occur at the junction with the south end of the Bonanza Trail before the group continues along the upper, wooded section of the trail that also permits mountain bikers.  In anyone wants something a bit shorter, they can reverse direction after the break and return directly to the vehicles, resulting in a total distance of 5 miles.  Join the others in the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

May 2013 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 comes out each month so they can participate more thoroughly in club activities.

Here is a list of the scheduled club hikes for May 2013.  Hikes scheduled during the week are of varying difficulty levels to accommodate the different skill levels of club members.  The very 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 hikes 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 in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains, only one hike is scheduled for Saturdays and it is intended for the general membership.  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 later Saturday hikes or an equivalent weekday hike 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 dempseylv@aol.com or at (702) 823-2355.

Generally during the middle of May our club makes the transition from the lower elevations around Red Rock Canyon to the higher elevations in the Spring Mountains (often referred to as the Mount Charleston area) and the assembly locations change.  For hikes in the Red Rock area, the primary meeting place is the parking lot in front of the Best Buy store on the north side of Charleston Boulevard across from Red Rock Station Casino.  The store backs up to Highway 215 and the entrance to the parking lot is off Canyon Pointe.  For hikes west on Highway 160, there is a secondary pickup point at the gas station at the intersection of Highways 159 and 160 to accommodate south side participants.  For hikes in the Mount Charleston area, the pre-hike assembly point is on the south side of the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station.  This garage can be accessed either from Lone Mountain Road on the south side of the property or from Rancho if driving in a southbound direction.  DO NOT expect to find the group in the parking garage on the north side of the casino.  Directions to the staging points for any other hikes will be included in the descriptive write-up for those hikes.  Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly observed.  Usually the group will begin assembling as much as one-half hour prior to the scheduled departure time.

Wednesday, May 1 - La Madre Miner's Cabin.  The month will kick off with a moderately strenuous out-and-back hike to a stone shelter in a side canyon north of the White Rock Hills that was believed to be constructed by miners who dug shafts in the side of the La Madre ridge above the cabin.  Two-thirds of the route for this hike follows the abandoned and closed gravel roads from Willow Springs to La Madre Springs.  Once above the upper spring, the route becomes a single track trail that follows a creek and becomes quite steep and even loose as it approaches the shelter.  Total distance involved is 5 miles and there is 1,400 feet of elevation gain.  Meet the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Keith Lane.

Thursday, May 2 - Waterfall Canyon.  Also starting at Willow Springs, this 4-mile out-and-back hike is located in a side canyon about a mile and a half up Rocky Gap Road and features a series of waterfalls and water slides and even a couple areas of desert bamboo.  Although the distance is relatively short, the amount of scrambling over slick rock, the constant crossing of the stream, and some significantly steep sections of trail cause this hike to be rated moderately strenuous.  In addition, there will be a variation to the normal route as our coordinator intends to boulder scramble up Red Rock Wash in the first part of the hike.  The group will assemble at Best Buy for a departure at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, May 3 - Ice Box Canyon via SMYC Trail.  Although the alternate starting point for the hike into this deep canyon in the northern section of the escarpment only adds about a mile to the distance, it also adds some spectacular scenery along the base of the Wilson Cliffs.  At a total distance of 4 miles, this out-and-back hike only has a few hundred feet of elevation gain and is rated as moderate.  The ultimate destination is a ledge near the base of a 30-foot seasonal waterfall that requires something less than one-half mile of boulder scrambling each way in the drainage.  Most of the boulders are not very big and should not present a logistics problem for the average hiker.  The group will get together at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, May 4 - Lone Mountain & Picnic.  Our club's annual Spring Picnic will be held this year at the Lone Mountain Regional Park in the northwest corner of Las Vegas, located on the west side of Jensen between Alexander and Lone Mountain Road.  Attendees must e-mail Diane Dempsey at dempseylv@aol.com or call at (702) 823-2355 to make reservations and indicate food choices.  See the April newsletter for more information.  Reservations will not be required for the hike, which will begin from the parking lot on the south end of the park promptly at 8:00 AM.  The relatively short hike is only about 3 miles and there are three choices of routes.  Chris Dempsey will take one group on the traditional route, using the trails on the south and east sides of the 700-foot mountain.  Michael O'Connor will be utilizing a more difficult route to the top which will probably require use of hands.  Anyone wishing to do the level walk around the mountain are welcome to do that.  With the lunch portion starting at noon, everyone should be done with an abundance of time to spare.

Sunday, May 5 - Dragon Canyon/Gateway Canyon.  This moderately strenuous loop hike will begin from the gravel parking area on the northwest corner of Calico Basin and cover a distance of a little under 5 miles.  The route will follow the one used some six weeks ago, climbing through a canyon that runs parallel to Ash Canyon, eventually traversing across the face of the limestone peak that appears to have several names and reaching the top portion of Ash Canyon.  In the downhill portion of the hike, the group will head down to Gateway Canyon and follow the lower section of that canyon around the back side of Krafft Mountain with its spectacular sandstone formations.  The finish of the hike is around the south side of Krafft with its somewhat famous boulder field.  Meet the other participants at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Monday, May 6 - North Loop Meadows.  Our club's first hike of the season in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains will be this moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back trek along the North Loop Trail from Deer Road, which is also State Route 158.  The trailhead is at 8,300 feet above sea level and there is 900 feet of elevation gain getting to the open area on the ridge halfway to Raintree, so participants will have to huff and puff a bit more in the thinner air to reach the rest stop destination.  The meadows provides an excellent spot for an unobstructed view of the full length of Mummy Mountain, which sits directly to the west.  Meet the other hike participants at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  See preamble for driving directions.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Tuesday, May 7 - Gray Cap Peak.  The standard out-and-back route out of Sandstone Quarry will be used for this strenuous 6-mile hike that explores one of the most scenic areas near Las Vegas.  After hiking around the north end of the Calico Hills and Red Cap, the group will head down a side canyon and connect with Gateway Canyon.  From there it is mostly scrambling, first in the limestone drainage that features a number of dry waterfalls and then on the sandstone formations leading to the peak.  Although it takes some serious work to reach the peak, those who do will experience on of the most sensational views around.  Departure for the trailhead will be from Best Buy at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson. 

 

Wednesday, May 8 - Red Cap.  The straightforward route to the top of the red mantle at the north end of the Calico Hills still includes lots of boulder scrambling and a bit of exposure, but it is still probably the safest route.  Total distance is only 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, but the level of scrambling results in a rating of moderately strenuous.  Once the route gets on the ledges above the Calico Tanks Trail in the Calico Hills, the views become incredible.  The return route is a bit different as the group will be visiting a few natural tanks on top of the ridge and descending past a fairly significant climbing route known as Mass Production Wall.  The group will depart from Best Buy at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, May 9 - Krafft Mountain Traverse.  Some months ago we accomplished the traverse across the top of Krafft Mountain by using a west to east route.  On this hike, we will be reversing the direction and traveling across the top from east to west.  This means that the group will follow the trail at the base of the mountain to the entrance to Gateway Canyon before beginning the serious scrambling to the peak.  On the west end is the saddle at the top of Five Stop Hill, which the group will descend on the way back to the vehicles.  Total distance for the strenuous loop hike is about 4 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  The assembled group will leave from Best Buy at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, May 10 - Pine Creek.  This scenic trek into the lowest sections of Pine Creek Canyon can best be described as an easy to moderate partial loop hike of about 3 miles.  Starting from the Pine Creek parking area along the scenic drive, the trail descends and crosses Red Rock Wash and stays fairly level as it passes the old Wilson homestead foundation.  The loop portion begins just past the foundation, as a short section of the Arnight Trail is used to access a secondary trail on the south side of the combined drainage.  A couple of crossings of stream beds are necessary to get back on the main trail returning to the vehicles, but neither of these have any impediments.  The group will be assembling at Best Buy for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, May 11 - Blue Diamond Canyons 2 & 3.  The group will depart from Best Buy promptly at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Saturday, May 11 - White Rock Trail.  The later hike for our club's last Saturday in Red Rock Canyon until September or October will begin at Willow Springs Picnic Area and follow the official trail through the forested canyon on the north side of the White Rock Hills.  Although there is significant shade along the trail, the potential for extreme heat may shorten the hike for safety reasons.  If not shortened, the moderate out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of 4 to 5 miles reaching the highest point on the trail for a snack break on a colorful sandstone outcropping.  Elevation gain along the way is around 900 feet, but there are no steep sections of trail and the pace will be leisurely.  Meet the rest of the group at Best Buy for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ann Cronin.

Sunday, May 12 - Sandstone Canyon.  We don't often hike in the canyon behind Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and most people are not even aware of any trails in the area, so this may be a new experience for many of the participants.  The only real difficulty the group may encounter is access into the canyon itself, which is controlled somewhat by park personnel.  Otherwise, the out-and-back hike should cover a distance of around 4 miles.  This canyon does contain some fairly large boulders that may come into play depending on the route taken, so we should probably be conservative in our rating of the hike and call it moderately strenuous.  In case access to the canyon is denied, there are a few other trails that are not as difficult that could be incorporated into the hike.  Departure time from Best Buy will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Jon Lubinski.

Monday, May 13 - Fletcher Canyon.  The transition to the Mount Charleston area continues with a moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike into a side canyon on the north side of Kyle Canyon Road.  The trailhead is just under 7,000 feet above sea level and the vertical gain is only 500 feet, so breathing should be a bit easier than the previous Monday.  The majority of the hike is on trail along a stream bed, but the last section before the rest stop involves just a bit of minor scrambling up the slot canyon to a small seasonal waterfall below Obstacle Rock.  Just below the rest stop area the canyon is only six feet across from wall to wall.  The group will depart from the assembly point at Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Dennis Rohne.

Tuesday, May 14 - Rainbow Loop. This is a 5.7-mile loop hike that starts in the parking areas used for Fletcher Canyon (near the visitor center), starts west on a trail along the drainage, then turns fairly steep as it climbs to a junction with the South Loop Trail above the campgrounds.  After a short distance on that trail, we will turn off on an abandoned gravel road leading toward an old wellpoint, then take a single track trail to the summer cabins at the top of the small community of Rainbow.  The last part of the hike is a descent through Rainbow and a return along the first mile used on the overall route.  Elevation gain is around 1,200 feet and the rating is moderate. Departure time from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey. 

 

Wednesday, May 15 - Calico Hills.  Back at Red Rock Canyon for the last couple of days lends itself to an early morning jaunt along the west side of the sandstone hills from the fee booth parking lot to Sandstone Quarry and back.  This moderate hike covers a total distance of 6 miles and has a net elevation gain of 700 feet, but there are sections of rolling terrain that will increase that amount.  The first mile of the hike is on high ground generally above the scenic drive but the stretch from Calico I Overlook to Sandstone Quarry drops into or crosses the canyon floor on several occasions.  Departure from Best Buy will be at 7:15 AM to avoid the warmer parts of the day.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, May 16 - Windy Peak.  What could be better to finish off the Red Rock spring season than a trek to the top of the distinctive peak nearly at the south end of the escarpment.  The 6-mile out-and-back hike starts near Mountain Spring Summit on Highway 160 and climbs a steep section of gravel road past a communications tower.  Less than half a mile from the peak, the terrain transitions from limestone to sandstone and shows indications of massive movement of the Pacific Plate in the past.  This section also contains a 60-foot stretch of fairly significant rolling exposure, so the hike is probably not for the faint of heart.  The view from the top is sensational.  Meet the other hikers at Best Buy for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, May 17 - Mary Jane Falls.  It's back to the Mount Charleston area for the rest of the summer!  On this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike, the group will gain 920 feet of elevation along a scenic trail that terminates at the base of a seasonal waterfall.  Since we are doing this hike fairly early in the year and there were good snowfall levels in the higher Spring Mountains this winter, it's possible that there could be some significant flowage over the 80-foot falls.  A very short side trail past the waterfall leads to a shallow cave that offers one of the best accessible views of Kyle Canyon below.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will occur at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Dennis Rohne.

Saturday, May 18 - Telephone Canyon.  Turnout may be quite good for this moderate 4-mile point-to-point hike near the police substation in lower Kyle Canyon.  Why?  Because it's downhill for the entire length of the hike.  Starting point on the ground is at Robbers' Roost and the group will drop over 1,000 feet of elevation before reaching those vehicles that were dropped to assist in the car shuttle.  Much of the route is through forested areas that include pine and oak along with other forms of vegetation.  This canyon is also somewhat important from a historical perspective, and that significance will be explained early on in the hike.  Meet the other group members at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Monday, May 20 - Bristlecone Loop.  It's just about 6 miles to make the full trek around the signature loop hike at the top of Lee Canyon.  In that distance, however, participants will be treated to gradual sections of trail through pine forests, open views of the distinctive peaks surrounding the top of Lee Canyon, and even a few short spots across rock outcroppings.  Overall, this moderate hike with 700 feet of elevation gain is a lot of fun and can be accomplished by most of the club members who are comfortable with the distance.  Add to that the fact that the pace will be leisurely and you have the perfect ingredients to enjoy a day near Mount Charleston.  The lower trailhead will be the starting point for this counter clockwise hike.  The assembly point will be at Santa Fe Station with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Judy Warner.

Tuesday, May 21 - Raintree via Trail Canyon.  This hike is probably something less than most Tuesday folks are used to, but everyone needs to acclimate themselves to the higher elevations before challenging the most difficult peaks.  Therefore, we will be pursuing an out-and-back hike that climbs through Trail Canyon on the official trail and turns right at the saddle on North Loop Trail to the ancient tree.  Total distance for the out-and-back hike is 7.4 miles and the elevation gain is about 2,100 feet, with a rating of moderately strenuous.  If you have been wanting to try one of those Tuesday hikes but have been concerned about the difficulty level, the only important requirements for this one is that you can handle the distance and elevation.  Meet the other participants on this hike at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, May 22 - Lee Canyon Narrows.  This area of lower Lee Canyon is often described as Champion Canyon, but the fact is Champion Road is but a recreational gravel road in Lee Canyon.  Anyway, the hike will start from Highway 158 as it crosses over the main Lee Canyon drainage.  Although listed as an out-and-back hike, there are a few choices involved that may make the return section of the hike somewhat different.  Distance will be about 5 miles and there is 700 feet of elevation change, which will be recovered on the way back to the vehicles.  Overall rating is moderate.  There is one obstacle in the drainage which most participants will probably elect to bypass on an alternate trail.  The third floor of the parking garage at Santa Fe Station will again be the meeting location with an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator  Gail Surgent.

Thursday, May 23 - Raintree via North Loop.  Although the destination is the same as the outing two days prior, it is the only thing in common between the two hikes, as the approach to the 3,000 year old tree is from the North Loop trailhead off Highway 158.  This out-and-back hike is also rated moderately strenuous, and it covers a total distance of 6 miles while having a net elevation gain of 1,600 feet.  This will be the first club hike of the year to tackle the "dreaded dozen" switchbacks found just past the meadows on North Loop Trail.  Excellent open views of Mummy Mountain, Fletcher Peak, and Griffith Peak will be featured along the route.  The group will assemble in the usual spot at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, May 24 - Wild Horse Canyon.  Originally we were going to schedule Cathedral Rock on this Friday, but continuing work at the top of Kyle Canyon has wiped out the parking lot and the stairs that lead to the trail, so we decided to wait until at least June for that hike.  Wild Horse Canyon is a moderate 3.3-mile loop hike that begins at the eastern trailhead for North Loop Trail located off Highway 158.  After reaching the meadows (see May 6 hike) the route heads off to the right on a side trail heading directly toward Mummy Mountain, then drops fairly steeply into the canyon on the same trail.  Surprisingly, water flowing through the tree-covered canyon provides a setting for aquatic plants and flowers not seen much in the Spring Mountains.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, May 25 - Upper Kyle Canyon Drainage.  Beginning Saturday hikers should love the start to the Spring Mountain block of hikes as this is the second one in a row completely downhill.  Starting point will be the parking lot for Echo Trail located quite close to the big left hand bend in Kyle Canyon Road near the top.  Instead of heading up the trail, however, the group will get into the drainage and pass under the highway bridge before accessing a trail that will take the group through the heart of Old Town.  After some additional minor scrambling in the drainage, the group will exit close to the lodge and the abandoned golf course.  Total distance is about 4 miles with a drop of 700 feet of elevation and an easy to moderate rating.  The group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Monday, May 27 - Mary Jane Falls.  This Monday is Memorial Day but that's not a reason to avoid hiking.  Actually, it usually only takes a couple of hours to complete this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike, so participants should have plenty of time to get down from the mountains and prepare for those very hot afternoon barbeques.  Perhaps there will still be a trickle over the 80-foot waterfall that will provide a cool shower if anyone wants to get wet, but there will also be the cliffs and the spectacular views down into Kyle Canyon to provide a reward for those who put out the effort of reaching the well-known waterfall.  Overall, the elevation gain is listed as 920 feet.  Departure time will be 8:30 AM from the customary meeting spot at Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Tuesday, May 28 - Devil's Thumb.  Tuesday hikers have had their warm-up and now it's time for the real thing.  This strenuous out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of 13 miles and gain 3,200 feet of elevation in the process.  The route incorporates Trail Canyon Trail to the junction at the saddle, then turns left on North Loop Trail to the base of the cleft ledge on the north ridge just past Lee Peak.  Along the way are lots of great views of the significant peaks in the Spring Mountains and several of the interesting canyons.  Because of the distance of this hike, the departure time from Santa Fe Station will be moved up to 7:00 AM to get people back to Las Vegas before the day is over.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, May 29 - Fletcher Canyon.  It's always easy to schedule this hike on a repeating basis since it involves such beautiful terrain and is not very difficult.  In fact, classifying this 4-mile out-and-back hike as moderate is almost a stretch since there is only about 500 feet of vertical gain along the way.  Justifying the rating is the inclusion of three or four short but steep climb sections along the trail portion and the fact that the last section of the hike to the base of Obstacle Rock is mostly in the drainage, requiring a minimal amount of boulder scrambling.  Come and experience what it's like to walk through a narrow slot canyon with steep walls on both sides.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Susan Haase.

Thursday, May 30 - Fletcher Peak via North Loop Trail.  The traditional route to the fourth highest separate peak surrounding Kyle Canyon will be used for this strenuous out-and-back hike starting from the North Loop trailhead on Highway 158.  That means the total distance should be just over 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet.  What makes this hike a bit tricky is that the secondary trail to the peak is faint and can disappear in a few spots, making it rather important to know the specific route.  Other than that, only a bit of steep terrain below the peak offers any great challenge.  The panoramic view from the top provides a great reward for the effort.  The full group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Friday, May 31 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  Essentially a hike along a forest service road built to provide access to the slopes north of Lee Canyon Road in case of a fire, the route still provides a chance to recreate under the pine trees and get some great open views of the mountains surrounding Lee Canyon.  There are not any steep sections on the 5-mile out-and-back hike to cause any problems, so a moderate rating is certainly appropriate.  The turn-around point and the snack break will occur near the junction of Bristlecone Trail with Bonanza Trail.  Participants may need to keep an eye open for mountain bikers who are allowed to use this trail.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.