September 2013 Hike List

September begins our transition from the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains to the area around Red Rock Canyon.  Besides those two locations, there will be a number of evening walks scheduled in a neighborhood park in the northwest part of the city.  As a result, there are three potential major meeting locations for participants in club hikes.  Here are the locations.

Higher Elevations of the Spring Mountains - We will continue to meet at 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 directly from Rancho if driving in a southbound direction.  If you are driving northbound on Rancho, turn in at the main entrance to the property and turn left again to access the garage.  Do not use the larger garage on the north end of the casino building.  When heading up the ramp on the inside of the parking garage, turn left at the third level and the group will be assembling at that point.

Red Rock Canyon Area - We will no longer be allowed to leave vehicles in the lot in front of Best Buy, so we are moving the assembly point to the lot servicing the Albertsons Grocery and Dunkin' Donuts, where several other hiking groups also meet.  This shopping area and lot is located at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard (Highway 159) and Desert Foothills Drive about one-half mile west of CR 215.  If you are driving west on Charleston you can turn into the shopping center before you get to the stop light at Desert Foothills.  Generally, we will be parking and waiting about halfway between the previously mentioned commercial establishments.

Pueblo Park - The neighborhood park is in a working arroyo that is actually used to bring rainwater runoff down to the lower holding ponds in the valley.  The entrance to the park is located on eastbound Lake Mead Boulevard just west of Buffalo.  The next major cross street to the west is Rampart Boulevard about one mile away.  If you are traveling westbound on Lake Mead Boulevard, you must execute a U-turn to get back to the park entrance.  There are about two dozen parking spots in the park.

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 as these are the only ones that guarantee a fairly leisurely pace.  Strenuous Tuesday hikes are only for qualifying experienced members.

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

Sunday, September 1 - Avalanche Canyon.  So named because of a massive avalanche down the center of the canyon in 2005, this hike involves scrambling over lots of downed trees, other debris, and scree in addition to a few boulders.  The partial loop version winds up beneath the cave near Mary Jane Falls and returns down the regular switchback trail to the parking area.  Total distance is about 5 miles, gross elevation gain is around 1,200 feet, and a strenuous rating applies.  Departure from Santa Fe will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinators - Helmut DeCandia & Edwina Labrecque.

Monday, September 2 - Sawmill Trails.  A pleasant trail hike in lower Lee Canyon that climbs a couple hundred feet to a ridge with great views toward Creech Air Force Base back country and the Nevada Testing Site.  Total distance for the loop hike is about 3 or 4 miles, depending on any side trips, and is rated as easy to moderate.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Tuesday, September 3 - Ski Lee Slopes Part II.  Starting from the Upper Bristlecone trailhead the group will hike to the top of the chair lift and continue on to the North Loop Trail using a series of steep drainage ravines.  The climb rate gets much steeper toward the top of the ridge with significant scree with a bit of Class 3 climbing and some exposure near the top.  It will probably be a short hike in the 4-mile range with 1,800 feet of elevation gain and a very strenuous rating.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Tuesday, September 3 - Pueblo Park.  This pleasant out-and-back evening walk will cover a distance of 3 miles while gaining less than 100 feet of elevation.  Rated easy, this outing will begin from the vicinity of the parking area promptly at 7:00 PM.  Flashlights will be helpful.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

With so many members of the club participating in the Zion outing this week, we will not have any organized club hikes until Saturday, September 7, when the regular schedule resumes.

Saturday, September 7 - Cathedral Rock.  At the time this schedule was completed the tail to Cathedral Rock was still closed as a result of the Carpenter 1 Fire, but we are hoping it will open in time for this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike gaining 950 feet of elevation to a rock outcropping with a magnificent view of the entire length of Kyle Canyon.  If the trail is not open, there will be a substitute hike.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Sunday, September 8 - Stanley B/Cockscomb Ridge Exploratory.  Carrying a very strenuous rating because of elevation gain and difficult terrain, this 5 to 6-mile hike will take the left fork of Stanley B from the Leroy Mine junction and follow the drainage up to a ridge.  Turning left, the group will attempt to climb up the east face of Cockscomb Peak, take a break, and retrace steps to the vehicles.  There is some significant exposure on the rock formations at the top of the peak.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez. 

Monday, September 9 - Fletcher Canyon.  One of the signature hikes in the upper elevations of the Spring Mountains is this 4-mile out-and-back hike that includes a beautiful slot canyon at the northern end of the hike where the snack break will occur below Obstacle Rock and the small rabbit hole that allows access to the upper canyon.  Elevation gain is around 500 feet for this moderate hike that includes a bit of minor boulder scrambling.  The group will depart at 8:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Tuesday, September 10 - Pahrump Overlook Peak.  A variety of terrain and a great view of Pahrump highlights this strenuous 7-mile out-and-back hike that starts along the Upper Bristlecone Trail connecting with No Name Trail.  About 4 miles of the distance is along an undulating ridge with little trail and an occasional ground obstacle.  Net elevation gain is not reflective of the overall difficulty at about 1,200 feet.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, September 10 - Pueblo Park.  An easy fairly level 3-mile out-and-back evening walk along a paved trail starting from the end of the parking area at 7:00 PM.  Bring flashlights if you have them.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Wednesday, September 11 - Telephone Canyon Loop.  Also on the previous month schedule for August 28, this moderate 6-mile loop hike will be done in the opposite direction from the earlier outing, following a clockwise direction toward the top of the canyon approaching the Robbers' Roost parking area.  Elevation gain is close to 1,000 feet with some loose trail conditions.  Departure from Santa Fe Station is at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, September 12 - Mormon Girls Camp.  Now that Labor Day has come and the camp has been vacated for the summer, we have an opportunity to schedule the moderately strenuous 5-mile loop hike through the camp.  The climb portion of the hike is along the private gravel road servicing the homes above Deer Creek Picnic Area.  The highlight of the camp is the chance to cross a fairly low drainage on the rope bridge connecting the two sides.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, September 12 - Pueblo Park.  An easy fairly level 3-mile out-and-back evening walk along a paved trail starting from the end of the parking area at 7:00 PM.  Bring flashlights if you have them..  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Friday, September 13 - Mary Jane Falls.  The elevation gain is 920 feet on this moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike following the standard trail that incorporates more than a dozen sweeping switchbacks and a challenging set of stone steps on the upper reaches of the trail approaching the multi-tiered seasonal waterfall.  Join the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, September 14 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  Aspen, pine, and open views alternate on this leisurely out-and-back hike with a moderate rating covering a total distance of 4.8 miles while gaining 700 feet of elevation.  The snack break will occur at the halfway point where the Bonanza Trail has its southern beginnings and heads toward the quaint community of Cold Creek.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Patti Beckstead.

Sunday, September 15 - Pine Cone Canyon.  A strenuous outing on the north side of Lee Canyon, this 5 to 6-mile hike will climb through a seldom-used side canyon to the Bonanza Trail, then cross over a rolling ridge to the saddle used as part of the southern approach to South Sister.  The group will be leaving Santa Fe Station at 7:00 AM for the drive to the trailhead.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, September 16 - Trail Canyon.  From the new trailhead parking area along Echo Road this moderately strenuous out-and-back hike covers a total distance of just under 5 miles while gaining over 1,500 feet of elevation to the northern terminus of the trail at North Loop Trail.  A rocky ledge a couple of hundred feet above to the southeast provides a dramatic view of Fletcher Canyon and a great snack spot.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Tuesday, September 17 - Mummy's Tummy.  Now that North Loop Trail is finally open above Trail Canyon Trail, we can schedule this strenuous 9-mile out-and-back hike to the top of the second highest peak in the Spring Mountains.  Overall elevation gain of 3,900 feet is pretty daunting, but the toughest part by far is the side slope scree field used above North Loop Trail, where the phrase "two feet forward, one foot back" is close to the truth.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Tuesday, September 17 - Cottonwood Canyon.  The series of weekly evening walks continues, but the location for this Tuesday will shift to Cottonwood Canyon Park, located on Park Run Drive (one block north of Charleston Boulevard) on the west side of Town Center Drive.  Entrance to the park is just west of the nursing home complex.  The easy, level walk will take in a total distance of 3 miles with the eastern leg going as far as Hualapi and the western leg ending near CR 215.  Starting time of the walk will be 7:00 PM.  Flashlights may be helpful.  Coordinator - Joan Sahagun.

Wednesday, September 18 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop.  One of our club's most anticipated hikes is this moderate 6-mile partial loop trek that utilizes a trail abandoned by the forest service that connects Bristlecone Trail with the Bonanza Trail several switchbacks up from the southern end of that trail.  There is only about 1,200 feet of gain, but over half of this is along a one-half mile stretch following a narrow drainage to a saddle west of the regular Bristlecone Trail.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Thursday, September 19 - Fletcher Peak.  The standard out-and-back route up North Loop Trail will be used to reach this 10,000-foot plus peak that forms the western boundary of Upper Kyle Canyon.  The hike is rated as strenuous and gains 1,800 feet over the course of the hike, which covers about 7.5 miles.  Departure from Santa Fe Station is at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, September 19 - Pueblo Park.  An easy fairly level 3-mile out-and-back evening walk along a paved trail starting from the end of the parking area at 7:00 PM.  Bring flashlights if you have them.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Friday, September 20 - Bristlecone Loop.  If there are colors on the mountain from the aspen leaves turning it will probably be through the wooded section above the ski runs and on the slopes of the higher mountains.  Come along with the rest of the group on a moderate 6-mile loop hike that has a 900 vertical change from the lower trailhead to the highest point of the trail.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, September 21 - Fletcher Canyon.  The last full day of summer will once again find us in the narrow slot canyon on the north side of Kyle Canyon Road that is one of the most beautiful fairly accessible spots in the Spring Mountains.  The moderate out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of 4 miles while gaining 500 feet of elevation.  The group will leave from Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM for this fairly leisurely hike.  Coordinator - Ed Matulis.

Sunday, September 22 - South Calico Hills Scramble.  A return to lower elevations marks this strenuous 4-mile scrambling effort that will start climbing from Red Springs Picnic Area, cross over the sandstone hills, and descend in the vicinity of Calico II.  Instead of just following the trail around the south end of the Calico Hills, another scrambling route will cross back over to the starting point from Calico I.  Distance of 4 miles, 1,800 feet of elevation gain, a strenuous rating, and some exposure are elements of the hike.  Departure from the Albertsons parking lot will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Monday, September 23 - Lee Canyon Narrows.  Starting from the Sawmill Picnic Area along Lee Canyon Road, the group will cross the highway and follow the drainage downward in Lower Lee Canyon following the recreational Champion Road.  One major obstacle on the way down is a boulder waterfall that is easily bypassed by trail.  Although technically an out-and-back hike, there are options to be explored on the uphill return.  Moderate rating, distance of 5 miles, and 700 feet elevation change are the applicable details, with the departure from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Gail Surgent.

Tuesday, September 24 - McFarland Peak.  One of the most intimidating peaks in the Spring Mountains is this mountain north of Lee Canyon with cliffs almost the entire distance around the top.  This very strenuous out-and-back hike will approach from the Cold Creek side of the mountain, gaining 4,250 feet along the torturous 8-mile out-and-back route.  Abundant Class 3 scrambling will slow the pace down with an expected duration of eight hours for the hike.  High clearance vehicles are necessary to get to the trailhead.  An early departure time of 6:30 AM from Santa Fe Station will be necessary to provide an adequate margin.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Tuesday, September 24 - Bristlecone Trail.  If you didn't get a chance to check out fall colors along this trail the previous Friday, here is one more opportunity.  For this version of the hike the group will start at the lower trailhead and hike to the upper trailhead, a distance of slightly more than 5 miles.  Expect an easier pace than usually occurs on Tuesday on this rare moderate hike offered as an alternative to the usual Tuesday mayhem.  The group will depart at 8:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

Tuesday, September 24 - Pueblo Park.  An easy fairly level 3-mile out-and-back evening walk along a paved trail starting from the end of the parking area at 7:00 PM.  Bring flashlights if you have them.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.  

Wednesday, September 25 - Big Falls.  A 3-mile out-and-back trek to the base of the most impressive waterfall in the Spring Mountains during snow melt season provides a real contrast to Mary Jane Falls across the way at the top of Kyle Canyon.  Although quite short, this hike is rated as moderately strenuous because of the amount of scrambling over and around large boulders and the accumulation of tree trunks and other debris deposited by a large avalanche some eight years ago.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Carl Weller.

Thursday, September 26 - Hollow Rock Peak.  The out-and-back trek to the first mountain north of the Cottonwood Fault Line is unusual in that the highest elevation attained is on a ridge bump more than a mile from the actual peak.  Sitting on a rock slab at the peak with a half mile drop to the base tends to make people forget that fact.  Significant scrambling is involved on the sandstone approaching the peak.  Meet the rest of the group at the Albertsons on Charleston Boulevard for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Tim Borem.

Thursday, September 26 - Pueblo Park.  Here is one last chance for the month to enjoy an evening stroll along a paved trail following the drainage in a working arroyo.  Drive directly to the park on Lake Mead Boulevard for this easy 3-mile out-and-back walk starting from the end of the parking area at 7:00 PM.  Coordinator - Helmut DeCandia.

Friday, September 27 - Fletcher Canyon.  Enjoy the spectacular surroundings of the slot canyon negotiated in the upper reaches of this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike.  Although some scrambling is required, it will offer no difficulty for the average hiker.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Patti Beckstead.

Saturday, September 28 - Stanley B/Fletcher Canyons.  Rated as moderately strenuous, this 6-mile loop hike will stage at the Fletcher Canyon parking area and follow the Kyle Canyon drainage upstream about a mile before heading uphill past the Leroy Mine in Stanley B Springs Canyon to a saddle.  The descent into Fletcher Canyon is steep and the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock must be dropped through on the way back to level group.  There will be a 7:00 AM departure from Santa Fe Station for this hike.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Saturday, September 28 - Cathedral Rock.  The leisurely general membership hike on the last weekend of September will have the impressive rock outcropping at the north end of the Echo Cliffs as the destination.  There is a moderate rating assigned to the 3-mile out-and-back hike with 950 feet of elevation.  This trail is still closed at the time this schedule was compiled, but is expected to be open before long.  If it isn't, an equivalent hike such as Mary Jane Falls will take its place.  Plan on an 8:30 AM departure from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Gail Surgent.

Sunday, September 29 - South Sister Loop.  Hopefully the aspen will be colorful for this strenuous 5 to 6-mile hike, which will be attempted in the reverse direction from the hike two Sundays previously.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will again be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, September 30 - Mary Jane Falls.  Finishing of the month will be an old standby - the moderate out-and-back hike along the well maintained trail climbing 920 feet from the newly redesigned parking area to the seasonal waterfall at the base of the ridge between Mount Charleston and Mummy Mountain.  Total distance is 3 miles.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Nancy Moore.

August 2013 Hike List

With the Carpenter 1 fire now 95% contained, one of the dangers in the Spring Mountains has apparently been resolved.  Now we have to deal with a new one.  About 43 square miles of terrain in the mountain range had virtually all of the ground cover except for some fire resistant trees wiped out, so there is now a continuing problem with potential landslides or mudslides.  A lot a stabilization work will have to be done in the coming months to make some of our favorite trails safe for hiking again.  Accordingly, we have no plans at the current time to schedule any hikes along South Loop or Harris Springs Trails or into Rainbow Canyon.  Cathedral Rock seems to have come through the fire relatively untouched, but problems in Mazie Canyon above the trail have caused any hiking there to be at least temporarily suspended.  We may possibly be able to add Cathedral Rock to our schedule for September.  Also, you will note that two hikes have been added to this schedule for July 31.

In the meantime, here is our schedule of hikes for the coming month.  Almost all of the club hikes will be in the Spring Mountains, although some members enjoyed the early morning outings in Red Rock Canyon in July so much that there will probably be some offerings for such hikes in August as well.  These will be sent out by separate e-mail through the Yahoo! site.  Please be aware that our usual meeting location in front of Best Buy has been declared off limits, so our groups will now be using the parking lot at the Albertsons Grocery farther west on Charleston for all Red Rock hikes.  This change in staging location is in effect starting immediately.  For Spring Mountain hikes, we will continue to use the 3rd level of the southeast parking garage at Santa Fe Station Casino for our assembly point.  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 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 by telephone at (702) 823-2355.

Wednesday, July 31 - Fletcher Peak via Trail Canyon.   A hike added to the Mount Charleston training schedule being offered jointly with Lone Mountain Hiking Club, this strenuous out-and-back hike will cover a total distance of about 10 miles while gaining 2,600 feet of elevation.  LMHC participants will leave Desert Vista Community Center at 7:00 AM with the ABF group departing from Santa Fe Station at 7:15 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Wednesday, July 31 - Lower Bristlecone via Old Mill Picnic Area.  This alternate hike is probably going to cover a distance of 5 or 6 miles and have a moderate or moderately strenuous rating.  A seldom used trail from Old Mill will deposit us on Bristlecone Trail for about 100 feet, then another faint trail will take us over to the lowest section of the Bonanza Trail.  The Bristlecone Trail will then be used for the return past the lower trailhead with a walk along the highway returning to the vehicles.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, August 1 - Raintree via North Loop.  The standard out-and-back route from the trailhead along Deer Creek Road will find the group covering a distance of 6 miles while gaining 1,600 feet of elevation.  The group will have an 8:00 AM departure time from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Friday, August 2 - Fletcher Canyon.  This 4-mile out-and-back hike is probably rated moderate due to the minor scrambling that occurs in the narrow slot canyon for roughly 4/10ths of a mile in each direction immediately below our turn-around point at Obstacle Rock.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, August 3 - Horse Trough at Telephone Canyon.  A horse trough along a side ridge of the canyon is the destination for a moderate hike of something less than 4 miles.  Although net elevation gain is only around 300 feet, rolling terrain could bring the gross gain to over 1,000 feet.  A short trek to Robbers' Roost itself is an option at the end of the hike.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Sunday, August 4 - Wallace Canyon Plane Crash.  The route for this moderately strenuous outing will follow the regular route from No Name Trail over to the plane crash site.  It will then follow the high ridge to the north going back to the No Name Saddle, then continue along a ridge toward Bonanza Trail rather than taking the upper half of No Name Trail.  Distance will be around 6 or 7 miles.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Lettie Gutierrez.

Monday, August 5 - Trail Canyon.  It's a straightforward route up the well traveled trail to the junction with North Loop Trail, covering a total distance of under 5 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.  Rest break will occur either on the logs at the junction or on the rock outcropping just beyond that looks down on Fletcher Canyon.  Meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Pat Stutts.

Tuesday, August 6 - Mummy's Toe.  The part of Mummy's anatomy farthest to the south will be the destination for a strenuous 8-mile hike involving 2,500 feet of elevation gain and utilizing very steep trail.  Early approach will probably utilize the route along Deer Creek while the return will probably pass Raintree and may involve one of the routes associated with Wild Horse.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Tuesday, August 6 - Trails Community Urban Stroll.  Join the group for an easy evening stroll through the park and housing areas of the Trails community.  These are level asphalt walking paths and the distance covered should top out at about 3 miles.  Join the group at the Village Center Shopping Center at the northeast part of the parking lot between Vons and the US Bank office for a walking departure at 7:30 PM.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Wednesday, August 7 - Lee Peak.  The final joint training hike in the Mount Charleston preparatory series will take the group on a very strenuous out-and-back hike to the top of a peak on the ridge east of Mount Charleston.  Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail will be used for the 13-mile hike with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.  As of the issuance of this schedule the section of North Loop Trail that is part of this hike is closed, but it is anticipated that it will reopen prior to the hike, as there is no fire damage in the area.  If the hike goes as scheduled, departure times will be 7:00 AM from Desert Vista Community Center for the LMHC group and 7:15 AM from Santa Fe Station for the ABF contingent.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinsky & Larry Shahan.

Thursday, August 8 - Fletcher Peak via Mummy Springs.  Although fairly difficult for a Thursday hike, this strenuous 9-mile loop hike will utilize the route along Deer Creek up to Mummy Springs, pass Raintree on the way to the side trail leading to the destination peak, then return along North Loop Trail to the vehicles.  Gross elevation gain will probably be in the 3,000 foot range.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, August 9 - Sawmill Trails.  One would have to assign a difficulty rating of easy to moderate on this 3 or 4-mile loop hike from the Sawmill Picnic Area on Lee Canyon Road.  The trail that will be utilized winds through a section of cliff roses and gains a ridge with a great view to the east.  Net elevation gain is probably only about 300 feet.  The group will leave Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, August 10 - Champion Canyon.  The starting point for this easy to moderate 3-mile loop hike is the same as that used on the previous day's hike, but the route is across the highway in Lower Lee Canyon following Champion Road, a decent recreational gravel road used occasionally by off-road enthusiasts.  Again, elevation gain will be around 300 feet.  Our departure time from Santa Fe Station will be at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Sunday, August 11 - Avalanche Canyon.  Located in the upper reaches of Kyle Canyon between the Big Falls and Mary Jane Falls routes is a seldom hiked canyon that was given its current name back in 2005 when a massive landslide deposited a 30-foot mound of snow and debris that stretched for nearly a half mile right down the center of the canyon.  This strenuous out-and-back hike into that canyon will likely cover about 5 miles and gain 1,500 feet in the process.  Most of this hike is off-trail and includes very rough terrain with lots of debris piles from the avalanche.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will be at 7:00 AM.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Monday, August 12 - Wild Horse Ridge.  We will be using the recently established starting point at the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking lot and walking up Deer Creek Road to the North Loop Trail to begin this moderate 4-mile loop hike with 900 feet of elevation.  Hiking sticks are advised as there is a steep descent along a ridge with only sporadic trail in the middle of the hike.  The ridge itself provides fantastic open views of the area.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, August 13 - Fletcher Peak via Hummingbird Gulch.  Probably involving some of the toughest negotiable terrain in the Spring Mountains, this route to Fletcher Peak is steep and uneven and has lots of brush.  Overall, the strenuous 7-mile loop hike gains 2,500 feet.  The return portion will probably be down North Loop Trail to a faint route down a steep slope at the top of Telephone Canyon that heads back to the starting point.  Departure will be 7:00 AM from Santa Fe Station.  Coordinator - Steve Anderson.

Wednesday, August 14 - Mount Charleston.  Assuming the North Loop Trail opens in time, this very strenuous 18-mile out-and-back hike will be the culmination of an over two month long training program designed to condition hikers for making a first time assault on the highest peak in southern Nevada.  While net elevation gain is listed a 4,270 feet, there is significant rolling terrain on top of the ridge that adds to the total.  Departure of the LMHC group will be 5:00 AM from Desert Vista Community Center while the ABF contingent leaves Santa Fe Station at 5:00 AM.  Coordinators - Jon Lubinski & Larry Shahan.

Thursday, August 15 - Trail Canyon/Fletcher Canyon.  Car shuttling will be involved for this strenuous 5-mile point-to-point hike that will fortunately utilize trail from the parking lot on Echo Road for the climb portion of the route before tackling the bushwhacking and scrambling required in following Fletcher Canyon down and through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock.  A departure time of 7:30 AM will be used to get the participants back to Las Vegas by early afternoon.  Coordinator - Kay Blackwell.

Friday, August 16 - Telephone Canyon.  For the second straight day we have a point-to-point hike on the schedule, but this one is all downhill as it starts from the Robbers' Roost parking area and drops about 1,100 feet in elevation getting to the end of the hike near the police substation in Lower Kyle Canyon.  Because there is no elevation gain, the 4-mile hike is rated easy to moderate.  Meet the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Saturday, August 17 - Bristlecone Loop.  The lower parking lot will be used as the starting point for this moderate 6-mile loop hike gaining about 800 feet in elevation, meaning the climb portion will occur in the first part of the hike.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for the normal Saturday departure time of 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - John Stewart.

Monday, August 19 - Upper Kyle Canyon Drainage.  Here is another 4-mile point-to-point hike that is essentially all downhill, as it starts at the Echo trailhead and follows the drainage and a series of unofficial trails through Old Town, past the current Mount Charleston Visitor Center, and along a trail area currently being constructed for the new visitor center to the ending point at the Resort at Mount Charleston.  Distance is about 4 miles and the rating is moderate because there is some minor scrambling.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station is at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, August 20 - Cockscomb Peak.  Much of the terrain getting to this jagged peak in the center of Cockscomb Ridge is jagged with sections of steep scree and exposure.  Accordingly, while only in the vicinity of 5 miles, this hike is rated very strenuous and only the strongest hikers in the club should consider taking it in.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Tim Borem.

Wednesday, August 21 - Big Falls/Mary Jane Falls.  This fairly short 5-mile hike is also rated strenuous, but there is no exposure along the route.  Care must be taken to pick the way over boulders and debris getting to the first waterfall and the route to the second waterfall follows the old trail that was decommissioned over fifteen years ago.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 7:30 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, August 22 - Cave Springs.  It's a moderately strenuous out-and-back route along Trail Canyon Trail and North Loop Trail that will take the participants up to the turn-around point at the horse trough directly below the springs, affording a great view of the upper part of Kyle Canyon.  Distance is around 6 miles with elevation gain approaching 1,800 feet.  Join the group at Santa Fe Station for an 8:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Friday, August 23 - Upper Bristlecone Trail.  The morning hike of the day will be a moderate out-and-back hike along the wooded section of the Bristlecone Trail from the vicinity of the ski resort.  Elevation gain for this stretch is around 700 feet and the rest break will occur at the junction of the Bristlecone and Bonanza Trails.  Departure from Santa Fe Station will occur at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Diane Dempsey.

Friday, August 23 - Sunset Park Evening Stroll.  The second scheduled event of the day will be an easy evening stroll of 2 or 3 miles along level paved trails in the park and surrounding area.  The hike will start from the main parking lot on Eastern just south of Sunset.  Participants should arrive at the park in sufficient time to allow for a 7:30 PM start for the walk.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Saturday, August 24 - Fletcher Canyon.  Saturday hikers will get a chance to experience the sensational views afforded in a true slot canyon on this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike with something under a mile of minor scrambling.  Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views.  Departure from Santa Fe Station is at 8:30 AM.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

Monday, August 26 - Wild Horse Canyon.  Unlike the neighboring hike from August 12, we will begin this trek at the North Loop Trailhead located on Deer Creek Road and follow the loop route in a clockwise direction, finishing in the named canyon by passing through Split Rock before walking back to the vehicles along the highway.  Total distance is 3.3 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain and a moderate rating.  Departure time from Santa Fe Station is 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Tuesday, August 27 - Window in the Rock.  Here is a hike that is somewhat unique to our club in that we set up this hard to reach arch as a destination and also brought up the first sign-in book for the location.  Overall, this is a strenuous 9-mile out-and-back hike that includes some pretty significant scrambling on the ridge after reaching a saddle on the Bonanza Trail.  If you are a strong hiker and have not previously visited the arch, you are in for a treat.  Meet the rest of the group at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Wednesday, August 28 - Telephone Canyon Loop.  Originally scheduled for July 11, this will be the inaugural journey for our club on the moderate 6-mile loop route with 900 feet of elevation gain that starts from a forest service road off Highway 157 fairly close to the police substation in Lower Kyle Canyon and circles a rocky ridge that forms the western boundary of the canyon.  Some scrambling is involved.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.

Thursday, August 29 - Ski Lee Slopes Part 1.  Beginning at the Lower Bristlecone parking area, the group will trudge to the top of the primary chairlift at 9,400 feet and follow a slightly different route on the downhill return section.  This trek involves steep terrain but the is no exposure.  Figure on somewhere between 4 and 6 miles with just 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a moderately strenuous rating.  Meet the other participants at Santa Fe Station for a 7:00 AM departure.  Coordinator - Michael O'Connor.

Friday, August 30 - No Name/Bristlecone Loop.  The standard set of trails will be used to accomplish this moderately strenuous 5 to 6-mile partial loop hike that includes the upper section of the Bristlecone Trail along with the southernmost section of the Bonanza Trail.  there is about 1,100 feet of elevation gain involved.  The group will depart from Santa Fe Station at 8:00 AM.  Coordinator - Roger Hembree.

Saturday, August 31 - Mary Jane Falls.  Finish off the month with a leisurely trek to the base of one of the two major waterfalls in the upper part of Kyle Canyon.  The moderate out-and-back hike is 3 miles in length and gains 920 feet along one of the premier trails in the Spring Mountains.  The group will assemble at Santa Fe Station for an 8:30 AM departure.  Coordinator - Ann Hoskin.

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.