The information below
is important to determine where our group
meets prior to each hike. Please read this section before
skipping to the actual hike descriptions.
The February schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley), Valley of Fire, and the Lake Mead area. Below is information regarding our meeting locations for each of these destinations.
There are different assembly points for Lake Mead hikes depending on whether those hikes are on the north or south sides of the lake. Meeting locations for hikes in any other areas will be specified
in the appropriate hike
description.
Red Rock Canyon Area. Our assembly point for hikes in Red Rock Canyon
and the immediate vicinity is at the Red Rock Casino on Charleston Boulevard just east of 215. To access the meeting location
turn into the casino property at the signalized intersection directly across
from Canyon Pointe, turn right
directly in front
of the casino, and immediately turn right into the outdoor
lot. If traveling east on Charleston from 215 you can turn right at the first entrance and then make an immediate left into the lot. The group will be parking
at the north end of the lot near
Charleston Boulevard. For hikes located
in Cottonwood Valley and west there will be a secondary
meeting location available
for individuals coming from the south side of Las Vegas. That will be at the gas station located
at the intersection of Highways
159 and 160 (Blue Diamond
Road). This will be a quick
stop that will occur about twenty or twenty-five minutes
after the regular departure from Red Rock Casino.
Mount Charleston Area and Desert National Wildlife Refuge. For hikes
north of Las Vegas in
either the Mount Charleston area or in the Sheep Mountains the assembly point will be at the Santa Fe Station Casino.
This property has two parking
garages, one on the
north end of the casino
close to Highway
95 and the Rancho exit and one on
the southeast side closer to the intersection of Rancho and Lone Mountain Road. We always use the third level of the southeast
parking garage as our meeting
location. This garage
can be accessed from Lone Mountain
Road traveling in either direction
at the entrance near the theater addition.
It can also be accessed
from Rancho. If traveling northbound on Rancho turn in at the casino
entrance signalized intersection and turn left to access the garage.
If traveling southbound on Rancho pass the signal and turn at the entrance that directly accesses
the garage. This second option is used if you are getting
to Santa Fe using northbound Highway 95 and taking
the Rancho exit. Drive up to the third level and turn left - we
will be meeting right there.
Lake Mead South - For all hikes on the south side of the lake the general meeting spot will be near the large outdoor sign in front of the Henderson Fiesta Casino. Henderson Fiesta is located on Lake Mead Parkway just east of the junction of I-215 and I-515. Lake Mead Parkway is the eastbound extension of I-215. There will also be an earlier assembly point for west side participants at the Red Rock Casino, with directions above, and there could be local stopping points after the group leaves Henderson Fiesta. Those stopping points will be detailed in the appropriate hike descriptions.
Lake Mead North. For hikes on the north side of the lake the early west side collection point will be on the top level of the parking garage at Rampart Casino rather than at Red Rock Casino. Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin (a J. W. Marriot property) is located on Rampart Boulevard just south of Summerlin Parkway. The garage is located on the northeast side of the casino and is four stories in height. The best route from Rampart to the general meeting location is Summerlin Parkway to Highway 95 to I-15 north to eastbound Lake Mead Boulevard. The general assembly point will be in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood. There will also be a secondary pickup point at the pullout area close to Mile Marker 4 on the eastbound side of Northshore Road for south side participants not using the CVS Pharmacy location.
Valley of Fire. For hikes in the state park northeast of Las Vegas the general assembly
point will be in the parking lot of Lucky Cub Casino.
The Lucky Club Casino
is located on the northeast
corner of the junction of I-15
and Cheyenne Road along Cheyenne.
If traveling northbound on I-15 and using the Cheyenne
exit, it is necessary to cross several
lanes of traffic quickly
and access the left turn lane to get in to the property off the
first side street.
West side participants can meet early and carpool
from the top level of the parking
garage at Rampart
Casino. Information on that location is specified in the above paragraph.
IMPORTANT NOTE #1 - Hike coordinators may not always be at either the early or primary assembly points. Participants will need to monitor the time and set up carpooling to the next meeting location or pickup point when that occurs. Although most of these situations are noted in the hike descriptions, others may occur that are not so noted.
IMPORTANT POINT #2 - When reading
the descriptions you will see references to both Lake Mead
Boulevard and Lake Mead Parkway. These are different streets.
Lake Mead Boulevard
is an east- west street on the north side of Las Vegas that runs completely across the city. Lake
Mead Parkway is on the south side of the city and is an east- west street that
starts at the junction of I-515 and I-215 and extends over to the lake. Please
do not mix these up.
Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are strictly
observed. Usually the group
will begin arriving
as much as one-half hour prior
to the scheduled departure times.
Please pay attention to the difficulty ratings for each hike offered and do not attempt hikes that are beyond your abilities. As two of our prime considerations on any hike are safety and enjoyment, it is important that each participant have the capability of completing any advertised hike at the pace published by the coordinator.
It is the responsibility of new members to prove their
hiking ability, therefore, hikers new to our club must begin with one of the leisurely hikes offered on the monthly
schedule. After they have gained
sufficient experience, have been able to assess
their abilities relative
to the group, and have had
a chance to interact with our coordinators, they will be free to start
moving up to more difficult
hikes. New hikers
who are guests
of existing members may initially participate in other than leisurely hikes, but must be
accompanied by the existing member
who will take responsibility
for their safety if the situation demands.
Hike coordinators will have the right to reject
any hiker, whether new to the club or an existing member, if they believe
that such person’s
participation would infringe
on the ability of the group to conduct the hike
as advertised or if overall
safety becomes an issue.
Questions regarding general information should be directed to Lettie Gutierrez at chico04@msn.com or by telephone at (702)398-3050. Specific questions regarding hikes should be directed to the listed coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact information.
Exposure
Class 1- Terrain that does not require
use of hands or other equipment but can be negotiated using only foot power.
Class 2- Terrain that is uneven or irregular that may require
use of hands for
stabilization.
Class 3- Generally steep terrain that definitely requires
use of hands over stretches to accomplish the task.
Class 4 – In addition to
use of hands, come levels of equipment may be necessary to accomplish the hike.
This can include webbing or short sections of rope for minor climbs or belay
systems for more difficult climbs.
Difficulty Levels
Easy- Hikes of 3 miles or less with not more than 300 feet of gain, generally with only gradual
elevation gains on even surface
trails.
Easy to Moderate- Hikes ranging up to 5 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail irregularities.
Moderate- Hikes that generally
have a maximum distance of 8 miles with 800 feet
of elevation gain. Somewhat longer
mileage with less elevation gain or
shorter mileage with more elevation
gain may also fit in this category.
Moderately Strenuous- Distances of up to 12 miles and/or 1,600
feet of elevation
gain involving less than 25% of off-trail
hiking such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.
Strenuous- Longer
distances with elevation
gain capped around 3,000 feet or
shorter distances that encompass significant off-trail sections
not requiring additional safety equipment.
Wednesday, February, 1st, Keystone Thrust Loop- This moderate loop hike covers 3.3 miles with about 700 feet of
elevation gain. The hike starts at the White Rock north end trailhead, heads up
to the Keystone Thrust overlook, and then turns down a rocky dry wash to
connect with a small part of the Grand Circle Trail before heading back to the
cars. We’ll depart from Red Rock Casino by 8:00am. Coordinator – David Gray
Wednesday, February 1st, - Oak Creek - This moderate 6-mile out-and-back hike was originally scheduled for
January 11 but fell victim to inclement weather. There is not much overall elevation gain and
only a slight amount of irregular terrain that has the turnaround point in the
main wash of the canyon where we might spot climbers on the cliff walls. The main group will assemble at Red Rock
Casino for an 8:30am departure and the hike will start from the gravel parking
lot at the exit of the scenic loop at 8:45am.
Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, February
2nd, - Rubber Ducky Yucca - Let's use Groundhog Day to go in search of rubber
ducks. This moderate loop hike will
cover a distance of 6 miles and has some pretty good views of Cottonwood Canyon
and the southern part of the escarpment.
There is always a chance of spotting wild burros after the hike route
gets into the back country away from the highway. Main group departure from Red Rock Casino
will be at 8:25am and the hike will start from the Late Night parking area
along Highway 160 about 9:00am.
Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, February 2nd, Behind the North Bowl of
Fire - The trailhead is at Mile Marker 18, Northshore
Road, and the hike is about 8 to 9 miles. The route uses several washes with
some overland trekking and is moderately strenuous with mostly gradual
elevation changes. The route heads to the extreme left side of the North Bowl
of Fire, and then goes behind the Bowl. Here, the route pulls out of the wash
onto a plateau on the right side and continues overland, going by several
sandstone formations, windows and arches. The route goes through some large
boulders and climbs to an interesting rock garden with great views. After
exploring the garden, the route comes back to a wash, continuing downwash and connecting
with a major scenic exit wash which leads back toward the trailhead. West side
can meet at the Rampart Casino parking garage and leave at 7:20am and join the
main group in the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard
and Hollywood. That combined group will leave at 8:00am and join the
coordinator and any other south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout
on Northshore Road about 8:15 before heading to the starting point of the hike.
Coordinator—Chuck Hawkins
Friday, February 3rd, Blue Diamond Canyon #5 – This moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles with 800 feet of elevation
begins from the parking area for Wheeler Springs just north of Blue Diamond.
The canyon cuts deep into the Blue Diamond hills with high walls and
considerable scrambling. A large fill supporting a high road above marks the
end of the canyon. Depart the Red Rock at 7:45am and meet the coordinator at
8:15am at the gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road to Blue
Diamond. Coordinator – David Hardy
Friday, February 3rd, Ash Canyon - This easy to moderate loop hike will explore the area east of the Calico
Hills, passing several interesting rock formations and visiting Ash Springs and
the mouth of Ash Canyon. The hike will
be conducted at a leisurely pace with the only significant climb portion going
part way up Five Stop Hill before returning to the starting point along the
creek. Total distance is 3 to 4 miles. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30am
departure or be at Red Springs Picnic Area for the start of the hike at 8:45am.
Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Saturday, February 4th, First Creek - Hike with Mike. The starting point for this hike is on the right side of
Highway 159 about 4.3 miles west of the Red Rock entrance. A 3 to 4 mile easy
to moderate hike crosses the desert to a 10-foot hidden waterfall which flows
seasonally about one mile from the start, then follows the drainage to the
mouth of First Creek Canyon nestled between Wilson and Indecision Peaks on the
escarpment. This trail has a very gradual elevation increase of less than 400
feet and is ideal for those experiencing the Red Rock Canyon area for the first
time. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator -
Mike Lemay.
Saturday, February 4th, Three Slots (Valley of
Fire Part 1) - This 3 mile loop will be done at
a leisurely pace but bear in mind that there will be minor scrambling over the
400 feet of elevation gain. The hike will show off some of the most colorful
views seen in the Valley of Fire State Park. Painted Pinnacles (Valley of Fire Part 2) - After the moderate hike
through the Three Slots, I will add another moderate 3 miles and visit the
Painted Pinnacles (O&B) for those who wish to continue their day at the
park. For this part of the day, there will be an elevation gain of around 300
feet. First meeting locations are as follows: Henderson Fiesta @ 8am, Red Rock
Casino @ 8am, Aliante NW parking lot @ 8:15am (coordinator here). Second and
final meeting location at Valley of Fire Visitor Center @ 9:30am. Coordinator –
Kay Blackwell
Sunday, February 5th,
Fortification Hill - The trailhead for this hike is located at the end of
Kingman Wash Road, the first exit after crossing the bridge at Hoover Dam into
Arizona. The out-and-back moderately strenuous hike totaling 4 miles climbs a
ridge that approaches the northeast corner of the cliff area on the hill, and
then follows the cliffs north to an opening that can be climbed with minor
difficulty to the plateau on top. At the peak, there is an excellent view of
Hoover Dam. Total elevation gain for the hike is 1200 feet. High clearance vehicles make the drive on
Kingman Wash easier. Red Rock group departs at 8:00am and meets at the Fiesta
Henderson for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, February
6th, Stonehengerson - This will be a point to point moderate-moderately strenuous
trail hike of 8 miles with 1100 feet of elevation. The west side group will
depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:45am and drive to St. Jude’s Ranch off of US 93
in Boulder City. Do not stop at the Fiesta Henderson. The hike begins at the
St. Jude’s Ranch parking lot off of US 93 in Boulder City. We will then carpool
from here to Wagonwheel Drive in Henderson off US 95 and begin the hike at
8:30am. Coordinator
– Linda O’Leary
Tuesday, February
7th, West Leg / East Leg - This is an easy to moderate hike of 4 miles
located within the Bootleg Canyon bicycle park. The trailhead is located at the
end of Yucca Road in Boulder City where the base of the zip line is located.
The loop will be done in the clockwise direction up one side of the main canyon
and down the other. There is 600 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Henderson
Fiesta for an 8:30am departure. (Red Rock Casino @ 8:00am). Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Tuesday, February
7th, Juniper Peak (6109’) - The standard route is an out-and-back affair
from Pine Creek. Drop down to the Wilson Homestead, cross the creek, thread the
cholla cactus trail and ascend Juniper Canyon. Looking at six miles with 2400’
vertical. Label it strenuous with some mild Class 3 near the cap. Depart from
the Red Rock Casino at 8:00am. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor
Wednesday,
February 8th, Grey Cap (5443’) - Clockwise loop. Five miles
with 2000’ vertical. Strenuous. Ascend Five-stop Hill and the Class 2 Upper
Gateway Canyon. Descend the Class 3 Grey Fox Canyon. Gather at the Red Spring
boardwalk and shuttle over to the Kraft Mountain dirt lot at 8:00am. Coordinator
- Michael O'Connor
Wednesday,
February 8th, Blue Diamond Ridges – This is a leisurely
6 mile hike with 800 feet of elevation at no more than a moderate pace. We will
begin at the horse corral at 8:00am. First, we will be on the Fossil Canyon trail
followed by the Dog Food Loop. We will then use Cat in Hat and finally the
Bunny Trail to get back to our cars. Red Rock group departs at 7:45am to meet
the coordinator at 8:00 at the Cowboy stables parking lot. Coordinator – David
Hardy
Thursday, February
9th, Pinto Ridge - This moderately strenuous to strenuous point to point
hike was routed last year. It involves a climb up to Pinto Peak, following
along a steeply undulating ridge to Jean's Peak and down through a canyon. Great
views! Interesting perspective. It is 6 miles with 1900 feet of elevation gain.
Meet behind the CVS at Lake Mead & Hollywood for an 8:00am departure.
(Rampart @ 7:20am & mile marker 4 @ 8:15am) Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, February
10th, Blue Diamond Tertiary Ridge – This 7 mile moderately
strenuous hike with 1200 feet of elevation begins in the community of Blue
Diamond. We will make our way up the Tertiary ridge behind the community of
Blue Diamond. The route follows the trial along the top that leads toward Bonnie
Springs. After dropping back to the valley, the trail loops back to Blue
Diamond. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:35am and proceed to Blue Diamond.
After crossing the bridge on the main entrance to the community, turn right and
park in the dirt parking lot on the right side where the coordinator will meet
you at 8:00am. Coordinator – David Hardy
Saturday, February
11th, Blue Point Spring Loop - In a northern corner of the Lake
Mead NRA adjacent to the Valley of Fire State Park, there lies Blue Point
Springs. A moderate hike past the spring wash into the Valley of Fire redstone
rewards the hiker with interesting formations. There are several arches,
mammoth rock, and a cow column. A loop hike offers 6 miles with 750 feet of elevation
gain. Meet behind CVS (Lake Mead & Hollywood) for an 8:00am departure. (Rampart @ 7:25am & mile marker 4 @ 8:15am) Coordinator – Chuck Hawkins
Saturday, February
11th, Kraft Mountain Loop - This hike will be a 4 mile moderate hike with
no more than 800 feet of elevation. The hike starts from the Sandstone Dr.
gravel parking lot and the trail climbs up 5 Stop Hill. Drop into Lower Gateway
Canyon, then the next 1.25 miles of the hike is in the drainage, with about 1/2
mile including some challenging rock scrambling down the canyon. Meet at Red Rock casino for the 8:30am
departure. Coordinator - Mike Lemay
Saturday, February
11th, Historic Railroad Tunnels - For this leisurely easy to
moderate hike we will only be covering the out-and-back portion of the trail
that passes through the five tunnels, stopping at the picnic area next to the
maintenance yard after coming out of the last tunnel. This will result in a total distance of 4
miles with only slight elevation gain along the way. The west side group should assemble at the
Red Rock Casino for an 8:15am departure.
The full group will leave from Henderson Fiesta by 8:50am and we should
arrive at the lower parking lot at Alan Bible Visitor Center by 9:15am for the
start of the hike.
Coordinator
- Chris Dempsey.
Sunday, February
12th, - River Mountains Trail Part III. The final segment of this loop hike around
the River Mountains will follow the paved trail between Railroad Pass Casino
and the parking lot near the fee booth on Lake Mead Parkway that we used as the
starting point four weeks prior.
Hopefully we will maintain the same three miles per hour pace which was
the goal of the previous two segments.
Therefore it should take around four hours to complete the 12-mile
stretch. The west side group will leave
from Red Rock Casino at 7:15am. For this
segment we will use the Henderson Fiesta as the main assembly point and spot
cars for the point to point hike. Full group departure from Henderson Fiesta
will be at 8:00am. Coordinator - Chris
Dempsey
Sunday, February
12th, Escarpment Base Extended O&B - This moderately
strenuous to strenuous hike is 13 miles with 1800 feet of elevation gain. Plan
for around 6 to 7 hours to complete. Beginning at the Scenic Loop exit parking
lot, it travels up to Lost Creek TH and back. Meet at Red Rock Casino for a 7:30am
departure. Or, meet the coordinator at the trailhead where the hike will begin
around 7:45am. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Monday, February
13th, Blue Springs Range – A moderately strenuous hike of 6 miles and
1500 feet of elevation gain. We will start from the dirt parking area about ½
mile south of Hwy160. The route goes around the north end of a ridge and meets
the Badger Pass Trail. Near this junction, the group will begin a cross-country
route east up a ridge that connects with the main north-south spine of the
small ridge. The return will go down the Badger Pass and then return to the
cars. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 7:30am and drive to the gas station at
the intersection of Hwy 159 and Hwy 160 to meet the coordinator and other
hikers. The group will depart the gas station at 8:00am. Coordinator – David
Hardy
Tuesday, February
14, Lone Palm - A Valentine’s Day, alfresco lunch along the banks of the
Colorado River. From just below the dam at the Kingman Wash turnout, it’s a
downhill shot to this scenic overlook hard by the majestic waterway. Looking at
five miles with 1000 feet of vertical on the climb out. Call it moderately
strenuous. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:20am, the Henderson Fiesta at 8:00am. Coordinator
- Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, February
14th, Pittman Wash Trail East - This is an out-and-back urban hike with
paved surface and a total distance of 8 miles.
It should probably be rated moderate because of the distance even though
there is very little elevation change.
The hike will start from the recreation center at Silver Springs Park,
located at 1950 Silver Springs Parkway.
The west side group will leave from Red Rock Casino with the coordinator
at 8:25am and should be at the park to start the hike about 9:00am. Silver Springs Park is about ten minutes from
Henderson Fiesta and anyone wishing to carpool from there should probably leave
around 8:45am. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey.
Wednesday,
February 15th, Valley of Fire - Africa Loop: 5 miles, 1200
feet gross gain, strenuous. Last hiked
by the club in November 2013, this hike starts from parking lot #3, goes up
Fault Mesa, down the Drop Slot (aka Grinder), south to Black Cap and White
Nipple before returning North via the Fire Wave. The route looks like the outline of Africa. Usual
VOF departures are the Rampart garage top level at 7:30am, Lucky Club Casino at
7:50am, and arriving at the Valley of Fire parking lot #3 at 9:15am.
Coordinator
– Brian Dodd
Wednesday,
February 15th, Pinnacles Loop/VOF- This is an easy to moderate park trek of 4.5
miles with limited elevation change of 300 feet located just inside the
northwest side of the park. Meet the coordinator at the visitor’s center by
9:15am. For south side participants, depart the Henderson Fiesta by 8:15am. For west side hikers, depart the Rampart by 7:30am.
And for those on the north/northwest sides, depart the Lucky Club Casino by 8
AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday,
February 15th, Black Mountain Overlook (Boulder City) - This moderate
6-mile out-and-back hike with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain will follow
the established city trail to the picnic bench on top of Black Mountain
Overlook Peak that provides a great panoramic view of the entire area. We will keep the pace fairly leisurely to allow
all participants a chance to experience this unique hike. West side departure from Red Rock will be at
8:20 AM, the fully assembled group will leave from Henderson Fiesta at 9:00am
and we should be at the trailhead next to St. Jude Children's Ranch to start
the hike about 9:20am. Coordinator -
Chris Dempsey.
Thursday, February
16th, Sandstone Spring (Pinto Valley) via Jean’s Canyon Loop - The
trailhead is at Mile Marker 25, Northshore Road and this moderately strenuous
hike is about 8 miles. The route goes up Jean’s Canyon (an inner canyon/wash in
Pinto Ridge) to its crossover to another wash descending to Pinto Valley. Once
in the Valley, the old “Arrowhead Highway” road is taken for a while towards
Boulder Wash until the route crosses overland to Sandstone Spring. After
leaving Sandstone Spring the route follows and explores below Sandstone
outcroppings and formations for a while before going back over to the old road
and the trailhead parking area. West side can meet at the top of Rampart Casino
parking garage for a carpool departure at 7:20 am and join the main group in
the parking lot behind the CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead Boulevard and Hollywood.
That combined group will leave at 8:00 am and join the coordinators and any
south side participants at the Mile Marker 4 pullout on Northshore Road about
8:15 am before heading to the starting point of the hike. Coordinators – Joan
and Chuck Hawkins
Friday, February
17th, Grand Circle – This strenuous loop hike that will start at the
Red Rock fee booth parking lot and will follow the Grand Circle Trail in a
counter clockwise direction. The distance is 12 miles with over 1700 feet of elevation
gain. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure or meet at the fee booth
parking lot inside Red Rock Canyon Park no later than 8:15am.
Coordinators-
Richard Hansen and David Gray
Saturday, February
18th, Yucca Fossil Beds (Desert NWR) - Within the
limestone of the small ridge below Yucca Peak lays multiple small seabed
fossils. After driving 9 miles out the high clearance Mormon Well Road, we will
spend the morning searching for the fossils among the rocks. On the way back
down the road, a stop at the northeast end of Fossil Ridge to see the snail fossils
will be made. The leisurely hike is 3.5 miles with around 700 feet elevation
gain. Please bring your high clearance vehicles. The road isn't terrible! Meet
at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday, February
18th, Clark County Wetlands, Henderson –This 6-7 mile
moderate hike with less than 300 feet of elevation walks along the Las Vegas
Wash where Blue Herons, Egrets, Cranes and many other water birds make their
winter home. Red Rock group departs at 8:00am and drives to the Fiesta
Henderson for an 8:30am departure. From there, we drive to the Wetlands Trail
Connector at Terrazza Park at 1992 E. Galleria Drive. Coordinator – Lettie
Gutierrez
Saturday, February
18th - Sunday, February 19th, Death Valley Camping Trip – We will leave
Blue Diamond at 6:30am and drive to Furnace Creek where we will set up our camp
at Texas Spring Campground. After that, we could begin hiking the Golden Canyon
Loop along with other trails. Moderate hikes might include several hikes off
the 20 Mule Team Road, Artists Palette, and Mosaic Canyon. On Sunday, we will
pack up early before hiking. We will return to Las Vegas around 3:30pm.
Coordinator
– David Hardy.
Sunday, February
19th, Cascata Loop - The trailhead is at the Railroad Pass Casino
upper parking lot and the hike is about 8 miles with about 1,200 feet elevation
gain. The hike is considered moderately strenuous. The route encircles the
Cascata Golf Course using various bike trails passing by the waterfall and a
jug handle arch. The last two miles are on the paved River Mountains Trail. Any
participants from the west side can meet at the Red Rock Casino parking area
for a carpool departure at 7:30 am and join the main group in the Fiesta
Henderson Casino parking lot by the big sign. That combined group will leave at
about 8:00 am and join the coordinator and any other south side participants at
the Railroad Pass upper parking lot about 8:15 am. Coordinator – Chuck Hawkins
Sunday, February
19th, Corkscrew Canyon Exploratory (Desert NWR) - For those of
you who would like to explore a little inside the Desert NWR, there are 3
canyons on the back side of Yucca Peak in the foothills called First Canyon,
Corkscrew Canyon, and Spot Canyon. Come with me for a moderately strenuous
exploratory in the desert and canyons. It will be about 9 miles with around
2000 feet elevation gain. (3 to 4 miles total are in the desert, no way to
avoid it). We will park 3 to 4 miles from the Visitor Center off the road.
Bring your high clearance vehicles for a fun untethered day. Meet at the Santa
Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Monday, February,
20th, Armargosa Trail. This is a moderate, 7 mile trail hike with about 800 feet
of elevation. West side group departs the Red Rock at 7:45 AM. Take US 95 South
to the Horizon Ridge exit in Henderson. Then turn right at the stop light onto
Horizon Ridge Pkwy. After about 2 miles, and before you start up the hill, turn
left onto Shadow Canyon Trail. It is a dead end street and you can park along
the side anywhere. The trail begins here. If you reach Gibson, you have gone too
far. We will start at 8:30am. Coordinator - Linda O’Leary
Monday, February
20th, Calico Hills Loop – This is a moderately strenuous hike of 8
miles with 1000 feet of elevation that begins at the Red Springs Picnic area at
7:30am. We will hike up 5 Stop, drop into Lower Gateway, hike up Rattlesnake Trail
and over to Sandstone Quarry. From there, we take the trail past Calico 2 and 1
and back to Red Springs. This hike includes trail and scrambling. Depart Red
Rock at 7:15am or meet the coordinator at Red Springs. Coordinator – David
Hardy
Tuesday, February
21st, Lava Butte (2871’) - At five miles with a mere 1100 feet of
vertical, this Lake Mead landmark nonetheless garners a strenuous rating. We’ll
approach from the east side and tackle the large lava rocks that make up the
summit route. It’s a unique trek with a one-mile, desert approach followed by a
steep, one-mile scramble on VW-sized boulders. Panoramic lake views from the
peak. Depart the Rampart Casino at 7:20am, CVS Pharmacy on Lake Mead &
Hollywood at 8:00am. East side residents may go directly to the trailhead at
MM#2 on Northshore Road, 8:20-ish. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, February
21st, Callville Summit - This new leisurely hike is listed as an
official hike in the Lake Mead NRA. It is 3 miles with 200 feet elevation gain.
It provides a beautiful view of the lake from Callville Bay. Meet behind the
CVS (Hollywood & Lake Mead) for an 8:30am departure. (Rampart @ 7:55am;
mile marker 4 @ 8:45am). Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Wednesday,
February 22nd, Rattlesnake Canyon – This is a popular 2.5 mile
scramble with 800 feet of elevation. The hike is rated moderately strenuous given
the amount of continuous climbing whether you’re going up a terrace or around a
waterfall or over boulders of various sizes. We leave Red Rock Casino at 9:30am.
Coordinators- Steve Allen and David Gray
Thursday, February
23rd, Rainbow Canyon Loop - This moderate to moderately strenuous loop
begins at the mile marker 16 parking area on Northshore Road. 8 miles travels
through a colorful canyon, passes an old mine, uses a mining road then curves
around Rainbow Ridge. The route then passes below Ejection Seat Ridge in
another colorful area before returning to the cars through another canyon.
There is around 900 feet of elevation gain. We will meet behind the Lake
Mead/Hollywood CVS for an 8:00am start. (Rampart @ 7:20am & mile marker 4 @
8:15am) Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Thursday, February
24th, Turtlehead Peak - The standard out-and-back route will be the
one used to access the top of this dramatic limestone peak at the northeast
corner of Red Rock Canyon. With 1,900 feet of elevation over the trail from
Sandstone Quarry to the top this hike merits a strenuous rating and has a total
distance of 5 miles. The group will assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am departure.
Coordinator- Barbara Ulmer
Friday, February
24th, Hamblin Mountain - This is a moderately strenuous hike of 6
miles and 1440 feet of elevation. Hikers will be rewarded with great views in
all directions so bring your camera. On the way back, we’ll return by going
through a colorful canyon. West side hikers will meet at the Rampart for a 7:30am
departure. Please meet behind the Lake Mead/Hollywood CVS for the 8:20am
departure. We’ll stop at mile marker 4 parking lot on the way in for additional
hikers.
Coordinator-
David Gray
Saturday, February
25th, Calico Backdoor Loop - Another new leisurely hike! The trailhead will be at the
wash on Calico Basin Road where we take a small trail along a ridge over to
Calico I on the scenic loop. Then, we will drop into the wash passing a few
petroglyphs for our return. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30am departure or
at the Calico Basin Road Wash TH around 8:45am. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, February
25th, Park Peak Loop, Henderson - The Park Peak Trail Loop is a
moderate 5 mile loop in the Sloan Canyon NCA that climbs onto the summit of
Park Peak and provides grand views over the Las Vegas Valley. The elevation
gain is about 900 feet. Red Rock group departs at 8:00am and drives to the
Walgreens on the corner of Hampton and Anthem Ridge in Henderson. Departure
from here is 8:30am and from there we drive to the trailhead on Shadow Canyon
Drive for an 8:45am departure.
Coordinator-Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, February
26th, Black Mountain Peak Loop, Boulder City - This strenuous hike
is a 7 mile partial loop that begins at the River Mountains Trailhead in
Boulder City next to St. Jude Children's Ranch. The route climbs up between the
visible red and black peaks and continues to the right out to the Black
Mountain Overlook. From there, the trail becomes strenuous and difficult to
negotiate as it drops off the other side. After reaching the peak, drop down
into the wash and loop around to a large arch. From there, traverse back to the
original ridge for a total elevation gain of 1800 feet. Depart from the Henderson Fiesta @ 8:00am. (Red Rock Casino @ 7:30am) Coordinator – Chuck Hawkins
Monday, February
27th , Prospect Trail O&B/VOF- This
is a moderately strenuous 9-mile park trek with 800 feet of elevation change
and several areas of limited scrambling that runs right up through the heart of
the sandstone rock outcroppings. For south side participants, depart the
Henderson Fiesta by 8:15am. For west
side hikers, depart the Rampart by 7:30am and for those on north/northwest
sides, depart the Lucky Club Casino by 8am. Meet the coordinator at the
Visitor’s Center at 9:15am. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, February
28th, Cowboy Horse Trails - This leisurely 3.5 mile loop begins at the
Cowboy Trails parking found one mile west of the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop
entrance. The route uses horse trails that pass the corral and climb a small
peak. The route then passes through a gravel wash and up through an easy small
wash below The Muffins ending at the mouth of Skull Canyon. The horse trails
are often rocky or sandy since the horses tear them up on a regular basis.
There is only 450 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:30am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
