The March schedule includes
hikes in the Red Rock Canyon area (including Cottonwood Valley), Valley of
Fire, and the Lake Mead area. 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
hike description. You can locate detailed information on these locations at the
ATBF blog and in a file at the Yahoo group website. Also, the exposure information
is now located on the blog.
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 NOTE #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.
Times indicated for each hike are departure times and are
strictly observed.
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
easy or easy to moderate 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)498-3050.
Specific questions regarding hikes should be directed to the listed
coordinator. Refer to the club roster for contact information.
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, March 1st, Historic Railroad Tunnels
& Dam - Participants
will have an option on this out-and-back hike to make the turn at the picnic
table next to the maintenance yard after passing through the fifth tunnel, or
to continue on to Hoover Dam and walk across it to the Arizona side. If
the first turn around is used the distance will be 4 miles with an easy to
moderate rating. If proceeding to the dam the distance will be 7 miles
with a moderate rating. Departure from Red Rock Casino
for the west side group will be at 7:15
AM. The full group will assemble at
Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator
- Chris Dempsey
Thursday, March 2nd, Back Hills Lawn
Mower -The hike begins
at the gravel parking area on the right side of Hwy 160 2.7 miles beyond the
gas station on 159 and 160. It is moderate 6 miles with 600 feet of elevation
gain. The route follows the Landmine Trail and then the Rubber Ducky trail. A little beyond that, we connect with the 0ld
Spanish Trail for a short distance and then connect with the Lawn Mower Trail.
We will follow this until we connect with the trail leading back to the parking
lot. Red Rock group leaves at 8:00 AM and drives to the gravel parking lot or the
gas station on 159 & 160. The coordinator will be at the gas station and
departs at 8:30 AM. Coordinator – David Hardy
Friday, March 3rd, Potato Knoll - This partial loop hike will start from the gravel parking lot by the scenic drive exit onto Highway 159. The trail hike will cross Oak Creek and circle to the back side of the 500-foot hill for a climb to the top and the snack break. There is some minor scrambling involved on the short steep ascent. If creek flow permits, we will bushwhack down the creek from the third crossing to the first one on the return segment. Expect moderately strenuous conditions on this 5 to 6-mile hike if we can do the creek addition. Meet the coordinator at Red Rock Casino for an 8:10 AM departure or be at the parking lot for the start of the hike around 8:30 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey
Saturday, March 4th, Liberty Bell Arch/Overlook – This moderate hike of 5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation will be done at a more leisurely pace. The traditional route starts from the White Rock Canyon trailhead off of HWY 93 in Arizona. We start in the wash then turn right onto the trail and make our way by an old mine on our way to the Arch. From there, we take the trail to the Overlook to take our break and enjoy the view of the Colorado River. Red Rock group departs at 7:30 AM and meets at the Henderson Fiesta for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- John Ward
Saturday March 4th, Willow Springs Picnic Area /
Limestone Wall – A leisurely paced hike that
starts from the Willow Springs picnic area.
We will use part of the White Rock trail in the valley north of the
sandstone hills. This out-and-back
hike should cover a total distance of about 4 miles and about 700 feet gain in
elevation with the turnaround point in the shadow of a group of rock
formations. The backcountry scenery along the way is pretty sensational. Participants should meet at Red Rock Casino for a departure at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Sunday, March 5th,
Callville Wash – This moderate to moderately strenuous hike is about 7 miles
with 800 feet of elevation. The start will be from Callville Wash, about 3 miles on a
dirt road from MM 16 on the North Shore Rd. If the road is
impassable, we will be able to start at Mile 18. Flame Canyon will
be our first goal. Once we scramble into this canyon, we will be
taking a left turn that requires getting up the bunny hole, a rather difficult
move. From there, it is up to the crest, passing by Snow White along the
way. After lunch, we will find our way down into a scenic wash and back
to the cars. Leave the Rampart Casino at 7:15 AM to join the group at the CVS on the SE
corner of Hollywood and East Lake Mead to depart at 7:55
AM. Meet the coordinator at 8:15
AM at MM 4. PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS HIKE TO: hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. Coordinator- David Hardy
Sunday,
March 5th, White Owl Canyon – This moderate hike will be about 5-6
miles with about 600 feet of elevation. We begin the hike from the old Marina
and make our way on the trail. We will then turn right and go up Hippie Canyon.
Great Horned Owls have nested here in the past. There is climbing and use of
hands to get up this canyon. Then we turn around and reconnect with the trail
which will take us by the Las Vegas Wash to the high point overlooking Lake
Mead. From there, we hike to White Owl Canyon. The large owl nest is still
visible and maybe we’ll see the owl. After our break, we turn around and hike
back to our cars. Red Rock group leaves at 7:00 AM and drives to the Fiesta
Henderson for a 7:40 AM departure. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, March 6th, Red Spring Gateway
Loop - This moderately strenuous hike will make a loop
around the Calico Hills starting from the Red Springs Picnic Area. The first part of the hike will connect with
the Calico Hills Trail to Sandstone Quarry, then descend into Gateway Canyon
and use the trail out of the drainage to access the saddle above Five Stop Hill
for a return to the vehicles. Overall
distance should be around 8 miles with a moderately strenuous rating. We will be conducting this trek keeping the
group together as much as possible. If interested,
meet the coordinator at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure or be at Red
Springs Picnic area for the start of the hike at 8:15 AM. Coordinator - Chris
Dempsey
Monday, March 6th, Tertiary Ridge -This 6.5 mile moderate loop
hike is in the community of Blue Diamond. We will make our way up the Tertiary
Ridge and follow a trail along the top that leads toward Bonnie Springs. After
dropping back to the valley floor near the western end of the ridge, the route
loops to the north and returns to Blue Diamond. Red Rock Casino group departs
at 7:35 AM and drives to Blue Diamond. After crossing the bridge on the main
entrance to the community there will be a dirt parking lot on the right side
just before the first houses. The coordinator will be at that location. South
side participants will drive directly to Blue Diamond. The hike will begin at
8:00 AM. Coordinator - David HardyTuesday, March 7th, Hollow Rock Peak, Eastside Approach (5960’) - A new tack to an old standard as we’ll approach from the east side. At a mere three miles with 1800 feet of gain, color this puppy short, steep and strenuous with class 3 exposure. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, March 7th, First Creek - Instead of the regular trailhead, the group will be using the gravel parking lot at the exit of the Red Rock scenic drive as the staging point and will follow a social trail across the desert to the First Creek Trail and over to the waterfall. Out-and-back distance is around 6 miles with minimal elevation gain. Halfway across the desert we will follow the Oak Creek drainage for short distance and then bushwhack back to the trail covers about a quarter mile. Assembly will be at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure and the hike will start from the exit parking lot about 8:20 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey
Wednesday, March 8th, Canadian Club, Delaware Punch Loop (VOF) - Named after two antique bottles found when first exploring this area, this is a strenuous 6 mile, 1400 ft. gain hike out at the west part of the Valley of Fire. The hike starts up the Prospect trail then climbs the ridge to the west for great views over the whole park to a high point at the north end. Then it’s a descent down a ridge into a carved sandstone canyon before emptying out onto the Prospect trail again. Two and a half miles south we are back at the cars. Departure times are 7:30 AM from the Rampart and 7:50 AM from the Lucky Club. Let me know if going to VOF directly at drbriandoddphd@gmail.com. Coordinator – Brian Dodd
Wednesday March 8th, Calico Tank Scramble – This moderately strenuous hike will involve quite a bit of scrambling
but at a moderate pace. The first part of the hike will be from the north side
of the Calico Hills along a route toward Red Cap. Climbing Red Cap is not
included. After exploring some of the tanks, the group will descend along Mass
Production Wall. We then proceed up the main Calico Tank Trail, turning right below
Rooster Rock, and then exploring other tanks along the ascent to the Calico II
Overlook Peak. The group will then begin descending along a ridge above the
main Calico Tank Trail. Along this return, we will negotiate up a 20 foot high
rock formation, “Tony’s Wall”, with a variety of hand and foot holds. Total
distance is about 4 miles. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator-
Tony Fountain
Wednesday, March 8th, Fossil Ridge – This easy to moderate 4 mile partial loop route begins at the horse
stables parking lot, climbs the ridge where we have views of Echo Canyon on our
left and continues to our turn-around point where the trail crosses Echo
Canyon. After our snack break we will return to the cars via the bunny trail.
Elevation gain is approximately 500 feet, and the pave will be leisurely to
moderate. Depart from Red Rock Casino parking lot at 8:30 AM. Coordinator –
Dennis Rohne
Thursday, March 9th, Late Night Ridges Exploratory
- Ed Matulis actually should get credit for this hike when, standing in the
Late Night parking lot, he looked up and said "Can we go up on that
ridge?" So for this hike we will explore a couple of ridges,
including one to the east that looks like it has a pass
through opening at the base of the topmost cliff section. There
will be significant off-trail scrambling over what looks to be moderately
strenuous terrain with long pants and gloves probably being a good idea.
Some of the route will be made up as we go and the total distance might be 5
miles. Departure from Red Rock Casino will be at 7:25 AM and
the hike will start about 8:00 AM from the Late Night parking
lot along Highway 160. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey
Thursday,
March 9th, Cottonwood Canyon Park Urban Walk – This is a
3 mile paved walk on an urban trail in Summerlin. The walk will begin at the
main entrance to Cottonwood Canyon Park located at 915 Canyon Bluff Circle.
Meet at 4:00 PM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Friday, March 10th, White Rock Hills Loop - Here's one of our old standard trail hikes that hasn't shown up on our
schedule much this winter. The moderate 6.4-mile loop will be done in a
clockwise direction from Willow Springs. Cooler temperatures on the backside
of the two peaks will probably give way to a bit of warmth on the desert side,
so bring enough water to stay hydrated. Our break will occur at sandstone
outcropping near the high point on the route. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator
- Chris Dempsey
Friday through Sunday, Match 10th –
12th, Death Valley Backpack, Johnson Canyon - We will meet in Blue Diamond on the morning
of the 10th and drive to Furnace Creek. From there we will find the
West Side Road and then look for the Johnson Canyon Road going off to the
right. The drive up this high clearance road will be around 6.5 miles then we
begin hiking. 0nce we get to where water is flowing (in about 4.5 miles and
2000 ft. elevation) we can set up camp or go further to set up camp. All hikes
are moderate. The next day we will explore the area, so we will need a day
pack. There are trees and we may encounter some bushy areas and stream
crossings. We will hike out Sunday morning. To make this trip work, we must
have at least two 4x4 vehicles and 6 people and the number of vehicles will
determine how many seats for passengers but there is a maximum of 4 vehicles
and 12 people. Gas is available at Furnace Creek but it will be expensive. When
you commit, I will send you a trip sheet. Coordinator - David Hardy,
hardyhikers@embarqmail.com, 702 875-4826
Saturday, March 11th, Sugarloaf Mountain Loop/Black Canyon Overlook - Formerly called Sugarloaf, this generally moderate hike of around 5 to 6 miles starts at the parking area near the Kingman Wash overlook of historical significance with a view of the end of Gold Strike Canyon. This is a Lake Mead South hike. Red Rock group departs at 7:45 AM and Fiesta Henderson group departs at 8:30 AM. Meet the coordinators at 8:50 AM at the parking area on the right after taking the Kingman Wash Exit which is the first exit in Arizona after crossing the new bridge on US 93. Coordinators – Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Sunday, March 12th, Old 93 Loop - Have you ever wondered where that bridge goes at the White Rock Canyon TH? Well, there is a 6 to 7 mile moderately strenuous loop you can hike starting here. It will have around 1400 feet of elevation gain and promises new views of the Black Canyon and surrounding desert. It is an old road but we will keep up a moderately strenuous pace. I don't know if there is any scrambling opportunities on this seemingly trail route. Meet at the Fiesta Henderson for an 8:00 AM departure. (Red Rock @ 7:25 AM) Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Monday, March 13th, North to South Bowl of Fire Connector Loop – This Lake Mead North hike is about 7-8 miles and is a moderate to moderately strenuous hike. It starts at MM18 on North Shore Road and elevation is not extreme. The route uses several washes with some overland trekking. The route encounters and uses some dry falls while going around the steeper ones. The route passes arches, windows and sandstone formations. Rampart group departs at 7:20 AM; CVS (Hollywood and Lake Mead) group departs at 8:00 AM and will meet the coordinators at MM 4 on Northshore Road at 8:15 AM. Coordinators – Joan and Chuck Hawkins
Tuesday, March 14th, Calico Tanks – This moderate hike of 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation will be done at a leisurely pace. Perhaps the most scenic official hike in Red Rock Canyon, the trail begins at Sandstone Quarry. The route proceeds up a drainage canyon in the middle of the Calico Hills, with great sandstone formations on either side. Near the turnaround point of this out-and-back hike is a natural tank in the rock that holds water much of the year. A short section of fairly intense rock scrambling around the tank brings you to an overlook ledge above Calico Basin with views of Las Vegas. After our break, it is back down to the cars. The group departs the Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinators – Ron and Sandy Hindmarch
Wednesday, March 15th, Oak Creek/Knoll/Arnight Loop- This is a 5 mile early spring trek that is rated moderate based on the terrain, distance and elevation change, which is just under 500 feet. Well enjoy great views of the sandstone escarpment and the desert bloom. The hike begins at the Scenic Loop exit parking lot. Meet the coordinator at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, March 15th, Peccole Ranch Urban Walk – This 3-4 mile paved walk makes its way through the disc golf course in Peccole Ranch. We will begin the walk in the parking lot for The Pint pub located at 9941 W. Charleston Blvd. This shopping center is called Hualapai Commons and the parking area for The Pint is off of Hualapai. Meet there for a 4:00 PM departure. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, March 16th, 99 Cabin – This is 6 mile moderately strenuous hike with 2000 feet of elevation gain. We will take the road off HWY 160 into Cottonwood Valley as far as reasonable. We will hike on to the Cottonwood Summit and connect with a road and up a steep climb. After reaching the run down cabin above the 99 mine, we will continue up until we reach the end of the road. We will leave from the gas station on HWY 159 and 160 at 7:15 AM. Red Rock departs at 6:45 AM and drives to the gas station. Coordinator - David Hardy
Thursday, March 16th, Redstone Discovery - This approximately 5-mile hike starts at MM 25.2 on Northshore Road in the Lake Mead area. The hike is generally moderate but includes some scrambling and exploring in the red sandstone. This hike discovers various interesting areas and formations while wandering in the Aztec red sandstone. Any participants from the 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 other 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, March 17th, Echo Canyon/Fossil Ridge – Let’s hike with Mike on this moderate 4 mile loop. It involves use of hands to scramble up several dry waterfalls in Echo Canyon. As we make our way up the canyon, we will eventually connect with the Fossil Ridge trail. This is the trail we will take back to the cars. Pace will be leisurely with frequent water stops. Meet at Red Rock Casino for 8:30 AM departure or at the horse stables at 8:45 AM. Coordinator - Mike Lemay
Friday, March 17th, Ash Canyon/Calico Basin Loop- This is a rated moderately strenuous 6-7mile hike that involves significant scrambling and elevation gain of 900 feet. The hike begins at the Red Springs picnic area in Calico Basin. The use of hands will be required in both canyons. The difficulty comes as we ascend Ash Canyon, a fairly steep canyon with lot of boulders to work around. After reaching the saddle, we’ll take a short break at the eastern flank of Red Cap. (We’re not climbing Red Cap.) From there we’ll continue down to Lower Gateway Canyon, where we will negotiate several pour overs. After exiting around the east side of Kraft Mountain, we return to the cars. Depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, March 18th, Calico I
Moenkopi Loop - This leisurely hike will start from the fee booth parking
lot if it isn't filled with construction equipment; otherwise, we will start it
from the visitor center and open the hike with the trail to the fee
booth. In any event, our total distance will be right
at 3 miles with perhaps 300 feet of elevation gain. Although this
is a trail, there is just enough irregularity with imbedded rocks and gravel to
bump the rating up to easy to moderate. The assembled group will depart
from Red Rock Casino at 830 AM. Because of the uncertainty regarding the actual
starting point please use the primary meeting location. Coordinator -
Chris Dempsey
Saturday, March 18th, Charlies’ Spring/Wash O&B
Exploratory/VOF- This is a 7-9 mile mostly
moderate trek through two broad washes that drain the west and south sides. The
elevation gain is about 700 feet. The route is mostly hard pack terrain and
there a couple of pour overs. We will pass interesting redstone/limestone
formations and grand views of the Muddy Mountains. The exploration will include
finding the Red Arrowhead Hwy, returning to the spring and Pole Road, where we
take our break point. Rampart Casino group departs at 7:15 AM and meets the
coordinator behind the CVS at Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood for the 8:00 AM
departure. We’ll then stop at MM 4 on North Shore Drive. Coordinator- David
Gray
Sunday, March 19th, Hamblin Mountain - The trailhead for this moderately strenuous hike is located just beyond
mile marker 18 on Northshore Road. The route follows a series of washes to a
small ridge, crosses the ridge and follows drainage to the base of the peak.
The top section of the peak is jagged with some exposure, and the views of Lake
Mead are fantastic. Another very colorful canyon will be used on the way back
for this partial loop hike. The pace will be constant for this 6-7 mile hike with
a vertical gain of 1440 feet. Depart the Rampart at 7:00 AM and then depart the
CVS on Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvd. at 7:40 AM. We will also make a quick stop
by MM 4. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, March 21st, Bridge Mountain (7003’) - One of the top five scrambles in the Red Rocks. From the apex of Rocky Gap, it’s a six-miler with 2400' elevation gain. Quintessentially Class 3 with lots of exposure. Strenuous. Toughest part of the day may be negotiating the ever-demanding Rocky Gap Road. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, March 21st, Red Springs/Calico 1 and 2 OB – This hike will begin from the Red Springs picnic area heading south up to saddle then down into the wash. The hike will then proceed through the wash past Calico 1 and Calico 2. Our return will use the higher trail back to the picnic area. Total distance is 4 miles with 300 feet of elevation change. Pace will be leisurely to moderate with some light scrambling in the wash. Meet at Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. You can also meet us at the Red Springs picnic area at 8:45 AM. Coordinators – Ron and Sandy Hindmarch
Wednesday, March 22nd, Five Stop Waterfall
Loop. This is a new route that came out of an early February
meandering through the area around Calico Basin. We will start the
moderate 5 mile loop along the east side of the Calico Hills, stopping briefly
below Guardian Angel Pass and continuing on to the top of Five Stop Hill for a
break. After descending from Five Stop we will continue around the
south end of Krafft Mountain, passing by the boulder field and taking a look at
the 30-foot dry waterfall in the Gateway drainage. All trail with some
imbedded rock. Assemble at Red Rock Casino for an 8:15 AM departure or be
at Red Springs Picnic Area for an 8:30 AM start to the hike.
Coordinator - Chris Dempsey
Wednesday,
March 22nd, Little Finland & The Subway - This is a
strenuous hike in the Gold Butte National Monument. It is 8 miles with 1200
feet of elevation gain. The hike visits the world famous Little Finland
geological area then crosses the desert to visit The Subway, a grotto with
petroglyphs. There is an optional scramble added to the hike for those who
would like to do it. The drive to this area requires a high clearance vehicle
so bring 'em if you have 'em. Because of the vehicle requirement, we will all
meet at the Aliante Casino in the northwest corner of the outside parking lot
for a 7:30 AM departure. South side participants may arrange your own high
clearance vehicles at the Fiesta @ 7:15 AM and meet us at Love's (Exit #64) @
around 7:50 AM. Please email me if you are making other arrangements to get to
the trailhead or for any other questions. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Thursday, March 23rd, Angel Park Trail Urban Walk – This is a 3 mile paved walk. We will begin at the walk at the Westcliff Transit Center at 25 South Durango. Park as close as you can to the Transit building. Meet at 4:00 PM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Friday, March 24th, La Madre Miners Cabin – This is 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. Hiking poles recommended as the route turns steep and even loose as
it approaches the cabin. Total distance is 5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation
gain. Meet the group at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator-
Barbara Ulmer
Saturday, March 25th, Oak Creek Loop - On this
variation of the Oak Creek hike that starts from the gravel parking lot at the
Red Rock scenic drive exit, the group will be doing a counter clockwise loop
passing through the gravel parking lot that contains trail heads for Arnight
and Oak Creek Trails. We'll take the Oak Creek Trail toward the canyon,
but veer left about a half mile later and drop down to the banks of the
creek. At that point we will connect with the trail coming around the
north end of Potato Knoll and return to the vehicles after a break along
the creek. Rating is easy to moderate for this leisurely 3 to 4-mile hike
with minimal elevation gain. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:30 AM departure
or drive to the gravel parking lot, where the hike will start
at 8:50 AM. Coordinator - Chris Dempsey
Saturday, March 25th, Brownstone Canyon & Dam Loop -
This strenuous 8 mile
loop hike climbs up from the Sandstone Quarry TH to drop into Brownstone Canyon
where some pictographs and petroglyphs are located. After
a break here, we will visit the old dam then climb up to a saddle and loop
around back to the cars in front of Turtlehead Peak. There is a lot of
scrambling on this hike and it requires hikers who are in good condition. Total
elevation gain is 1900 feet. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for
an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, March 26th, Wilson Tank Ridge
Exploration – This is a
moderate exploration hike of about 7 miles with 1000+ feet of elevation gain.
We will drive up the road into Cottonwood Valley about 2 miles before it really
gets rough and park. Red Rock group departs at 7:15 AM and meets at the gas
station at the junction of HWY 159 and 160 for a 7:45 AM departure. Coordinator
– David Hardy
Tuesday, March 28th, Lone Grapevine Spring -This may be the last opportunity this season to see the collection of
petroglyphs on ground boulders near the springs at the base of Windy Peak if
the weather turns hot. The moderate 5-mile loop hike will start from the
Late Night parking lot along Highway 160 and visit Wheeler Camp Spring before
journeying over to the petroglyphs. While all trail, participants
will encounter imbedded rock and a few potentially slippery places along
the way. The group will meet at Red Rock Casino for a departure at 8:00
AM and we should be at the starting point for the hike by 8:35 AM. Coordinator
- Chris Dempsey
Tuesday,
March 28th, Terrace Canyon (5033′) - One of the
more picturesque treks in the Red Rock area. Lunch on the rocks from the very
top of the terraces. From the Pine Creek trailhead, we’ll venture deep into the
canyon on the south side of Mescalito. It’s a seven-miler with 1500′ vertical.
Massive boulders with lots of scrambling. Easy Class 3, so label it moderately
strenuous. Depart from the Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael
O'Connor
Wednesday, March 29th, Skull Canyon to Mystery Woman Canyon – We will hike at a leisurely pace on this moderate trail that starts at
the horse stables parking lot and climbs to the junction with Mystery Woman
Canyon for our break. Be forewarned that there are a few steep sections of the
trail that can be slippery but we will do our best to negotiate these areas
carefully. Elevation gain is approximately 500 feet with a total distance of 4
miles out and back. Depart from Red Rock Casino parking lot at 8:30 AM.
Coordinator: Dennis Rohne
Wednesday, March 29th,
White Rock-Keystone Thrust Wash Loop-de-Loop- This
is a 9 mile “figure 8” hike that is rated moderately strenuous with 1400 feet
of elevation. We start at the Willow Springs Picnic Area and hike
counter-clockwise. We then loop onto the Keystone Thrust Trail. At
trail’s end, we’ll drop into a canyon and scramble through the colorful
sandstone wash making our way down to the Grand Circle. Then we start up the
White Rock Spring Road to loop around the north end of White Rock, finishing
out the figure 8 on the backside to complete the hike back to the picnic area.
We will meet at the Red rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – David Gray
Thursday,
March 30th, Ice Box Canyon – This hike is 3
miles with 300 feet of elevation gain. The out-and-back hike follows a trail
above the creek for about one mile before dropping into the drainage. It is
rated more moderate than easy due to the scrambling in the drainage. Our pace
will be leisurely to make sure all make it to the 50 foot waterfall in the back
of the canyon. The trailhead is located at the parking lot with the same name
near mile marker 8 on the Red Rock scenic loop. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for
an 8:30 AM departure. Coordinators – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Thursday, March 30th, Turtlehead Peak – Here
is your chance to hike to the distinctive high point out of Sandstone Quarry. It's
a strenuous out-and-back hike covering 5 miles with 1,900 feet of elevation
gain. The trail can be pretty treacherous under either dry or wet
conditions, so hiking poles are highly recommended. We will try to
maintain a steady moderate pace with short breaks every ten to fifteen
minutes on the way up and the group will stay together. Departure from
Red Rock Casino will occur at 7:30AM and the hike should
start from Sandstone Quarry by 8:00 AM.
Coordinator - Chris Dempsey
