The June schedule includes hikes in the Red Rock Canyon
National Conservation Area and the Spring Mountains. 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.
Participants can find additional descriptions about hikes on the blog by
clicking on the Updated Hike Descriptions link and/or Jim Boone’s Bird and Hike
link. Members should also contact the coordinator if they have any concerns or
questions about the hike. 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 to
700 feet of elevation gain with the potential for some minor trail
irregularities.
Moderate- Hikes that generally have a maximum distance of 7 miles with 800 to 1000 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
2000 to 2400 feet of elevation gain involving less than 25% of off-trail hiking
such as boulder scrambling or bushwhacking.
Strenuous- Longer distances with elevation gain of 2500 to
3000 feet or shorter distances that encompass significant off-trail sections not
requiring additional safety equipment.
Thursday, June 1st, Mummy Springs Loop -
This moderately strenuous loop begins by ascending steep Deer
Creek Trail. After a break at Mummy Springs, we will pass by Raintree and
descend via Wild Horse Ridge. Pace will be moderately strenuous for the 5 mile
loop with 1800 feet of elevation gain. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for
an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, June 2nd,
Escarpment Trail/Kyle Canyon - This is an easy to
moderate 4 mile hike that begins at the Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor
Center on Kyle Canyon Road. The trail has fantastic views of Charleston Peak
and Kyle Canyon. There is one hill to climb to get to the top of the escarpment
which accounts for half of the 850 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe
for an 8:30am departure.
Coordinators – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Saturday,
June 3rd, Upper Bristlecone Overlook O&B – This easy-moderate
hike begins at the end of the parking area for the ski resort. The trail climbs
through scenic aspen and pine forests. The break and turn-around will occur at
the first overlook. The hike is about 3 – 3.5 miles with about 600 feet of
elevation and the pace will be slow. Meet at the Santa Fe for the 8:30am departure. Coordinator – Kathy
Kazi
Saturday, June 3rd,
Cockscomb Ridge – To reach our destination
today, we will be hiking up Trail Canyon, one tough 2-mile trail in the Spring
Mountains. Pacing will accommodate moderate and above as we continue to
acclimate to the higher elevation. At the saddle, we turn right to begin hiking
along the ridge to the base of Cockscomb Peak. There are more steep sections
along the ridge and a narrow section along the spine. This 6 mile hike is rated
moderate – moderately strenuous with
1800 feet of elevation gain. We depart the Santa Fe at 8:00am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, June 4th, Deer Creek / Catch Pen Loop CCW -
The first time we did this strenuous 10 mile loop, we hiked in
a CW direction. This time, we will hike a moderate pace in the CCW direction
which should make the return somewhat easier. Total elevation gain will be
around 1900 feet. AKA the Orange Trail, we begin on Deer Creek Rd near the
Desert Overlook and make a loop going down to the Spring Mountains foothills.
The return is uphill in a gentle wash. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for
an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Monday, June 5th, Middle Deer Creek Canyon O&B – Starting from Lee Canyon Road, this is a pleasant trek through the desert brush, juniper tree country of the lower area that offers great views of the mountains to the south, southwest. Rated moderate based on the terrain, 7.0 mile distance, and the 1,400 FT elevation gain. Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart by 8:00 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, June 6th, Mummy’s Tummy - The Tuesday pattern of tough hikes continues with a strenuous out-and-back to the second highest mountain in southern Nevada that will cover a total distance of 10 miles. Trail Canyon forms the first and last leg of this trek that gains 3,900 feet of elevation. The scree field rising above North Loop Trail is at roughly a 45% angle and the final notch through the cliffs is definitely Class 3 scrambling. The group will meet at Santa Fe Station for a 7:30am departure. Coordinator - Tim Borem
Wednesday, June 7th, Pine Cone Canyon Loop -
This 5 mile loop is strenuous only because ascending Pine Cone
Canyon is a steep bugger. After reaching the Bonanza Trail at the top, it is
literally a hike in the park! We will descend via No Name and Upper Bristlecone
Trails connecting with the Lower Bristlecone TH at the end. Total elevation
gain is around 1700 feet. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Friday, June 9th, Fletcher Peak via North Loop - For the most straight forward hike to Fletcher Peak, we will hike up and down the North Loop Trail. This will total around 7 miles with 2400 feet of elevation gain. Although the North Loop Trail is considered moderately strenuous, the continuation on Fletcher Peak Trail is strenuous. Pace will be moderate with stops along the way. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday, June 10th,
Fletcher Canyon - The out-and-back route passes through a wide area of assorted forest
before climbing a series of short ramps. The last 1/3 mile passes through a
slot canyon that is a mere 5 feet wide at its narrowest. The hike reaches its
farthest point below a waterfall formation called Obstacle Rock. Total distance
for the easy-moderate hike is 4
miles with an elevation gain of 430 feet. We depart the Santa Fe at 8:30am. Coordinator – Judy Warner
Saturday,
June 10th, Raintree via North Loop – This hike is rated moderately-strenuous
because it is 6 miles and we will gain 1400 feet of elevation. We will ascend
the North Loop trail to Raintree, our famous ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree
located in a saddle below Mummy’s Toe. After our break, we hike back down to
the meadow where we will turn on the trail that descends into Wild Horse
Canyon. Meet at the Santa Fe for a 7:30am
departure. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, June 11th, Cave Springs O&B – Once again, it’s up Trail Canyon. After regrouping at the saddle, we turn left and hike up North Loop. Hiking a little less than a mile, we reach our destination, a large cave with a natural spring and a horse trough. This hike 6 mile hike with 2100 feet of elevation gain is rated moderately strenuous but pacing will accommodate moderate and above. We depart the Santa Fe at 7:30am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, June 12th, McFarland Approach - This is rated as a strenuous trek out the Bonanza Trail that stops short of climbing to the peak. Return by “looping” through Pine Cone Canyon- Great views of the bristlecone pines, nearby mountains. TH- Upper Bristlecone Trail- Total distance- 10 miles- Elevation gain- 1,100 FT- Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart by 8:00 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, June 13th, Pahrump Overlook and Geocache Discovery - This strenuous 8 mile hike will begin at the upper Bristlecone Trail and then take various ridges to the destination, the Pahrump Overlook. This route will be the one done by the club on previous hikes to the Pahrump Overlook. There will be several steep sections of trail but little or no exposure. Expect 1500 feet of elevation gain. There will be a search for the first geocache near the Pahrump Overlook. The return portion of the hike will cut over to the Bonanza Trail to get the second geocache. The return will then be via the Bristlecone Loop. We will meet at the Santa Fe Station parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator – Paul Eckhart
Wednesday, June 14th, Mack’s Canyon Road O&B- Moderate 6-mile trek up and back on a now favorite trek that offers great views of the desert area along Hwy 95, peaks of the nearby mountains above. Elevation- 1,000 FT- Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart by 8:00 AM- TH- Sawmill Trailhead- Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, June 15th, South Loop 3rd Overlook - We'll begin at the South Loop TH and climb switchbacks up to the 1st Overlook. Then, to reach the 3rd Overlook on the South Loop Trail, simply add a "few" more switchbacks! With 6-7 miles and 2300 feet of elevation gain, make this a strenuous outing. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, June 16th,
Early morning hike in the Red
Rock, Summerlin area - The actual hike will be determined by the interest of the assembled
group, but be in the ‘easy to moderate’ to ‘moderately strenuous’ range, 4 to 5
miles, with some scrambling possible. We will depart from the Red Rock
Casino Parking lot at 6:00AM. Coordinator
- Tony Fountain
Saturday, June 17th, Lower Bristlecone O&B – The trailhead begins at the
lower dirt parking lot. The easy out
and back hike walks up the forest service road through aspen and pine trees.
Our break and turn-around point is the overlook that provides views of the
campground and ski resort. It is about 4 miles with about 400 feet of
elevation. Meet at the Santa Fe for an 8:30am
departure. Coordinator – Dennis Rohne
Saturday, June 17th, Willow Arch (aka Window in the Cliff) - This will be a strenuous O&B climb of less than 8 miles with around
2500'+ of elevation gain. There are ~55 switchbacks leading up to the Bonanza
saddle then a bushwhacking type trail makes its way over to a window in the
limestone that affords a wide view out into the valley. Give this one a long
day of around 5 to 6 hours as we make our way up at a steady pace. High
clearance vehicles will be needed to travel the dirt road out to the trailhead
from Cold Creek. (Wild Horse Alert!) Meet at the
Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, June 18th, Stanley B / Fletcher Canyon -
Make no mistake, this hike up the Stanley B Canyon is challenging. The
drop into Fletcher Canyon on the other side is also challenging. But, when you
reach the upper section of the Fletcher Canyon wash, all that work seems worth
it. (And, don't forget the drop through the rabbit hole at Obstacle Rock!) As a
loop hike that begins by hiking the Kyle Canyon Wash Trail, this will be
a strenuous hike of 6 miles with 1800 feet of elevation
gain. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00amdeparture. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Monday, June 19th,
Orange Trail Point to Point via the Ridge/Shuttle- A unique trek down through the heart of Deer Creek desert country. Rated
moderate- Total distance- 7.0 miles-
Elevation- Loss of 2,400 FT- Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart by 8:00 AM- TH- Deer Creek RD/158 just
after the overlook. Shuttle point- MM 10.5 pull-off/old road section, on Lee
Canyon Rd. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, June 20th, Macks Peak
(10,036’) - Come
celebrate the summer solstice with your friends at 10,000 feet. At the terminus of Macks Canyon Road is a remote campground,
which also serves as our trailhead. This strenuous outing is a deceptively short four
miles, but with 1800 vertical feet, making for a rather sharp ascent. Just
below the summit is an even steeper, scree-laden, Class 3 section. Depart from the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, June 20th, Early morning hike in the Red
Rock, Summerlin area - The actual hike will be
determined by the interest of the assembled group, but be in the ‘easy to
moderate’ to ‘moderately strenuous’ range, 4 to 5 miles, with some scrambling
possible. We will depart from the Red Rock Casino Parking lot at 6:00AM. Coordinator - Tony
Fountain
Wednesday, June 21st,
Griffith Saddle/Meadow via the South Loop O&B- A strenuous trek up to one of
nature’s most beautiful areas on high. Distance- 11 miles- Elevation gain-
3,300 FT- Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart at 7:00 AM- TH- Cathedral Rock parking lot- Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday,
June 22nd, Mummy’s Nose (10,748’) - From the
large, construction pull-out on SR #156 just above Deer Creek Road. A mere four
miles, but with a precipitous 2800 vertical feet of climb. Do the math. Very
steep terrain. Lots of loose rocks followed by a Class 3 chute to the summit.
On the descent, we’ll tackle the infamous Rita’s Ridge. Color it strenuous. Depart from the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator
- Michael O’Connor
Friday, June 23rd,
Fletcher Peak via Hummingbird Gulch O&B - Rated strenuous given the terrain, elevation
change. Moderate pace- Total distance- Just under 5 miles- Elevation- 2,400 FT-
Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart by 8:00
AM- TH- Gulch small pull-off on Deer Creek Road before Robbers Roost-
Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, June 24th,
South Loop 2nd Overlook O&B - The out-and-back hike climbs up through a canyon with a series of a lot
of switchbacks and goes along the top of the Echo Cliffs. It reaches the first overlook
with a great view of Kyle Canyon after about 2.5 miles. The second overlook is
reached after a few more switchbacks at a little over 3 miles. Rate it moderately
strenuous with about 1500 feet of elevation. Let’s depart the Santa Fe at 7:30am. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, June 24th,
Cathedral Rock – From the parking lot, the moderate
trail climbs a set of switchbacks. The trail winds through Mazie Canyon going
past Echo Falls (a short spur trail on the left) as it climbs toward the back
of Cathedral Rock. At the back of Cathedral Rock, a trail goes off to the right
and climbs to the top using another series of switchbacks. Total distance for
the out-and-back hike is 3 miles with 950 feet of elevation gain. Pace will be leisurely with many stops
along the way. Let's meet at the Santa Fe at 8:30am. Ron and Sandi Hindmarch
Sunday, June 25th, No Name Balloon - The No Name Trail is a non-maintained section of the old
Bonanza Trail. After hiking on the Upper Bristlecone for one mile, No Name goes
off to the left and climbs through a steep wash to an overlook above Lee
Canyon. From the overlook, the trail follows a ridge to the north and
intersects with the regular Bonanza Trail. After our break, we descend the
Bonanza Trail and turn right on Upper Bristlecone. We then use a horse trail to
reconnect with the trail back to the cars. Rate it moderately strenuous with a distance of 5 miles and 1200 feet of
elevation gain. We depart the Santa Fe at 7:30am.
Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, June 26th,
Trough Trail Loop - A 5-mile moderate trek through the wooded region of the upper Deer Creek
region. Rated moderate- Total distance- 5 miles- Elevation- 1200 FT- TH-
Robbers Roost pull-off- Meet-up- Santa Fe Casino- Depart by 8:00 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, June 27th, Black & White Sisters -
Short but strenuous "in your face" climbing! This 4
mile out and back hike begins from the Macks Canyon Rd / Sisters Spur Rd
junction. The end game is a unique and beautiful view above Lee Canyon from a
black rock peak and a nearby white rock peak. High clearance vehicles required.
Elevation gain will be in the neighborhood of 1650 feet ... in 2 miles. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Wednesday, June 28th, Red Springs - Most of the route for this moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike will be in the shade as the group will start from Red Springs and go around the south end of the Calico Hills as far as Calico II Overlook utilizing the canyon between the sandstone hills and the scenic drive as much as possible. The coordinator will be at Red Springs Picnic Area for a 5:30 AM start of the hike. If anyone plans to carpool from Red Rock Casino they should leave that assembly point at 5:15 AM. If the gate to the picnic area is not open that early, then there is plenty of parking just outside along the road. Coordinator-David Hardy
Thursday, June 29th, Griffith Peak -
Some of us took a little more time to prepare for the higher elevations!
Today's the day! A long very strenuous climb of 10 miles with
around 3500 feet of elevation gain. We will take it at a moderate pace with
stops along the way. No running allowed! Enjoy it! Be prepared for altitude of
11,062'. Meet at Santa Fe Casino for a 7:00am departure. Coordinator
- Kay Blackwell
Friday, June
30, Fletcher Canyon Plus - The out-and-back easy
to moderate hike passes through a wide area of assorted forest before
climbing a series of short ramps. The last 1/3 mile passes through a slot
canyon that is a mere 5 feet wide at its narrowest. The hike reaches its
farthest point below a waterfall formation called Obstacle Rock. The canyon
scenery is spectacular. Total distance for the easy - moderate hike is 4 miles
with an elevation gain of 430 feet. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:30am. After the hike we
will be having lunch at the upper lodge. Please email Ron and Sandi at
alphisr@aol.com to tell them whether you are planning on joining them for
lunch. PS the view and food is always good there. Coordinators - Ron and Sandi
Hindmarch
