The October hike 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 - 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.
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 using the Search
Box found at the top right of the blog. 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 3-4 miles or less with not more than
500 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 have a maximum distance of 7 miles
with 800 to 1000 feet of elevation gain.
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.
Sunday, October 1st, Big Falls and Mary Jane Falls – Rate this one moderately
strenuous because we will encounter boulders, steep sections and may need
to use hands to make it up to Big Falls. As we come back down, we will hike up
the traditional switchbacks to Mary Jane Falls. After our break, we will take
the switchbacks down but make our way over to a large overlook first before
descending back to the cars. It is 5 miles with 1000 feet of elevation. Meet at
the Santa Fe at 8:00am. Coordinator
– Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, October 2nd, Five Mile Overlook (North Loop) OB - Great views of fall color in the mountains from several overlooks along
this traditional route. Strenuous. We hike up Trail Canyon, turn onto North Loop,
go past Cave Springs, and Mummy Junction to get to our destination above 10,000
feet. Total of 10 miles with 2,500+ feet of elevation gain. Depart the Santa Fe
by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, October 3rd,
Calico Tank Scramble - Let’s have some “scrambled legs” Wednesday morning.
While only 4 miles in total distance and 1,200 feet of total elevation
gain, the amount of scrambling involved makes this hike rated Strenuous. There are numerous Class 2
and a few Class 3 sections. And we will take on the 20ft “Tony’s Wall”.
The hike will begin at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot, assuming the
construction is completed. Departure from Red Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator - Tony
Fountain
Wednesday,
October 4th, Skull Canyon/Overlook/Muffins Loop – Starting at the
Cowboy Stables trailhead, we will hike up Skull Canyon to the Overlook where we
will take our break. For the return, we will take the ridge to the Muffins, and
descend to the cars from there. Overall,
this is a moderate hike of 5 miles
with an elevation gain of 1150 feet. Pace will be on the slow side of moderate
to moderate. Depart Red Rock Casino Parking Lot at 8:00AM and meet the coordinator at the Cowboy Stables trailhead at
8:20AM. Coordinator: Dennis Rohne
Thursday, October 5th, Showgirl
Top to Bottom - This will be a moderately
strenuous point to point hike of 9 miles with a gain of 300 feet and a loss
of 2500 feet. We will maintain a moderately strenuous pace and use the
route that was previously done by the club. It is all trail and will require a
car shuttle. Meet at the Santa Fe for
an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday,
October 6th, Ice Box Canyon – This moderate hike is about 3 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain. The
first mile is a trail then we drop into the creek and hike over boulders as we
make our way to the end. Use of hands are required to climb up several
sections. After we enjoy our break, then it’s back to the cars. Depart the Red
Rock Casino at 7:30 AM. Coordinator
– Barb Ulmer
Saturday,
October 7th, Upper Bristlecone/Bonanza OB – This easy hike will begin at the helipad at
Lee Canyon Ski Resort. It is about 4 miles with about 700 feet of elevation. We
will hike the trail to the beginning of the Bonanza Trail, take our break and
then it’s back to the cars. Hopefully, the Aspens will treat us to fall colors.
Meet at the Santa Fe for a 7:30AM
departure. Coordinator – Richard Hansen
Saturday, October 7th, AtBF Canyon Loop - This is an 8-mile strenuous loop with 1600 feet
of elevation gain. It will require scrambling abilities. Half of the hike is on
a trail and the other half is with the use of canyon washes. We will park at
the Juniper TH in the Spring Mountains. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, October 8th,
Lower Showgirl OB – This is a moderate, trail hike that is 6-7 miles
with 1000 feet of elevation. The trailhead is about one-mile past Harris
Springs Road turn on Kyle Canyon Road. We will hike under the road and wind our
way through the desert landscape with views of the Spring Mountains. Meet at
the Santa Fe at 8:00AM. Coordinator
– Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, October 9th,
Late Night Parking - We will
do a moderate 6-mile trail loop
beginning here, following the trail under the highway bridge and beyond to the
top of a ridge, a gradual climb. Elevation gain is around 1000 ft.
We will leave from the gas station on 159 and 160 where you will meet the
coordinator. Check the website for the meeting time (will range from
7:00-8:30 AM) as the temp can vary a great deal at this time of year.
Coordinator – David Hardy
Monday, October 9th, Old Deer Creek Road Route - This will be a 10-mile point to point (car shuttle) hike
along the route of the original Deer Creek Road. We will use existing trails
and remnants of the old road to complete the hike from the Champion Ridge
pullout to the Stepladder Trailhead. There is an initial gain of around 1000
feet then the hike begins a steady descent of around 2500 feet with a few ups
and downs in between. There is only one short section that bushwhacking will be
required up a gradual ravine. We should call this hike strenuous for the
length and its exploratory nature. Meet at the Santa Fe for an 8:00am
departure and plan for around 5 hours to complete the hike. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Tuesday, October 10th,
Historic Railroad Tunnels - This will be an easy hike along the Historic Railroad
Tunnels at Lake Mead. This will be an out and back hike of about 4 miles
in total distance and minimum elevation gain. We will hike out to the 2nd
tunnel and back. Departure from
Fiesta Station at 8:00 AM.
Coordinator – Tony Fountain
Tuesday,
October 10th, Mummy’s Tummy - Mummy's Tummy is the second highest peak in the Spring
Mountains and is only 450 elevation feet lower than Charleston Peak (the
highest). To bag this peak, there is 3.5 miles of heavy ascent from Trail
Canyon and the North Loop before the route turns right at a tree marked with an
"M." This right turn takes hikers up the infamous scree field (550
elevation feet) to the ridge. There is still challenging terrain after gaining
this ridge but finally at the peak, hikers will find a large acreage of summit
with majestic views. The totals for this very
strenuous out and back hike are 9 miles and 3800 feet of elevation gain. We
depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator - Tim Borem
Wednesday,
October 11th, McCullough Trail OB, East to West – This is a moderate, 6-mile hike. The address for
the east to west TH is 295 Mission Dr., Henderson NV. We will leave at 7:30 AM.
Coordinator – Richard Hansen
Thursday, October 12th,
Mountain Springs Peak Loop - This 7-mile loop has 1400 feet of elevation gain. It is moderately
strenuous and will be done on a trail and in a wash. There is also a little
bit of bushwhacking. The hike begins with the Heartbreak Hill climb. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am
departure. We will swing by the gas station (160/159) around 8:20am and
be at the trailhead at the top of the Mountain Springs Pass around 8:30am.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, October 13th,
North Fork of Main Fork Pine Creek - This is a moderately
strenuous hike with lots of scrambling and is about 5-6 miles and elevation
gain around 1200 fee. Meet the coordinator at the Pine Creek trailhead at 7:00AM Friday morning which
should be early enough to find parking. Allow 40 minutes travel time if
leaving from the Red Rock Casino. It can be cold in the canyon so be
prepared. Coordinator - David Hardy.
Saturday, October 14th,
Eagle’s Nest Loop – This is a 3-mile
easy hike that begins at the
Fletcher Canyon parking lot. We begin up the Fletcher Canyon and then turn
right up to the Eagle’s Nest Loop. Elevation gain is about 500 feet. We will
depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM.
Coordinator – Richard Hansen
Saturday, October 14th, Angel Peak - This 7-mile out and back strenuous hike is almost
completely bushwhacking with the exception of the final ascent to the peak
where the big white globe stands. It is quite an accomplishment getting through
the trees and brush on the ascent up to the dirt road for the approach so wear
pants! Total elevation gain is around 2000 feet. We will park at the Juniper TH
in the Spring Mountains. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, October 15th, Cottonwood
Pass Loop - The moderate 7-mile trek will start from
the gravel parking area south of Highway 160 also used for Badger Pass.
It will follow a combination of dirt roads and trails toward Mount Potosi and
loop past Cottonwood Pass on the Goodsprings Road before heading back to the vehicles
on the Deadhorse Trail in Red Valley. We will meet the coordinator and
leave from the gas station on Highways 159 and 160 at 7:00 AM, and drive to the gravel lot for a 7:15 AM start of
hike. The temps can vary a lot this time of year so check the web site for
a meeting time change. Coordinator - David Hardy.
Monday, October 16th, White Rock/Keystone Thrust
Loop-de-Loop – Today’s Strenuous hike combines two traditional
treks in the heart of Red Rock. It is about 10 miles with 1900 feet of
elevation with some scrambling to boot. We begin at Willow Springs Picnic area
and hike counter clockwise to do the desert side, then loop onto the Keystone
fault to start down into the pretty wash which ties into the Grand Circle for a
bit, then up to the east side of White Rock again by taking the gravel mountain
road to finish the hike by turning in behind White Rock on its evergreen north
side back to the cars. Depart the Red
Rock Casino at 7:00AM. Coordinator-
David Gray
Tuesday,
October 17th, McCullough Trail OB – This is a strenuous 17-mile hike with about 1200 feet of elevation gain. The
trail rolls up and down as it makes it way along the Henderson area. We will be
departing from the Walgreens Drug Store on the right side of Eastern going south
just past Sunridge Heights Pkwy at 7:15AM
or go directly to the Anthem Hills Park listed on tomorrow’s moderate hike.
Coordinator – Richard Hansen.
Wednesday, October 18th,
McCullough Trail OB, East to West – This moderate hike
is 6 miles. Take Eastern South, stay left to Anthem, turn left on
Reunion to Anthem Hills park and park near the rest room. We will leave at 7:30AM.
Coordinator – Richard Hansen
Thursday, October 19th,
Red Cap via Ash Canyon - From the Red
Springs parking lot, we ascend Ash Canyon and the North Chute to Red Cap, the
highest point in the Calico Hills at 4964’ then return via Gateway Canyon then
down Five Stop and back to Red Springs. This hike is rated strenuous with significant class 3+ scrambling. It is 5-6
miles with over 1800 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Red Springs Boardwalk
at 7:30AM. Coordinator – Tim Borem
Friday, October 20th, Middle and North Forks of
Taylor Creek O&B- Day Trip- Kolob Canyon, Utah- Exit 40/I-15 NB- The “quiet side” of Zion. First, we do the
Middle Fork which is a moderate 5-mile
trek to a Double Arch Alcove. Then we’ll checkout the North Fork for a bit as
it has not been hiked. Total distance for the day will be 8-9 miles. Elevation -
500 FT- Great views with fall colors and historical cabins. Breakfast in Mesquite- Pack a lunch/cooler
for pop. If need be, we’ll stop for dinner. Depart the Santa Fe at 6:30 AM- Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, October 21st,
Lone Mountain Hikes for Club Picnic – Ron and Sandi Hindmarch will coordinate the easy hike around Lone Mountain. It is
a 3-mile loop with about 500 feet of elevation. Liz Letzler will coordinate the
moderate hike up the trail Lone
Mountain. It is a 4-5 mile hike with about 800 feet of elevation gain. Meet at
Lone Mountain Discovery Park at 4445 North Jensen at 8:30 AM.
Sunday, October 22nd,
Windy Peak – Even though this
is only 5 miles, it is rated moderately
strenuous with 1650 feet of elevation gain. We will depart the Red Rock Casino
at 8:00AM. Those meeting at the gas
station on HWY 160 should depart there at 8:15AM. This hike has a little bit of
everything; initial steep ascent, a rolling ridge trail, and finally, a great
scramble on the sandstone to the peak that is class 3. The scrambling does
require use of hands on several sections. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, October 23rd,
White Rock Loop - We will hike
this counter clockwise to avoid a lot of sun later. This is a moderate hike that is all trail. It is
6 miles and about 1000 ft. elevation gain. Be at the Red Rock Loop Road
gate by 6:25 AM to meet the coordinator at the Lost Creek parking area about
6:45 AM before getting to the Willow Springs picnic If coming from
the Red Rock Casino, you will need to leave there around 6:10AM. This hike will be done at a moderate pace.
Meeting time could change to later depending upon temperature so check the web
site. Coordinator – David Hardy
Tuesday, October 24th,
Middle Deer Creek Canyon O&B- A 7.5 mile moderately
strenuous trek off of Lee Canyon Road at MM 7-8, pull off is the paved
section of the old road at Lee Canyon. Going cross country, we’ll have great
views of the mountains and desert terrain that includes pinyon pines, junipers,
scrub, and Joshua trees. Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of a buck. Elevation -
1,300 FT. Meet at the Santa Fe at
7:00AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Wednesday, October 25th,
Ash Canyon Overlook - This moderate
hike will take us from the Sandstone Quarry Parking Lot to Rattlesnake Trail
along the north side of the Calico Hills out to Ash Canyon. The return
will be over to the Turtlehead Peak Trail with minor scrambling involved.
We will depart from Red Rock Casino at 8:00 AM. Coordinator – Tony Fountain
Thursday, October 26th, Hollow Rock Peak - This moderately strenuous loop hike will be 5
miles with 1500 feet of gain. The hike begins with the Heartbreak Hill climb
and turns right to follow the trail out the ridge. After a break at the large
rock peak, we will return down the abandoned road next to the wash and follow
the forest road back to the cars. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00am
departure. We will swing by the gas station (160/159) around 8:20am and be at
the trailhead at the top of the Mountain Springs Pass around 8:30am.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, October 27th,
Arnight/Knoll/Potato Knoll Loop - Let’s celebrate Nevada Day with a moderate hike along the base of the Red Rock Escarpment. It is
about 7 miles with around 1000 feet of elevation gain. We start from the large
dirt parking lot at the end of the scenic loop and catch the trail over to Oak
Creek parking lot. From there, we take the Arnight Trail and turn left onto the
Knoll Trail. This trail will take us south to catch the Potato Knoll trail. We
will hike around Potato and catch the upper loop back to the cars. Pacing will
be moderate. Depart Red Rock at 8:00 AM.
Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Friday – Sunday, October 27th
– 29th, Death Valley Backpack, Johnson Canyon - We will meet in Blue Diamond on the morning of 10/27 at
6:30 AM and drive out onto 160 and on to Furnace Creek. Meeting spot TBA.
We will meet any others for this trip at the visitor center. 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 1550 ft. elevation) we can set up camp or
go further to set up camp. 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 go we must have at least two 4x4 vehicles and 6 and the number
of vehicles will determine how many seats for passengers. Maximum 4 vehicles
and 12 people. This is a moderate
backpack. Sunrise around 7:10. Sunset around 6. When you commit, I
will send you a trip sheet. How hot and how cold does it get here? Coordinator
- David Hardy
Saturday, October 28th,
Stanley B Saddle – This hike is
rated moderately strenuous because
there is a steep climb to the saddle and use of hands is required to climb up
the limestone rocks. It is 5-6 miles with 1500+ feet of elevation gain. We will
depart the Santa Fe at 8:00AM.
Coordinator – Kathy Kazi
Saturday, October 28th, Gass Peak - Usually this peak is done at a warmer time so make sure
you watch the temperatures. It is a strenuous out and back hike on all
trail. Part of the experience is the relatively long high clearance drive out
Gass Peak Road in the DNWR. We will arrange rides beforehand. The totals are
6.5 miles and 2200 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Sunday, October 29th,
Kraft Mountain Loop – Our hike today is
rated moderate but will require use
of hands to scramble down Lower Gateway. It is 5 miles with 1000 feet of
elevation. We will begin at the dirt lot at the end of the road in Calico
Basin. First, it’s up 5 Stop Hill then down the trail into Lower Gateway. There
we will hike the wash where we will negotiate large boulders by scramble down
and/or around them. As we round the east side of Kraft, we take the trail back
to the cars. Meet at the Red Rock at 8:00AM
or at the trailhead at 8:15AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Monday, October 30th,
The Crags - We start from Blue Diamond
following the Landmine Trail which we will leave to climb slowly up to the top
of the ridge into an area of crags. Then we follow the ridge at a
moderate pace back to Blue Diamond. Moderate
hike of about 5 miles and 1000 ft. elevation gain. The main assembly point will
be the gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to the
community of Blue Diamond just past the bridge where you will meet the
coordinator at 7:30AM. Coordinator
- David Hardy
Tuesday, October 31st, Moenkopi / Calico I Loop - This easy 3-mile loop begins at the Red Rock
Visitor Center. We will hike over to the Calico I turnout then connect with the
Moenkopi Trail and climb a small overlook hill with moenkopi terrain. Our break
will be taken on this hill overlooking the entire Red Rock Canyon scenic loop
area. From there, we will take the easier descent on the other side of the hill
and return to the cars. There is approximately 400 feet of elevation gain and
the pace will be slow with many stops. Depart from Red Rock Casino at 9:00am.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, October 31st,
Gray Cap - Starting at the base
of Five Stop Hill, we will take the standard route up Gateway Canyon to
the peak. Rate it strenuous at
6-7 miles and 1500+ feet of elevation. After the break, however, there will be
a much tougher descent as the route heads east and descends through Gray Fox
Canyon, a very steep route with lots of scrambling. After dropping back
into lower Gateway Canyon, the route reverses with a final descent down Five
Stop Hill. Meet at Red Rock at 7:30AM.
Coordinator – Tim Borem
