The 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 all locations at the AtBF
blog and in a file at the Yahoo group website. Also, the exposure information
is now located on the blog. Blogsite: www.aroundthebendfriends.com
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 easy or easy moderate 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. 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 1400 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.
Saturday, September 1st, Old Mill/Horse Meadow Loop - This is a new easy to easy moderate hike of around 3.5
miles and 600 feet of elevation gain. We will begin by parking at the Horse
Meadow on Lee Canyon Road. The route climbs easily up through the Old Mill
Picnic Area then continues up the Old Mill Trail until we reach the Lower
Bristlecone Trail. We'll take our break at a campsite near the anemometer at
the bottom of Pine Cone Canyon then return down Lower Bristlecone. To get back
to the cars, we will walk through the wild horses in the meadow. I hope they
will be there! Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30am departure.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday, September 1st,
North Loop Exploration – Today’s hike is rated moderately strenuous with about 5 miles
and 1700+ feet of elevation. We will hike up the North Loop to the high point
at the top of the switchbacks. After our break on the ridge behind the rock
outcrop, we will begin to explore a route down and connect to the ridge along
the lower portion of the North Loop. Be prepared for some bushwhacking, steep
terrain, possible scrambling on limestone and excellent views. My pace will be
on the slow side of moderate with breaks as needed. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, September 2nd,
Mummy Springs Loop via Deer Creek-
This signature trek will take you up through the heart of the Deer Creek area,
a special place of deep woods, springs, and remnants of history from the 1920s.
Great views of Mummy’s Tummy, surrounding peaks, and jagged rock formations.
Rated moderately strenuous given
total distance of 5.5 miles, some steep scree in places to negotiate, and the
elevation gain of 2,023 FT. We’ll return via the North Loop Trail to complete
the loop. TH- Deer Creek pull-off with the vaulted toilets. We’ll depart the
Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, September 3rd,
South Sister O/L Ridge- This is a moderately strenuous trek to a long
somewhat barren ridge just below the SS Peak that offers 360 views of the Lower
Bristlecone area, ridge area of the Bonanza Trail, McFarland Peak, Macks Peak,
and the north Sister area. Total distance of some 6-7 miles and an elevation gain
of 1500 FT. TH- Lower Bristlecone Trail parking lot. Depart the Santa Fe by 7:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, September 3rd
through Saturday, September 8th, Bishop Basecamp Club Trip – Coordinator – Kay Blackwell
Tuesday, September 11, Bonanza Peak (10,397’) - Another primo 10k peak that ABF has yet to visit this summer.
Let's give it a whirl. From the Cold Creek trailhead, it’s a 10-mile slog with
just under 3k vertical. Throw in some 70-odd switchbacks and it makes for a
grueling day. Color it strenuous. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM.
Coordinator - Michael O'Connor
Wednesday, September 12th,
Acastus to Stanley B Mine - A moderate hike of 5-6 miles and 700 feet
of elevation begins at the Fletcher Canyon parking lot. We walk by the
campground and make our way on a trail that parallels the highway. We turn at
the Stanley B parking area and hike up to the mine and springs. This is where
we take our break. Then it’s back to the cars but we will use a forest road to
get back down to the trail that will take us back to our cars. A slow to
moderate and steady pace will be our goal. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, September 13th, Nuclear Loop - This hike begins with schooling at the Desert View Overlook
on Deer Creek Road. From the information displays, we drop down behind them
into a canyon. A similar loop was hiked 3 years ago but the ending wasn't good
so let's try it again. It will be an exploratory with lots of bushwhacking and
a few trails. It will be around 6 miles with around 1500 feet of elevation
gain. Call it moderately strenuous but be ready for difficult terrain.
Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay
Blackwell
Saturday, September 15th, Kyle Escarpment Loop - This will be a simple 4-mile loop from the Spring Mountain
Gateway Visitor Center tagging the top of the escarpment across the canyon.
Call it easy moderate but there is around 850 feet of elevation gain.
The rabbitbrush should still be in bloom! Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for
an 8:30am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, September 16th,
Mount Charleston Peak via the South Loop Trail- A strenuous trek
taken at a moderate pace. It’s a day-long event starting at the Cathedral Rock
TH, climbing up to Griffith Saddle, hiking through the South Loop Meadow and
the burned old bristlecones then, finally, up the final scree trail to the
peak. Conditioned hikers only. Total trek distance is 17 miles- Elevation-
4,275 FT. Meet at the Cathedral Rock TH
by 5:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, September 18th, Black & White Sisters - This 4-mile hike is rated somewhere between moderately
strenuous and strenuous. There are 1600 feet of steep elevation gain in
that short distance. It begins from the Sisters Spur Road turnoff from Macks
Canyon Road so high clearance vehicles
are recommended. At the top of the Sisters Ridge, we will have the opportunity
to climb onto the huge rock of Black Sister then mosey over to White Sister for
more views and photos. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00AM
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Wednesday, September 19th, Sawmill Wiggles Loop- This is a moderate trek through the scrub pines at the start of the lower Lee
Canyon area. Total distance is 5 miles with 800 feet of elevation
gain. Our trailhead is at the Blue Tree Campground off Lee
Canyon Road and the route takes us to the Sawmill TH parking lot where we will
take our break. The Blue Trail (The Wiggles) will be our route back
to the cars. Meet the coordinator at the Santa Fe for a 7:00 AM departure. Coordinator- David Gray
Thursday, September 20th, 5 Mile Campsite - This will be my attempt at a hike with lots of fall color.
Let's hope Mother Nature cooperates! The strenuous 10 miles of out and
back will have around 2900 feet of elevation gain but the views might be
marvelous! Expect a moderate and steady pace. The route starts at the Trail
Canyon Trailhead and continues climbing on the North Loop. Meet at the Santa Fe
Casino for an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday, September 22nd, Stepladder/Showgirl Loop - This moderate loop is 5.5 miles with 1050 feet of
elevation gain. The Stepladder Trailhead is located across from the Spring
Mountain Gateway Visitor Center. We will connect with the Showgirl Trail after
climbing Stepladder and descending into Telephone Canyon. Then we will loop
around using Tin Can Alley and Shady Hollow Trails. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for
an 8:00am departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Sunday, September 23rd, Boneshaker Loop - A morning hike will go up the Boneshaker trail (slow!). As the
trail levels out, the pace will be moderate. We will connect with the Three
Amigos trail that will take us across to the Bob Gnarly trail down the canyon
or the Bombs Voyage trail that will run by the Muffins. 0verall rating is moderate
with about 1200 ft. elevation gain and 5-6 miles. To beat the heat the hike
will begin at the horse corrals at 6:00 AM where you will meet the
coordinator. Coordinator - David Hardy.
Sunday, September 23rd,
Middle Deer Creek Canyon O&B- It
will be the first day of fall as we take on the challenges of this moderately strenuous trek through the
scrub/desert country of Lower Lee Canyon 10 miles up from Hwy 95, which is
where a section of the old pavement is still visible from today’s road. With a
total distance of 7.2 miles, the trek first drops into a very broad Lee Canyon,
then out of, and offers great views of the peaks to the west, including Mummy
Mountain, Angel Peak, McFarland Peak, and the twin peaks of the North-South
Sisters. It hikes up and over a series of moderate ridges with an elevation
gain is almost 1500 FT. Meet the coordinator at the Santa Fe by 8:00 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, September 24th, Showgirl (Top to Bottom) - This top to bottom route is 9 miles and considered moderately
strenuous because there is only 300 feet of elevation gain. (There is also
2500 feet of elevation loss.) It will be a point to point hike with car
shuttling to begin at the Juniper Trailhead. We will begin in the junipers and
pinion pines and end in the Joshua trees and yuccas ... and maybe a burro or
two. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am departure.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Wednesday, September 26th,
Bristlecone Loop – Our moderate hike on the always scenic Bristlecone Loop will be done
CCW. Maybe the Aspen will be in changing colors. Wouldn’t that just be
marvelous? It is 6 miles with 1400 feet of elevation and my pace will be on the
slow side of moderate. Depart the Santa Fe at 7:30 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, September 27th, Angel Peak - The strenuous bushwhack is back! This route to that
peak with the white bubble on it is only 7 miles with 2000 feet of elevation
gain. The terrain is steep, but we will persevere to reach the allusive peak.
It will be a fun day! Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:00am
departure. Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Friday, September 28th,
No Name Loop II - One of the most scenic
hikes in Lee Canyon includes wild horses, Aspen, Bristlecone Pines and views. A
moderately strenuous hike that
begins on the Upper Bristlecone Trail. After a mile, we turn onto No Name and
tackle the steady uphill section to the saddle. From there we make our way up
to the ridge and hike along it to a shelter where we will take our break. Then
it’s down to the Bonanza Trail to connect back to the Upper Bristlecone trail.
We will then use a horse trail along a ridge to reconnect to Upper Bristlecone.
It is 6 miles with 1600+ feet of elevation. My pace will be slow and steady.
Depart the Santa Fe at 7:00 AM. Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, September 29th, Hilltop Loop - This easy moderate hike begins at the Twilight
Trailhead located only 9 miles up Kyle Canyon Road. It loops high around a hill
that you see every time you drive up the canyon. With only 3 miles and 500 feet
of elevation gain, it might be considered easy but there is one steep
section. Meet at the Santa Fe Casino for an 8:30am departure.
Coordinator - Kay Blackwell
Saturday, September 29th,
Raintree – Before we return to Red Rock
Canyon, let’s go visit our very old friend, Raintree. It’s moderately strenuous because it’s 6 miles and 1800 feet of
elevation. We will use the North Loop trail to ascend and then descend on Wild
Horse Ridge. We will park at the Cougar Ridge Road turnout on Deer Creek
Highway. Depart the Santa Fe at 8:00AM.
Coordinator – Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, September 30th,
Rattlesnake Canyon/Red Rock Canyon-
This is a moderately strenuous trek
located across the broad Red Rock Canyon Wash at the south side of the Willow
Springs Parking Lot. Named by the famous trekking group known as the Buffett
Boys, the out-and-back route is a fun and challenging time in bouldering up
into this small, beautiful canyon until we top the 30 to 40-foot waterfall,
terrace area which is somewhat at the base of the ridge leading to the
sandstone North Peak on the escarpment, north wall of Icebox Canyon. Meet the
coordinator at the Red Rock Casino by 7:00
AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, September 30th, Cottonwood Pass Loop - The moderate 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. Elevation change 1000 ft. and 6 miles. Coordinator - David Hardy.
