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 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 club president John Ward at wardjohn1948@yahoo.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 seven miles with 800-1000 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.
Sunday, December 1, First Creek O&B: Easy to Moderate, 5 miles, 8:30 AM - This hike leads into the mouth of First Creek Canyon and some ponderosa pines near a flowing creek. We follow the stream up a ways and return. Meet the coordinator at the First Creek Trailhead pull-off (SR 159) by 8:30 AM. If coming from Red Rock Casino, leave there about 20 minutes earlier. The large gravel parking area is north of the entrance to Spring Mountain State Park. Look for the sign. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, December 2, Park Peak Loop: Moderate, 5 miles, 900’ elevation, 8:30 AM - This peak is in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and provides great views of the Las Vegas Valley. We saunter on several different trails over to the base of the peak. Use of hands might be necessary to climb up the last section to the peak. The trail makes it way among large volcanic boulders up about 300 feet to the top where we will take our break. Meet at the Walgreens located at 2451 Hampton Road (Anthem Pkwy and Hampton Road) in Henderson at 8:30 AM. West side hikers should depart Red Rock Casino by 8:00 AM. The trailhead is located on Shadow Canyon Drive. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, December 3, Kraft Mt. E-W Traverse (4714’): Strenuous, 5 miles, 1500’ vertical, 8 AM - Ascend the demanding east face of Kraft, traverse the ridgeline and descend the west flank. Very steep ascent. Depart the Red Spring Boardwalk at 8:00 AM. Coordinator- Michael O’Connor
Tuesday, December 3, AtBF Holiday Party- Location- Pinnacle in Sun City Summerlin-
Time- 5:30 to 9 PM-
Wednesday, December 4, Waterfall Canyon: Moderate, 4 miles, 900' gain, 8:00 AM - This is a beautiful canyon that almost always has water running through it. We'll see if this weird year is any different! The hike begins at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. After viewing nearby petroglyphs, we will climb up through the colorful Red Rock Wash to the Pink Jeep Turnaround before heading up into the canyon. There is moderate scrambling throughout. We will scramble at a slow pace. After taking our break at the top of the last tall waterfall, we will return to the cars by using Rocky Gap Road. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Thursday, December 5, Late Night Parking to Blue Diamond: Moderately Strenuous, 8-9 miles, 1200 FT elevation gain, shuttle required, 7:30 AM - We will hike the Late Night Trail starting from this SR 160 trailhead parking area and eventually leave it to take a fainter trail up to the base of the canyons of the Red Rock Bluffs. We will pass by petroglyphs and two springs, and the mouth of Black Velvet Canyon, then on toward Tertiary Ridge where we will follow a trail to the top and follow it back to where we drop into Blue Diamond. A car shuttle is required so we need to meet the coordinator by 7:30 AM at the gravel parking area located on the right side of the entrance road at the start of this small community. Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, December 6, Fern Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, moderate pace, 5 miles, 900' elevation gain, 8 AM - This out and back hike begins at the Pine Creek Trailhead off the Scenic Loop. There will be a lot of moderately strenuous scrambling as we climb up to the waterfall at the end. The climb to the top of the waterfall is best described as a 3rd class effort, however, this is optional. Meet at Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure so that we can carpool around the Scenic Loop. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Saturday, December 7, Signature Rock/West Pinto Valley: Moderately Strenuous, 9 miles, 600 FT gain, 8 AM - Our route winds its way out to the famous landmark where the grand vistas of the Pinto Valley can be enjoyed. We’ll pass Cottonwood Spring, mining claims, and Eagle Rock. Depart the parking area behind the CVS located on the S/E corner of Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood by 8:00 AM and drive to the trailhead pull-off at MM 18 on the Northshore Road. West side participants should leave the Rampart Casino by 7:20 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Sunday, December 8, Bird Spring Stair Climb: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 7:30 AM - The hike trail begins at the Late Night Parking area, crossing under Hwy 160, where within about a half mile we’ll turn left and begin trekking off-trail, climbing a steep ridge to the east. Once on top, we will explore and eventually drop down into a canyon which will take us back to the trail portion of the trek, then the trailhead parking lot. At times, there will be some very steep climbing through loose rock, scree. Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station at the intersection of 159/160 by 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Monday, December 9, Conglomerate Gardens Loop: Moderate, 6.4 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - Red Rock Canyon trail bikers developed this route in the summer of 2012 in the North Blue Diamond Hills. Upon our discovery, it was named, per Kay’s 2015 blog description, “because of the abundance of stacked boulders made of conglomerate rock and the untouched display of healthy desert plants among them.” The route begins by slowly climbing up the Bunny Trail and Over the Moon to the mine operation, then we’ll return to the cars descending the wiggly path the bikers call Kibble & Bits. Meet the coordinator at the Cowboy Stables Trailhead by 8 AM. Driving Directions- If you’re coming from the north, this is located on the left side of Highway 159 one mile past the Red Rock Visitor Center on the right. Or, if you are coming from the south, pass the Red Rock Overlook on the left then turn right about 3/4 of a mile further. Coordinator- David Gray
Tuesday, December 10, Africa Loop/Valley of Fire: Strenuous, 5 miles, 1100 FT gross gain, 7:30 AM - Last hiked in February of 2017, this loop looks like Africa or perhaps South America. It involves hiking up the Fault Mesa, down the Drop Slot (wear long sleeves and pants), up onto the Black Cap, White Nipple, and finishes up going by the Fire Wave. Leaving Sun City Summerlin Pinnacle parking lot at 07:30 AM or Parking Lot #3 Trailhead by 9:00 AM. VoF terrain is always sandy, rocky with boulders and loose...i.e. difficult and tiring...but great fun. Mostly Class 2 scrambling. Park entrance vehicle fee for residents- $8. Coordinator- Brian Dodd
Wednesday, December 11, Ice Box Canyon v SMYC Trail: Moderate, 4 miles, 800' gain, 8 AM - Ice Box Canyon is a short moderate scramble. Add the SMYC Trail and you have a nice hike/scramble in the Red Rocks. The trailhead will be the Lost Creek TH on the Willow Springs spur road off the Scenic Loop. Meet at the Red Rock Casino for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Thursday, December 12, Canyon #4A Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 4 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - We begin from Blue Diamond hiking about a half of a mile to reach this rather deep canyon that features considerable scrambling, including one Class 3 area. Once we exit on top, we’ll start down the ridgeline separating Canyon #4 and Canyon #3 to get back to the cars. Meet by 8 AM at the trailhead gravel parking area on the right side of the entrance road at the start of this small community. It's just past the wash bridge. Coordinator- David Hardy
Friday, December 13, Sloan Canyon: Moderate, 5 miles, 400 FT gain, 8:30 AM - Most of the hike is easy walking in Sloan Wash, but there are several scrambles where use of hands is required. One such scramble is a minimal 3rd-class. According to Jim Boone, Petroglyph Canyon is a special place. For the ancient people who created the artwork, this probably was a spiritual site as there are no signs of habitation in the Sloan area. West side participants need to depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:50 AM and meet at the marque sign of the M Resort for an 8:30 AM departure. From there we drive to the Visitor Center at 2998 Nawghaw Poa Road. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Saturday, December 14, Brownstone Canyon O&B: Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 2000' gain, 8:00 AM - This hike into Brownstone Canyon will be an out and back endeavor from the Kraft Mountain Trailhead (dirt parking). We will climb up and over 5-Stop Hill and on up Upper Gateway Canyon. Our route will take the small canyon approach to the sandstone plateau, down through the difficult crack to the pictographs and down to the lower dam. On the return, we will climb up and over the plateau then continue back the way we came. Meet at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead in Calico Basin for an 8:00 AM departure. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, December 15, Liberty Bell Arch: Moderately Strenuous, 6 miles, 1,200 FT gain, 8 AM - We will meet at the Fiesta Station, Henderson. The hike begins at the White Rock Canyon Trailhead parking lot 4 miles south of the Hoover Dam bridge on Highway 93 aka I-11. From that parking area, we drop down to hike under the highway bridge and begin descending the wash. After a stop at an old manganese mine we will proceed to the natural arch. We will pause if members care to go up and over to scramble up into the arch. We will then proceed to the plateau, with breath taking views above the Colorado River. Coordinator- Tony Fountain
Monday, December 16, White Owl/Hippie Canyon: Moderately Strenuous, 8 miles, 1000 FT elevation, 8:30 AM - We begin at the old unusable Lake Mead Marina. Our trail leads out along the shoreline where the lake has since dried up and over to White Owl Canyon. After the canyon there is a 1.5 to 2 mile hike up a wash that takes us up to our break spot. At this saddle near the base of Bighorn Butte, the route turns right into another wash that takes you back to the trailhead. A scramble down through Hippie Canyon, where more owls roost, finishes the hike. This section is steep and requires use of hands. Depart the Henderson Fiesta at 8:30 AM, Red Rock participants should depart by 7:50 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, December 17, Desert Hills: Moderate, 6 miles, 700' gain, 8 AM - This hike begins about 3 miles east of the Chevron gas station located at the intersection of 160/159. We'll be exploring several trails and canyons, and along some ridges that offer great views. When driving past these hills, we usually don't pay much attention to them, but they become impressive when you're hiking them. Meet the coordinator at the Chevron gas station by 8 AM. If coming from Red Rock Casino, you should leave there before 7:30 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Wednesday, December 18, First Creek to Potato Knoll OB: Moderate, 5-6 miles, 600 FT elevation, 8:30 AM - We begin at the First Creek Trailhead which is located on Hwy 159 approximately 2 miles south of Red Rock's Scenic Loop Exit parking lot. Look for the sign with the arrow. We saunter on the trails over to Potato Knoll where we'll take our break. Then we go around Potato and use the upper trail to connect back to the trail to our cars. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Thursday, December 19, Northshore Peak & Red Wash: Moderately Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 1450' gain, 8 AM - This loop route was created last year. We will start from the Northshore Road MM 20.5 Trailhead and climb Northshore Peak first. Next, we descend down through an interesting fault canyon to the Razorback Wash below. After following the wash for a distance, we will ascend to a small saddle and hike down through a red colored wash. This will connect to another wash to circle back around to the starting point. Meet at the Albertson's/CVS parking lot at Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvds. for an 8:00 AM departure. West side hikers can meet at the Rampart Casino for a 7:15 AM departure. We will swing by Mile Marker 4 at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, December 20, White Rock Loop: Moderate, 6 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - This is all trail! Be at the Red Rock fee booths by 7:40 AM so that you’ll meet the coordinator at the Lost Creek TH parking lot by 8 AM. This is located on your left just before getting to the Willow Springs TH/picnic area. If coming from the Red Rock Casino, you will need to leave there by 7:25 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Saturday, December 21, Hamblin Mountain/Lake Mead: Moderately Strenuous, 7.2 miles, 1372 FT gain, 8 AM - It’s been described as a surprisingly easy trek in a spectacular place that offers views all the way into Utah, Arizona, and California. The out-and-back trail follows a series of colorful washes, canyon, and ridges leading up to a narrow summit ridge/peak that was once an active volcano that is part of the Black Mountain Range. We have a couple of low, easy Class III pour-overs along the way and it’s optional if you want to get out onto the peak area. Depart the CVS/Albertson’s parking lot on Hollywood at Lake Mead Blvd by 8:00 AM. West side hikers should depart the Rampart Casino at 7:20 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Sunday, December 22, White Domes & Fire Wave (VoF): Easy Moderate, 3.5 miles, 800' gain, 8 AM - This easy moderate hike involves a very small bit of easy scrambling and a moderate amount of rocky uneven terrain. That said, the hike goes through some of the most famous terrain in Valley of Fire. Very colorful and interesting. Meet at the Aliante Casino northwest parking lot for an 8:00 AM departure. Or, meet at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center at 8:45 AM. This is a state park and requires a state park fee to enter. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Monday, December 23, Hoover Dam Via Railroad Tunnels: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 7-8 miles, 600 FT elevation, 8:30 AM - We begin just below Alan Bible Visitor Center and use the tunnels to make our way over to the parking lot for the Hoover Dam. After descending the stairs, we will take our break down at the dam. On the way back, we will use the connector trail to the tunnels. Depart the Red Rock Casino at 7:50 AM and or meet at the Henderson Fiesta by 8:30 AM. We will then drive to the trailhead below Alan Bible. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, December 24, Fortress Butte Area Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 7 miles, 1400 FT gain, some Class III scrambling, 8 AM - An interesting route that offers great views of the Black Canyon area just across the Arizona border. Our initial route trail will take us into Hot Springs Canyon Wash at the base of the square-top massive landmark known as Fortress Butte. (Don’t worry, we’re not climbing this.) From the wash trail, we’ll first access Petroglyph Canyon to explore the numerous prehistoric carvings. Then it’s on to the Narrows and finally the utility road that will take us back to the cars. This rocky route is littered with artifacts from construction of the dam or US 93. Depart the Henderson Fiesta by 8AM. Trailhead- White Rock Canyon Trail parking lot off of Hwy 93 at Mile Marker 4, Arizona. Coordinator- David Gray
Christmas Day- Wednesday, December 25, Ash Canyon/Calico Basin: Easy, 4 miles, 8:30 AM - This hike will begin near Red Spring and will travel through red rock formations and along a small creek. Meet the coordinator at Red Spring Trailhead/Picnic area by 8:30 AM. Those coming from Red Rock Casino should leave there by 8:15 AM. Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, December 26, Blue Diamond Ridge: Moderate, 7 miles, 1000' gain, 7:30 AM - To work off yesterday's holiday dinner, this loop hike begins in the community of Blue Diamond. The group will make their way up the Tertiary Ridge behind the community following 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 back to Blue Diamond. Red Rock Casino will be used for the early meeting point, with a departure at 7:30 AM to proceed to Blue Diamond. Meet the coordinator there by 8 AM at the dirt parking lot trailhead located after crossing the wash bridge on the main entrance road into the community. It's on the right side of the road just before the first residence. South side participants can drive directly to the trailhead. Coordinator- David Hardy
Thursday, December 26, Lava Butte Gardens: Moderately Strenuous, 5.5 miles, 850' gain, 8:30 AM - This hike encompasses Rainbow Gardens as it circles around Lava Butte with a lot of landscape color. The hardest part of the hike is the climb up to the overlook ridge where we can see Lava Butte up close. Meet at the Albertson's/CVS parking lot on the corner of Lake Mead Blvd and Hollywood Blvd for an 8:30 AM departure. Or, meet at the Mile Marker 2 Trailhead pullout for an 8:45 AM start of the hike. Park efficiently so that many cars can fit in. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Friday, December 27, Blue Diamond Canyon #3 Loop: Moderately Strenuous, 5 miles, 1000 FT gain, 8 AM - You’ll find that you’ll have a lot of fun in scrambling up Canyon #3 in Blue Diamond Hill. We’ll access the route by crossing 159 at the road that leads into the community of Blue Diamond, so watch for truck traffic heading to the mine. A steady up, the terrain is rocky with brush, cat claws, as well as, several dry falls that will require some Class II scrambling. Once on top we’ll find a plateau which will be a good break spot with great views. From there, we'll close the loop by utilizing the ridge between Canyon #2 and Canyon #3 to return to the cars. Our main assembly point will be the trailhead gravel parking lot on the right side of the entrance road at the start of the this community. It's just past the wash bridge. Hike start time is 8 AM. Coordinator- David Gray
Saturday, December 28, Rainbow Canyon Loop: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous, 6.5 miles, 800' gain, 8 AM - This is a loop hike that travels around Rainbow Ridge by way of very colorful terrain that includes the brightly colored Rainbow Canyon. There is a small amount of easy scrambling. The hike begins at the Mile Marker 15 on Northshore Road. Meet at the Albertson's/CVS parking lot at Hollywood and Lake Mead Blvds. for an 8:00 AM departure. West side hikers can meet at the Rampart Casino for a 7:15 AM departure. We will swing by Mile Marker 4 at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
Sunday, December 29, Prospect Trail O&B/Valley of Fire: Moderately Strenuous, 9 miles, 800 FT gain, some limited scrambling, 8 AM - This state park trek runs right up through the heart of the redstone rock outcroppings. Meet at the parking lot behind the CVS located at the southeast corner of Lake Mead and Hollywood. We depart by 8 AM. State park entrance fee- $8 per vehicle/Nevada residents. Coordinator- David Gray
Monday, December 30, Echo Canyon/Fossil Ridge/First Finger: Moderate, 6 miles, 900 FT elevation, 8:30 AM - This hike will go up Echo Canyon where hands are necessary to climb three Class 2 dry waterfalls. Then we connect to the Fossil Ridge Trail and turn onto the old road and hike up to our break spot. Then it’s down the First Finger to reconnect to Fossil Ridge and back to the cars. Depart Red Rock Casino at 8:30 AM. Coordinator- Lettie Gutierrez
Tuesday, December 31, Anniversary Narrows Peak & South Bowl Loop: Strenuous, ~6 miles, ~1400’ gain, 8:00 AM - High Clearance Vehicles will be required to reach the trailhead at MM 16 of Northshore Road. After a steep climb up to the peak that overlooks the narrows and the North and South Bowls of Fire, we will descend into the South Bowl and loop around through the sandstone back to the cars. Meet at the Albertson’s at Lake Mead & Hollywood Blvds. for an 8:00 AM departure or meet at MM 4 on Northshore Road at 8:15 AM. Coordinator- Kay Blackwell
