December 31, 2009 8:00 AM - 25 attended
Snowshoe hiking or Crosscountry Ski at Bristlecone Trail
Starbucks @ 95/N. Durango (map)
Somehow, I got a day off on New Years Eve (instead of New Years Day).
So, I have decided to post some 'intro to snowshoe' or 'beginners snowshoeing' or 'snowshoe 101' or whatever you call.
Yes, we are going to hike on the SNOW !! And this is an easy class snowshoe hiking. Even I said 'Easy', snowshoeing is not really easy. Since you hike with extra weight (snowshoe & snow) on your ankle, your feet will get tired very soon. I think snowshoe hiking is twice or more harder than normal hike. (its all depends on snow condition)
Bristlecone trail is located near the Las Vegas Ski Resort. This trail is about 5 miles open loop trail. Its bit long trail for beginners, but I couldn't find any easier trail around the city.
We will start from upper Bristlecone trailhead and goes down to lower Bristlecone trailhead. So, elevation gain is minimal. We hike buck up to the Upper Bristlecone trailhead by the road (for 1 mile). Maybe about 1000 ft total elevation gain. But, we can reduce last 1 mile and 200 ft elevation gain, if we park few high clearance 4WD vehicle at the Lower Bristlecone trailhead. ( I rather like to do this if we got enough vehicle)
Since this is the beginner hikers snowshoeing, I can't tell how many hours its takes. Its all up to slowest hiker in the group and I can't imagine how slow we will...Maybe twice or more slower than normal hike...
Stats:
Hike: Bristlecone Trail (snowshoe) - Loop trail
Trailhead: Upper Bristlecone Trailhead (by the Ski Resort)
Distance: 5 - 6 miles
Elevation gain: 800 - 1,000 ft total
Elevation peak: 9,400 ft
Time: 5 - 6 hours ?
Difficulty: 2
To join this hike, you MUST bring the following gear.
Buy it, Rent it or Steal it. What ever it take.
1. Snow Shoes or Crosscountry Ski....You can rent snowshoes at Sports Charlet or REI
2. Ski pole or Trekking pole (with snow baskets)
3. Alpine Boots or Water proof Boots (with at least mid ankle)
4. Gloves
Also, the following gear are recommended.
1. Gaiters
2. Ski Pants
3. Beanie Hat
4. Jacket/wind breaker...yeah, its really cold up there.
(but don't bring too many layers. 3 - 4 layers are enough!)
5. Sunglass
6. Sun screen
Please bring lots of water and snack too. We may stop at some point for short lunch.
The water in the hydration hose may freeze if its not insulated. Bring it in the water bottle.
Hot coffee or tea might be good if you have insulated bottle.
Very strong kids maybe OK. No Dogs, No Polar Bear, please.
If you are not sure you can make it all the loop, or you want to bring your kids, please drive your vehicle up to the trailhead. And you can leave the group and turn around anytime you want.
Carpoolers must pay $5-6 to the Driver.
I may cancel this hike if the weather looks very bad. But, we will go if its lightly snowing.
Any Questions?
Email me or call me [masked]
Shin
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Shin
Grizzly and Car is allowed as long as its leashed.
But, sorry for the Kids. It was OK, if their name was 'Pom Pom'.Posted December 16, 2009 at 6:03 PM -
Jan Hettich
Which style snow shoe is best? See photo: http://www.risdonrigs.com/Portals/101/snowshoedisplay.jpg
Posted December 20, 2009 at 12:20 AM -
Shin
Hey, Jan
Seems like you like classic. But, you can't pick from style. Shorter snowshoe is lighter and easy to move, but doesn't hold heavy weight. Longer snowshoe holds heavy weight, but heavier and hard to walk. So, pick the right size depends on your weight.Posted December 20, 2009 at 12:51 AM -
Shin
Since only 10 hikers (or so) are the newbie and there are multiple Assistant organizer, I have decided to open extra 15 spots.
Now, if you don't have snowshoe, you better call Sport Chalet or REI to reserve your snowshoe, or they may run out the stock.Posted December 20, 2009 at 6:40 PM -
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Shin
I have never managed more than 30 people group. So, I'm kinda nervous. But, this is beginner class and we will hike slowly. I don't mind any hikers go ahead of me and hike in the fast pace. But, I will stick with the slower group to help them out. Anyway, I will bring 4 sets of Radio and pass it to anyone turn around. You can bring your own radio if you have one. In that case use channel '8-1'.
Posted December 20, 2009 at 7:10 PM -
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Carrie
As of right now, The District REI store has 3 pair available for rent. The Boca Park REI store has 24 pair available for rent. The fee is $10.00 for members and $14.00 for non-members for a 24 hour period. You can pick them up on 12/30 and only be charged for one day. There is no deposit for members. For non-members, there is a $100.00 deposit. Poles are $4.00 for members and $6.00 for non-members. Test the poles to make sure the lock works and they don't collapse before you leave the store!
Posted December 21, 2009 at 10:15 AM -
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Carrie
Apparently REI won't reserve snow shoes to non-members over the phone.
Posted December 21, 2009 at 10:49 AM -
Carrie
McGhie's (4035 S. Fort Apache) has 8 pair of snowshoes available for rent. The fee is $20.00 for snowshoes and poles. You cannot reserve them ahead of time.
Posted December 21, 2009 at 12:12 PM -
Shin
Thanks Carrie.
I know at least 5 hikers (including me) have their own snowshoes/crosscountry ski for sure.
So, every hiker may have their own snowshoe/crosscountry ski, if they reserve it ASAP.Posted December 22, 2009 at 12:21 AM -
LETTY (silly asian)
Yay..I have everything I need for this hike..I reserve my snowshoe at green valley though...
Posted December 26, 2009 at 11:48 PM -
NDN Richard
hello everyone...........I just wanna post a comment that I have an extra pair of MSR lightning ascent 30 snowshoes and poles that some can borrow on thursday, so if needed e-mail and let me know. Put em through some good use!
Posted December 27, 2009 at 7:05 PM -
NDN Richard
Yatahey again!....To all newbies, avoid wearing any cotton (socks,t-shirt,denim pants,underwear). Snowshoeing makes you break a sweat, so between sweating and the snow, cotton will get wet and STAY WET! You will not be able to stay warm in wet clothes in cold weather.
Posted December 28, 2009 at 9:04 AM -
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NDN Richard
My extra snowshoes are no longer available for thursday.They Have been lent out already.
Posted December 28, 2009 at 5:54 PM -
Curtis
I got my snow shoes and am ready to go! Thanks for the tip Richard, I'm going Commando!
Posted December 30, 2009 at 12:56 PM -
Cheryl
There are some great photographers in the group! I really enjoyed looking through the pictures.
Posted January 1, 2010 at 2:07 PM
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ShinEvent HostSuperman, Assistant OrganizerIt was a great way ending the year of 2009 and starting snowshoe hiking. Seems like everyone likes snowshoeing. I will post another snowshoeing trip near future.
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LETTY (silly asian)Sweet and LowI had fun snowshoeing..I wish I could keep up w/ the rest ..Thanks Shin!!
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CherylWhat a fantastic way to spend New Year's Eve! I think this was the first of many days I will spend frolicking in snowshoes.
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TammySo much fun! Good friends, drinks, and food. The weather the perfect and the scenery was awesome! What a great way to end the year!
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chips-a-hoy chiThis was an incredibly fun and awesome experience for me. My first time snowshoeing and I had a blast. The people on this hike were great and they made it fun.
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CurtisMagic FingersThank you very much Shin. I now have another hobby/activity I am hooked on. Alot more hiking just opened up during the winter for me and alot of others.
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CarrieAssistant OrganizerThank you for a fantastic and fun time, Shin! I'm definitely hooked on snowshoeing. Just one more toy that I have to buy now.
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A former member
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