The Las Vegas Hiking and Outdoors Meetup

March 22, 2009 1:00 PM - 3 attended

Calico Tank + Free Microderm Abrasion!

Sandstone Quarry (map)

Selected By: Cynthia DesGrange

35 photos of this Meetup

Uploaded by: Shin, Cynthia DesGrange

ALERT! Although my hikes are usually "rain or shine", the added severe wind today makes this trail unpleasant and dangerous. Calico Tanks is angled just right to catch a serious smack-down, so you end up on your hands and knees to climb the stairs. Plus, you get a free microderm abrasion from all the sand whipping around. I emailed all the Yes/Maybe's to alert them they're off the hook - but I'll still be out there in case someone didn't get the notice in time. If you want to brave onward, you might want to bring a pair of goggles and some of those arm-floaty things.

Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
Pace: 2 of 5
~~Difficulty: 2.5 of 5~~
Elevation: +500 ft.
Scrambling: Class 2.5 of 5
~~Danger: 2 of 5~~
Goal: < 3 hours

Bring: Water, snack, and jacket. ~~Strong children ok.~~ No dogs please.

Carpool at 1:00: Meet at the Red Rock EXIT, in the free parking lot next to the tire spikes. Park entrance is $5 per car or $20 annual pass. (♥ Support our parks! ♥) We'll leave around 1:10.

Trailhead at 1:30: Red Rock Scenic Drive, Sandstone Quarry parking is the third turn-off. Outhouse available. There's lots of parking, ~~but it's always packed, especially on a beautiful weekend afternoon.~~

This is the classic tourist hike in Red Rock, for very good reason. It has a great view of our incomparable city, varying terrain, several natural “Stairmasters” to get your heart rate up, and a little light scrambling -- right in the middle of the gorgeous Calico Hills. Plus, there is water almost year-round, whether it is in the large tank at the end or iced up in little brooks along the way in the winter.

~~This event is great for moderate hikers who enjoy a social pace, or beginners who want to kick it up a notch.~~ The path is not well-marked, so we need to stay together, which means we go as fast as our slowest person.

PS: It's the first hike of my 30's! Hahaha!

Happy Hikers ...

Leave no trace. No trash, no food, no pet waste. Minimize your impact by staying on marked trails, no shortcuts or cutting switchbacks. Take nothing but photos.
In a group, hike single file or stick to the right half of a wide trail. Yield to faster and smaller groups. Uphill hikers should be given the right of way as they are working harder. Whenever you pause, move off to the side so there's room for others to pass.
Greet people you meet. This makes sure they know you are there and is polite. Feel free to invite them to join our group.
Plan on drinking 16 oz. of water per hour. Even if you're not thirsty, you should be hydrating; you don't feel the water loss until its too late -- your body is working hard!
Avoid cramps, fatigue and wobbles with drinks and snacks that target electrolytes and potassium (ex: Banana, Clif Shot, Gatorade, Emergen-C, etc.)
Even on cloudy days, the sun is damaging your skin. Sunblock is essential, hats are terrific.
Carpool when possible. It's good for your wallet and the environment. It's also kind to avoid maxing out the parking spaces. Tip your driver.
RSVP with integrity. YES means YES. You are holding a spot someone else wanted. You might think "I'm only one no-show, they won't miss me" ... but several people do and we end up with half the people. Change your RSVP to No as soon as you know you're not coming.

OC
lets see those photos

Posted March 22, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Cynthia DesGrange
Shin, thank you so much for taking us to the peak - it was a fantastic workout and so much FUN!

Posted March 23, 2009 at 10:28 PM
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3 attended

5.002 (2 ratings)

Event Host

Cynthia DesGrange
Superstar, Assistant Organizer

PSYCH!! We arrived and froze til the crack of 1:30 ... when the whole three of us decided to embark. One poor lady didn't wear enough warm stuff, so she shivered back to civilization. You would not believe how empty the parking lots were, but that means more trail for us! Besides a cool wind, we all felt fine once we got moving. The wind and sand were on our backs, so we made amazing time to the top viewing rock, which provided a fabulous wind-blocker for a light lunch. The valley was hooded in clouds, even a little rain -- but it's always sunny in Red Rock, right? Shin volunteered to take us to Calico Tank Peak, where I signed my very first peak book! YAY! Luckily, we stayed dry all day, and there were only a few spots where the wind coming back gave us a real fight. We dropped down a steep slot canyon, back to the main trail and home. Except, as usual, I took an hour nap in my car. I think I have hike-induced narcolepsy!
Shin
Superman, Assistant Organizer

Where the hell are everybody!! Yeah, its bit breezy and colder than my living room, but it was BEAUTIFUL hiking day!! Anyway, our 3 made it to the Calico tank PEAK !! Cynthia Rocks!
A former member