VegasHikers

 
 
 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS

• You must have done one of my Tier 3 or higher hikes with me OR, you must have a "Scrambling Skills" pins from Organizer Jane R.'s or Pastor Jim.

AND

• YOU MUST SIGN A WRITTEN WAIVER TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. The link to the written waiver is here:
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/written-waiver.pdf
You will not be moved to the "going" list without providing a signed waiver.
If you have already provided a waiver to me, you do not need to provide another one.

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This hike goes to the peak above the Calico Tanks. It's another common destination in the Park, but not as common as some others. The view from the peak is wider than from the tanks. You can see more of the rocks and more of the city. We'll be taking a less common route along the way. It's a fun scramble with lots of large boulders and ledges and walls to climb. I've been lucky enough to see some big lizards on this route and I've heard of one sighting of a bobcat on this route (but I don't expect to see any cats).

On this hike we will climb up from Ash creek along what I call the double alternate route up to the Calico Tanks. We will then climb from there up to the peak. We'll rest at the top and take in the view and then we'll return via "Jack's crack." This is a somewhat technical route, both up and down, so it will require scrambling experience.

We've seen a lot of wildlife in this area, including a coyote, a tortoise, and a gila monster. Take a look at my wildlife gallery for some of my favorite pictures of animals I've seen.
http://richardwaltjen.com/galleries-2/animal-gallery/

Not for beginners or those afraid of heights. There are many places that require advanced scrambling skills and there is some exposure. You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms.

• Helmets are always welcome. Be sure to use one that doesn't block your sight.

• Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you.

• No guests will be allowed without my prior approval.

YOU MUST BE ON THE "GOING" LIST IN ORDER TO GO ON THIS HIKE. CRASHING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

STATS
Distance: ~ 5 miles loop.
Elevation gain: ~ 1800 ft.
High point: ~ 4930
Low point: ~ 3700 ft.
Difficulty: moderate - difficult (Class 3-4 scrambling, elevation gain)
Pace: ~ 2 Miles Per Hour.
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: 3.5 hours max.
Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.
Scrambling Tiers

INFORMATION LINKS

Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdf

Passages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Passages.pdf

Pin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdf

 
 
 

NOTE: This is not the "standard" trail to Fletcher Peak, so please read the description carefully.

This route up to Fletcher Peak is more challenging than the North Loop trail approach but it is much shorter and will provide more solitude. We park at a small pull-off which only has room for a couple of cars. We will hike off trail up a canyon, hit the ridge to Fletcher and head to the peak. We'll return the same way.

This is a challenging hike and is not for beginners or those not prepared for off-trail conditions. It's mostly off-trail with a variety of wash scrambling, steep dirt/scree sections, and loose rock. Bring poles if you like using them. The route is steep gaining 2800 ft in about 2 miles. We will be moving at a moderate pace.

Everyone starts on the wait list

>> Due to the small parking pullout, the # hikers will be limited to how many we can fit in 2 cars <<

If We Haven't Hiked Together:
Make sure that your VegasHikers Meetup profile is filled out and up to date so that I can determine your ability and hiking experience. Feel free to be proactive by sending me a private message on Meetup with more details about your experience. (Hint: better chance of getting added if you take a moment to do this!)

STATS:
Distance: ~5 miles (up and back)
Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
Elevation of Peak: 10,319 feet
Time: 4 to 5 hours hiking time
Pace: Moderate
Class: 2

Bring 2 - 3 liters of water (minimum), snacks/lunch, sunscreen, hat.

Disclaimer
Please be aware that Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. The purpose of these activities is to provide enjoyment of the outdoors through organized activities. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. Each participant is expected to be physically and mentally capable of safely accomplishing activities and will follow all safety guidelines and use instructions associated with the event. Each participant is financially responsible for loss or damage to any equipment related to the event. The organizers of this group and current / former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. There may be times when a coordinator fee is assessed. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising from or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.

 
 
 

This scenic loop ascends from the Kraft Trailhead to Calico Tank via a network of interesting gullies.

This fairly short 3 mile circuit with vertical gain of 985' is intended to maximize the scrambling experience but LIMIT THE DIFFICULTY to Class 2 and 3, all straightforward moves with modest exposure. Pace moderate.

Requirement: basic scrambling skills/experience. Helmets are advised but not required.

Expect at least 3-4 hours.

No guests, pets, children.

Limit: 12.

• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.

• All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests.

• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.

 
 
 

Please read the entire hike description. New participants will be required to sign a Waiver similar to the Disclaimer below.

VegasHikers Magazine Click attached link; pages 1, 3, 5, 16 and 17 have info about me (aka Pastor Jim) and the Charleston Series

This hike on the west side of Kraft Mtn in Calico Basin is intended to be an advanced beginner level scramble but experienced scramblers are welcome. At the beginning of the hike, the west side of Kraft will be in the shade.

STATS
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Pace: slow to moderate
Time: 3.0 hours
Class: 2 and 3
Exposure: none or minimal
Gear: hiking boots or trail shoes will be allowed but approach shoes are recommended; trekking poles are not allowed; gloves are recommended but not required
Tailgate: none; no after-hike tailgate

As many of you know, Jane had shoulder surgery on 2/24 so I am posting "Jane-type" scrambling hikes in her absence. Jane has been tirelessly leading and teaching scrambling skills to the hiking community so let's keep it going and pray for her speedy recovery! She started PT on 3/21.

Scrambling is not hiking; it is climbing up, down, over, under, around and through rocks. The difficulty of our route will be based on the experience level of the attendees. If you are new to scrambling, you will learn about different techniques, terminology, gear and safety; all while being amongst the most amazing people and scenery in Las Vegas. Scrambling is challenging and FUN for anyone who enjoys adventure and doesn't mind a few scratches or bruises along the way.

If you have any questions, text me at[masked].

Disclaimer
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.