VegasHikers

A scramble I try to post each Monday specifically for those who would like to see if they can climb in the beautiful sandstone of Red Spring Peak. Beginners who successfully complete this whole route two times and complete two or more Red Spring, Seal Head, Kraft or Calico hikes with me are eligible to receive the Vegas Hikers Scrambling Skills pin if you are Pin Program members.

More experienced scramblers are welcome, but this route is geared for intermediate beginners or adventurous first-time scramblers. We may skip some of the west side of the route if we are progressing slowly and will take the hike beyond the 2 1/2 hour allotment. We may take alternative routes if there are no intermediate scramblers.

You should bring at least 1 liter of water in a hydration pack for easy use while moving, a light snack for the peak, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, gloves for hot rocks, etc. Dress for the weather; light layers are best for cold days. Sticky soled shoes are best for climbing on sandstone.

Hike: Red Spring Peak - Intermediate Beginner Level
Trailhead: Red Spring Park parking lot
Distance: could be 1.8 miles, more or less
Elevation gain: 840 feet
Elevation peak: 4,304 feet
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (+/-)
Class: 3 (requires using hands to help raise or lower yourself)
Pace: SLOW / Moderate with short breaks as required
Children/Dogs: No

Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park/BLM 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 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.

In addition to the electronic liability waiver information above, on advice of counsel, I now require each hiker to sign a written liability waiver, which I will provide at the meetup location. If you are unwilling to provide me this waiver, please do not request to go on my hikes.

I try to always carry a SpotX emergency notification device on my hikes to get help in the shortest amount of time in the event of any emergency requiring SAR or medical help, even without cell or data cell phone coverage.

I request that each hiker carry emergency instructions with them on each hike. This information should be easy to find in their packs and include their name, emergency contact person(s) and phone numbers and maybe even primary care physician and pertinent medical info like prescription medications being taken, allergies, etc.

Link to my Flickr for photos: https://flic.kr/ps/3hmP9b

***This is a rock scramble, not a trail hike. It requires you to actively climb up/down rock.***

If the group size gets large, I will close RSVPs at about 15, so please sign up early.

Requirements:

• Water or other hydration liquid - Minimum 2 liters is recommended
• Full use of both hands & feet
• Appropriate footwear (hint: Not trail shoes)
• Rock Scrambling experience

Our route will mostly follow the shade and breeze. There are typically some fun ascents (with exposure), perhaps some slots, and lots of cardio to get your heart pumping. It is appropriate for a broad range of rock scramblers, from the novice (but not the first-timer) to intermediate/advanced.

The view from the top is impressive. Not only can you see Calico Basin and the incredible views of the Red Rock National Conservation Area's scenic loop, but we'll also be able to see The Strip and a large portion of the Las Vegas Valley.

As always, we'll keep an eye out for any wildlife to be seen along the way. In this area, there are many different animals like chuckwallas, red tailed hawks, ring tailed cat, and roadrunners, and the odd tarantula.

Critical Info
If your VegasHikers profile does not reflect rock scrambling proficiency, please sent me a private note with your rock scrambling experience. This is needed before I can put you on the "going" list. To send me a note through Meetup click on my profile and then click "send a message".

If you don't know what rock scrambling is, or you do not understand why there is an emphasis on rock scrambling experience --- This route is not appropriate for you.

According to the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), this hike is considered a Class 3 rock scramble as it "requires moderate scrambling on steep, rocky terrain that requires handholds for upward movement and safety." Expect some exposure.

Not for those afraid of heights or tight spaces. There are a few places that require intermediate rock scrambling skills and there is some exposure. You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms.

Everyone signs on to the wait list.

• Helmets are always welcome. Be sure to use one that doesn't block your sight.
• No guests. Everyone attending must be part of VegasHikers. It takes only a few minutes to create a profile and it's FREE.
• Since there is no cell reception, canceling less than an hour before the posted start time will be considered a "no show.
• Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you in your pack (hard copy, not digital format).

Check the weather before you come out, and please be prepared (sunscreen, hats, extra water, multiple clothing layers, etc).

We leave the trailhead at the posted hike time, so please arrive at least 10 minutes early for last minute preparations.

No guests will be allowed. Everyone on the going list must be a member of VegasHikers. It takes a couple of minutes to sign up and it's FREE.

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

We'll meet at the Red Springs Parking Lot in Calico Basin. To get there, just head west on Charleston towards the park and make a right turn onto the well-marked Calico Basin turnoff. It's 2 miles BEFORE the Park entrance. Follow the road down to the Red Springs parking lot.

Frequently asked questions. ( https://www.meetup.com/VegasHikers/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/ )

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip approximately
Elevation gain: ~ 850 total ft.
High point: ~4,260
Low point: ~3,598
Difficulty: moderate
Pace: ~ 1 mph.
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Poles: no
Bring: At LEAST one liter of water. Snacks if you want.

Please note the following:

• 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.