Ash Canyon Loop - Calico Quickie Evening Hike

We'll head up Ash Canyon through the wash where there's mostly easy Class 2/3 scrambling. There may be a couple of tricky spots but nothing super hard. The scrambling turns into trail and at the end of the canyon we'll turn right onto Rattlesnake Trail. From there we'll loop back around, go over Hell Hill, and head back to the parking lot.

This hike is open to beginner hikers that are active and in good shape and hikers that are new members to Vegas Hikers. We'll be moving at a moderate-fast pace so no slow hikers. If you're active in other sports or a regular hiker in decent shape, you should be fine, but send me a private message if you're not sure.

Everyone starts on the waitlist.

BRING A HEADLAMP (test it and check those batteries!!). THIS HIKE MAY END IN THE DARK.

NOTE: There have been reports of thefts from cars in the Red Springs and Kraft parking lots. Don't leave anything valuable in your car during the hike and don't leave anything in view that would be tempting to a thief.

STATS:
Distance: ~4 miles
Elevation gain: ~1,000 feet
Elevation peak: 4,530 feet
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 3
Danger level: 2
Class: 3
Pace: Moderate-Fast

Bring a minimum of 2 liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and presents for your organizer.

Contact Card: Everyone should have a 3x5 card in their pack that has their emergency contacts on it and any pertinent medical history (allergies, meds, diabetes, etc). Place this in one of the small pockets of your pack to make it easy to find in the event that you're incapacitated.

** IMPORTANT** SCRAMBLING FITNESS (this applies to scrambling hikes)
You need to know your pace and ability levels and you must understand that being highly physically fit in one sport or area of training does not mean you’re at that same level for rock scrambling. You must build up to that level as with any activity. For example, if you run marathons, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to keep up with moderate/fast scramblers. You’re using completely different muscles and moving over different terrain. Go with your “hiking” level of fitness, not your “general” level of fitness when determining the pace you can keep. Some people just move naturally faster or slower than others. It’s not good or bad. It’s just different. KNOW YOUR LIMITS!! I encourage everyone to challenge themselves, but be smart about it.

Hiking Classes
Know and understand the following classes of hikes. Be sure you’re comfortable with the posted class before signing up.

Watch this 2 min video that explains the hiking classes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7FXpwgrZKU)

Class 1: Walking with a low chance of injury.

Class 2: Simple scrambling with the occasional use of the hands. Little danger is encountered.

Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.

Class 4: Climbing with exposure. A rope may be used. Falls will likely result in severe injury or death. Not for those afraid of heights.

Class 5: Technical free climbing involving harnesses, rope, belaying, and other protective hardware for safety. Falls will likely result in severe injury or death.

What's exposure? This refers to being in a location where there's a lot of open air below you. In other words, if you fall it’s a long way down. Trails typically have minimal exposure unless it's beside a cliff. Scrambling can have minimal exposure or a lot of exposure depending on the specific spot.

Disclaimer
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 adventure. Each participant is financially responsible for loss or damage to any equipment related to the adventure.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 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. There may be times when a coordinators 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 out of or related to this event against the organizers of this Meetup group.