New Hike Red Cliffs to Nightmare Gulch, Red Rock Cyn Park (CANTIL/MOJAVE).

Saturday, January 3, 2024 -Out and Back Hike - Red Cliff to Nightmare Gulch, Red Rock Canyon, Cantil CA - a FUN DESERT ADVENTURE (Weather Permitting)

Hike leader volunteers: Paul H, and Gary S.

Hiking Distance: ~ 6 to 7 ish miles
**Hike Ranking: (*Level 2/Beginner/Intermediate)(see chart below):*)

Time: ~ Approx 4-5 hours hiking including one snack break
Conditioning: you need to be in generally good physical condition, OK with possible mud and rocks as well a possible water puddles.

Dogs : Dogs allowed only in picnic area, campground, and primitive roads. Dogs not allowed on trails.

Restrooms: At the Trail head
Adventure Pass: There is a 6 dollar fee per car, but last time I was the the Iron Ranger Ticket booth was out of order.

DESCRIPTION: The Club has traditionally kicked off the year with a hike in this area. In the past, this has typically been a 10-mile loop, but this year we’re trying a new 7-mile out-and-back option that hikers of all experience levels can enjoy.

Our route is not entirely on a designated trail and will include traveling up a recently active stream-bed. We’ll begin at the Red Cliffs Trailhead and make our way to Nightmare Gulch, where we’ll experience spectacular sandstone formations. The terrain is mostly flat, but with numerous offshoots, so it will be important for the group to stay together.
On the way to and from the gulch, we’ll cross an open desert area that has already been brought to life by recent rains and warm temperatures. With a bit of luck, we’ll be greeted by early wildflowers, colorful scenery, and capped off with unique rock formations along the way.

WEAR: Expect cold windy weather in the Desert; hike will start early and may be chilly to start. Dress in layers, bring extra outerwear just in case. We recommend winter hat/ scarf, GLOVES!!, a WINDPROOF outer layer, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking shoes/boots with thread and hiking poles. Also bring Snacks and 2 - 3 liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets; camera, hat and sunscreen. A WEATHER FORECAST UPDATE WILL BE FORWARDED CLOSER TO HIKE DAY.

WARNINGS:

• We will be hiking up a stream bed that may still have some mud and muck, as well as a lot of unevenly placed rocks.

ESSENTIAL GEAR:

• Hiking shoes/boots/poles.
• Layers recommended. Bring warm jacket.
• Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets; camera, hat and sunscreen.

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 2, Beginner/Intermediate*(see chart below):*
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE - Consider your capabilities before RSVP'ing for a hike to ensure you are properly conditioned for a hike:
1) Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain
2) Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain
3) Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain
4) Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain
5) Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain

TRAILHEAD LOCATION (click here for What3Words Map):
Red Rock Cliffs Parking Area, Red Cliffs Natural Area, CA-14, CA
The park is 25 miles northeast of Mojave on Highway 14
We meet at the Red Cliffs Parking area the first Right when you see the 4 way road crossing sign, we you first see a Big Red Cliff on the right going northward from Mojave. There is a pair of pit toilets in next to the parking lot, if you see that you are in the right location.
Google Map To The parking area here.

We highly recommend GAIA (or AllTrails) and What3Words apps be installed on your cell phones!
· Recommended Gear List for Hiking and Survival Safety

CARPOOLING:
Contact fellow hikers in advance by posting on the Event Chat, or contact others to arrange carpools. Convenient places to meet are:

• Outside STARBUCKS (16548 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91387), in the SAND CANYON/ Soledad Canyon Road junction VONs strip mall parking lot, off the 14 Hwy!!! 6:15AM Departure. The total drive is ~ 85 miles one way, ~ 90 minutes.
• McDonalds in the town of Mojave at 7:00 am. Located on the corner of 14 HWY at Mojave - Barstow Hwy. We leave from McD's at ~7:15AM, it is only 26.5miles from the trailhead.

The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes such like this. Please contribute.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in Meetup “Terms of Service”. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.