Hiking with Jeff - Lone Mountain Ascent

If you are just getting started, this route might be appropriate for you!

Jeff has been hanging with VegasHikers for years, but he’s never had the opportunity to get out on the rocks and trails. It wasn’t his fitness level that held him back, but his eyesight. He’s “the blind guy”, always listening to the tales of the trail, because he didn’t think he could keep up.

That changed in November 2025. After training at home, he started signing up with the Tuesday night Lone Mountain Loop and Trivia at Aces & Ales. Two loops, 4.25 miles, 350 feet total ascent. He walks with the group, not only keeping up, but sometimes setting the pace. But facing an ascent with uneven terrain is very different.

He started working to conquer Lone Mountain Peak and it is challenging and definitely a slower pace! Armed with trek poles, sticky soles, dry wit and sarcasm, he is working his way up, and we’re invited along.

There will also be Hiking with Jeff routes posted for the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and as the snow melts, the Mount Charleston Region. He’s training for Kilimanjaro and wants to begin getting used to higher elevations.

Whether you are trying to move your body more (we’re looking at you, New Years’ Resolution), are new to hiking, or just want to get outside, these routes may be for you.

Important Location Info
Let's meet at the West Side Parking lot.

• We leave the parking lot at the posted start time to ensure we are back before dark.
• I recommend arriving 10 minutes early to give you time to prep and meet everyone.
• Hiking or approach shoes are recommended as the rock and scree towards the top can be slick.

Route & Pace Info
We'll hit the trail and mosey up Lone Mountain's West Side!!! The address for your GPS is 15 Vegas Vista Trail.

We’ll take the steep trail for the initial ascent. It’s a mix of sand, gravel and rock. The scenic lookout about a third of the way up, is an ideal viewing area (complete with bench) to people-watch. There will be dozens of people on the Lone Mountain Loop below: walkers, joggers, people on horseback and cyclists. We'll see the horse park and potentially a desert hare or coyote - Yes, they come out during the day, even with tons of people around.

With Jeff, we head up for about an hour, then turn back to the parking lot. However, if your pace is faster, you can continue to the peak. The route is just over a mile long with a 550 ft ascent. The descent is slow. The pace will be casual as we enjoy some of the best weather the NW Valley has to offer.

Las Vegas Views
If you've never been up Lone Mountain, you are in for a treat. The entire Las Vegas valley sprawls at your feet, whether you stop at the bench, trek to the peak or find the peak of your endurance somewhere in between. To the north and northwest, you can see the Desert National Wildlife Range, including the (possibly) snow-capped Mount Charleston. To the south you'll see the mountains of Red Rock Canyon, and in the west, the La Madre Mountain Wilderness.

Frequently asked questions. (https://www.meetup.com/VegasHikers/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/)
Distance: ~ 1.25 miles – up and back
Elevation gain: ~ 550 ft. if you go to the peak
High point: ~3,340
Low point: ~2,790
Difficulty: moderate-difficult (elevation gain, distance, class 3 scrambling)
Pace: ~ .5 to1 Miles Per Hour
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: ~3.00 hours
Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.

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. You further agree that you assume the risk of negligence by 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.