Early Bird Balloon Race Mass Ascension Launch & Keystone Canyon Hike

Come join us for this early morning Hot Air Balloon adventure. We'll start off at the East Keystone Trailhead parking and hike up over the ridge via the connector trail to spot overlooking San Rafael park and the balloons. We'll stop here for 30 to 40 minutes to watch the Mass Ascension Launch scheduled for 7:00 am. The hike will then continue to the top of Keystone Canyon where we'll climb up to the Poedunk trail with good views of Reno and follow it back to the trailhead. About 5 miles and 600 feet of elevation gain. This hike is considered moderate but it has some climbing.

Things to bring:
SITTING PAD or backpacking chair for 30+ minutes of sitting,
Hot/cold drink and snacks to enjoy while watching the balloons,
Binoculars if you have some;

PARKING - The trailhead has parking and since it's not normally a balloon race viewing location, there should be plenty of parking spaces at that time. There is also parking on the road if needed.

Dress in layers as it will start off 'chilly' and then warm up. It will be dark when we start but sunny later so remember your hat and sun glasses.

Since this is a Sierra Club hike, we ask you to sign our liability waiver at the trailhead and donate $1 to help cover First Aid Training for all our leaders.
If you want to review the Sierra Club Sign-Up and Participant Agreement in advance, see pages 3-4 at: https://bit.ly/3zN1Jl0

Leader: Bernard Vienneau
Co-Leader: Christie G