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VegasHikers

4.9•56789 ratings

Las Vegas, NV, US

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About us

WELCOME!
VegasHikers is the premier hiking group in the Desert Southwest! We take more hikes to more places and have the friendliest, most welcoming organizers of any group around. We feature hikes for all skill levels, road trips, camping, and social gatherings. We have events at a huge variety of times, places, and days. We even hike at night! With dozens of organizers and an average of more than an event a day, you're sure to find activities to suit your fancy.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS.
Our organizers are not tour guides, we're not rangers. Going out with us is the same as going out with a few friends. Expect the same risks, take the same precautions. As organizers, we will do our best to give accurate descriptions of the hikes we post. If you're a beginning hiker, a hike's elevation and distance may not mean much to you. Likewise, difficulty ratings are subjective, and a hike that is "easy" to one person may be "moderate" to another. Err on the side of caution. You're much better off going on a hike that's too easy for you than a hike that's too hard or too dangerous for you. As you go on more hikes with us, you'll become more familiar with our ratings and our descriptions, and you'll learn more about your own limits. Ultimately, it's up to you to keep yourself safe out there. You're an adult. Hike within your abilities.
DUES/FEES
There are no membership dues to be a part of this group. It does take money to pay for this site, fill up first aid kits, and keep organizers prepared, so we gladly take donations any time they're offered.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our group can be defined by five terms, which help guide every decision we make. They are as follows:

All are welcome
We hike together
We come prepared
We're all adults
We appreciate the outdoors

Upcoming events

57

Scrambling Skills: Intermediate Level (Imagination Trench)
Sat, Apr 11 · 7:00 AM PDT
Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, US
Please read the entire hike description. New participants will be required to sign a Waiver similar to the Disclaimer below.

When you RSVP, 2 separate answers are required:
Q1. What is your cell number?
Q2. Do you understand that Approach shoes are required?
Please respond in this format: 1. xxx-xxx-xxxx, 2. Yes

Questions: text Jim at 702-515-9824.

This is a Rick W route that becomes a favorite of everyone who does it. It is almost all class 2, 3 and 3+ scrambling with some exposure consisting of trenches, gullies, slots, chutes and arches with names like Stairway to Heaven, Lo Jack Crack, Top of the World, and The Flume. There is some brush early and late in the hike so be forewarned.

HIKE QUICK STATS:
Trailhead: Sandstone Quarry (inside the Scenic Loop)
Distance: 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Class: 2, 3, 3+
Exposure: some
Difficulty: strenuous
Duration: 4.5 hours
Pace: moderate
Gear:
approach shoes - required and will be checked at the garage
trekking poles - not allowed
gloves - optional

No pets or children. You must be on the Going list to attend.
All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up & it's FREE.

A "Scrambling Skills" pin is available to anyone who completes at least one each of Beginner Level, Advanced Beginner Level, Beginner Intermediate Level and Intermediate Level "Scrambling Skills" hikes.

Directions: from Hwy 215, take the exit for W Charleston Blvd and go east to the Red Rock Hotel & Casino. We will meet in the West garage (visible from Hwy 215) on the 3rd floor in the northwest corner of section 3D and form carpools for the drive to the trailhead. If you have a Red Rock park pass, please bring it along with photo ID.

It is prime season so as a courtesy to all the other guests of the park, I am requiring everyone to carpool. Please do not ask if you can drive alone and meet at the trailhead.

Check out the latest issue of the VegasHikers Magazine
Follow us on Facebook! VegasHikers FB page

Tentative Schedule Red Rock Series:
4/11 - Imagination Trench
4/18 - Goodman Peak – Jim’s birthday; Liz's 800th hike

Tentative Schedule Charleston Series:
5/2 - Escarpment Trail/Lower Acastus Trail
5/9 - Stanley B Springs/Mines/Beyond
5/16 - Echo Trail/Little Falls/Cathedral Rock
5/23 - Lower Bristlecone/Bonanza Trail
5/30 - Fletcher Canyon/Eagle's Nest

6/9 - Raintree/Wildhorse Canyon
6/13 - Divide Peak
6/20 - Fletcher Peak
6/27 - Bonanza Peak (HCV's)
7/4 - Mummy's Toe/Deer Creek Canyon
7/11 - Griffith Peak/Cabin BBQ
7/18 - Mummy Mtn
7/25 - Helicopter Pad/Lee Peak
8/1 - Charleston Peak/Cabin BBQ (National Summit Day)

Tentative Schedule Southern California & Southern Utah Series:
4/24- Red Reef Trail (Leeds, UT) - already posted
4/25 - Coalpits Wash (La Verkin, UT) - already posted
4/26 - Scout Cave, Snow Canyon (St George, UT) - already posted

8/8 - Ashdown Gorge (Cedar City, UT)
8/29 - Taylor Creek (UT)
9/18-20 - Big Pine Lakes (Big Pine, CA) – already posted
10/3 – Candy Cliffs/Yant Flats (UT)

Disclaimer:
Please be aware that your 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 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.
14 attendees
Terrace Canyon Pk--->Gunsight Notch peak
Sat, Apr 11 · 7:00 AM PDT
Mathnasium in the Vista Commons, 11700 W Charleston Blvd #190, Las Vegas, NV, US
This hike will begin at the Pine Creek trailhead. We will take the harder route to the peak and then traverse over to Gunsight Notch Peak. I have never linked these two together, so there might be a bit of exploring. When we make it to the peak, we will descend the notch route and make our way back to the parking lot.

Distance: ???
Elevation gain: 2,250 feet
Elevation peak: 6,250' Gunsight Notch Peak 6,200'
Time: 8? hours
Difficulty: 4-5
Danger level: 4-5

If you are on the going list, you what to bring, what to wear and what you need, food and hydration wise!

DISCLAIMER:

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.
6 attendees
Calico Caves Wall: a multi-pitch rappelling route
Sat, Apr 11 · 7:30 AM PDT
Kraft Mountain Parking lot trailhead, 1375 Sandstone Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, Las Vegas, NV, US
Join me for a superb multi-pitch rappelling route established by Richard Natale. This outing is especially appropriate for rappellers with SOLID beginner to intermediate skills, but anyone with greater skill level will surely appreciate this route.

Stats: ascent 1120' to near top of Calico I Peak, Class 3, about 2.6 mile roundtrip; 5 long but very straightforward raps up to 190 feet.

Requirements: good BASIC skills in rappelling and rock scrambling; harness; modern, adjustable-friction rappelling device (eg. Crittr or similar); I don't consider an ATC appropriate for these rappels. Self-protection sling, helmet, 1-2 locking biners, sturdy leather gloves, and pack large enough to hold some group gear including a 200' rope. I'll supply the ropes.

LIMITED TO 8. Everyone goes on the waitlist first.

No guests, pets, children.

• 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.
8 attendees
Calico Tanks Peak - New Route
Sat, Apr 11 · 8:00 AM PDT
Location not specified yet
REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS

• You must have done one of my Tier 3 or higher hikes with me OR, you must have a "Scrambling Skills" pins from a VegasHikers Organizer.

AND

• YOU MUST SIGN A WRITTEN WAIVER TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. The link to the written waiver is here:
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/written-waiver.pdf

You will not be moved to the "going" list without providing a signed waiver to the email address on the waiver.

If you have already provided a waiver to me, you do not need to provide another one.

Rick W's Hiking Page

***

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This hike goes to the peak above the Calico Tanks. It's another common destination in the Park, but not as common as some others. The view from the peak is wider than from the tanks. You can see more of the rocks and more of the city. We'll be taking a less common route along the way. It's a fun scramble with lots of large boulders and ledges and walls to climb. I've been lucky enough to see some big lizards on this route and I've heard of one sighting of a bobcat on this route (but I don't expect to see any cats).

On this hike we will climb up from Ash creek along what I call the double alternate route up to the Calico Tanks. We will then climb from there up to the peak. We'll rest at the top and take in the view and then we'll return via "Jack's crack." This is a somewhat technical route, both up and down, so it will require scrambling experience.

We've seen a lot of wildlife in this area, including a coyote, a tortoise, and a gila monster. Take a look at my wildlife gallery for some of my favorite pictures of animals I've seen.
http://richardwaltjen.com/galleries-2/animal-gallery/

Not for beginners or those afraid of heights. There are many places that require advanced scrambling skills and there is some exposure. You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms.

• Helmets are always welcome. Be sure to use one that doesn't block your sight.

• Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you.

• No guests will be allowed without my prior approval.

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

STATS
Distance: ~ 5 miles loop.
Elevation gain: ~ 1800 ft.
High point: ~ 4930
Low point: ~ 3700 ft.
Difficulty: moderate - difficult (Class 3-4 scrambling, elevation gain)
Pace: ~ 2 Miles Per Hour.
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: 3.5 hours max.
Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.
Scrambling Tiers

INFORMATION LINKS

Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdf

Passages

Pin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdf
8 attendees

Past events

17624

Organizers

Alan Gegax and 59 others

Members

25,543

Related topics

Sports and Recreation

Outdoor Fitness