VegasHikers

Rappelling Practice - Skills & Drills (Beginner Level)

Fri, Oct 9 · 4:00 PM PDT

The Elbow, Sandstone Dr. & Assisi Canyon Ave. (The Elbow), Las Vegas, NV, US

The focus of today will be Knots (Water knot).

Join us for a day of practicing rappelling skills at Cannibal Crag / The Practice Wall to learn new skills or keep existing skills sharp for future adventures.

Depending on the existing skillset of the attendees, other topics may be touched on as well.

Note: These events are cross-posted with multiple other Meetup groups and Adventure Frens. RSVPs may get closed early due to the total number of attendees.

Skill Levels:

• Beginner Friendly: Intended for anyone to join, even if you have no rappelling experience.
• Novice Level: Intended for individuals who have rappelled at least once before and are comfortable getting themselves into their harness and on rappel with some guidance.
• Intermediate Level: Intended for individuals experienced and confident enough to descend without a belayer when necessary. Participants should be capable of modifying friction on the fly and performing basic problem-solving, such as self-rescue when things go wrong.
• Advanced Level: Intended for individuals who are comfortable with problem-solving on-rope situations, anchor rigging, and rescue of themselves and others.

Understand that the intent of these events is to make people comfortable enough to participate in other events that may involve rappelling. Attending these practice sessions is not intended to create experts. Every organizer you may go out with will have their own rules and requirements for participating with their equipment. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them before attending another organizer's event.

Gear to Bring
If you have any of the following items, please bring them—and any spares for those who may not have them yet (if you're willing to share!):

• Helmet
• Harness
• Rappelling device
• Extra locking carabiners
• 4–6mm accessory cord
• 1" webbing
• Leather gloves
• Appropriate footwear
• Rope

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.

Ghost Rock Loop (Unnamed Route G)

Sat, Oct 10 · 7:00 AM PDT

Location not specified yet

REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS

• 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.

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

AND

• You must have done one of my Tier 3 or higher hikes with me OR have a "Scrambling Skills" pin.

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This route was created as a result of changes made to a prior exploration hike. It includes many obstacles that are already well-known, but changes the direction. It also adds many obstacles that are not very well-known.

We'll go up a regularly used canyon, but take a different route and from there go through a slot that you normally have to dangle your legs to get through. We'll go down into a rarely used tunnel and head up towards a long pond (that is now commonly dry). We'll go through Sebbastion's Passage and come back through some areas that a not that well-known.

I'm always hopeful to see wildlife in these areas. Check out my wildlife gallery for some of my favorite pictures of animals I've seen.

• 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.

Meet Location will be sent by text or message on the day prior to the hike.

STATS (approximations)
Distance: ~ 4.5 miles loop.
Elevation gain: ~ 1800 ft.
High point: ~ 4935
Low point: ~ 3700 ft.
Difficulty: moderate - difficult
Pace: ~ 2 Miles Per Hour.
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: 5 hours max.
Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.

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

Passages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Passages.pdf

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

Trail Readiness Series: Kraft Mt Loop

Sat, Oct 10 · 7:30 AM PDT

Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA, Las Vegas, NV, US

Welcome to the ✨Trail Readiness Series✨

This is an 8-hike progressive series spread out over two months that will train you and cover topics like trail etiquette, GPS and your inner compass, pace, distance, and understanding a basic hike description. You’ll also learn about teamwork. Most importantly, these hikes will give you a sense of camaraderie and connection — and you’ll make plenty of new friends. Those who complete the series will earn a Trail Ready Pin.

📢--- Note: New participants will not be accepted at this point of the series ---.📢

Last year, 2025, we had a very successful turnout: 35 participants for the first hike, with a steady number throughout.

The first four hikes in this series will focus on learning essential hiking skills — from pacing and trail etiquette to navigation tips, gear know-how, and reading hike descriptions.

The final four hikes will put that knowledge into action. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in real trail conditions, practicing your pace, applying etiquette, and using your new skills with confidence. By the end, you’ll not only be “Trail Ready” but prepared for a wide range of hiking adventures ahead.

Hike #4:
Kraft Mountain is a 3.5- to 4-mile loop in Calico Basin that serves as the final training hike before moving into the testing phase. The route includes Hell Hill, winding washes, and sections of red sandstone, which include 10-15% rock scrambling that challenges both endurance and focus. This hike is designed not only to showcase the variety of terrain but also to serve as a classroom on the trail—reinforcing the 10 pillars of hiking, promoting engagement, and preparing participants for the progression ahead.

HIKE QUICK STATS:
• Location: Kraft Mountain parking lot
• Distance: 3.5 - 4 miles
• Elevation gain: 800 ft
• Difficulty & pace: moderate/strenuous
• Time: 6 hours (includes driving and tailgating)
• No guests, children, canines, or event crashers please!
• All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up, and it's FREE.

GEAR:

• Backpack
• Hiking shoes; approach shoes are helpful
• No trekking poles
• 2-3L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes

📌Follow us on Facebook

Everything I Need Before I Arrive
Please arrive between 7:00 and 7:15 am.

CARPOOLS:
We will meet at the Red Rock Hotel, West parking garage, 4th floor, section 4D, near the ramp to form carpools.

TAILGATE: (Tailgating is a part of the event. Everyone who signs up participates in the tailgate)
At the end of the hike, a relaxed gathering where we enjoy drinks, food, and good conversation. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow hikers on a social level that often isn’t possible during the hike itself. Bring a camp chair!

MEETUP PROFILE: Your Meetup profile must include a current profile photo, and the name on your Meetup profile must match the name you use on your participant waiver. This is required so organizers can accurately verify attendance and participant records.

Any questions about this event that are not listed here, please contact me for a faster reply (not in the comment section):
Paul's Cell: 702-628-0454

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

• 09/19: Middle Creek to Oak Creek
• 09/26: South Oak Creek Loop
• 10/03: Black Velvet Rd Loop

--- Note: New participants will not be accepted after this point of the series ---

• 10/10: Kraft Mt. Loop
• 10/17: Blue Diamond Landmine Loop
• 10/24: White Rock/La Madre Springs Loop
• 10/31: Blue Diamond Loop
• 11/07: Finale - Grand Circle Loop

DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides or 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.