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
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Broken Halo
Location not specified yetIf you want to go on this hike, send me a private message.
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.pdfYou 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 one to me, you do not need to provide another one.
• You must have hiked with me on a Tier 4 hike, OR have a "Scrambling Skills" pin from a VegasHikers Organizer.
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HIKE DESCRIPTION
This is a new route that I created from my own explorations and has not yet been copied by other organizers. It features "Lucy's Passage" and "Scott's Shoeless Slot," as well as many other new obstacles that aren't on any other routes. The route makes 3 climbs, but none are really big.
The first climb on this route goes up in a familiar area, but takes a different path. There are many new challenges along this path that will test your scrambling skills. We'll cross a lot of ridges leading up to "Lucy's Passage" and still have a couple more after that. We'll stop at a familiar spot along the "Mindy's Loop" route and then we'll go down from there, through a few new slots and and obstacles.
http://richardwaltjen.com/galleries-2/animal-gallery/We'll then cross a popular canyon and start another ascent up to another familiar location. We'll take a different way down from there, though, that will surprise you. From there we'll wind our way out to "Scott's Shoeless Slot" and then back up and over the rocks to head back down to where we started.
• 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.
PASSAGES
• Lucy's Passage
• Crouching Tiger Slot
• Shoeless PassageSTATS
• Distance: ~ 4 miles loop.
• Elevation gain: ~ 1350 ft.
• High point:
• Low point: 3650
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Pace: ~ 1 Miles Per Hour
• Children: no.
• Dogs: no.
• Time: 6 hours max.
• Bring: At least two liters of water. SnacksINFORMATION LINKS
Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdfPassages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Passages.pdfPin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdf7 attendees
Trail Readiness Series: Hike #5 Blue Diamond Landmine Loop
Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA, Las Vegas, NV, USWelcome to the ✨Trail Readiness Series✨
🥾 TRAIL READY – THE NEXT FOUR HIKES!
We're now welcoming Vegas Hikers members to join us for the remaining four Trail Ready hikes!
These hikes are designed for those who already have hiking experience.📢Note: With our four instructional hikes completed, Trail Ready participants will now apply what they've learned under real trail conditions.📢
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.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 #5:
Embark on an adventurous 8-mile loop showcasing diverse desert scenery and traces of history. Along the route, you’ll pass an antique rusted car, remnants of an old cabin foundation, a quiet marsh, and a bluff overlooking the gypsum mine. The trail weaves through the scenic Blue Diamond community, where wild burros are often spotted. Rated Class 1, it offers an enjoyable and manageable journey for all hikers. Tailgating and social time with food and drinks will follow the hike.HIKE QUICK STATS:
- Trailhead: Wheeler Camp Spring Parking
- Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation gain: 950 feet
- Difficulty/pace: Moderately strenuous
- Class: 1
- Exposure: none
- Duration: ≈7 hours (includes driving & tailgating)
- No guests, children/minors, 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 boots or trail shoes are required
- Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
- 2L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes
📌Follow us on Facebook
Everything I Need To Know Before I Arrive:
Please arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 am.
CARPOOLS:
We will meet at the Red Rock Hotel, West parking garage, 4th floor, section 4D, near the ramp to form carpools.
(You will be required to sign a waiver)WEATHER INFO:
Check the current weather HERE to determine what to wear. Staying prepared starts with checking the weather—bring layers, sun protection, or rain gear accordingly.🏕️ TAILGATE & LVHIKERS MEET & GREET – OCTOBER 17!
As previously announced, there will be no tailgate immediately following this hike. Instead, our gathering will take place at the Red Rock Campground on Moenkopi Road from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM!
This event serves as both the Trail Ready hike tailgate and the LVHikers Meet & Greet!Everyone is welcome! If you're not already an LVHikers member, membership is free. Simply join the group, then RSVP for the gathering.
🥾 Join LVHikers (FREE): LVHikers
🎉 RSVP for the Tailgate & Meet & Greet: LVHikers Meet & Greet
Site G: Big Horn: Site G: Big HornAt 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: 702-628-0454DISCLAIMER:
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.8 attendees
Glen Canyon Kayak, Hike, and Camp on Horseshoe Bend
Lees Ferry, Spencer Trail, Marble Canyon, AZ, USBecause we want to keep the group size manageable we have closed new RSVP for this event.
This is an epic kayak trip with some optional hiking along the way.
There is no meetup time as you can just make your way at your convenience. As long as you are there by Saturday morning. If you have a later backhaul time, then driving up very early Saturday morning is feasible. For the earlier time slots, it's a five-hour drive so, my suggestion is to either plan on camping near Lee's Ferry Friday night or finding a room at the Vermillion Cliffs Inn or the Marble Canyon Lodge. The campground at Lee's Ferry is first come, with 51 sites. Unless you get there very early Friday, you likely won't get a site.
The fun begins Saturday morning. We will be using a backhaul service to take us and our kayaks to just below the Glen Canyon dam. The departure times start at 7am and run every hour. Colleen and I are on the 8AM ride up. Each one will take about six people and kayaks and gear. The backhaul service is around $80 per person plus tax. Kayak rentals are $35/day for singles and $50/day for tandem. You MUST be at least 15 minutes early for your backhaul. DO NOT BE LATE!
Go to https://kayakthecolorado.com to book your slot. Book soon as they fill up quickly. Same with the rooms.
Vermilion Cliffs Lee's Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs Arizona
Marble Canyon Lodge Grand Canyon Hotel | Marble Canyon LodgeThe backhaul service takes us up to just below the dam. From there we will go downstream a little bit and do the "Ropes" hike (optional). If you want to do this hike, get on the 7am or 8am backhaul. Otherwise, you can get the later backhauls. Each backhaul boat is about six people.
The Ropes hike is a steep hike with some exposure and 800 feet of elevation gain. It's 3 miles round trip and takes an hour and a half or so. Good hiking shoes or approach shoes are appropriate. There are as the name suggests, ropes involved but most of them are unnecessary for any scrambler. There is cable on one of the slabs so gloves are highly suggested. The cable gets hot sitting in the sun.
After that we will get back on the river and enjoy the sites until we get to Mile 10 where we can check out the petroglyphs. From there, we will make our way past the nose of Horseshoe bend and take out at Mile 8 campsite. This is one of the better sites. Everyone wants to camp on the nose of Horseshoe bend so that gets very crowded. After we set up camp, we will hike to the nose from Mile 8 camp. We will camp out overnight here. There are bathrooms at every campsite and several as we work our way down the river.
In the morning at about 8am, we will start making our way back down to Lee's ferry. There are two side canyons we can explore. The first one is the Waterholes canyon and is only about 1.5 miles before we get to a dry fall that would take some serious climbing to get past. This hike is optional too and only has a couple easy scramble spots where we climb up some pour overs. Otherwise, it's all wash but very scenic.
At the end, you will be back at your cars.
Everyone starts on the waitlist. Once you have booked your backhaul service, let me know and I'll move you to the going list.
Things to do on Friday Afternoon:
The Spencer trail has great views but can be very hot as it's all in the sun.
Cathedral Canyon is a great hike to the river. Some route finding and scrambling is required.What to bring:
Kayak, if you don't have one, you can rent from the outfitter starting at $35/day.
Camping gear, tent, sleeping bag, etc.
Food for two days. There is a convenience store in Marble Canyon about 3 miles from the campground.
National Park Pass. This area is part of the national parks so you need to pay or have a pass.
The 10 Essentials.
Water shoes/hiking shoes, dry bag to keep your hiking shoes dry.Kayak Distance: 15 Miles, 7 miles the first day and 8 the next day. The last two miles back to Lee's Ferry is usually the most difficult as the current slows down quite a bit.
Hiking Difficulty: Ropes 3.5 of 5, slot canyons 2 of 5Disclaimer: 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.
7 attendees
Past events
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