Organizers Hike

This hike will be for Organizers only, or those who wish to become Organizers. It will be a chance for Organizers to get to know each other out on the trail, and a chance for some of us to demonstrate techniques and skills. I will Organize this hike much like I would any other, except that I'll be stopping from time to time to discuss what I'm doing and why, and for us to share input.

This hike will go to Cowboy Cave. I presume most of you are familiar with this hike. For those who aren't, it's a really nice hike to add to your repertoire because it can be hiked in any weather and is fun for people of almost any ability level. Also, it's always Organized as a clean-up, so you may want to bring gloves, and one of those trash-grabbers if you have one. Much of my usual description follows:

The trail to Cowboy Cave starts at the Cowboy Trail Rides parking lot and follows a road until it heads into Cave Canyon. From there, it's a short climb to an alcove, then across to a series of ledges that lead to the cave's entrance. Total distance for this hike is maybe two miles, and there's less than 400' of elevation gain. For these reasons, this hike would be appropriate for a beginner. HOWEVER, climbing the cliff to get to the cave can be scary for some people. If you have a strong fear of heights, I recommend against this hike. Here's a picture to give you an idea of what to expect.

https://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/f/2/600_10178898.jpeg

The cave itself is surprisingly big. The main chamber is at least 20' high, 30' wide, and 60' long at its largest points. There are no fewer than four distinct levels, and a side cave that I've never seen the back of. To reach it, we get to pass through the "Birth Canal." That's where I am in the picture of me that Meetup puts on the left side of every page on our site.

Here's a group of people hanging out at the bottom level of the cave.

https://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/8/3/c/600_10178972.jpeg

Stats:
Date: November 21, 2010
Time: Hike 10:15 am
Location: Meet at Albertson's at 10:00, then carpool to Cowboy Trail Rides trailhead (exactly 1 mile past entrance to Scenic Loop)
Distance: about 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: 2 out of 5
Pace: 2 out of 5
Scrambling: significant once inside the cave, mostly Class II
Danger: moderate due to the cliffside section and inherent dangers of caving

Which reminds me... CAVING IS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS! I cannot vouch for the stability of the cave system, nor any portion of it inside. Also, much of the cave has low ceilings, and I've set my head bleeding more than once inside the many rooms. You're welcome to bring a helmet, and I'd at least recommend a hat. YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN LIGHT. I recommend two lights. There is absolutely no light inside the cave, and if the lights go out, we're boned. Be prepared.

See you on the trail!

• Alan

p.s. Please only RSVP for this hike if you are an Organizer, or want to be an Organizer, with the Las Vegas Hiking & Outdoors Meetup.