Charleston Series: Cathedral Rock

Please read the entire hike description. New participants will be required to sign a Waiver similar to the Disclaimer below.

This is the 12th Annual Charleston Series. The hikes get progressively harder each week in mileage, elevation gain, and altitude designed to train up for long-distance high-altitude hikes. For those unfamiliar with hiking at higher elevations, guidance and tips will be provided on pace, breathing, gear, food/liquid, trail etiquette, and preparations.

New this year is the introduction of Prequel hikes. These events at slightly lower elevations where the snow has already melted are designed to prepare for high-elevation hiking ahead of the Main Charleston Series. Prequel hikes will be scheduled in May with the Main hikes being in June, July and August.

A secondary benefit of this program is that carpooling and hiking with many of the same people each week enables you to develop friendships and trust in each other which you will need as the hikes get harder. Tailgating afterward is an additional feature of the Main hikes.

So far, 159 hikers have used this training series to reach Charleston Peak for the first time....will your name be added to the list this year?
Co-Hosts: Jim is the creator of the Charleston Series and has over 1,400 hikes with VegasHikers (VH). Liz is the current organizer of the Charleston Series and co-creator of the Fitness Series, and has over 700 hikes with VH. Paul is co-creator of the Fitness Series and has over 400 hikes with VH.

📌 There are 3 possibilities for this hike.
1. We split into two groups; a faster pace group starting at Echo parking lot, and a slower pace group starting at Cathedral Rock parking lot.
2. We all start at Echo parking lot and everyone hikes at their own pace.
3. We all start at Cathedral Rock and everyone hikes at their own pace.
When you RSVP, please indicate your preference; either 1, 2 or 3.

This event is cross-posted with 52 Peak Club Explorer's Deck.

STATISTICS for faster pace and longer hike:
Trailhead: Echo
Distance: 4.8
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Summit: 8,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Class: 1 and 2 trail
Exposure: None
Pace: Moderate to Fast
Duration: 4.5 hours driving and hiking

STATISTICS for slower pace and shorter hike:
Trailhead: Cathedral Rock
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 950 feet
Summit: 8,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Class: 1 and 2 trail
Exposure: None
Pace: Slow / Moderate
Duration: 3.5 hours driving and hiking

GEAR:
Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
Trekking poles are optional
You should always carry a windbreaker or rain jacket, warm gloves and hat for any hikes in the Mt Charleston area.

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.

Meet in the Santa Fe Casino East parking garage, 3rd floor, turn left, section 3F. There are two parking garages, be sure to go to the southeast one close to Lone Mtn Rd, not the northwest one visible from Hwy 95. We will form carpools for the drive to the trailhead.

There is limited parking at the trailhead so carpooling is mandatory.

FAQs
Do I need to attend every hike: no
Do I need to be in good shape to start the series: yes, you must already be somewhat fit but the Prequel hikes are designed to improve your fitness and acclimation for the Main hikes
Do I need to carpool: yes, it is socially responsible and for most hikes, parking is very limited

A pin is available for those who participate in the series and reach the summit of Charleston Peak.

Questions: text Jim at 702-515-9824.

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Tentative Schedule: Prequel Hikes
5/24 Cathedral Rock, Little Falls & Echo Trail
5/31 Lower Bristlecone / Bonanza Trail

Tentative Schedule: Main Hikes
6/7 Raintree
6/14 Up Trail Canyon / Down Fletcher Canyon
6/21 Fletcher Peak
6/28 Bonanza Peak
7/5 Divide Peak
7/12 Mummy's Toe
7/19 Mummy Mtn
7/26 Helicopter Pad
8/2 Griffith Peak
8/9 Charleston Peak

Tentative Schedule: Additional Hikes
5/22 Shady Hollow
6/11 South & North Sisters
6/25 Mack's North Peak
8/16 Mummy's Nose
8/23 Wheeler Peak (Great Basin NP)
8/30 Cockscomb Peak

Disclaimer:
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 can not 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.