Charleston Series: Helicopter Pad

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.

So far, 170 hikers have used this training series to reach Charleston Peak for the first time....will your name be added to the list this year? A pin is available for those who participate in the series and reach the summit of Charleston Peak.

This hike allows you to experience the incredible scenery of the North Loop Trail between the turnoff for Mummy Mtn and Lee Peak. You will hike with magnificent rock walls on one side and steep drop-offs on the other. There are rock shelves and ledges with spectacular views of canyons below and cliffs above. This hike is easier than Mummy Mtn but slightly longer.

** Note: there are numerous sections of the trail where it is imperative to (1) not walk while taking photos and (2) not turn your head to talk to the person behind you. Keep your eyes on the trail immediately in front of you and just walk. These sections are very short but require complete focus **

We will start earlier and from a different trailhead and hike slower; and join with Liz and Paul's group somewhere along the way. Neither group will have a tailgate.

If you had the toughness to do Mummy Mtn and the stamina to do this hike, you will be ready for Charleston Peak.

The photo above is from standing on Helicopter Pad. In the lower corner, you can see the water reservoir for Ski Lee. See additional photos below for portions of the hike.

HIKE QUICK STATS:
Trailhead: tbd
Distance: 11.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,450 feet
Elevation of Pad: 11,100 feet
Altitude: Between 7,642 and 11,100 feet
Difficulty: 4, extremely strenuous
Class: 1
Exposure: none **see note above**
Time: 9.5 hours (includes driving)
Pace: slow to moderate

Gear:
Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
Trekking poles and gloves are optional but very helpful
Carry rain gear, warm gloves and hat due to the threat of thunderstorms during monsoon season in the Mt Charleston area.

Please arrive 10 minutes early; we leave at 5:30am. Meet in Santa Fe Casino East parking garage 3rd floor, turn left, section 3F. There are two garages; one is visible from Hwy 95 (that is the wrong garage); the other is near the intersection of Lone Mtn Road and Rancho (that is the correct garage). We will form carpools for the drive to the trailhead. Each passenger is asked to pay their driver $5.

Questions, text Jim 702-515-9824.

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 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.