Fall Colors - North Loop Trail / Burn Tree

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

Questions, text Jim 702-515-9824.

This hike takes us through a high-altitude aspen forest on the North Loop Trail between Cave Springs and Burn Tree. The trees were planted 40+ years ago to control erosion after a fire. As of Sep 6, the leaves have already started turning yellow and orange!

In the following weeks, I plan to hike through the aspens at lower elevations on the South Loop Trail and Lower Bristlecone that haven't started to change color yet.

HIKE QUICK STATS:
Trailhead: tbd
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,750 feet
Elevation of Peak: n/a
Altitude: Between 7,650 and 10,400 feet
Difficulty: 3, strenuous
Class: 1
Exposure: none
Time: 5.5 hours (includes driving)
Pace: slow to moderate

Gear:
Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
Trekking poles, gloves and gaiters 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.

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.

If the garage is still closed, park in the surface lot nearest to the self-parking garage entrance and look for a red SUV.

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.