Grand Staircase - Beginner Scramble

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.pdf

You will not be moved to the "going" list without providing a signed waiver by email to the address on waiver.

If you have already provided one to me, you do not need to provide another one.

Rick W's Hiking Page
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HIKE DESCRIPTION

If you've never scrambled, this is a good hike to begin, but it's still challenging. This hike will include some instruction in some basic scrambling technique, but you're likely to learn more by observing and doing.

I first did this hike years ago. It wasn't until much later that I was informed of the name, Grand Staircase. It's a good climb right up the front of the rock facing the Red Springs picnic area in Calico Basin.

From the parking lot it can look very steep and dangerous, but other than the lung-busting, seemingly endless climb, there's nothing to it. The climb down along the ridge can be filled with fun hops and small jumps (might be tough on the knees). There's a small amount of scrambling necessary, both up AND down, but nothing too difficult.

The view from the top of this rock is amazing. There's a pretty good view of the entire Calico Basin and the surrounding rocks as well as a look into the city to remind you that you're not very far away. You can also see over the 13-mile loop into the signature part of Red Rock Canyon.

This is a heavily traveled area. We don't see too much wildlife along this route, but we remain hopeful. Check out my wildlife gallery for some of my favorite pictures of animals I've seen.
http://richardwaltjen.com/galleries-2/animal-gallery/

• 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 on by message or text on the night before the hike.

STATS
Distance: ~ 1.5 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: ~ 900 ft.
High point: 4302
Low point: 3604
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Pace: ~ 1 mph.
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: ~ 2 hours.
Bring: At least one liter of water. Snacks if you want.

INFORMATION LINKS

Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdf

Passages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Passages.pdf

Pin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdf