Scrambling Skills: Beginner Level

The finish time of this hike will allow you to return home before attending the VegasHikers 20th Anniversary Event starting at 3pm.

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

Questions, text Jim at 702-515-9824.

There is no cell service at the trailhead. We start hiking at 8:30am so plan to arrive by 8:20am and look for an old guy behind a red SUV.

This hike in the Red Spring area of Calico Basin is intended for those new to scrambling or at the beginner level, but those with more experience are also welcome. Everyone starts on the Waitlist. You must be on the Going list to attend.

Scrambling is not hiking; it is climbing up, down, over, under, around and through rocks. The difficulty of our route will be based on the experience level of the attendees. If you are new to scrambling, you will learn about different techniques, terminology, gear and safety; all while being amongst the most amazing people and scenery in Las Vegas. Scrambling is challenging and FUN for anyone who enjoys adventure and doesn't mind a few scratches or bruises along the way.

A "Scrambling Skills" pin (see Photo above) is available to anyone who completes at least one each of Beginner Level, Advanced Beginner Level, Beginner Intermediate Level, and Intermediate Level "Scrambling Skills" hikes with me. You can also receive the pin from fellow organizer John Gonsalves on weekday mornings.

STATS
Trailhead: Red Spring
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 800 ft
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Pace: slow to moderate
Time: 3.5 hours
Class: 2 and 3
Exposure: none or minimal

Gear: hiking boots or trail shoes will be allowed but approach shoes are recommended; trekking poles are not allowed; full-finger or finger-less gloves are recommended but not required

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Tentative Schedule Lake Mead Series:
12/13 - Raven's Balcony
12/27 - Black Mtn (Anthem) & Park Peak
1/3 - Hamblin Mtn
1/17 - Anniversary Narrows & Peak plus Rainbow Canyon
1/24 - Seven Dry Falls, Cholla Forest & Bacon Canyon
2/7 - White Owl Canyons & Twilight Zone Tunnels
2/14 - Red & Black Mountains (Boulder City)
2/21 - China Ranch (Tecopa, CA)
2/28 - Frenchman Mtn

Tentative Schedule Valley of Fire Series:
12/20 - Top of the World Arch & Slots - Jim's 1,500th
1/10 - Sandstone High Point (Raven’s Nest)
1/31 - Africa Loop

Tentative Schedule Red Rock Series:
3/14 - White Rock Springs Peak
3/21 - Terrace Canyon or Gunsight Canyon
3/28 - Indecision Peak or Black Velvet Peak
4/4 - Goodman Peak
4/11 - Crabby Appleton Peak
4/18 - Imagination Trench – Jim’s birthday 4/20
4/25 – Shark Fin or LBMR

Tentative Schedule Charleston Series 2026:
5/2 to 8/9 – earlier start/slower pace group

Tentative Schedule Southern California & Southern Utah 2026:
8/15 - Ashdown Gorge (UT)
8/29 - Taylor Creek (UT)
9/18-20 - Big Pine Lakes (CA) – posted
10/3 – Candy Cliffs/Yant Flats (UT)

Disclaimer:
Please be aware that your Meetup 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.