Mid-Week Mt Charleston Series: Fletcher Canyon

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

Questions or Comments: text Jim at 702-515-9824

I plan to post a morning mid-week (Wed or Thu) trail hike in the Mt Charleston area throughout May, Jun, Jul, Aug and Sep. These hikes are all beginner to intermediate level with no peaks, scree slopes, technical scrambling or exposure. I will use them to improve stamina and high-altitude acclimation for the Saturday Charleston Series hikes. There are far less people up there on weekdays versus weekends, so it's a nice way to enjoy the serenity of the mountains. And of course, it's much cooler in the summer versus the furnace we call home.

📌 The Fletcher Canyon Trail is a beautiful out-and-back hike within the Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area. The hike has a gradual ascent through a pine forest along a (mainly dormant) stream and ends in Fletcher Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon with 200 foot walls and water-polished rocks.

The hike is upstream with some easy class 2 scrambling near the end, and turns around at what's known as Obstacle Rock. This area has a funnel and a rabbit hole, and is the end of the trail for all but the most skilled and adventurous.

On our way out, we have an optional detour (not included in the stats below) up an incline to a gently sloping loop trail known as Eagle's Nest with beautiful meadows, seasonal wildflowers and views of the surrounding area.

STATISTICS:
Trailhead: Fletcher Canyon
Distance: 4.2 miles
Altitude: 6,470 to 7,250 feet
Elevation Gain: 780 feet
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Class: Class 1 trail with some minor class 2
Exposure: None
Pace: Slow to moderate
Duration: 3.5 hours (2.5 hrs hiking, 1.0 hr driving)

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

Everyone starts on the Waitlist. You must be on the Going list to attend.

We leave at 7:30am; please arrive 10 minutes early. 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 closer to Lone Mtn Rd, not the northwest one visible from Hwy 95. We will form carpools for the drive to the trailhead. Each passenger is asked to pay their driver $5.

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Tentative Schedule:
7/8 - Echo Overlook
7/15 - Scout Canyon Loop
7/22 - Mummy Head Trail
7/29 - Raintree Trail

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.