Mid-Week Mt Charleston Series: Scout Canyon Loop

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.

📌 This Scout Canyon Loop will go in a counter-clockwise direction starting on the Lower Bristlecone Trail (which was originally Scout Canyon Road built in the 1930's), cutting over to Old Mill picnic area, ascending to South Sister Saddle, and then following a scenic ridgeline up to Bonanza Trail.

From there, we will turn south on a seldom used portion of Bonanza Trail with incredible views of Charleston Peak. After several series of switchbacks, we will eventually join the Lower Bristlecone Trail taking us back to our trailhead.

This hike is cross-posted with 52 Peak Club Explorer's Deck.

STATISTICS:
Trailhead: Lower Bristlecone
Distance: 7.6 miles
Altitude: 7,600 to 9,100 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Class: All Class 1 trail
Exposure: None
Pace: Slow to moderate
Duration: 6.0 hours (includes hiking and 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 7:00am; please arrive 10 minutes early. Meet in Santa Fe Casino East parking garage, go up ramp to 3rd floor, turn RIGHT, then right again, go half-way back toward the east facing wall, park in Section 3C. We will form carpools for the drive to the trailhead. Each passenger is asked to pay their driver $8.

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Tentative Schedule:
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.