Trail Readiness Series: Kraft Mt Loop

Welcome to the ✨Trail Readiness Series✨

This is an 8-hike progressive series spread out over two months that will train you and cover topics like trail etiquette, GPS and your inner compass, pace, distance, and understanding a basic hike description. You’ll also learn about teamwork. Most importantly, these hikes will give you a sense of camaraderie and connection — and you’ll make plenty of new friends. Those who complete the series will earn a Trail Ready Pin.

📢--- Note: New participants will not be accepted at this point of the series ---.📢

Last year, 2025, we had a very successful turnout: 35 participants for the first hike, with a steady number throughout.

The first four hikes in this series will focus on learning essential hiking skills — from pacing and trail etiquette to navigation tips, gear know-how, and reading hike descriptions.

The final four hikes will put that knowledge into action. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in real trail conditions, practicing your pace, applying etiquette, and using your new skills with confidence. By the end, you’ll not only be “Trail Ready” but prepared for a wide range of hiking adventures ahead.

Hike #4:
Kraft Mountain is a 3.5- to 4-mile loop in Calico Basin that serves as the final training hike before moving into the testing phase. The route includes Hell Hill, winding washes, and sections of red sandstone, which include 10-15% rock scrambling that challenges both endurance and focus. This hike is designed not only to showcase the variety of terrain but also to serve as a classroom on the trail—reinforcing the 10 pillars of hiking, promoting engagement, and preparing participants for the progression ahead.

HIKE QUICK STATS:
• Location: Kraft Mountain parking lot
• Distance: 3.5 - 4 miles
• Elevation gain: 800 ft
• Difficulty & pace: moderate/strenuous
• Time: 6 hours (includes driving and tailgating)
• No guests, children, canines, or event crashers please!
• All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up, and it's FREE.

GEAR:

• Backpack
• Hiking shoes; approach shoes are helpful
• No trekking poles
• 2-3L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes

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Everything I Need Before I Arrive
Please arrive between 7:00 and 7:15 am.

CARPOOLS:
We will meet at the Red Rock Hotel, West parking garage, 4th floor, section 4D, near the ramp to form carpools.

TAILGATE: (Tailgating is a part of the event. Everyone who signs up participates in the tailgate)
At the end of the hike, a relaxed gathering where we enjoy drinks, food, and good conversation. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow hikers on a social level that often isn’t possible during the hike itself. Bring a camp chair!

MEETUP PROFILE: Your Meetup profile must include a current profile photo, and the name on your Meetup profile must match the name you use on your participant waiver. This is required so organizers can accurately verify attendance and participant records.

Any questions about this event that are not listed here, please contact me for a faster reply (not in the comment section):
Paul's Cell: 702-628-0454

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

• 09/19: Middle Creek to Oak Creek
• 09/26: South Oak Creek Loop
• 10/03: Black Velvet Rd Loop

--- Note: New participants will not be accepted after this point of the series ---

• 10/10: Kraft Mt. Loop
• 10/17: Blue Diamond Landmine Loop
• 10/24: White Rock/La Madre Springs Loop
• 10/31: Blue Diamond Loop
• 11/07: Finale - Grand Circle Loop

DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides or 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.