Devil's Staircase - Ash Canyon
Details
***This is an intermediate/advanced rock scramble*** Parking at Kraft may be a challenge, so I recommend arriving earlier than usual.
If the group size gets large, I will close RSVPs at about 15, so please sign up early.
Requirements:
- Water or other hydration liquid - Minimum 2 liters is recommended
- Full use of both hands & feet
- Appropriate footwear (hint: Not trail shoes)
- Rock Scrambling experience
Today, it's all about the steep, craggy ascent - Narrow chutes and broad slots along the scarped edge of Ash Canyon are its best features. This a physically demanding route. You'll use slender ridges, shallow pockets and folds in the sandstone as hand and footholds to "scramble" your way up.
We'll plateau below the canyon's rim for a short break and take in the fierce landscape. Last Spring we saw a nest with baby turkey vultures.
The descent features a 100'+ long, narrow slot that requires smearing, chimney'ing, brief downclimbs and other technical skills. We'll descend to the arroyo briefly, then skirt the edge above to stay out of the scree and unstable sections of the trail.
There will be exposure.
If your VegasHiker profile does not reflect rock scrambling proficiency, please sent me a private note with your rock scrambling experience. This is needed before I can put you on the "going" list. To send me a note through Meetup (click on my profile and then click "send a message").
If you don't know what rock scrambling is, or you do not understand why there is an emphasis on rock scrambling experience --- This route is not appropriate for you. Here's a quick look at the difference between hiking, rock scrambling, and rock climbing.
Everyone signs on to the wait list.
- Helmets are always welcome. Be sure to use one that doesn't block your sight.
- No guests. Everyone attending must be part of VegasHikers. It takes only a few minutes to create a profile and it's FREE.
- Canceling less than an hour will be considered a "no show.
- Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you.
Check the weather before you come out, and please be prepared (sunscreen, hats, extra water, multiple clothing layers, etc).
We leave the trailhead at the posted hike time, so please arrive at least 10 minutes early for last minute preparations.
YOU MUST BE ON THE "GOING" LIST TO GO ON THIS HIKE. CRASHING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
We'll park at Kraft Mountain Trailhead. To get there go west on Charleston towards the park. The turn to Calico basin is about 2 miles before the park entrance. Turn right and follow the road to the end of the pavement, in front of Kraft Mountain
Distance: ~ 2.0 mile loop.
Total Elevation gain: ~ 1600 ft.
High point: 4,516
Low point: 3,732
Difficulty: moderate-difficult (elevation gain, distance, class 3 scrambling)
Pace: ~ 1.5 Miles Per Hour
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: Approximately 3.25 hours
Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.
Please note the following:
• 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. You further agree that you assume the risk of negligence by 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 and/or attending this Meetup 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.