In an effort to conserve fuel we’ll MeetUp at the Smith’s Market Place (9710 W Skye Canyon Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89166), near the Burger King and carpool to the trailhead. See the provided photo for additional information regarding the location of the Smith’s Market Place. The Raintree via the Wild Horse Trail and the North Loop Trail is a tough over 5mi there and back hike with over 1300ft of elevation gain – quite an endeavor. The objective of the hike is the magnificent 3000yr old Bristlecone Pine named Raintree, which seems to have fewer Bristlecone pine needles than years past that hopefully doesn’t entail the tree endeared by many is beginning the end of its life cycle. I’m going to alter the usual Wildhorse Trail by hiking the Rocky Ridge along with a stop at the Bristlecone Peak, which adds most interesting views of the area.
The trails to Raintree are well defined, though there’s a rather easy 5ft class 2 scramble up a portion of the Rocky Ridge and exposer if you walk near the edge of the rocky ridge. In an effort to conserve fuel we’ll MeetUp near the Burger King at the Smith Marketplace (see photos for directions) and carpool to the trailhead. The MeetUp time is a bit earlier at 8:30am than I prefer due to limited parking at the trailhead. Dogs and kids are welcome to attend provided they’re well behaved, strong hikers and their owner cleans up after them. I’ll post a comment regarding the status of the hike to attendees the day prior, which will include the weather forecast. Lastly, please consider a small donation to Walking Las Vegas to help defray the cost of the annual dues. Happy trails…
Please be aware that Walking Las Vegas Organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. The purpose of these activities is to provide enjoyment of the outdoors through organized activities. 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. Each participant is expected to be physically and mentally capable of safely accomplishing activities and will follow all safety guidelines and use instructions associated with the event. Each participant is financially responsible for loss or damage to any equipment related to the event.
The organizers of this group and current / 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 their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. There may be times when a coordinator fee is assessed. 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 from or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this MeetUp group. Be careful out there.
