Protect Our Wildlands
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May 2008
MAY 14 (WEDNESDAY)
Group Conservation Committee Meeting. Time & Place: 6-7 pm, before General Program Meeting; Nevada Power Co. bldg. (see next). Learn about many issues Southern Nevada Group is involved in and how you can get involved — or bring your own pet conservation project and/or concern you want to work on. Light dinner, refreshments. Open to all interested persons. Contact: Jane Feldman (janefeldman@earthlink.net).
MAY 14 (WEDNESDAY)
General Program Meeting. Time & Place: 7:30 pm; Nevada Power Co.
building, 6226 W. Sahara (E entrance, Wengert meeting room). Program:
"Great Basin National Park -a mountain oasis," by Andrew Ferguson, the new Superintendent for GBNP. Only 286 mi northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada's only "National Park" contains awesome scenery with 13,063-ft Wheeler Peak, a glacier, pristine glacial lakes, moraines, a world-class cavern, a rock arch, 5,000-year-old bristlecone pine trees, aspen trees, alpine wildflowers, many species of mammals, wonderful camping and hiking, and much more! Learn about the environmental threats to the park, including potential air pollution from proposed coal-burning power plants, and hydrological and ecological damage from proposed groundwater withdrawal from adjacent valleys. All members and general public are welcome. Refreshments, announcements, and free literature, too. Info:
Gary Beckman (648-2983).
May 17 (SATURDAY)
*Lower Fletcher Canyon, SMNRA. Over 3-4 mi. we’ll look for evidence of streamside plants and animals while enjoying the spring runoff from our winter snow.
Leader: Ann Cronin (737-5758). Level 1-2.
May 18 (SUNDAY)
*Stanley B. Springs, SMNRA. We hike a lesser used trail and road to a stream, climb past its source to the high woods, and down the other side in a 4 mi. loop. Can you identify the columbine flower?
Leader: Jack Sawyer (228-3857). Level 1-2.
May 18 (SUNDAY)
Bristlecone/Bonanza Trails to the McFarland Cutoff, SMNRA. We will start at the upper Bristlecone trailhead then turn onto the old trail to the top of the ridge. From there we'll follow the ups and downs of the Bonanza trail as far as the McFarland cutoff. Return trip ends at the lower Bristlecone trailhead. Great views from the ridgeline with several overlooks. 10 mi. No dogs.
Randy (265-7990). Level 4-5.
May 23 - 26 (FRIDAY-MONDAY)
*Memorial Weekend at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
We'll explore colorful slot canyons called Peekaboo and Spooky, dinosaur tracks, an old petrified-wood mine, an arch, and maybe ruins of ancient dwellings. What forces of nature have combined to carve these deep Navajo and Wingate sandstone canyons? Bring your cameras for the sunrise, sunsets, stars, and grand solitude, the beauty will take your breath away. We'll have a pot luck dinner at our primitive campground, so bring your favorite dishes and lots of drinking water.
Leader: George McDonald (808-3855, onecoolhike@yahoo.com). Level 3-4.
May 24 (SATURDAY)
*Fletcher Canyon to Rain Tree, SMNRA. Start out on the trail along the stream, cross-country up to the North Loop Trail and back. How can you tell a Limber Pine from a Bristlecone?
Leader: Peppe Sotomayor (463-8548). Level 5-6.
May 24-26 (SATURDAY-MONDAY)
*Memorial Day Weekend: Slot Canyons East of Zion N.P. There are several interesting canyons east of Zion, near Mt. Carmel. The main one we wish to explore is called Red Canyon (Sunday). This is exploratory but the entrance was found on a previous trip and we were told that going through it is no problem. Another hike on Saturday and a short one Monday morning. We may stay at one of 3 campgrounds: East Zion Riverside RV Park, or Mt. Carmel Trailer Park and Campground, or Mukuntuweep. What is a microclimate?
Leader: David Hardy (875-4549, hardyhikers@embarqmail.com – If you have a long distance cell phone, please use email). Limit 12.
May 25 (Sunday)
*Leader’s Choice. How do we distinguish the Ponderosa pine from the white fir--which smells like a Christmas wreath?
Leader: Bill Marr (433-0743). Level 3-4.
MAY 31 (SATURDAY)
Griffith Peak via Harris Springs Road, SMNRA. Join us on my favorite hike in the Mt. Charleston area. From the summit on a clear day you can see Mt. Whitney in California, Mt. Wilson in Arizona, Lake Mead, Mt.
Potosi, Las Vegas, and the beauty of Red Rock Canyon. 10 mi. RT, 2700 ft gain.
Leader: George McDonald (808-3855, onecoolhike@yahoo.com). Level 3.
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June 2008
June 1 (Sunday)
*Bristlecone Loop, SMNRA. Let’s find some snow, ancient bristlecone
pines. About 6 mi., 8600 to 10,000 ft. What other kinds of trees do we
find?
Leader: David Hardy (875-4549, hardyhikers@embarqmail.com -email
preferred). Level 2.
JUNE 2 (MONDAY)
Group Executive Committee (ExCom) Meeting. Time & Place: 6-8:30 pm;
local Sierra Club office, 732 S. 6th St. (at Gass Ave.) Ste. 200B. All
members welcome. Contact: Rita Ransom (395-6992, rita.ransom@hotmail.com).
JUNE 8 (SUNDAY)
*Bonanza Peak from Cold Creek Trailhead, SMNRA. Hike to 10,400 ft on one of northern peaks in Spring Mountains. How many switchbacks are there? Early meeting due to long drive to Cold Creek railhead. About 10 mi RT, 2300 ft gain. No dogs.
Randy (265-7990). Level 4-5.
JUNE 8 (SUNDAY)
*Bonanza Peak from Lee Canyon, SMNRA. Starting from the Bristlecone Trail, we’ll cover 22+ miles to the summit at 10,400 ft. What is the name of the spring we pass on the way?
Leader: Peppe Soto mayor (219-1399) Level 6.
JUNE 8 (first in a series of SUNDAYS including JUNE 22, JULY 6 & JULY 20)
TAI-CHIKE. Leader’s Choice. Take an easy-to-moderate hike and add frequent 10-minute (+/-) breaks to learn/practice Tai-Chi exercises. The outdoors is ideal for connecting to the universal energy flow (Chi). Benefits include increased balance, flexibility and stamina. All exercises are standing, and are NOT strenuous. Each hike will start and end early with a leisurely pace. Locations will vary per the weather. Limit 10.
Leader: Brad "GUS" Gustafson (702-278-1435). Level 1-3.
JUNE 11 (WEDNESDAY)
General Program Meeting. Time & Place: 7:30 pm; Nevada Power Co.
building, 6226 W. Sahara (E entrance, Wengert meeting room). Program:
“The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): Leadership in Energy &
Environmental Design (LEED),” by Deepika Padam, Architect with Tate
Snyder Kimsey architectural firm. USGBC is a non-profit organization
promoting sustainable building practices to create environmentally
responsible, profitable, healthy places to live, work. LEED is a
standard for “green” building. Learn about some local LEED-certified
projects, some simple strategies for home owners to make homes
environmentally friendly. All members, general public welcome.
Refreshments, announcements, free literature, too. Info: Gary Beckman
(648-2983).
JUNE 14 (SATURDAY) South Sister, SMNRA. At the summit you’ll be blown away with a spectacular 360-degree view of Lee Canyon and area. 6 mi. r/t with 1100 ft elevation gain. How far and which direction is Yucca Mountain?
Leader: George McDonald (808-3855) Level 4-5.
JUNE 14 (SATURDAY)
Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up, Red Rock. Early start will keep us in the relative cool while we polish up the southern entrance to Red Rock on Rte 159. Pizza after, as always at the Pizza Hut where we meet at 8:00 AM (Antelope and Charleston – just west of Rainbow). Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and a joke to tell. (We are looking for a volunteer to lead this quarterly outing, please call Jack Sawyer 228-3857.)
Leader: Jack Borden (642-9144).
JUNE 14 (SATURDAY)
Rain Tree Hike, SMNRA. Join me for a Sierra Club tradition, where we pay
our respects to the oldest living thing in the region: a 3000-year-old
bristlecone pine. Get there on one of the most beautiful, scenic trails
in Springs Mountains. You are not a “tree hugger” until you have done
this hike. About 7 mi, 2000 ft gain.
Leader: Nick Saines (896-4049).
Level 4.
JUNE 15 (SUNDAY)
Big Falls, Kyle Canyon, SMNRA. Let’s look for a snow cave! Or at least a good size pool at the base of the falls. Why does the snow last longer on this side of the mountain? 4mi. r/t from 7800' to almost 9000'.
Leader: Jack Sawyer (228-3857) Level 2-3.
JUNE 21 (SATURDAY)
Mack's Peak, SMNRA. If you're scared of heights Mack's Peak is not recommended for you. The view from the summit is one of the best in the area. You'll never forget this adventure. 5 mi. r/t with 1200 ft elevation gain. How long ago were the creatures fossilized in this rock crawling around on the beach?
Leader: George McDonald (808-3855) Level 4-5.
JUNE 22 (second in a series of SUNDAYS including JULY 6 & JULY 20)
TAI-CHIKE. Leader’s Choice. Take an easy-to-moderate hike and add frequent 10-minute (+/-) breaks to learn/practice Tai-Chi exercises. The outdoors is ideal for connecting to the universal energy flow (Chi). Benefits include increased balance, flexibility and stamina. All exercises are standing, and are NOT strenuous. Each hike will start and end early with a leisurely pace. Locations will vary per the weather. Limit 10.
Leader: Brad "GUS" Gustafson (702-278-1435). Level 1-3.
JUNE 28 (SATURDAY)
Mary Jane Falls, Kyle Canyon, SMNRA. Family hike: all ages (babies, too!). Friendly dogs welcome. Cooler temperatures, big pine trees, hopefully a little waterfall and some mountain wildflowers. Learn a little geology, too: what is a trilobite? 2.5 mi. r/t. 1000' gain. Leader: Gary Beckman (648-2983). Level 2.
JUNE 28 (SATURDAY)
South Loop to the Meadows, SMNRA. Should be a red, white and blue weekend for wild flowers--name the three species. 8.5 mi. r/t and about 2600' gain. Leader: Bill Marr (433-0743) Level 4.
JUNE 29 (SUNDAY) -SMNRA-Kyle Canyon-South Loop Trail-We will hike up to an old logging road where we will overlook an avalanche chute to see how the forest has recovered from past avalanches.
Hike is 3 miles r/t, 800 ft gain, Level 2.
Leader - Ann Cronin (737-5758).
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July 2008
July 4 (FRIDAY)
Charleston Peak 12,000 ft. This is about a 20-mile loop with around 5000 ft. elevation gain. Must be in good condition to complete this hike. Be prepared for sudden weather changes. We will see patches of snow, ancient bristlecone pines, a meadow with wildflowers, and a 360 degree view. It is always cold on top, even if it is 110 degrees in town. Requires a very early start. What vegetation grows above the tree line?
Leader: David Hardy (875-4549 hardyhikers@embarqmail.com Long distance cell phones, use e-mail) Level 6.
JULY 5 (SATURDAY)
Fletcher Canyon to Fletcher Peak. We’ll follow the creek bed, past the springs, and up to the peak. About 6 mi. r/t from about 7,000’ to 10,319’. What causes a spring to emerge and then disappear?
Leader: Peppe Soto mayor (219-1399) Level 4-5.
JULY 6 (third in a series of SUNDAYS including JULY 20)
TAI-CHIKE. Leader’s Choice. Take an easy-to-moderate hike and add frequent 10-minute (+/-) breaks to learn/practice Tai-Chi exercises. The outdoors is ideal for connecting to the univseral energy flow (Chi). Benefits include increased balance, flexibility and stamina. All exercises are standing, and are NOT strenuous. Each hike will start and end early with a leisurely pace. Locations will vary per the weather. Limit 10.
Leader: Brad "GUS" Gustafson (702-278-1435). Level 1-3.
JULY 7 (MONDAY)
Group Executive Committee (ExCom) Meeting. Time & Place: 6-8:30 pm;
local Sierra Club office, 732 S. 6th St. (at Gass Ave.) Ste. 200B. All
members welcome. Contact: Rita Ransom (395-6992, rita.ransom@hotmail.com).
JULY 9 (WEDNESDAY)
Monthly General Program Meeting, 7:30 pm, Nevada Power Co. building, 6226 W. Sahara (east entrance: Wengert meeting room). Program: "A General Guide to the Geology of the Las Vegas Region", by Dr. Steve Rowland, UNLV Geoscience professor and researcher. Learn about rocks, fossils, and geologic structures and processes so that you will better understand and appreciate your natural environment, whether in your own backyard or while hiking, exploring and travelling. All members and general public are welcome. Refreshments, announcements, and free literature, too. Info: Gary Beckman (648-2983).
JULY 12 (SATURDAY)
Stanley B. Springs, Kyle Canyon, SMNRA. Take an early shaded stroll up the trail to the columbine at the spring. The gung-ho can sweep up past the old cabin site and over the ridge, while the sensible contemplate the beautiful flowers at streamside.
Leader: Jack Sawyer (228-3857) Level 1-2.
JULY 19 (SATURDAY)
Rain Tree--Almost-full Moon Hike. Feel the romance of the full Moon dancing through the twisted bristlecone pines with the twinkling lights of Las Vegas far below. Where are the bristles on a Bristlecone pine? 6 mi r/t with 1200 ft elevation gain.
Leader: George McDonald (808-3855) Level 3.
JULY 20 (SUNDAY) (Last in a series of four SUNDAY hikes)
TAI-CHIKE. Leader’s Choice. Take an easy-to-moderate hike and add frequent 10-minute (+/-) breaks to learn/practice Tai-Chi exercises. The outdoors is ideal for connecting to the universal energy flow (Chi). Benefits include increased balance, flexibility and stamina. All exercises are standing, and are NOT strenuous. Each hike will start and end early with a leisurely pace. Locations will vary per the weather. Limit 10.
Leader: Brad "GUS" Gustafson (702-278-1435). Level 1-3.
JULY 26 (SATURDAY)
Fletcher Peak, SMNRA. This awesome hike will take us through a spectacular grove of bristlecone pines. There is a great view from the summit of Kyle Canyon. How old is the stone composing Fletcher Peak? 6.5 mi. r/t with 1200 ft elevation gain.
Leader: George McDonald (808-3855) Level 3.
JULY 27 (SUNDAY)
Fletcher Peak, SMNRA. Great views from the forested top. How do you identify the white fir trees? About 8 mi. r/t about 2500' gain.
Leader: Bill Marr (433-0743) Level 4.
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August 2008
AUGUST 2 (SATURDAY)
Griffith Peak, SMNRA. The third highest peak in the Spring Mountain Range is 11,056'. From the marvelous summit you'll see four states: California, Arizona, Utah and of course you are standing in Nevada. 10 mi. r/t with 2600 ft elevation gain to the summit. At what elevation is the tree line in the Spring Mountains--why? Leader: George McDonald (808-3855) Level 3-4.
AUGUST 3 (SUNDAY) -Spring Mountains-Wild Horse Loop. Lots of wildflowers on this hike and perhaps even wild horses. Hike is 4 miles r/t, 999 ft gain, Level 2.
Leader - Ann Cronin (737-5758).
August 6-10 (Wednesday-Sunday)
Mt. Moriah--Central Nevada Backpack. This is a little visited area of the north end of the Snake Range, not far from Ely, NV or Baker, UT. We will begin our hike at the Hendrys Creek trailhead, following the creek most of the way. Start at 6000’ --Mt. Moriah is 12,067’. We will carry the packs to about 10,000’ over 2 days and then a day hike to the Table and the peak on the third day and take 2 days going back out. The hike on the last day will be short, allowing us much of the day for traveling back home. It is about a 5 hr drive from Las Vegas. We will be in a forest of pine, fir, and aspen much of the time. Timberline is about 11,000’. Moderate pace, about 18 mi. RT with backpacks and the additional 6 mi. RT to climb the peak. Alternate trip in the event of an active thunderstorm pattern will be the Toiyabe Range, the Twin Rivers and Arc Dome.
Leader: David Hardy (875-4549, hardyhikers@embarqmail.com– If you have a long distance cell phone, please use email). No permits or fees, but group limit is 15.
AUGUST 9-11 (SAT - MON) North Fork Big Pine Canyon Backpack and Lakes Loop, Sierra Nevada.
Next to Yosemite Valley this is considered by many to be the most
spectacular scenery in the Sierra Nevada. Very steep ascent (about
4,000-ft.) with backpacks at altitude. We'll see Lon Chaney's cabin,
and the basecamps of the Palisade School of Mountaineering started by
Norman Clyde and the painting camp of the Sierra landscape painter,
Robert Clunie. Two dogs will be present. Permit limits group size to
8. Send $5.00 non-refundable permit reservation fee to leader. Level 3-4.
Leader: Wynne Benti, 702-353-8085 wbenti@spotteddogpress.com
AUGUST 13 (WEDNESDAY) NO monthly General Program Meeting: summer vacation!
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1(FRIDAY-MONDAY) Labor Day Weekend Camping Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park. What kind of landscape was this 60 million years ago? Leader: George McDonald (808-3855).
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Abbreviations:
SMNRA—Spring Mountain National Recreation Area
RRCNCA—Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
LMNRA—Lake Mead National Recreation Area
DNWR—Desert National Wildlife Range
NP—National Park
WSA—Wilderness Study Area
HCV—High Clearance Vehicle
*Event includes conservation and/or education activities.
For more information of outings, including an explanation of the hiking levels, please read Hiker Tips.
Hike Hotline (363–3267)
Area code is 702 unless otherwise noted.
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