What we’re about
WELCOME!
VegasHikers is the premier hiking group in the Desert Southwest! We take more hikes to more places and have the friendliest, most welcoming organizers of any group around. We feature hikes for all skill levels, road trips, camping, and social gatherings. We have events at a huge variety of times, places, and days. We even hike at night! With dozens of organizers and an average of more than an event a day, you're sure to find activities to suit your fancy.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS.
Our organizers are not tour guides, we're not rangers. Going out with us is the same as going out with a few friends. Expect the same risks, take the same precautions. As organizers, we will do our best to give accurate descriptions of the hikes we post. If you're a beginning hiker, a hike's elevation and distance may not mean much to you. Likewise, difficulty ratings are subjective, and a hike that is "easy" to one person may be "moderate" to another. Err on the side of caution. You're much better off going on a hike that's too easy for you than a hike that's too hard or too dangerous for you. As you go on more hikes with us, you'll become more familiar with our ratings and our descriptions, and you'll learn more about your own limits. Ultimately, it's up to you to keep yourself safe out there. You're an adult. Hike within your abilities.
DUES/FEES
There are no membership dues to be a part of this group. It does take money to pay for this site, fill up first aid kits, and keep organizers prepared, so we gladly take donations any time they're offered.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our group can be defined by five terms, which help guide every decision we make. They are as follows:
- All are welcome
- We hike together
- We come prepared
- We're all adults
- We appreciate the outdoors
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Red Springs Peak TraverseRed Springs Picnic Area, Las Vegas, NV
CELEBRATE THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF VEGASHIKERS
Be prepared for warm weather. Will take multiple short breaks for water.
Great for intermediate or advanced beginner scramblers to build confidence with several fun obstacles. If you have problems at the first obstacle, you will be asked to turn back (not likely, but a couple of people have decided it wasn't for them).
This is a relatively short, slow pace, hike from Red Springs park up to Red Springs peak from the south end of the Calico Hills with multiple breaks whenever we hit some shade. After the peak, we will head across the ridge and return to the park via one of several different return routes. Route variations are normal on my hikes, and the route is seldom exactly the same as the last time.
Route is expected to be about 1.4 miles with an elevation gain of 700 feet to the peak at 4,304 feet. This hike is normally completed in less than 2.5 hours, but it could be longer depending on the group and how long we take for breaks or photos.
Hike: Red Springs Peak Traverse – Closed loop
Trailhead: Red Spring Park parking lot
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation gain: 730 feet
Elevation peak: 4,304 feet
Time: 2~2.5 hours
Class: 2, 3
Pace: Slow
Children/Dogs: NoBe prepared for HOT weather. You should bring at least 1 liter of water (2 liters in warm weather), snacks/lunch for the peak, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, etc. Light colored cotton shirts are better for hot weather, bring layers for cool weather.
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park/BLM 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.
In addition to the electronic liability waiver information above, on advice of counsel, I now require each hiker to sign a written liability waiver, which I will provide at the meetup location. If you are unwilling to provide me this waiver, please do not request to go on my hikes.
I request that each hiker carry emergency instructions with them on each hike. This information should be easy to find in their packs and include their name, emergency contact person(s) and phone numbers and maybe even primary care physician and pertinent medical info like prescription medications being taken, allergies, etc.
- Amped Up Seal Head - Reversed and TwistedKraft Mountain Lot, Las Vegas, NV
***This is an intermediate/advanced rock scramble. No first-time rock scramblers, but experienced beginners OK. ***
If the group size gets large, I will close RSVPs at about 15, so please sign up early. Everyone signs onto the wait list.
IT'S GOING TO BE HOT! HERE'S WHAT THE BLM RANGERS WANT YOU TO KNOW.
According to the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), this hike is considered a Class 3 rock scramble. It "requires moderate [rock] scrambling on steep, rocky terrain that requires handholds for upward movement and safety." Expect some exposure.
Not for those afraid of heights or tight spaces. There are a few places that require intermediate rock scrambling skills. You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms.
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's loop is all about "reversing it." We'll be chimney'ing up slots that we usually go down, going down ramps, walls and other challenges that we usually climb up, ensuring we go near Seal Head. We have several descent options. Be prepared to use your hands and arms to climb.
Although there's not a lot of exposure, there is some and it begins when you're already up high. This spot does not have a good "go-around."
For your safety and that of the group, 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".
Critical Information:
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.- 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.
- Since there is no cell reception, canceling less than an hour before the posted start time will be considered a "no show.
- Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you in your pack (hard copy, not digital format).
- Check the weather before you come out, and 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 able to keep up with the group. If you can't keep up on the first hill, you will have to turn back.
Starting Location
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.Frequently asked questions. (https://www.meetup.com/VegasHikers/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/)
Metrics are approximate:
Distance: ~ 2.5-mile loop.
Elevation gain: ~ 850 ft.
High point: ~4390 ft
Low point: ~3600 ft
Difficulty: moderate/strenuous
Pace: ~ @ 1 mph
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Poles: no
Time: ~ 2.5 hours (may be as long as 3 hours, dependent on group speed)
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. 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, even due to their own negligence or that of someone in the group.
• 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.
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