Switchbacks, a half mile snow field, ice bridges, and crevasses – This 5 mile hike to Mary Jane Falls, the most popular hike in Mt Charleston, and to Big Falls, one of the best kept secrets is within an hour of Las Vegas.
The best Father’s Day hike in Red Rock ever!
June 20, 2011 by · 19 Comments
I did a 4 mile hike this Father’s Day with my oldest son who will be turning 3 soon. We hiked Oak Creek Canyon in Red Rock and it will go down as the best hike I’ve ever done. He was anxious to use his new backpack, the first CamelBak he’s ever had, and I couldn’t wait to see how he responded.
Charleston Peak hike
September 22, 2010 by · 2 Comments
This is without a doubt the hardest hike I have ever done. Now that doesn’t say much. I prefer day hikes to backpacking and this trip is often an overnight adventure. That said, strong legs, a stronger determination, lots of water, an extra pair of socks, travel size baby powder, trekking poles, and a water filter are essential for this epic hike.
Sedona Loop Hike
June 1, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
This loop hike covered 14 miles and including the Dry Creek Trail, Bear Sign Trail, David Miller Trail, and Secret Canyon Trail. The views were spectacular from the David Miller Trail and each canyon held a different experience. The upper section of the Secret Canyon Trail reveals a short slot canyon and towering Ponderosa pines. The Bear Sign Trail is reminiscent of my old stomping grounds in Pennsylvania with heavier growth but has clearings where you can see the coconino sandstone pillars.
Echo Cliffs
May 18, 2010 by · 4 Comments
The approach to Echo Cliffs winds through some old growth ponderosa pines, below a frozen waterfall and scales the mountainside on the way to Avalanche Chute. We hit heavy snow before we reached the Avalanche Chute and even more once the forest opened up. That part of the mountain gets some early day sun and the top layer of the snow was wet and soft making for a few break throughs.
Bridge Mountain
April 27, 2010 by · 2 Comments
This is a very difficult hike and those that want to tackle Bridge Mountain should be experienced hikers with basic climbing skills. The ascent of Bridge Mountain includes a high level of exposure and multiple chimney climbs. I made it to the base of the final ascent and ran out of steam. Brian continued to the summit without me. By the time we reached the Bridge and the Sandstone Amphitheater I had no legs left!
Calico Basin to Brownstone Canyon
April 11, 2010 by · 8 Comments
This hike starts in the Calico Basin, climbs to the saddle revealing views of Turtlehead Peak, drops into a wash, connects to Gateway Canyon, and ultimately opens into a very cool trek through white sandstone to the ultimate perch above Brownstone Canyon. The hike is well worth it if you want sweeping views of the entire Las Vegas valley. Great photo opportunities around every corner.
Oak Creek Canyon
January 17, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
The hike starts with a 1 mile walk across the open desert to the canyon entrance and then the scrambling begins. Boulders line the wash up the canyon, some bigger than a small house. Lots of scrambling and easy climbing. Some of the best views are up. Keep your eyes pointed up to see climbers on the canyon walls.
Raintree Thru-hike: Trail Canyon to North Loop Trail
May 17, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
This was a great thru-hike starting at the Trail Canyon Trialhead at 7800 feet, hitting the saddle at 10,000 feet and ending at the North Loop Trailhead at 8300 feet. The total hike was 5.8 miles and we completed it in 4 hours. The weather was great but be sure to take lots of water and an extra layer. It can be windy on top and snow is present well into early summer.
