VegasHikers

(Saturday) Ike*s Peak 4.7 miles

Sat, Apr 25 · 7:00 AM PDT

8600 Todd Allen Creek St, Las Vegas, NV, US

recent photos 2026 2025 to 2020 • Hourly Weather + UV (sun) • SW hike maps

For most hikers, this is a "relatively easy" 4.3 mile intermediate "no scrambling" hike, elevation gain 650 feet. From COUGAR AVENUE parking, we first hike around a mountain bend on an old mining road. We ascend to a mountain ridge trail to Ike's Peak and back again (option: loop +½ mile). Hiking shoes: YES, tennis shoes: NO.

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I am a retired systems analyst / computer geek. I still dabble with making (mostly desktop) hobby web pages - the latest include non-app desktop and/or phone pages:

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2-GROUPS NOTE • RSVPs are most often by members of VegasHikers. Another option: RSVP from the Walking Las Vegas Meetup group. If you belong to both groups, don't RSVP from both groups for the same hike.

Upload to share your Meetup hike photos with others. I will re-post to Walking Las Vegas and post to Facebook Summerlin Outdoors group.

Location is southwest of Rhodes Ranch and Cowabunga Canyon water park near Ft Apache Road. If more than 5 minutes late, spot us walking up the hill.

Note: 8600 (street address) is for GPS reference only.

GPS • Parking 36.0314 / -115.3136 (photos) • Ike's Peak 36.054 / -115.32
Street Parking -- COUGAR AVENUE and Todd Allen Creek Street -- 89178

DIRECTIONS -- for most, take Ft Apache south, past Warm Springs Road, and past Rhodes Ranch (on left). Turn right (west) at Ford Avenue stoplight. Near the end of Ford Avenue, you may see Forbuss Elementary School. At the end of Ford Avenue, turn right (north) on Reynolds Spring Road and then left on COUGAR AVENUE. We can park along or near the first 2 blocks of COUGAR AVENUE (parking photos).

We DO NOT meet on Reynolds Spring Road and NOT near the flood control basin dam.

For those coming from the southeast or Henderson, go west on Blue Diamond Road aka H-160. Exit at Ft Apache and go north. Turn left (west) at Ford Avenue stoplight en route to Cougar Avenue.

Friendly chat welcome but please: no national politics or religion.
Hiking shoes are REQUIRED for greater safety - no tennis shoes.
Bring water and snacks. • Well behaved dogs on leash might be okay.
I try to schedule my hikes when the sun's UV level is mostly 4 or lower.
Be aware that we share this trail with advanced mountain bikers.

Ike's Peak mountain biking -- Summerlin Outdoors -- Durango Southwest
REQUIRED READING (legal info, etc.) • Las Vegas for residents and visitors

Use Meetup message system to contact organizer with any questions.
IF WEATHER FORECAST IS BAD, this hike may be moved to SATURDAY.

Blue Diamond Landmine Loop

Sat, Apr 25 · 7:30 AM PDT

Red Rock Hotel & Casino, 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135, Las Vegas, NV, US

NOTE: Everyone must RSVP first. If you have not hiked with me before, you are also required to complete a waiver. After you RSVP, please click on this word WAIVER to open the form, follow the instructions highlighted at the top and send it to the e-mail address listed on the waiver. Only after both steps are complete will you be moved to the 'Going' list.

Embark on an adventurous 8-mile loop showcasing diverse desert scenery and traces of history. Along the route, you’ll pass an antique rusted car, remnants of an old cabin foundation, a quiet marsh, and a bluff overlooking the gypsum mine. The trail weaves through the scenic Blue Diamond community, where wild burros are often spotted. Rated Class 1, it offers an enjoyable and manageable journey for all hikers.

We will not tailgate; we will eat at the Cottonwood restaurant.

HIKE QUICK STATS:

• Trailhead: City Of Blue Diamond; In front of Cottowood Restaurant.
• Distance: 8 miles
• Elevation gain: 950 feet
• Difficulty/pace: Moderately strenuous
• Class: 1
• Exposure: none
• Duration: ≈7.5 hours (includes driving & eating at the restaurant)
• No guests, children/minors, canines, or event crashers, please!
• All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up, and it's FREE.

GEAR:

• Backpack
• Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
• Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
• 2L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes

Note: You must have a current profile photo.

CARPOOLS:
We will meet at the Red Rock Hotel, West parking garage, 4th floor, section 4D, near the ramp to form carpools.

WEATHER INFO:
Check the current weather HERE to determine what to wear. Staying prepared starts with checking the weather—bring layers, sun protection, or rain gear accordingly.

If you have any questions or clarifications about this hike; not listed on this description page; please contact Paul: 702-628-0454

DISCLAIMER:

Please be aware that your 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. 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.

!

Southern Utah Series: Coalpits Wash || Rockville, UT

Sat, Apr 25 · 8:00 AM PDT

Coalpits Trailhead, W Main Street, Rockville, UT, US

Please read the entire hike description. New participants must complete this electronic waiver before I can move them to Going.

Got questions? text Liz at 702-496-2455

La Verkin, UT is 30 minutes/19 miles from the trailhead.

LODGING options in La Verkin, UT:
· La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
· Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel
· Zions Camp and Cottages
· Airbnb options

📣Reminder: Utah is Mountain Time, which is one hour ahead of us. If it’s 8am here, it’s 9am there.

📌 Coalpits Wash offers a quiet, scenic adventure through a surprisingly lush desert wash, lined with cottonwoods, wildflowers, a stream, cactus fields, and towering red rock walls. We’ll hike approximately 10 miles through former sanctuary of the Southern Paiute people -- an arid yet vibrant landscape, with sweeping views of the Bishoprics, Towers of the Virgin, and the Altar of Sacrifice along the way. Cougar Mountain looms to the north for much of the hike, anchoring the dramatic desert backdrop.

HIKE QUICK STATS (all are approximate):
· Trailhead: Coalpits Wash
· Distance: ≈10 miles
· Type: Loop
· Elevation Gain: ≈1,000 ft
· Altitude: 3,666 ft
· Difficulty: Moderate
· Pace: Moderate
· Class: 1 (with some very minor scrambling)
· Exposure: None
· Duration: 6 hours

GEAR:
· Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
· Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
· Gloves are optional but helpful
· 2-3L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes

ITINERARY:
Meet at Coalpits Wash Trailhead at 9am (Utah Mountain Time). Hike for much of the day and then decide if you’d like to unwind at Zion Canyon Hot Springs later, do something else while in La Verkin that evening, or drive back to Vegas.

Zion Canyon Hot Springs … conveniently located in La Verkin near the above lodging options, this is where adventure comes to rest: featuring 18 natural mineral hot springs pools, 16 WorldSprings-inspired pools, cold plunge pools, barrel saunas, a full-service bar and café, and luxury locker rooms & showers.

Click the link for property & pricing details. Bring a robe if you don’t wish to rent one. They DO supply towels. I recommend the “Quick Dip (Premier Access 21+)” with a 6pm (or later) entry.

Jim Billetdeaux is planning hikes in the same area on Friday and Sunday. You may want to make this a 1-, 2-, or 3-day weekend in Utah.

Transportation and lodging are not organized for this event. Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements. If you’d like to coordinate carpools or shared accommodations, please contact other attendees through Meetup’s messaging feature.

•• Disclaimer ••
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides or 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. 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.

Unnamed M

Sat, Apr 25 · 8:00 AM PDT

Location not specified yet

REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS

• You must have done one of my Tier 4 hikes with me or have a "Scrambling Skills" pin from a VegasHikers Organizer.

AND

• YOU MUST SIGN A WRITTEN WAIVER TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. The link to the written waiver is here:
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/written-waiver.pdf

You will not be moved to the "going" list without providing a signed waiver by email to the email address on the waiver.

If you have already provided a waiver to me, you do not need to provide another one.

Rick W's Hiking Page

***

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This is an upper tier route. It has some challenging spots. This route is a copy of an impromptu route we did in the early spring. It goes through some new places, like the birdcage and takes different paths through some old places.

This hike is not for beginners. There are some places that require intermediate scrambling skills. You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms. If you have a fear of tight spaces or heights, don't sign up for this hike.

• Helmets are always welcome. Be sure to use one that doesn't block your sight.

• Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you.

• No guests will be allowed without my prior approval.

YOU MUST BE ON THE "GOING" LIST IN ORDER TO GO ON THIS HIKE. CRASHING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

PASSAGES

STATS are not available at this time

• Difficulty: moderate
• Pace: ~ 1 Miles Per Hour
• Children: no.
• Dogs: no.
• Time: 4 hours max..
• Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks

INFORMATION LINKS

DOUBLE DIAMOND PINS

Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdf

Passages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Passages.pdf

Pin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdf