VegasHikers

Rappelling Practice - Skills & Drills (Intermediate Level)

Fri, Sep 11 · 5:00 PM PDT

The Elbow, Sandstone Dr. & Assisi Canyon Ave. (The Elbow), Las Vegas, NV, US

The focus of today will be Lowering.

Join us for a day of learning and practicing new rappelling skills at Cannibal Crag / The Practice Wall to learn new skills or keep existing skills sharp for future adventures.

Depending on the existing skillset of the attendees, other topics may be touched on as well.

Note: These events are cross-posted with multiple other Meetup groups and Adventure Frens. RSVPs may get closed early due to the total number of attendees.

Skill Levels:

• Beginner Friendly: Intended for anyone to join, even if you have no rappelling experience.
• Novice Level: Intended for individuals who have rappelled at least once before and are comfortable getting themselves into their harness and on rappel with some guidance.
• Intermediate Level: Intended for individuals experienced and confident enough to descend without a belayer when necessary. Participants should be capable of modifying friction on the fly and performing basic problem-solving, such as self-rescue when things go wrong.
• Advanced Level: Intended for individuals who are comfortable with problem-solving on-rope situations, anchor rigging, and rescue of themselves and others.

Understand that the intent of these events is to make people comfortable enough to participate in other events that may involve rappelling. Attending these practice sessions is not intended to create experts. Every organizer you may go out with will have their own rules and requirements for participating with their equipment. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them before attending another organizer's event.

Gear to Bring
If you have any of the following items, please bring them—and any spares for those who may not have them yet (if you're willing to share!):

• Helmet
• Harness
• Rappelling device
• Extra locking carabiners
• 4–6mm accessory cord
• 1" webbing
• Leather gloves
• Appropriate footwear
• Rope

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.

Blue Diamond Experience

Sat, Sep 12 · 6:30 AM PDT

Red Rock Hotel & Spa, 11011 W.Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, US

Before You Join Us
To help us get everyone on the trail safely and efficiently, please complete the VegasHikers participant waiver before the hike. Completing it in advance speeds up check-in so we can spend less time on paperwork and more time enjoying the trail. Click to open➡️Participant Waiver
and download it, fill it out, and email it to the address provided ( highlighted in yellow).

If you've already completed a participant waiver with me, even better; there's nothing else you need to do.

📌Our hike - A long-distance hike (21 miles) through the Blue Diamond Cottonwood Valley Trail System.

With Red Rock Canyon as our backdrop, we’ll begin at Landmine Loop (N) and make our way through a network of trails featuring a rust graveyard, Joshua and Juniper trees, burros, and even a rubber ducky tree—making this a memorable trail experience.

We’ll return via Landmine Loop (S) and finish with a well-earned meal at Cottonwood Station Eatery in Blue Diamond, NV.

These trails are also popular with mountain bikers. Stay aware, communicate, and give them the right-of-way when you encounter them on the trail.

HIKE QUICK STATS (estimates):
Distance: 21 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Difficulty: Class 1 trail but very strenuous due to distance
Duration: 11 hours, including hiking, driving, and dining

📌Instead of tailgating after the hike, we'll eat at Cottonwood Station Eatery, so remember to bring money.

GEAR:

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

Everything I Need Before I Arrive
We will meet in the northwest parking garage on the 4th floor in section 4D at Red Rock Hotel & Casino.
Directions: From Hwy 215, take the exit for Red Rock Hotel & Casino, go east and take the first right turn, and it will lead you to the proper parking garage.

Cottonwood Station Eatery
http://www.cottonwoodstationeatery.com/

Must have a current profile photo and a completed bio describing your hiking/fitness experience. Everyone starts on the waitlist.

Any questions about this event that are not listed here, please contact me for a faster reply (not in the comment section, as I will not answer)
Paul's Cell: 702-628-0454

•• 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.

Training Hike: North Loop Trail to Cockscomb Ridge & Burn Tree

Sat, Sep 12 · 7:00 AM PDT

Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino (East Parking Garage - 3rd Floor), 4949 N Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, nv, US

The purpose of this hike is to "keep the band together" and continue training. Many alumni of the Charleston Series have epic trips coming up such as Big Pine Lakes, Telescope Peak and Grand Canyon.

Please read the entire hike description.

Questions or Comments? Text Jim at 702-515-9824

Please provide a separate answer to each question when you RSVP:
Q1. Did you read the entire hike description?
Q2. What is your cell number?
Q3. What are you training for?
Please respond in this format:
1. Yes, 2. xxx-xxx-xxxx, 3. Name of hike or other reason

📌 This hike will go up North Loop Trail to Raintree, down to The Junction, take a short detour to enjoy the view at Cockscomb Ridge, and then continue up the NLT to Burn Tree. The return route will have a significant ascent from The Junction to Raintree; and then either take us down NLT, Wildhorse or Deer Creek.

Many of the statistics below (distance, elevation gain, duration) are estimates.

HIKE STATISTICS:

• Trailhead: Wildhorse
• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Summit: N/A
• Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
• Altitude: Between 8,437 – 10,000 feet
• Difficulty: Very Strenuous
• Class: All Class 1 trail
• Exposure: None
• Pace: Slow to Moderate ⁞ Conversational
• Duration: 7.5 hours (includes driving)

GEAR:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
• Trekking poles and gloves are recommended
• 2-3L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes
• Carry a windbreaker, warm gloves, and hat when hiking in the Mt Charleston area
• Carry rain gear during monsoon season

OTHER:

• No guests, children, pets, or event crashers.
• Everyone starts on the Waitlist. You must be on the Going list to attend.

MEETUP/CARPOOL LOCATION:
Please arrive by 6:50am; we leave at 7:00am. Meet in Santa Fe Casino East parking garage, go up ramp to 3rd floor, turn RIGHT, then right again, go half-way back toward the east facing wall, park in Section 3C. Each passenger is asked to pay their driver $5 for gas.

There is limited parking at Mt Charleston trailheads, so carpooling is mandatory!

ⓕ Follow us on Facebook!

Tentative Schedule:
9/7 - Scrambling Skills - Beginner Level
9/9 - Mummy Mtn (Founder's)
9/12 - Training Hike: North Loop Trail
9/15 - Scrambling Skills - Advanced Beginner Level
9/18-20 - Big Pine Lakes (CA) - this event is full
9/26 - South Loop Trail Fall Colors (Liz' group Telescope Peak)
10/3 - Grand Canyon (AZ) - this event is full
10/10 - Candy Cliffs / Yant Flats (UT)
10/17 - Scrambling Skills - Beginner Level
10/24 - Scrambling Skills - Advanced Beginner Level
10/31 - Scrambling Skills - Beginner Intermediate Level
11/7 - Scrambling Skills - Intermediate Level

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 in 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.

Welcome to Scrambling: No Experience Required, Low and Slow Introduction

Sat, Sep 12 · 5:00 PM PDT

Red Spring Picnic Area, Red Spring, Las Vegas, NV, US

Please read the entire hike description. By signing up you are agreeing to the Disclaimer at the bottom.

Follow us on Facebook: VegasHikers FB page

This event is a No Experience Required, Low and Slow Introduction to Scrambling. This hike is for those who are embarking on their first time scrambling, as well as those who are returning to the sport. It will be a fun, anxiety-free and welcoming time for all!

The hike is:

• Short - About 1 mile total.
• Low - About 250 feet of elevation gain. This is not all at once, but a series of up and down climbs over the 1 mile.
• Slow - We will take about 2.5 hours to walk the mile. We will stop frequently to demonstrate obstacles and discuss techniques.
• Anxiety Free - All obstacles are optional. We will never be farther than 10 minutes from the parking lot. Your hosts are friendly and welcoming.
• Fun - Socializing is one of the best parts of hiking and scrambling. We have made many great friends on these hikes and we hope you will too!

This is an introduction to scrambling, so we will give pointers and demonstrate how to climb a few things. Participants can choose to give it a try or take the walk-around path.

You'll use your hands to help balance and climb in some places, mostly walking up a steep hills on uneven rock, sometimes loose rock and sand (scree). Though we won't go up very high, if you are often or easily triggered by exposure to heights, please don't sign up.

Wear closed-toe shoes with soles that have good grip. Shoes that tie are required. No elastic laces or Velcro - those shoes pop off at unfortunate times. If you have approach shoes, please wear them. If you don't know what they are that's OK, we will show you on this first hike.

Bring water and maybe a small snack. Your hands need to be free for climbing, so a backpack or waist pack is needed. Loose bags in your hand are not safe or acceptable.

Please arrive early as parking may be at a premium. You may need to park legally along the road outside the picnic area. We begin on time, so I recommend getting to Calico Basin at least 15 minutes early.

Everyone starts on the wait list. Group size about 12 maximum.

• No dogs or guests will be allowed on this hike.
• If you are not properly equipped, you cannot go.
• Participants must stay with the group.

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.