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- Shark Fin Loop - Tenth AnniversaryNeeds location
The first official Shark Fin Loop was done on April 26, 2014. I have done the hike dozens of times since then and it's been copied by many organizers over the last 10 years.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS
• You must have done one of my Tier 3 or higher hikes with me OR have a "Scrambling Skills" pin.
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 address on the waiver.
If you have already provided a waiver to me, you do not need to provide another one.HIKE DESCRIPTION
This route has been duplicated over and again by many different organizers. Like all my routes, I continue to refine it and add more obstacles for everybody to enjoy.
This hike features "the squeeze," “the jelly cave,” and Ian and David's Rock Bridge. The hike goes to an outcropping near Calico Basin that is seldom visited. I've been calling it the Shark's Fin, but it may have another name. The view from the top is slightly different because it looks over more of Calico II than other rocks in the area.
There will be a few places that have exposure and some narrow cracks that are a tight "squeeze" to get through. At the top we will take a short break and enjoy the view. The return trip will be down a separate section that I have recently added.
Except for a pair of owls, I have seen very few animals in this area. We'll keep an eye out for any sightings. Check out my wildlife gallery for pictures of wildlife that I have seen.
http://richardwaltjen.com/galleries-2/animal-gallery/• 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.
Meet Location will be sent by text or message on the day prior to the hike.
PASSAGES ON THIS HIKE:
Jelly Cave
SqueezeSTATS
• Distance: ~ 2.5 miles loop.
• Elevation gain: ~ 1100
• High point: 4570
• Low point: 3650
• Difficulty: moderate – difficult
• Pace: ~ 1 Miles Per Hour.
• Children: no.
• Dogs: no.
• Time: 4 hours max.
• Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.INFORMATION LINKS
Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdfPassages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Passages.pdfPin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdfNot open - Scrambling Skills: Advanced Beginner LevelKraft Mountain Parking, Las Vegas, NV
A "Scrambling Skills" pin (see photo above) is now available to anyone who completes at least one each of Beginner Level, Advanced Beginner Level, Beginner Intermediate Level, and Intermediate Level "Scrambling Skills" hikes.
Please read the entire hike description. New participants will be required to sign a Waiver similar to the Disclaimer below.
This hike on the west side of Kraft Mtn in Calico Basin is intended to be an advanced beginner level scramble but more experienced scramblers are welcome. We will ascend the Pegasus route to a ridge above The Beach, continue to the peak, and then descend on the west side.
Scrambling is not hiking; it is climbing up, down, over, under, around and through rocks. The difficulty of our route will be based on the experience level of the attendees. If you are new to scrambling, you will learn about different techniques, terminology, gear and safety; all while being amongst the most amazing people and scenery in Las Vegas. Scrambling is challenging and FUN for anyone who enjoys adventure and doesn't mind a few scratches or bruises along the way.
STATS
Trailhead: Kraft Mtn
Distance: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: 1,000 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Class: 2 and 3
Exposure: some
Pace: moderate
Time: 3.0 hoursGear:
approach shoes are recommended but not required
trekking poles are not allowed
full-finger or finger-less gloves are recommended but not requiredClick link below for latest issue of the VegasHikers Magazine:
VegasHikers Magazine Feb, 2024 - FlowPaper FlipBookIf you have any questions, text Jim at 702-515-9824.
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 can not 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.