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 Prime Red Rock hiking season is just a few days away! Late September through November is one of the best times to hike in Red Rock. Most Las Vegans prefer Red Rock to hiking in Mt. Charleston or Lake Mead. Why Hikers Like Red Rock HikingRed Rock has over 50 named peaks! Most of these peaks have at least two routes and some peaks have up to five routes! There are a lot of hikes in Red Rock. Red Rock is closer for most hikers than Mt. Charleston or Lake Mead. There's no scree in Red Rock! The sandstone rock in Red Rock is not nearly as loose or sharp compared to the limestone rock found in Mt. Charleston. There are few thunderstorms in Red Rock compared to Mt. Charleston. It's not as hot in Red Rock as in Lake Mead. Red Rock Hiking StrategyWhile the days are still relatively long take advantage of the daylight and do the longer hikes: Bridge, Rainbow, Mt. Wilson, Pine Creek Peak, Black Velvet, Holiday, and Bridge Vista. These are the well known longer hikes. Of course there are longer hikes, such as: Monument Traverse, Bridge 360, The Stealth Range and others. If you have been hiking in Mt. Charleston, you will be in good cardio shape due to hiking at elevation. This will make Red Rock hikes easier for you, since they are at much lower elevations. You will not need to carry as much water due to cooler temperatures, which is an advantage. You should be able to say goodbye to 100 degree temps. Notes:There are actually four different main hiking areas in Red Rock Canyon.
Calico Basin/Red Springs/Kraft Mtn. (short hikes) The Scenic Loop (most hikes) First Creek TH (Mt. Wilson, Indecision Peak, Decision Peak, White Pinnacle, Dead Horse Point, South Summit Mt. Wilson) South Red Rock - Black Velvet area, Windy Peak, Global Peak Only the Scenic Loop is subject to Red Rock Hours: April - Sept: 6 am to 8 pm Oct: 6 am to 7 pm Nov - Feb: 6 am to 5 pm March: 6 am to 7 pm Have fun and maybe I will see you at a peak. Branchv – Feb – 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM March – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Apr – Sep – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Oct – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM  “When is it better to go hiking? How to prepare for it? What to wear when hiking?” – questions like these are asked by first-time hikers most often. At first glance it might seem that a walking trip doesn’t require any special clothing; however, only thorough preparation will guarantee an unforgettable and safe hiking experience. The thing is the weather can rapidly change from hot to cold, from wet to sunny, regardless of the season, especially if choosing mountain routes and trails. That’s why the hiking outfit is meant to be super versatile, comfortable, and ready-for-everything. Best Fabrics To ChooseThe main criterion that should be followed here is the moisture-wicking ability of the fabric, no matter if it’s hiking tights or a long-sleeve shirt. Synthetic materials handle it very well: polyester is known over time as a universal and affordable fabric, able to wick sweat and dry fast. Its only downside is a tendency to smell funky – the problem, which can be solved by means of natural materials like merino wool (so popular among tourists). Exceptionally lightweight, soft, odor-free, and breathable, it keeps you cool in temperatures of up to +35°C, and holds in the heat in -20°C. 21 things you should know before investing in wool. Nowadays, lots of hikers also pick such innovative material as GORE-TEX, characterized by incredible longevity and waterproof/windproof protection. Avoid cotton: despite being natural, it’s absolutely inefficient at wicking and drying. It soaks up the sweat and stays wet for a long time. “Cotton kills” – the longtime hikers claim, and that makes sense, indeed. Layering is the KeyIs it really an issue? Absolutely! Three layers of clothing – basic, insulating, and shell – will trap the air warmed by your body heat, wick moisture away from your skin, allow you to adapt to changing weather condition, without sacrificing durability and comfort. Remove upper layers to prevent yourself from overheating, or add layers if it’s cold. Besides, you’ll have extra space in the backpack as a little pleasant bonus. Base LayerThe layer, which is closest to your skin, is meant to trap the body heat and wick moisture. So, all wicking fabrics like COOLMAX will cope with it. Choose the thickness according to the climate, season, weather, and enjoy your adventure. Nylon, polyester, and merino wool are also good in keeping you clean, cool, and dry, so they’re perfect for:
Middle (Insulating) LayerThe second layer acts as insulation, it’s usually more than one garment. It may include a long-sleeved flannel shirt that you can take off or roll the sleeves up, a polypro pullover, polyester fleece pants, a pair of ordinary sweats, or the one able to transform from pants to shorts. Never wear denim jeans for a hike, avoid pants with tight waists and if they’re not stretchy enough to climb up steps or over rocks. Shell LayerHere goes the clothing that protects from wind and rain. Waterproof or water-resistant (less expensive) jackets with removable fleece interior for increased versatility can double as a windbreaker. Choose lightweight yet sturdy materials, so that it blocks the wind well while packing it isn’t a hassle. Also, remember to take waterproof pants as well, when the rain is predicted by the weather forecast. The wider, the better – if you can get the pants on without taking the boots off, it’s a big plus in case of a sudden downpour. Hiking BootsShoes are the most important part of the hiking outfit, as you are going to go big distances on foot, and blisters will quickly disable even a highly experienced tourist. Sneakers won’t give you the grip you need on slippery surfaces, so better wear special hiking shoes or boots. They are both comfortable and safe and can cope with any terrain. The best shoes for hiking have a good sole, provide you with plenty of ankle support, stability, and flexibility. For warm weather, don’t put on waterproof shoes as they feature bad breathability that will result in excessive feet sweating. Head & HandsNo matter, if you’re planning a hike in Vegas or somewhere else, in summer or in winter, sunglasses and a hat are definite must-haves. The sun is too active even when it’s cold outside, so without proper protection, you’re risking to get sunburned. Cover your neck, face, tips of the ears, as well as head and eyes.
In winter wear a hat in order not to lose heat from your head, or try a balaclava. Waterproof gloves would also come in handy for a cold weather hike. Be adventurous but stay safe, choose comfort over fashion, and you’ll have the most unforgettable hiking experience of the lifetime! Written by Helen Rogers http://thecrossfitshoes.com/ A surprising number of people travel to Las Vegas in order to enjoy some of the beautiful surrounding country. That might seem counterintuitive if you’re used to pictures that make it look like Vegas simply shoots out of a flat landscape in the middle of nowhere. But one need only venture a few miles away from the city to start seeing more varied terrain, and only a little farther to start seeing some true national wonders. Lake Mead is a popular hiking destination for instance, best known for being the site of the Hoover Dam; Red Rock Canyon is a popular draw as well. For the most part, these destinations can almost be considered akin to some of the main attractions of Vegas. Seeking out surrounding national parks, for some visitors, is not unlike trying to find the best restaurants or hunting down the best roulette experiences on casino floors. Just as the legendary casino games and luxurious comforts exemplify the spirit of Vegas, the surrounding natural areas are synonymous with the American Southwest. Even with there being some renowned natural areas around Vegas, however, there are some that are somewhat overlooked. One is the Kelso Dunes, a breathtaking area nestled within the Mojave National Preserve, which is just across the California border from Nevada. Essentially rising out of nowhere in the midst of a vast expanse of dry land, the Kelso Dunes are higher and more striking than most dunes you’ve seen at popular beaches. And naturally, they make for a great hike!  Kelso Dunes To some extent, if you drive to the dunes and bark at an entrance to the park, you can explore the area on your own. However, there are set hikes as well. Hikespeak outlines a three-mile round trip that takes you to the top (about 650 feet over the desert floor, which is actually quite high) and back to where you started. The directions to the trailhead provided there are from the west, assuming a visitor is driving from Barstow. But the coordinates are provided as well, which should make it easy to reach from Las Vegas as well. Once there, you face a straightforward but still relatively challenging hike. Walking on sand always involves a little bit of resistance, and though the climb is gradual, 650 feet on a dune is no joke. Nevertheless, it’s well worth the trip. You’ll get a nice workout, you’ll climb on some of the biggest dunes you’ll ever see in your life, and you’ll enjoy awesome views of the surrounding desert. It’s certainly a nice way to mix it up in the midst of a trip to Las Vegas.  On route to Mummy Mtn. On July 4th, 1999, we successfully completed our 4th annual Multi-Peak hike in Mt. Charleston. In the past we had done three peak hikes, but this year we wanted something very challenging. And we got it.
This was our first and only Five Peak endurance hike, at least doing this route. We started at the South Loop trailhead, hiked to Griffith Peak, Charleston Peak, and Mummy Mountain. We then descended the scree slope and followed the North Loop trail back up to Charleston Peak and over to Griffith Peak. Finally, we took the South Loop trail back to the trailhead. I figured we hiked a little more than 28 miles and the elevation gain was almost 7,500 feet. Below are our times for future reference. I don't recommend doing this hike. It was very hard and abusive to the body. We took about 90 minutes for breaks, food, and signing the registers. Start: 5:46 am Griffith Peak: 7:38 am Charleston Peak: 9:33 am Mummy Mtn: 12:16 pm Charleston Peak: 3:31 pm Griffith Peak: 5:51 pm Finish: 7:56 pm  I received a pair of Darn Tough socks to test back in January 2014. The model I tested was Coolmax Boot Sock Full Cushion #1441. Here was my original finding: Great fit: Darn Tough has eliminated the stitching by the big toe and little toe that can make the sock bunch up. Comfortable: From the minute I put the socks on they fit well and were comfortable. No slipping. Padding: Both under the ball of the foot and in the heal. Wicking materiel: Your feet stay dry,which prevents hot spots and blisters. Made in America: Enough said. Lifetime Guarantee: You read that right! As most of you know the hikes I do are very demanding. I have done about 10 hikes in these socks and I will be a lifetime customer. Update:It has been 3.5 years since I started wearing Darn Tough Socks. Since then they are the only hiking sock I wear.
I was given four pair of Darn Tough socks back in Jan. 2014. I have done almost 400 hikes and all four pair of Darn Tough socks are still in great shape! I will be a lifetime customer. Website: http://darntough.com/ Note: Darn Tough has many models to choose from. With a chance to spot rare animals and beautiful wildflowers in the springtime, the River Mountains Loop Trail is full of wonderful things to discover and enjoy. However, the Mojave Desert can be a dangerous place if you are unprepared. Locals may already know some of these dangers, but the unsuspecting traveler may be caught unaware. Read these tips before hitting the trail, they may save your life:
The Excessive Heat
Most desert animals are active during the morning and evening, away from the high heat of day. You generally won’t get too close to them before they scurry or slither away, unless you happen to find a particularly territorial or sleepy creature. Look before you sit in that shady spot, it may already be occupied by a desert creature who doesn’t like to share.
Most hikers and bikers won’t run into many of these dangers, but in the off chance you do, you can be prepared. Keep your eyes peeled for all the scenic views, unique wildlife, and be safe. Enjoy your time on the trail! June is one of the best months to hike in Mt. Charleston. The days are long and the Monsoon season is still a month away. Dress in layers to keep comfortable. Bring a Camelbak or similar type of a daypack to stay hydrated. I suggest starting with the lower elevation trails in May and June, since Charleston received a lot of snow this winter.
 Electro-Bites are designed for endurance athletes to help prolong their training and improve their race performance. While the company's intial focus is on runners, I thought hikers could benefit from Electro-Bites. When you think about it hikers are in the mountains up to 10+ hours. They need products that can help their endurance and recovery. What are Electro-BitesElectro-Bites are a baked product that are easily dissolved in the mouth. They are not a gel or a bar. They are made from coconut oil, agave syrup and potato starch, which provide excellent sources of carbs and fats. They taste like a salted graham cracker. Since they are a baked product they are not susceptible to heat or cold. No more melting like some energy bars or being so hard due to cold weather you are afraid you might break a tooth! They are also very lightweight so they don't add any weight to your daypack. Nutritional InformationEach 100 CALORIE SERVING contains – Organic Coconut Oil Organic Agave Syrup Potato Starch Sodium (190mg) , Magnesium (46mg), Potassium (55mg) A Variety of Flavors for You Electro-Bites come in these flavors: Simply Salty Pumpkin Spice Salty Vinegar Salty Vanilla Apple Cinnamon A Test of Electro-Bites I tried Electro-Bites on a speed ascent of Kraft Mtn in Red Rock Canyon, which is 20 miles West of Las Vegas, NV. Speed ascents are just like they sound: you hike/scramble as fast as you can to the summit. It's a great, grueling workout and a perfect test for Electro-Bites. I enjoyed the taste and I felt I recovered fast. I was not dizzy or weak like I can be after pushing myself to the limit. Speed ascents are brutal and recovering sometimes takes days. It's fairly warm this time of the year in Las Vegas, even in early morning, so this was a good test. I recommend giving Electro-Bites a try. You can learn more and buy them here. About MeBranch Whitney created the 52 Peak Club in March of 2011.
He is the author of the book: Hiking Las Vegas, an Amazon Best Seller He also is the author of four other hiking guidebooks He has led more than 8,000 hikers to over 100 different peaks He has named over 30 peaks including: Bridge Point, White Pinnacle Peak, Ice Box Peak, Summerlin Peak, Northshore Peak, Oak Creek Overlook and many more. He has found over 60 routes to peaks in Southern NV and beyond. He has consulted for: Vasque, Geigerrig, REI, Zappos and has spoke to several companies How many times do you have to retie your shoelaces during a hike? Twice, three times, or even more? Wouldn't it be great if there was a product that kept your shoelaces tight the entire hike? Well, now there is!  Lacelocker In the photo above I am at White Rock Hills Peak (6,423 feet) in Red Rock Canyon, which is just 20 miles west of Las Vegas, NV. It took me about 3.5 hours to scramble to the peak via the Surprise Canyon route. I never had to retie my shoelaces! Before using Lacelockers I had to stop and retie my shoelaces several times. When you have to stop to retie your shoelaces, you lose your momentum. I believe it's easier, if you feel tired, just to slow your pace rather than take a break. Constantly stopping and starting back up again is difficult. With Lacelockers you will not have to stop, retie your shoe, and lose momentum. Lacelockers are an ingenious and very simple way of keeping your shoelaces tight the entire hike. This is important if you are scrambling/climbing. You do not want your feet moving inside your shoes. This might cause you to slip and fall. Another great benefit is they also hide the shoelace loop so the loop will not snag on brush etc. I have been tripped by brush more than once when my shoelace became snagged. I am so impressed with Lacelockers that I am giving leaders of the 52 Peak Club a pair for their shoes. The 52 Peak Club hikes to the best peaks around Las Vegas, NV.  Lacelockers are easy to use, inexpensive, and last a long time. They are available in assorted solid colors and graphic patterns or, with a minimum purchase, they can also be customized with a unique logo for your promotional needs!
For more information and to order: Lacelocker Video explaining how to install lacelockers |
AuthorBranch Whitney is the author of Hiking Las Vegas and creator of the 52 Peak Club where members hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas, NV Archives
September 2017
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