Wild Las Vegas, naturally. Sampler, 3 different dayhikes Nov 17, 19, 20 2017

John Morrow

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Less than 30 miles driving out from Las Vegas in three different directions to three vastly different landscapes.

Nov 17: Lostman Canyon descent to the Colorado River, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ.

This is a little known canyon north of the famed AZ Hot Springs/White Rock Canyon loop and starts from that trailhead. Hot spring searching, we discovered a hot seep but too little water to pool into a soaker. Still, great scramble descending on this one. A Class 5 dryfall has a bypass on a steep slope. We descended the slope and returned ascending the dryfall. The final dryfall to the Colorado River gravel beach is probably Class 4, just takes a bit of effort to work out the moves in a chimney like dryfall.

Starting out:

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The final two dryfalls to the river described above:


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The rest of the return:

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Nov 19: Bonanza Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, NV.

From a trailhead in Lee Canyon my goal was McFarland Peak. Having read no trip reports, and just the minimal description in Rambles and Scrambles, I peeled off the trail too early and missed the summit gully...oh well, next time. Divide Peak 10067' was my consolation, a mere 100 feet vertical above the height of the trail. Still, a great day among the fantastic bristlecone pines known to this range and expansive views all around.



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Nov 20: Return to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for some hiking and search for rock art.

This is known as the "Kraft Mountain Loop" and has a designated trailhead for such. I extended it up to the head of Gateway Canyon (lower part is on the loop) for a quick descent into Brownstone Canyon befroe retracing my steps. Yes, the rock art is quite special and extensive. Sample here:

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Vegas is underrated for the variety of outdoor activities. Thanks for putting this together.
 
Vegas is underrated for the variety of outdoor activities. Thanks for putting this together.


Thanks. I agree. It is crazy, the contrast, but Vegas is really situated in a diverse and interesting landscape. At the end of the month I should be on my way to the Mojave. Getting really excited for canyon narrows and slots, peaks to scramble, sand dunes, rock art and desert flora and fauna!
 
This was great. The striated sandstone and the rock art were superb and so different. Also liked the action scrambling and climbing shots.
Looking forward to the Mojave stuff.
 
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