Page 61 - 2003 DT 12 Issues

present in the moment, experience meditation and-dale topography but was really you’re likely to hear are the occasional
in movement. Course fills up quickly. (*) named after Dale Morrison, who led a rustlings of little critters in the brush and
Mon. 18, “Scramble” - Hike and rock group of three Eagle Scouts and the Na- the wind moving down the mountain
scramble this Red Rock standard and you’ll get tional Outdoor Leadership School in its from Ice Box Canyon. You can see pine
why the canyons are host to such a diversity of construction back in 1996. You can ac- trees and grass bending in the distance.
wildlife; Mod. 3 mi. (*)
cess Dale’s Trail from either Ice Box The wind, moving quickly across the
Tues. 19, “Echo Canyon to Rain Tree” - Canyon, where it intersects with the base of the mountain, suddenly grabs
Join Pepe for another cool mountain adventure; SMYC trail, or along the Pine Creek trail you and then it’s gone.
Mod.-Stren., 6 mi. (+)
Thurs. 21, “Stroll the Knoll” - Stroll Po- across from the remains of the old Wil- Another good resting spot is scout
son Homestead gate. This two-mile route leader Jacob Clayton’s memorial bench,
tato Knoll and observe the diversity of plant life
around Bridge Mountain is rated situated high above Pine Creek Canyon
. . . how wonderful it is! Mod., 3 mi. (#)
Fri. 22, “Hike Leader’s Choice” - Open, moderate, but I would bump that up to which features panoramic views of the
airy and cool! Hike the Harris Canyon Trail up strenuous in the summer months. If you escarpment, Scenic Drive, and even Las
to the saddle while discovering some of the dif- go, take all the water you can carry, and Vegas in the distance. You’ll need these
ferences between desert and mountain plants; if there’s any room left, take your cam- little resting places because this trail is a
Mod., 3 mi. (*) era—you’re going to want it! series of climbs in and out of six major
Sat. 23, “Thankful for Thermals” - Noth- The first thing that strikes you about ravines, some of which are fairly steep.
ing like a cool breeze on a very warm evening. Dale’s Trail is the solitude. Chances are
Ever wonder why it gets so windy at night? That really good that you will be the only
will be the question that gets answered tonight; hiker out here. This is a very lightly trav-
Mod., 3 mi. (#) eled path, probably because it lacks its
Sun. 24, “Around and About Deer Creek” own parking lot or doesn’t seem to have
- A split rock leads to a trail through desert wet- a unique point of interest (actually it
lands to a spot on top of the world in this does), so the tourists go elsewhere and
adventurous hike with Jack; Mod., 6 mi. (+)
the locals just tend to ignore it. Fine!
Mon. 25, “Willow Scramble” - Trek up and
around the Willow Springs area to discover rock Sometimes life is good. I’ll say flatly that
outcrops and shelters created by millenniums this is one of the very best hiking trails
of geological change; Mod./Stren., 3mi.(*) at Red Rock! It offers diversity, great
Tues. 26, “Griffith Peak” - Take Mt. beauty, challenge, and a certain pristine
Charleston on with this peak hike to the top of feeling that is somehow missing on the
Griffith. You’re in good hands with Pepe; more popular trails.
Stren. 8 mi. (+) Along the way, you will find four
Thurs. 28, “The Trail Never Taken” - En- wooden benches strategically located for
joy a morning trip on a little-known trail while you to relax and enjoy the views. Amaz-
we discuss impact-free land use; Mod., ingly, none of these benches have been
2.5 mi. (#) vandalized! The second thing that strikes
you about Dale’s Trail is the terrific de-
sign work. Ninety percent of this trail But that’s part of what makes Dale’s
was laid out perfectly, with comfortable Trail so great—the unexpected vistas as
BOOT TRACKS grades and genuine “Kodak moments” you crest each hill and the lush canyon
around every turn. gardens in the washes below.
by Tom Pfaendler
Bridge Mountain, with its distinctive Remember that I mentioned a unique
red stripe, is majestic from any angle. point of interest? Dale’s Trail is home to
his month we continue exploring But once you’re out on Dale’s Trail, Skull Rock. This huge boulder looks like
the lengthy Escarpment Base you’ll gain a new appreciation of the it came directly from Treasure Island and
TTrail, hiking along the middle mountain’s spirit. As you relax by your-
segment known as Dale’s Trail. The self on a little wooden bench in one of
trail could have been named for it’s hill- many park-like settings, the only sounds Boot Tracks, continued on page 7