Monday, May 13, 2013

Fletcher Canyon - 5/13/13

Entering Fletcher Canyon

Cliffs Above Fletcher Canyon Trail

 The Around the Bend Friends are officially hiking in the higher elevations of the Spring Mountains NRA. Twenty-four hikers arrived at the Fletcher Canyon trailhead on Kyle Canyon Highway just below the old Visitor Center. We followed several construction trucks on the way into the area and, apparently, along with the new Visitor Center that is being built, there will be quite a few other changes. As things become clear as to where to park for what trails, this website will try to be informative. Today, we saw that the land has been cleared just below the Mt. Charleston Hotel and they were clearing some of the land at Kyle Canyon campground. Stay tuned.

A Little Bit of Scrambling

Gray Walls, Blue Pack

 So, the coordinator du jour was first time coordinator, Dennis R. He did a great job keeping the masses together and knew his trail very well. The weather was warm even at the 7000'-8000' level. There were clouds of flying bugs at the parking lot and a few places along the trail. When we reached Obstacle Rock, the bugs were there, too. The group of hikers were content to stay below the large rock that blocks Fletcher Canyon Narrows, today, and we all had a leisurely break.

Fletcher Canyon Narrows

Getting Situated at Obstacle Rock

 The hike back to the cars was very pleasant as we walked casually through the shade of the canyon and then the forest. It is a 4 mile hike out and back with 900 feet of total elevation gain. There is minimal scrambling involved within the narrows. It is a beautiful outing for everyone.

Hiking Out of Narrows

Exiting the Narrows




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