rock climbing

It was a bright blue-skied, warm mid-60′s day and we decided to end our Winter climbing hiatus and return to Kraft Boulders. Outfitted with the newest kids’ Petzl Picchu climbing helmet for my three-year-old, we dusted off our climbing kit, grabbed our crash pad and headed to Calico Basin where the vast red sandstone boulder field lays at the base of Kraft Mountain. The weather was unseasonably warm that I ended up wearing just a t-shirt — the warm sun felt great.

Conquering one of the climbs at Kraft Boulders

As we pulled off of NV-159 onto Calico Basin Road, the sky was a piercing deep blue and we were eager to get out to the boulders. Then, as we turned right, just past Red Springs, we came across a group of 3 wild donkeys that were getting ready to cross the road.

We had seen wild donkeys at Red Rock before, but never this close. One other car had pulled over to take photos – and we joined them. The 3 donkeys were disinterested in the human observers and simply ambled across the road onto a grassy field. One had a dark mask on its face and all three had a distinct, dark-ridged strip running down the upper part of their front legs.

Donkeys crossing Calico Basin Road

Donkey at Calico Basin, Red Rock

After an afternoon of bouldering, we returned back down Calico Basin Road and came across the same three wild donkeys, frolicking in a neighborhood yard just a few yards from where they crossed the road. We once again stopped to photograph them as the low sun reddened Kraft Mountain in the distance.

Donkeys at Sunset, Kraft Mountain in background

It took everything I had to keep the kids from running up to and trying to pet the donkeys. I reminded them that they were wild animals and that we needed to respect them and give them plenty of room (and I’m sure there are a billion rules, laws, and regulations saying just that.) We finished taking photos and wished the donkeys farewell.

A challenging problem at Kraft Boulders

Rock Climbers at Calico, Red Rock Canyon

Rock Climbers at Red Rock Canyon

Hiking and rock climbing can be inherently dangerous. As we cover a myriad of outdoor adventures in the Vegas area, we are often reminded of the dangers that lie at the next bend in the trail… or on the next rock ledge. Yesterday, 1/19/2012, a hiker fell while hiking at Calico I Overlook, Red Rock Canyon. He fell approximately 30 feet and died of head trauma (News 3 Article). This exact place is where I’ve hiked dozens of times – often with my three young kids (age 6 and below). It was a sobering moment when I heard about this tragedy. Thoughts and prayers go out to the young man’s family.

Needless to say, hiking in the desert carries risks. The ill-prepared or reckless can end up in a very bad situation. Proper planning and sound judgment will ensure you have a great adventure – and that you return safe and sound.

Know your limits – only you know of your own fitness level and can gauge your abilities and whether or not you can take on certain hikes, climbs, or other rigorous activities. Don’t be cajoled by others; don’t be pressured by friends. Have a plan – how far or how long you plan on going, when is a good “turn-around” point to head back to the car.

The desert can be boiling hot – and ice cold (sometimes on the same day). Check the daytime (and nighttime) average temperatures and get an accurate weather forecast before heading out. Know that it will always be hotter in direct sun and colder in the shade. In the winter, it can be significantly colder in the shadows of a slot canyon. Also, be prepared for the sudden and significant temperature plunge at sunset – I often bring extra jackets for me and my kids just in case we are out past sunset – I can always just leave them in the car “just in case”… In the summer, always wear a hat and sunscreen – a wide-brim hat works best to keep the sun off your head, neck, and shoulders.

In warm weather, plan to carry at least one gallon of water per day. Keep an extra bottle or two in the car for the end of the hike. For a short day hike, I plan on carrying 24 ounces of water (at least) per person. Hands-free hydration packs such as CamelBaks work great. If you carry water bottles, shove them in a backpack to keep your hands free. Insulated bottles (such as by CamelBak or Polar Ice) work great and make the water much more friendly to consume.

Always look for good foot and hand holds. Sandstone can be sticky and may seem like you have good traction… Watch out for loose gravel or sand on top of the rocks – this makes the ground very slippery and a sliding hazard. Don’t assume that every hand hold is solid – sandstone can be brittle and rocks will break apart.

Pack a first aid kit – at the very least, band aids, medical tape, antibiotic creme, tweezers (to pull out cactus needles), allergy medicine (benedryl strips), gauze, and Motrin/Tylenol. I also always carry my “emergency kit” which includes a signal mirror, rescue whistle, SARSAT Personal Locator Beacon, knife, and fire starter kit.

If you are voyaging on a long trail, it is good to carry a map, a compass, and if you have one – a GPS. The best map to carry is a 1:24 Topo map – this will have the most detail.

Be prepared, be safe, and have fun.