Trail Readiness Series: Hike 5 Blue Diamond Landmine Loop

Welcome to the ✨Trail Readiness Series✨

🥾 TRAIL READY – THE NEXT FOUR HIKES!
We're now welcoming Vegas Hikers members to join us for the remaining four Trail Ready hikes!
These hikes are designed for those who already have hiking experience.

📢Note: With our four instructional hikes completed, Trail Ready participants will now apply what they've learned under real trail conditions.📢

This is an 8-hike progressive series spread out over two months that will train you and cover topics like trail etiquette, GPS and your inner compass, pace, distance, and understanding a basic hike description.
You’ll also learn about teamwork. Most importantly, these hikes will give you a sense of camaraderie and connection — and you’ll make plenty of new friends. Those who complete the series will earn a Trail Ready Pin.

Last year, 2025, we had a very successful turnout: 35 participants for the first hike, with a steady number throughout.
The first four hikes in this series will focus on learning essential hiking skills — from pacing and trail etiquette to navigation tips, gear know-how, and reading hike descriptions.

The final four hikes will put that knowledge into action. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in real trail conditions, practicing your pace, applying etiquette, and using your new skills with confidence. By the end, you’ll not only be “Trail Ready” but prepared for a wide range of hiking adventures ahead.

Hike 5:
Embark on an adventurous 8-mile loop showcasing diverse desert scenery and traces of history. Along the route, you’ll pass an antique rusted car, remnants of an old cabin foundation, a quiet marsh, and a bluff overlooking the gypsum mine. The trail weaves through the scenic Blue Diamond community, where wild burros are often spotted. Rated Class 1, it offers an enjoyable and manageable journey for all hikers. Tailgating and social time with food and drinks will follow the hike.

HIKE QUICK STATS:

Trailhead: Wheeler Camp Spring Parking
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation gain: 950 feet
Difficulty/pace: Moderately strenuous
Class: 1
Exposure: none
Duration: ≈7 hours (includes driving & tailgating)
No guests, children/minors, canines, or event crashers, please!
All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up, and it's FREE.

GEAR:

Backpack
Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
2L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes

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Everything I Need To Know Before I Arrive:

Please arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 am.

CARPOOLS:
We will meet at the Red Rock Hotel, West parking garage, 4th floor, section 4D, near the ramp to form carpools.
(You will be required to sign a waiver)

WEATHER INFO:
Check the current weather HERE to determine what to wear. Staying prepared starts with checking the weather—bring layers, sun protection, or rain gear accordingly.

🏕️ TAILGATE & LVHIKERS MEET & GREET – OCTOBER 17!
As previously announced, there will be no tailgate immediately following this hike. Instead, our gathering will take place at the Red Rock Campground on Moenkopi Road from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM!
This event serves as both the Trail Ready hike tailgate and the LVHikers Meet & Greet!

Everyone is welcome! If you're not already an LVHikers member, membership is free. Simply join the group, then RSVP for the gathering.

🥾 Join LVHikers (FREE): LVHikers
🎉 RSVP for the Tailgate & Meet & Greet: LVHikers Meet & Greet
Site G: Big Horn: Site G: Big Horn

At the end of the hike, a relaxed gathering where we enjoy drinks, food, and good conversation. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow hikers on a social level that often isn’t possible during the hike itself. Bring a camp chair!

MEETUP PROFILE: Your Meetup profile must include a current profile photo, and the name on your Meetup profile must match the name you use on your participant waiver. This is required so organizers can accurately verify attendance and participant records.

Any questions about this event that are not listed here, please contact me for a faster reply (not in the comment section):
Paul's Cell: 702-628-0454

DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.