Trail Readiness Series: Hike 2 South Oak Creek Loop

Welcome to the ✨Trail Readiness Series✨ 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. 📢New participants to VegasHikers are encouraged to participate!📢 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 2: Enjoy a 4.7-mile hike beginning at South Oak Creek—a scenic route with a mix of gentle climbs, descents, and a few switchbacks. Half of this trail may feel familiar, as we’ll be covering part of the route in reverse from what was done during the Middle Oak Creek hike. The difference this time is that we’ll be completing the full South Oak Creek Loop. This is an excellent training hike to work on pacing, consistency, and repetition. (Optional: a short ascent of Potato Knoll for those interested.) We will also go into the “What’s in Your Bag?” session—this will serve as I describe what should be in your Trail Ready Starter Kit. HIKE QUICK STATS: Trailhead: South Oak Creek Distance: 4.1 - 4.7 miles Elevation Gain: ≈524 ft Difficulty/pace: Easy to moderate (depending on the group’s overall pace) Class: 1 Exposure: none Duration: ≈4 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 TAILGATE: (Tailgating is apart of the event. Everyone who signs up participates in the tailgate) 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! 📌Follow us on Facebook Everything I Need Before I Arrive Please arrive between 7:30 and 7:45 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) 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. Everyone starts on the waitlist. 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. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: 09/19: Middle Creek to Oak Creek 09/26: South Oak Creek Loop 10/03: Black Velvet Rd Loop --- Note: New participants will not be accepted after this point of the series --- 10/10: Kraft Mt. Loop 10/17: Blue Diamond Landmine Loop 10/31: White Rock/La Madre Springs Loop 11/07: Blue Diamond Loop 11/14: Finale - Grand Circle Loop DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides or 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.