What we’re about
✰✰✰ Bring 'em back alive! ✰✰✰
That's the Motto of RRH, and it means the hikes here can be long, can be challenging, but first they are as safe as is reasonable for a region with so much high relief. It's all about being a big strong kid again, and having a nice low-pressure ramble in the Big Blue Room, to the edge of endurance in some cases!
Our hikes typically are 3-8 miles, with hopefully no more than 2000 feet of climb and usually much less. Very often these hikes are entirely cross-country, so they seem longer than they are.
I and the other hike leaders try to make the hike descriptions as direct and accurate as possible, but it is up to the individual to know their limits, and choose hikes that are within their hiking level. This means you. Yes, you. If the hiking's too hard for your level, then train and level up until you can do it! Lots of people do, and the benefits are huge.
Check out the "Pages" for hike ratings explained and other goodies for hiking.
MISSION STATEMENT
Message from John:
My personal goal for every hike is "Bring 'em back alive!"
After that, it's to have a nice moderately paced hike that often goes on all day and can be quite rough sometimes, oy. Of course, "rough" and "spectacular" are often found together...
------------------------------------
As volunteer hike leaders, we are here to make sure everyone is guided on the particular trail and is accounted for in general. We all come onto the trail together, and we all leave together. Hiking with us is like hiking with friends. When we’re on trail, we work as a team, and never leave anyone behind. If we notice people are getting too far ahead or behind, we make sure we stop regularly, regroup, and continue on trail together. In the end, we are a hiking group, and while it is ultimately up to the individual to keep oneself safe, it is up the group to stay together.
DUES/FEES
There are no dues for membership, period.
However, it does cost $200 per year to maintain a Meetup site (no advertising!) so tips toward that end are appreciated. :)
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Rock Art Safari: Seven Keyhole Grotto, Babe's Butte, and Little FinlandSouthern Parkway, St. George, UT
Rating: Easy to moderate, about 4 miles total, with less than 500 feet total climbing. Optional extra mile of hiking to visit nearby Little Finland rock formations after main hike.
Note: The hike has some minor rock scrambling, so it's not actually "easy."
This hike is in conjunction with Mindful Scramblers Meetup.
----
This cross-country hike goes to two first class rock art sites (with a story to tell) and a fantastic set of rock formations plus more rock art. It's all far out in the Gold Butte National Monument. It's a howling wilderness of sand and desert redrock formations, totally pristine and uninhabited.
The rock art sites are very remote and generally intact, with many dozens of glyphs overall.
After the loop-hike to the Grotto and Babe's Butte, there will be an (optional) extra hike from the same trailhead, but to Little Finland instead, only 0.6 miles away, with just a little moderate climbing to get there. More rock art may be viewed, and the rock formations themselves are stunning. Oh yes.
This extra hike is not required, and some hikers choose to head home insetead, which is fine.
In short, a great day of exploration in a superb desert setting, with few bushes and almost no steep sections to deal with. Lots of sand tho! ;-/
----
Prep: Stout boots or shoes, two bottles of water, a sun hat, and some food to keep us going for a while. Optional gloves and hiking poles.
A hiking pole provides stability on gravelly slopes, and leather gloves will protect the hands in case of a slip and fall.
----
The Drive: We meet at Exit 2, the Southern Parkway crossing I-15, at the Chevron Terrible's gas station at that exit. We then proceed down Interstate 15 to Mesquite, then head south around Virgin Mountain to Whitney Pockets, some 25 miles on old pavement. Then about 8 miles on dirt roads and sandy/rocky washes.
4x4's are usually needed, due to the soft, dry sand in Mud Wash. Getting rides with group members is generally very easy. Just ask in the comments if you haven't got one and someone will usually offer space in theirs.
See you there! M+J :)
----
Please Note The Following:
Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would 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 injury to themselves or their guests.
By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup 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.
