Red Cap from Calico Basin

REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS

• YOU MUST SIGN WRITTEN WAIVER TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. The link to the written waiver is here:
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/written-waiver.pdf
You will not be moved to the "going" list without providing a signed waiver.
If you have already provided a waiver to me, you do not need to provide another one.

AND

• You must have done one of my Tier 3 or higher hikes with me.

***

HIKE DESCRIPTION

At one time this hike was jokingly referred to as "the 3-hour tour." It's longer than 3 hours.

Red Cap is the furthest peak from Calico Basin in the Calico Hills. From there you get a great view of the City and the Park. The climb can be tough because it has a lot of scrambling and elevation gain. Along the way there are lots of different types of rocks to see and maybe some wildlife. Check out my wildlife gallery for some of my favorite pictures of animals I've seen.
http://richardwaltjen.com/galleries-2/animal-gallery/

The normal route to Red Cap involves driving along the 13-mile loop to the Sandstone Quarry trail head and then hiking and climbing to the top. It's about 1.5 miles hike with some elevation gain that can get the heart pounding. We won't be going that way.

Instead, we'll be leaving from Calico Basin and hiking up through the canyon to the Calico Tanks. We'll linger there for a while and then go down towards Sandstone Quarry and up to Red Cap. Then we'll return using the "express" route.

If I don't know you or if I can't determine your scrambling experience from your profile, then be prepared to detail your scrambling experience. Details means a description of the climbing you've done and the people you did it with. Trail hiking experience is not sufficient.

Not for beginners or those afraid of heights. There are many places that require intermediate scrambling skills and there is some exposure. You must be able to pull your body weight up and lower yourself down using your arms.

• Helmets are always welcome. Be sure to use one that doesn't block your sight.

• Always carry "in case of emergency" numbers with you.

• No guests will be allowed without my prior approval.

YOU MUST BE ON THE "GOING" LIST IN ORDER TO GO ON THIS HIKE. CRASHING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

Meet Location will be sent by text or message on the day prior to the hike.

STATS
Distance: ~ 4.5 miles loop.
Elevation gain: ~ 1800 ft.
High point: ~ 4930
Low point: ~ 3700 ft.
Difficulty: moderate - difficult (Class 3-4 scrambling, elevation gain)
Pace: ~ 2 Miles Per Hour.
Children: no.
Dogs: no.
Time: 5.5 hours max.
Bring: At least two liters of water. Snacks.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Scrambling Tiers
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rickw-scrambling-tiers.pdf

Passages
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Passages.pdf

Pin Program
http://richardwaltjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pin-Collection.pdf