For our last 2011 Group Outing we met with 12 other game adventurers to hike to the 3,718 foot summit of Fortification Hill. It was a brisk day with temperatures in the mid 40's with a cold wind gusting out of the north.
Fortification Hill is one of the best winter hikes in Southern Nevada. Hiking distance is about six miles round trip with rewarding views from the summit. This is a picture of our group making their way up to the crest of a spur ridge to the upper rim rock bands of the extinct volcano.
On this year's trip Sunshine Pawchuk joined us and took along her wonderful Cockapoo pups, Duke and Daisy.
Sunshine and Daisy.
Our good friend Martin Boyett and his daughter Kelly.
Sammi Pawchuk and Summer Mudd all bundled up on this chilly Saturday.
The group making their way up the steep chute just before breaking out on the flat summit plateau.
Looking to the Northeast from Fortification Hill to the Rainbow Landscape near Gold Butte.
A zoomed image of Hoover Dam and the recently completed Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge as seen from the summit.
Our good friend Frank Nason.
Paul and Summer Mudd with Conner Szczepanski showing off the summit flag.
Conner Szczepanski with Lake Mead, Las Vegas and the Spring Mountains in the background.
A bird's eye view of Lake Mead and Las Vegas.
Our 2011 Fortification Hill hiking group.
Lisa on the trail.
Lowering the dogs through the only short class 3 section on the hike.
Lisa having one of those pleasant days hiking with her husband and friends.
Bob near the end of a brisk and beautiful Fortification Hill hike.