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| - This weekend, I was set out to hike Sloan Canyon from Anthem Hills Park to the north side of Black Mountain. When I met up with the Anthem Hills traihead, I set out on a different adventure: Anthem East Trail.
Anthem East Trail is a seven mile half loop trail east of Anthem. It starts out as a paved, sinuous trail for approximately 3/4 mile in Anthem Hills Park. When the trail travels through Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area the trail's characteristics drastically change into a difficult to very difficult gravelly and rocky surface. The trail signs even state that it is very difficult. From my experience, it could be dangerous. One rocky stretch nearly took out my left leg and smart phone.
Anthem East trail is a great work out. I like to think I am in good shape. But the exhausting uphill climb between mile marker two and three gave me a beating. By the time I was recovering, the exhausting climb approaching mile marker 5 gave me another beating. I have never had a greater appreciation for water before in my life. So, I suggest bringing plenty of water. And hiking shoes. Exhausted, I stopped at mile marker five, and made my way back to Anthem Hills Park.
The beating that the uphill climbs gave my stamina was worth it. It was exercise- 11 miles round trip that burned 1,100 calories. The views of the Strip, Las Vegas Valley, and McCullough Mountain Range that I saw are magnificent. I was impressed by the nature that I saw. I saw lizards, squirrels, birds-including a couple that look like turkeys (need a Field Guide), and bunny rabbits. For most of the trail, I was the lone hiker.
I recommend the Anthem East Trail to hikers prepared for a difficult hike. Please bring the following: sufficient water, sun screen, a cap, good sneakers, and a fully charged phone.
Happy and careful hiking.
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