For locals and tourists who are in to hiking, there are few places better to visit than Southern Nevada! The only problem is there are so many incredible trails and climbs for people of all skill levels that is almost impossible to choose or know which ones are the best suited for you. Fortunately, I have discovered a great group that solves that problem!
A few weeks ago I was introduced to a guy named Branch Whitney who heads up an incredible organization called the 52 Peak Club. The club is a really unique hiking program that helps increase your self confidence, physical fitness level, and of course introduces you to many really great people.
He invited me to tag along with the group to get a sense of what it is they all do. I was a little hesitant because although I enjoy hiking, I am far from a professional, and I was worried I would be out of my element with a bunch of experienced hikers who might not be too happy about a novice coming along.
But I decided to go, and I was so glad I did! We met early on Sunday at Red Rock and I was introduced to the other members who had already assembled at the foot of the mountain we would be climbing. To my surprise, most of them looked a lot like me. It wasn’t a group of professional hikers who had an intense look on their faces. Instead, there was a lady who was 61 and still loving to climb, a gentleman who was just returning from a serious illness, and about a dozen other people ranging in age and experience levels. The one thing they all shared was a love of hiking.
Now although everyone was more than happy to help me complete the hike, I know my limits. So I made sure that the climb we would be doing on this day wasn’t too crazy. Branch assured me it was something I could handle. And they have a really unique way to let you know about the difficulties of each climb, and it plays into their name.
There are 52 cards in a deck, and Southern Nevada has 52 peaks to climb. So what they have done is assigned a card to each peak, and the more difficult the climb, the higher the card number assigned. Once you complete the hike, you can get a card for that peak and once you complete the deck you got labeled a 53’er! It is really a nice incentive to make sure you keep hiking. Once you start collecting the cards, it becomes quite addictive.
We began our journey which was to take a little over two hours and we started to talk to the other members of the group. I loved hearing their stories about what got them involved and what it meant to them both physically and spiritually. There really is a big difference between spending your day in a gym and getting out and challenging nature. I was so impressed with them all, but the older ones and those coming back from illnesses were particularly amazing. I hope I am able to do the same in the future!
Finally after some slightly challenging terrain, we made it to the top. They have a notebook to sign which I am told is common with a lot of the peaks in the area. After we did that, we took some pictures of the group as well as the incredible scenery. It’s amazing to be in a place this beautiful and remote and realize that you aren’t all that far from the chaos of Las Vegas!
After a short break for some more good conversation and a snack, it was time to head back. Going down is actually a little harder, and you have to be more careful because it is a lot easier to slip. Fortunately, we all made it down safe and sound and we celebrated the completion of our journey. After a little more conversation, we all said our goodbye’s and wished each other well. I had such a great time with this group of people.
I had never in my life thought this would be something I would be into. Now I am actually considering joining the group to see if I can get my own full deck of cards!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to talk to Branch too much on this day because his voice was almost completely gone. But he is definitely the glue of this organization. It’s clear he has such a passion for what he does, and it rubs off on those people that are around him. He was also helped on this day by Richard Rodriguez who couldn’t have been more helpful. He stayed behind the group to make sure nobody had problems, and when I needed a hand, he was always there to help.
If you spend any time here, this is definitely something you should look into. Fortunately, if you are not sure, there is a lot of information out there to help you decide. Branch has written a book that you can get HERE, and the 52 Peak club also has a website you can check out to learn more about what they do. The amazing thing is that they have hikes basically every single day, so no matter when you have the time to go, chances are they will be having a hike you can join them on.
I really want to thank Branch, the entire 52 Peak organization, and each and every one of the people that were on my hike. They really made it an enjoyable time. I can’t wait to see all of them the next time I go along. Maybe I will try one of the hikes that will get me a higher card number!
Check out their website http://www.52peakclub.com/ and consider joining today!
I also talked with Branch so tat I could get in his own words, what the 52 Peak Club is all about. Here is what he had to say:
Rosario: How and why did you create The 52 Peak Club?
Branch: After hiking around Southern Nevada for 15 years, I wanted to create an organization that helped people believe in themselves. I thought the best way to do this is having people push past their fears by climbing to the peaks in a group setting. Most of these peaks are very difficult to find. That’s why we are the only hiking club to climb some of these peaks.
Branch: After hiking around Southern Nevada for 15 years, I wanted to create an organization that helped people believe in themselves. I thought the best way to do this is having people push past their fears by climbing to the peaks in a group setting. Most of these peaks are very difficult to find. That’s why we are the only hiking club to climb some of these peaks.
Rosario: How has your experience been in general with this organization?
Branch: Great. Many people who have become 53ers (those who have climbed all 52 peaks) say this is one of the best things they have ever done.
Rosario: Who can join this group?
Branch: First, you must be 18 or older. Second, everyone must take a fitness survey. From those answers we determine who can join us. This is for safety reasons. We will NOT have people climbing these peaks who are not in shape.
Branch: First, you must be 18 or older. Second, everyone must take a fitness survey. From those answers we determine who can join us. This is for safety reasons. We will NOT have people climbing these peaks who are not in shape.
Rosario: How many members currently do you have?
Branch: 2,140 members
Branch: 2,140 members
Rosario: How often does the group go out for hiking?
Branch: We average 70 to 90 hikes per month!
Branch: We average 70 to 90 hikes per month!
Rosario: What is you or your club’s goals for the future?
Branch: I want the 52 Peak Club to become a household name.
Branch: I want the 52 Peak Club to become a household name.
Rosario: How long ago did you create The 52 Peak Club?
Branch: In one sense, 18 years. I found many routes to these peaks and named over 20 of the peaks. Actual planning time was about six months. There’s no overnight travel. The peaks are in three different hiking areas around Las Vegas, so the club hikes year round. For more information about the 52 Peak Club: www.52PeakClub.com.
Branch: In one sense, 18 years. I found many routes to these peaks and named over 20 of the peaks. Actual planning time was about six months. There’s no overnight travel. The peaks are in three different hiking areas around Las Vegas, so the club hikes year round. For more information about the 52 Peak Club: www.52PeakClub.com.
Leave a Reply