Join Stirling Club Members At Red Rock Canyon

While most people don't give it a second thought, hiking remains one of the most underrated fitness activities available. According to the American Hiking Society, hiking can stem heart disease, decrease hypertension by dilating blood vessels, decrease cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (the good cholesterol), and slow the aging process.

It's also the perfect fitness activity for burning calories. The average person weighing 135 pounds will burn as much as 1,200 to 1,300 calories during a four-hour hike, compared to only 960 calories on an elliptical trainer for two hours. (Based on a calorie count estimator at Fitness Today.)

Even better, hiking doesn't feel like two hours on an elliptical trainer. In the great outdoors with friends, time passes quickly while taking in the natural beauty. And at The Stirling Club, hiking excursions are a great way to meet people.

The Stirling Club Hiking Excursions To Red Rock Canyon.

The Stirling Club will be organizing guided weekend hikes at Red Rock Canyon in May and June. For specific times, dates, and routes, visit The Stirling Club Spa desk. Once the hiking schedule is set, reservations will be accepted 48 hours in advance.

If you are unfamiliar with the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, it is a 197,000-acre area best known for the images taken at Calico Springs or the Keystone Thrust (where the Cambrian Bonanza King formation folds over the red Aztec sandstone). However, there are more than 18 designated trails located throughout a variety of canyon openings.

Tips For Red Rock Canyon Hikers.

• Hiking boots or reinforced shoes make hikes more comfortable.
• Ventilated and/or layered clothing is generally the best bet for spring.
• Protective visors, sunglasses, and/or hats are recommended.
• Even when temperatures remain calm, sunblock is advised.
• Sufficient bottled water makes the hike more comfortable.
• Walking staffs and gloves are optional, depending on personal preference.

The Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association provides highlights of the most popular Red Rock trails in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management. Most hikes range from one hour to two hours, with easy to moderate classifications. Spotting wildlife is not uncommon, but the likelihood is dependent on which trails are included during the hike.

All of the tours organized by The Stirling Club are guided, which means there is an increased opportunity to see petroglyphs, creeks, and other natural wonders. For Ask about the spa treatment specials to enjoy immediately following a hike.