Red Rock Canyon Desert Recreation Paradise Near Las Vegas, NV
November 8 - November 14
Trip Navigation
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just west of Las Vegas, Nevada, spans over 200,000 acres of the Mojave Desert and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Established in 1990, this stunning landscape is renowned for its vibrant red sandstone cliffs, dramatic geological formations, and rich cultural history. Visitors can explore scenic drives, cultural sites, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and world-class climbing routes while learning about the area’s ancient marine fossils, Jurassic sand dunes, and the Keystone Thrust Fault. Red Rock Canyon offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreation, and heritage, making it one of Nevada’s most treasured outdoor destinations.
Only a 20 minute drive from Red Rock Canyon, the fabulous Las Vegas Strip, Art’s District, Fremont Street, and many other areas in between provide great opportunities for nightlife, unique dining, hotels, and live music.
In early September 2023, Hurricane Hillary caused significant trail erosion across nearly every trail within Red Rock. Added damage from subsequent storms and increased visitation has only been amplified by staffing shortages. Thankfully in 2024, we were able to host a small group of Volunteer Vacations volunteers who fixed 2 miles of our Grand Circle Loop Trail.
This year, volunteers and Red Rock Canyon Staff will focus on the White Rock Loop, an extension of the Grand Circle Loop trail. White Rock Loop is a 6-mile scenic trail with uneven surfaces, hills, and washed-out rocky terrain. Pinion Pine, Juniper, and the occasional Ponderosa Pine provide shade on the western side, where most work will take place. Repairing the trail will involve lifting, pulling, repositioning and placing naturally existing materials along the trail route to ensure trail stability and safety for hikers and runners.
There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.
Avg. Temperature:
Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of about 80–85°F and lows of 55–60°F. Mid-October near Las Vegas is warm and dry, with mostly sunny skies and little precipitation.
Sample Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival
Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)
Day 2: Work Day
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM
Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.
Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.
Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.
After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.
Day 3: Work Day
Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)
Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike, tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.
Day 5: Work Day
Day 6: Work Day
Day 7: Departure
Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.
Land Acknowledgment:
AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Salish, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Apsáalooke (Crow) people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.
Register
