Red Rock Canyon Desert Recreation Paradise Near Las Vegas, NV

Red Rock Canyon spans across approximately 200,000 acres of the southwestern Nevada Mojave Desert, just outside of Las Vegas. The canyon consists of sandstone, limestone, and rugged desert terrain with many bird, reptilian, riparian, and desert mammal wildlife calling it home. Red Rock Canyon encompasses world-class trails, majestic escarpments, petrified sand dunes, natural springs, rich cultural history, and a plethora of hiking, climbing, and mountain bike trails.

Only a 30 min drive from away, the fabulous Las Vegas Strip, Art’s District, Fremont Street, and numerous other areas provide great opportunities for nightlife, unique dining, and a world class music scene.

In early September 2023, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located in the Southern Nevada Mojave Desert encountered significant trail erosion due to Hurricane Hilary. Since then, multiple small but destructive storms have eroded the trail further, while staffing shortages have made it nearly impossible to keep up with all the damage.

Volunteers will focus on the White Rock Loop, a 6-mile scenic trail with rugged surfaces, hilly areas, and washed out and 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.