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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV – Volunteer Vacation 2024

October 20 @ 5:00 pm - October 26 @ 10:00 am

Trip Navigation

Become immersed in the red and cream colored sandstone of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area while repairing trail erosion and increasing safety for hikers! Located 17 miles west of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert, explore Nevada’s first National Conservation Area and warm up early in the year with warm desert sun.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area encountered significant trail erosion due to Hurricane Hilary in September 2023. The Grand Circle Loop is an 11.4 mile scenic trail that involves hiking over rugged surfaces, hilly areas, washed out and rocky terrain which experienced varying erosion. Repairing the trail will involve lifting, pulling, repositioning and placing naturally existing materials along the trail route to ensure trail stability and safety for visitors. Volunteer trail crew members will utilize tools including shovels, pick axes, Mcleods, rock bars, spades, rakes, and wheelbarrows. Training will be provided for proper use of each tool. Sign installation may also be part of this project to assist users with wayfinding. 

While there are multiple access points to the Grand Circle Loop trail, the first access point to the project area will begin from the Red Rock Canyon visitor center trailhead. Volunteers will be driven from the campsite to the visitor center and hike 3 – 4 miles to the scenic drive near Willow Spring for the first portion of the trail work. The second portion of the trail work will take place near the Lower White Rock parking lot. The volunteer trail crew will park at the Lower White Rock parking lot and hike into the Grand Circle Loop to access eroded trail work areas.

During this trip, Red Rock Canyon’s average high temperature is 71°, and average low temperature is 47°.

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.

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Nüwüwü, Nuwuvi, and Newe Sogobia peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, their deep and sacred connection to these lands, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live, work and recreate.

Click here for a PDF of trip details.

Host

Bureau of Land Management

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will be driven from the campsite to the visitor center and hike up to 4 miles.

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

Red Rock Canyon spans across approximately 200,000 acres of the southwestern Nevada Mojave Desert. The canyon consists of sandstone, limestone, and rugged desert terrain. Many bird, reptilian, riparian, and desert mammal wildlife call Red Rock Canyon home. From the 13-mile scenic loop drive, Red Rock Canyon encompasses world-class trails, majestic large-scale escarpments, petrified sand dunes, natural springs, rich cultural history, and a plethora of hiking, climbing, and mountain bike trails. Red Rock Canyon is unique as it is in close proximity to Las Vegas. The fabulous Las Vegas strip, Harry Reid International Airport, and access to amenities are just a few miles away from the canyon campground. Additionally, Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston are neighboring federal public lands. The Mount Charleston visitor center is a 45-minute drive (38 miles) from Red Rock Canyon Campground. Nearby Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is adjacent to the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive. The entrance of the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is just 8 miles from the Red Rock Canyon campground.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will be provided car camping tent sites. The campground includes pit toilets, water spigots, trail access, picnic areas, shelters, and fire rings. Showers are not provided at the Red Rock Canyon campground. Volunteers will need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries.

Travel

Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada is the closest major airport. Airport pick up and drop off is not available for volunteers, however carpooling and rideshare can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip. Harry Reid International Airport is a 25 minute drive to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Location

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
1000 Scenic Loop Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89161 United States + Google Map
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