Las Vegas Area Trip: Black Canyon Water Trail, Red Rock Canyon, & Mt. Charleston

PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION. THIS DESCRIPTION WILL BE UPDATED AS WE FILL IN DETAILS.

TO SIGN UP, PLEASE EMAIL US AT: slchikingnature.campingtrips@gmail.com
Make sure to answer all four questions asked below in the description.

Black Canyon Water Trail
What is the Black Canyon Water Trail you ask? It is a 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River starting at the south end of Lake Meade/Hoover Dam. Black Canyon National Water Trail - Lake Mead National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) We will likely just do the portion from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, which is a 12-mile flatwater stretch that passes hot springs, caves, canyons, and beaches: Map - Desert River Outfitters It can be done in one day or two. The price for the kayak portion can run up to $200 with permits, shuttles, and a two-day kayak rental (less for one day). This amount would be non-refundable because transferring the slot may present some challenges.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:
We will spend one day in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area | Bureau of Land Management. This area offers a mix of hiking and climbing opportunities. We will offer the option of a morning and afternoon hike or a morning clim and an afternoon hike, depending on your preference and assuming our ability to obtain the needed timed entry permits when they are released in October.

Other Hikes Around Vegas
We will spend one or two days of hikes in other areas around Las Vegas. My hope is to be up in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area and to hike Mt. Charleston if there is not an early snowfall (typically, the peak receives under 3/4 of an inch of snow in October and November). As back ups, we may explore Lovell Canyon, Black Canyon Wilderness Area, and Sloan Canyon National Recreation Area.

Camping/Lodging:
We will likely do dispersed camping, with the possibility of moving camp once during the trip. You are also welcome to make your own lodging arrangements if you prefer staying in Las Vegas, just be prepared to join us early in the morning, especially on the departure day for the kayak.

Cancellation Policy:
Because of the permitting and bookings on this trip, all fees are non-refundable. Additionally, there will be a $40 cancellation fee for any cancellation after October 10, 2025. This fee must be paid no later than December 12, 2025.

Sign up Process:
If you would like to sign up for this trip, please send me an email noting:
(1) if you prefer 1 or 2 days for the kayak;
(2) whether you would do the opposite option for the kayak if need be; (3) whether you want to rock climb in Red Rock Canyon or just hike; and (4) your date of birth (needed for the kayak permits).

Once I have a sufficient number of responses, I will start contacting river outfitters and see what we can make work. As a result, unlike other trips, the spots on this trip may not be filled strictly based on who responds first and the attendee cap number is yet to be set.