Each year, people all across the country set out on trails in celebration of National Trails Day. For National Trails Day 2018, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System, the trails community is uniting to improve 2,802 miles of trail – the distance across the US – in a single day! To celebrate National Trails Day, Friends of Nevada Wilderness will rally together on June 2nd to improve trails north and south. Lace up your hiking boots to join us in the effort to leave the trail better than we found it!
In many cases, trails are how Americans experience their public lands. Trails provide opportunities to explore and are often the most approachable way to experience the solitude and breathe in the fresh air of Wild Nevada. Spending some time on the trail is a great way to get your body moving and get some nature therapy away from the stresses of everyday life.
With the passage of the National Trails System Act in 1968, America was given a gift – the creation and protection of some of Americans’ favorite places to discover the great outdoors. The National Trails System is a network of nearly 60,000 miles of trail – that’s longer than the Interstate Highway System! National Trails in all 50 states connect national parks, forests, refuges, marine sanctuaries, wilderness areas, and all the spaces between. Some of our National Trails here in Nevada are the South Loop Trail near Las Vegas, Tahoe Rim Trail near Reno, and Ruby Crest Trail near Elko.
UPDATE: Our National Trails Day Project in Southern Nevada is full - we love seeing that volunteer spirit! There's still more opportunities throughout the season to give back to your favorite trails in the Spring Mountains, so check out the Mt. Charleston Volunteer Trail Crew and our Southern Nevada Calendar of Events!
In Southern Nevada, we're heading to Griffith Peak Trail. This trail was a favorite for those seeking solitude in Mt. Charleston Wilderness, but has been closed since being damaged by the Carpenter One Fire and successive flooding in 2016. We'll be starting the effort to reopen Griffith Peak trail by repairing rock walls and installing a new Wilderness sign. Help us move Griffith Peak Trail a little closer to opening!
In Northern Nevada, join Friends of Nevada Wilderness, Friends of Black Rock-High Rock, and the Bureau of Land Management as we celebrate National Trails Day at beautiful Steven's Camp just north of High Rock Canyon. The weekend will involve some fun trail work, maintenance of the historic public-use cabin, delicious food, and good company! This trip is always very popular so be sure to RSVP and save your spot today!
Can’t make it to a National Trails Day project? You can still leave the trail better than you found it – pick up litter while on your next hike, move that rock everyone is tripping on or walking around, or share the adventure by inviting new hikers to join you!
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” John Muir
