Please read the entire description. Everyone starts on the waitlist!
New participants are not accepted at this point in the series.
As the finale of the Trail Ready Program Series, this hike is reserved for those who have hiked with us before and serves as a celebration for everyone who made it to the finish line.
Got questions? Text Paul 702-628-0454
You must be a member of VegasHikers. Please have an updated profile photo of yourself.
Welcome to the ✨Trail Readiness Series✨ Are you Trail Ready?
Congratulations! You’ve made it to hike 8️⃣, the final challenge in the Trail Ready Series. Your consistency, effort, and focus have brought you to the finish line of this program.
This is an 8-hike progressive series spread out over two months that will train you and cover topics like trail etiquette, GPS and your inner compass, pace, distance, and understanding a basic hike description. You’ll also learn about teamwork. Most importantly, these hikes will give you a sense of camaraderie and connection — and you’ll make plenty of new friends. Those who complete the series will earn a Trail Ready pin.
(There is an option to receive the Trail Ready Certification card)
The first four hikes in this series will focus on learning essential hiking skills: from pacing and trail etiquette to navigation tips, gear know-how, and reading hike descriptions.
The final four hikes will put that knowledge into action. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in real trail conditions, practicing your pace, applying etiquette, and using your new skills with confidence. By the end, you’ll not only be “Trail Ready” but prepared for a wide range of hiking adventures ahead.
Hike #8
This final hike of the Trail Ready Series will follow the Grand Circle inside the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop area. The route consists of Class 1 terrain with minimal elevation gain and no technical exposure, yet it remains a strenuous challenge due to its 11.5-mile distance. The group will maintain a steady, moderate pace, and participants should be prepared to keep up with the main team throughout the route. Everything you’ve learned and practiced throughout the Trail Ready Series comes together on this final hike — communication, awareness, pacing, and teamwork all play a role in completing the Grand Circle.
HIKE QUICK STATS:
Trailhead: First Parking lot (inside the fee entrance)
Distance: ≈11-12 miles
Elevation gain: ≈300 ft
Difficulty/pace: strenuous due to distance
Class: 1
Exposure: none
Duration: ≈8 hours (includes driving & tailgating)
No guests, children/minors, canines, or event crashers, please!
* All attendees must be members of VegasHikers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up, and it's FREE.
GEAR:
Backpack
Hiking boots or trail shoes are required
Trekking poles are optional but very helpful
2-3L of water, sun protection, snacks & electrolytes
CARPOOLS:
We will meet at the Red Rock Hotel, West parking garage, 4th floor, section 4D, near the ramp to form carpools. From here, we'll caravan to the first parking lot (inside the fee entrance).
NOTE: You should already be familiar with the group expectations by arriving early at the garage for carpooling. 7am is not the meetup time; it is the departure time from the garage.
TAILGATE:
At the end of the hike, a relaxed gathering where we enjoy drinks, food, and good conversation. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow hikers on a social level that often isn’t possible during the hike itself. Bring a camp chair!
WEATHER INFO:
Check the current weather HERE(https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@5510995/ext) to determine what to wear. Staying prepared starts with checking the weather—bring layers, sun protection, or rain gear accordingly.
DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that your Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Red Rock Hotel & Casino Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, us
