A Youthful Vision Sparks Change (Image Credits: Flickr)
Black People Hike Las Vegas continues to expand access to Nevada’s outdoors for underrepresented communities through organized hikes and wellness events.
A Youthful Vision Sparks Change
Donovan Childress launched the group in 2020 as a high school senior at Arbor View High School, driven by his own passion for hiking that began in middle school.[1][2] Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, he moved to the Las Vegas area’s Centennial Hills and noticed few people of color on local trails. This observation prompted him to create events that welcome everyone while focusing on Black participation. Today, at age 21 and a student at Nevada State University, Childress hosts one to two outings monthly.[1]
The initiative addresses historical barriers, including Jim Crow-era limits on public spaces, which Childress links to lingering stereotypes.[1] He recalled a Lake Mead overlook where participants gasped in awe, capturing the transformative joy of nature. Such moments underscore the group’s aim to make outdoor recreation feel inclusive and essential.
Challenging Stereotypes in the Outdoors
Outdoor activities long carried a perception as pursuits for white people only, a view Childress seeks to dismantle through exposure and community building.[3] National data supports the need: Black participation reached 11 percent of outdoor recreation in 2024, up from 6.2 percent in 2011, yet gaps persist.[1] The group counters this by organizing diverse activities that foster wellness and connection.
Childress noted after a key early hike with the NAACP and Congressman Horsford, membership surged from four to around 50, evolving into a networking hub.[3] Participants report mental health benefits, like KJ Cash who hiked in snow for peace during a recent event. The overwhelmingly female attendance led to targeted men’s hikes to balance involvement.
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Events That Build Bonds and Skills
About 40 Black men gathered for the Unity Hike: Black Men’s Edition on February 21, 2026, at Red Rock Canyon’s South Oak Creek trailhead, covering nearly four miles.[1] They crossed Oak Creek, identified plants for teas, and shared stories from national parks and sports. Novice Dre’Priest Robinson called it refreshing, a way to connect with nature and community.
- Hiking at Lone Mountain Park, Mount Charleston, Zion National Park, and Ice Box Canyon.
- Skiing trips that drew crowds last year.
- Water-based outings like fishing and kayaking.
- Wellness sessions including yoga, sound baths, and financial talks.
- Student field trips and partnerships like Sol y Soul during Latino Conservation Week.
Upcoming Unity on the Trail at Lone Mountain Park promises more collaboration with empowerment groups during Black History Month.[3]
Growth Reflects Broader Shifts
From pandemic restlessness to regular excursions, the group has matured alongside rising interest in diverse outdoor engagement. Childress emphasizes reclaiming spaces: “Segregation is over, and the goal is to bring our people to these outdoor spaces.”[1] Social media on Instagram and Facebook amplifies reach, drawing locals eager for beginner-friendly options.
The effort extends beyond hikes to holistic wellness, proving nature’s restorative power unites generations and backgrounds.
Key Takeaways
- Founded in 2020 to boost Black outdoor participation amid underrepresentation.
- Hosts monthly events from hikes to skiing, open to all.
- Breaks stereotypes through community-focused experiences and partnerships.
Black People Hike Las Vegas proves the desert’s trails belong to everyone willing to step out. What outdoor adventure will you try next? Share in the comments.
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