Even in this heat, it’s nice to get outdoors, and millions do it by hiking in Southern Nevada.
Last year, nearly 4 million people visited Red Rock National Conservation Area, many of them hikers.
But again, it’s hot out. The forecast for weeks is temperatures well over 100 degrees. And not everyone can make it to the cooler air of Mt. Charleston. Then what do you do to keep hiking when it’s this hot?
And, what about the 25% of the population with a disability and the 12% with mobility issues?
BY THE NUMBERS
- The outdoor recreation participant base has grown each of the last eight years, adding 14.5 million participants since January 2020.
- In 2022, the outdoor recreation participant base grew 2.3%, now a record 168.1 million participants or 55% of the U.S. population ages 6 and older.
- Outdoor recreation, including hiking and backpacking, are becoming increasingly diverse, with growth consistent among all minority groups. (2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report)
- In Nevada, 22.5% of the population is below the age of 18 in 2019. (Population Reference Bureau)
- Outings for families with children 17 and younger are declining: from 85 outings in 2012 to 66 in 2022. Families with young children tend to be more active than families with older children; the rate drops off in teenage years.
- Among kids in 2022, activities with the highest growth rates included backpacking, snowshoeing, canoeing, climbing, and off-road triathlon. (2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report)
- 1 in 4 Americans (27%) are living with a disability in 2023. 12% of Americans have mobility issues, specifically. (CDC)
Guests: Ryan Vellinga, graphic designer, Desert Companion; Reannon Muth, hike leader, Tiny Hikes and Adventures; Shelley Price, board member, Trail Access Project
