Park Service, BLM push outdoor alternative to Black Friday mayhem

Instead of spending Black Friday camped in front of Wal-Mart or stampeding through Best Buy, why not pitch a tent in the forest or hike a trail by the lake?

That's the idea behind Opt Outside, a corporate marketing strategy turned national movement being promoted locally by officials at Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon.

The idea was spawned by outdoor retailer REI, which announced plans earlier this year to close all 143 of its stores the day after Thanksgiving and give its workers a paid day off to enjoy nature. The company, once led by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, is also encouraging its employees and customers to post pictures of their Black Friday adventures on social media using the hashtag #OptOutside.

Now Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are getting in on the act, pitching themselves as ideal places to escape the annual retail rampage.

"For those planning to #OptOutside, we'd love for them to visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area for their outdoor experience," said Christie Vanover, National Park Service spokeswoman for Lake Mead, in an email Tuesday. "Visitors can take an easy stroll on the Historic Railroad Trail, which offers panoramic views of Lake Mead, or they can venture on a more challenging hike down White Rock Canyon to the Arizona Hot Spring and Colorado River."

The Bureau of Land Management in Nevada began promoting Red Rock Canyon as an #OptOutside destination last week on its Facebook page.

Just don't expect to find much solitude at Red Rock this holiday weekend.

This is typically the busiest time of the year at the conservation area just west of Las Vegas, with the heaviest traffic expected Friday and Saturday.

The BLM is warning visitors to expect congestion and possible road closures and wait times on Red Rock's 13-mile scenic loop.

The loop will be temporarily closed during times of high visitation to allow for traffic movement and access by emergency vehicles, if necessary. Road signs along state Route 159 will announce the closures if and when they happen. Visitors also can call 702-515-5350 to find out if the scenic loop is open.

If you do opt outside, Red Rock officials encourage you to do so safely.

Among the advice from Catrina Williams, BLM manager of Red Rock: Watch your step, stay on establish trails, keep your distance from wildlife, stay hydrated, bring the right gear, keep a close eye on children, and let someone know where you plan to hike and when you plan to return.

"Every year we see an increase in the number of rescue calls, particularly in Red Rock Canyon, as the fall hiking season picks up," Williams said in a news release. "By following some simple safety tips everyone can have an enjoyable and memorable hike."

Contact Henry Brean at hbrean@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0350. Find him on Twitter: @RefriedBrean