Las Vegas Veterans Have Organized Monthly Hiking Groups
A local group uses monthly trail outings to support veteran mental health and build community in the Las Vegas Valley.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Hiking
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Nathan French has launched a monthly hiking initiative for veterans residing in the Las Vegas Valley. The group meets regularly to walk trails and provide mutual support for those who served.
Why it matters
The hikes serve as a preventative measure to support veteran mental health, as the veteran suicide rate is more than twice the national average.
The group maintains 90 followers on Facebook and typically sees 8 to 9 veterans attend each outing. Participants consistently cover distances ranging from 3.5 to 4 miles per hike.
The players
Nathan French
He is the founder of a local hiking group designed to support the mental health and social well-being of veterans.
The details
Participants engage in conversation and share experiences throughout their treks, which provide views overlooking Henderson. At the trail summit, the hikers perform a moment of remembrance to honor their peers.
Timeline
The group meets on the first Saturday of each month.
Three years ago, Nathan French walked 22 miles on Veterans Suicide Awareness Day.
Culture Shift
This hiking initiative reflects a broader movement toward utilizing community-based social interaction to address the mental health challenges highlighted by the national veteran suicide rate. It shifts the focus from clinical interventions to peer-led preventative support systems.
Veterans interested in joining the group can expect to participate in moderate 3.5 to 4-mile hikes on the first Saturday of each month. The sessions prioritize social connection and shared experiences among those in the Las Vegas area.
The takeaway
Building consistent social routines through physical activity provides a vital support network for military veterans. Participating in group walks offers both the physical benefits of exercise and the emotional relief of sharing experiences with peers.
Further reading
Learn more about local outdoor activities in the Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Investigatetv.
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