Visiting Las Vegas
Visiting Las Vegas?
Las Vegas, NV is a wonderful travel destination for anyone who likes a little bit of everything. Not only do we have great casinos and exciting nightlife, but we also have wonderful parks and outdoor recreation! When you plan your next vacation getaway, make sure your travel plans include Las Vegas and a bicycle!
RED ROCK CONSERVATION AREA - ROAD BIKING
Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. On a bicycle, the Red Rock Conservation Area is one of the most magical places you will ever ride in. When you enter the Conservation area, you will ride into a desert land of joshua trees, Red Rock Mountains, and even wild burros!
There are a few popular routes to ride that will take your breath away. And on any given weekend, you will always find local cyclists challenging themselves on the 13 mile scenic loop or hanging out at our favorite rest stop in Blue Diamond socializing and refueling.
Here are a few interesting facts on the Red Rock Scenic Ride - 13 Mile Loop:
- The 13-mile scenic drive is a Backcountry Byway. It is completely paved and offers opportunities to see desert wildlife & red and cream sandstone formations.
- There is an entrance fee to ride into the scenic loop. Bicyclists have to pay $3.
- Cars, Motorcycles, bicyclists and runners will all share the paved, one way road.
- As soon as you enter, there’s a 4.6-mile climb that gains nearly 1,000 feet right out of the gate.
- After riding to the highest elevation peak (just under 4,800 feet), you’ll have a great time twisting and turning down a fast decent. BE CAREFUL!!!
- Then, just when you think you’re almost done, on mile 7 you will hit a ‘wall’. Get over the wall, and it’s home free for the next 6 miles.
Here are a few bike routes that take you inside the Red Rock National Conservation Area:
If you are staying at the JW Marriott or Suncoast Hotel:
http://www.bikinglasvegas.com/routes/r-152/VISITORS_ROUTE_SuncoastJW_Marriott_to_Red_Rock_159__160_and_Back.html
If you are staying at the Mandalay Bay or Luxor Hotel:
http://www.bikinglasvegas.com/routes/r-161/VISITORS_ROUTE__Mandalay_Bay__Luxor_to_Red_Rock_159160_.html
(More hotel direct routes to come soon…)
RED ROCK CONSERVATION AREA - MOUNTAIN BIKING
Cottonwood Valley Mountain Bike Loop
The best features of this trail system carved by wild horses are the twists and turns on the single-track through a forest of Joshua trees. The trail requires some technical expertise; payoffs include distant views of Las Vegas.
Type: Mountain biking
Distance: 65-70 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300′
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Getting There:Take I-15, go west to State Route 160 toward Pahrump to mile marker 17. There is a dirt road off to the left just before the 17-mile mark. Turn left here and park about 100 yards up the dirt road on the right. Maps of the area are available at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
FREE! There is no entry fee to ride the Cottonwood Valley Mountain Bike Trails.
For more information on the Red Rock National Conservation Area, please visit these online resources:
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/red_rock_nca.html
RIVER MOUNTAINS LOOP TRAIL: ROAD BIKING AT LAKE MEAD / BOULDER CITY / HENDERSON
Don’t let the name fool you. The River Mountains Loop Trail (RMLT) actually has a PAVED road that loops around into Henderson, Boulder City and the scenic Lake Mead National Park. The ride is challenging with many rolling hills and winding roads. There are even serpentine turns that are very technical and very fun to ride on. The scenery of Lake Mead in the background makes it a perfect place to ride, picturesque in every sense of the word.
Here are a few interesting facts about the River Mountains Loop Trail
- Formed by fiery lava erupting from small volcanoes nearly 5 million years ago, the River Mountains have been chisled by water down cutting its way to the Colorado River.
- This is a 35 mile paved loop path for bicyclists, walkers, runners. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the path.
- Hoover Dam and the border of Arizona are just a few miles down the road from the Lake Mead Entrance to the Trail.
Here is a route map of the River Mountains Loop Trail:
http://www.bikinglasvegas.com/routes/r-59/River_Mountain_Loop.html
(More hotel to RMLT direct routes to come soon.)
RIVER MOUNTAINS LOOP TRAIL: MOUNTAIN BIKING
Hoover Dam via the Historic Railroad Trail. This is a landmark trail connection one worthy of national recognition. The Historic Railroad Trail follows the railroad bed used by the Sixes Company in the 1930’s to build Hoover Dam. Actually 3.5-miles of the River Mountains Loop Trail from Boulder City downhill to the Alan Bible Visitor Center also follows the old railroad grade providing great views of Lake Mead and the Henemway drainage. The trailhead just below the visitor center serves as a trailhead for both the Historic Railroad Trail and the River Mountains Loop Trail. The Railroad trail is not paved, but composed of native material and the orginal roadbed from the railroad. It follows a very gentle grade east to Hoover Dam passing through five (5) large tunnels and providing fantastic views of our ever changing Lake Mead. The trail is just alittle over 4-miles oneway to the Hoover Dam visitor parking garage.
For more information on the River Mountains Loop Trail, please visit the RMLT website and other resources below:
http://www.rivermountainstrail.com/
http://rmltman.wordpress.com/hoover-dam-connection-via-river-mountains-loop-trail/
