Epic Rides and Rest Days: Your Guide to Mountain Biking Southern Nevada

Not far from the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip lies some of the best mountain biking in the country. That’s right — venture beyond the neon and you’ll find a whole different world of flowy trails and technical descents that are as good of a reason to visit southern Nevada as the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel. You can choose between miles of desert singletrack in the Cottonwood Valley Trail System and famous downhill runs (not to mention some darn good cross-country) at Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City. Or you could stay a little longer so you don’t have to choose.

To help you get your bearings on the bike, here’s a cheat sheet for some of the best mountain biking in southern Nevada, plus where to go for post-ride refreshments and how to spend culturally inclined rest days.

Hello, Mojave:
Cottonwood Valley Trail System

Photo: Brian Lewis

About 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, the Cottonwood Valley Trail System contains dozens of miles of singletrack that wind through the Mojave Desert. Whether you’re a newer rider or an expert on wheels, give Cottonwood Valley a whirl. Buckle up for some bumps, and see if you can spot a few funky Joshua trees along the way. Classics rides include:

• Mustang Trail: If you’re new to the area — or mountain biking in general — this four-mile trail is an easy introduction to desert riding, with flat and forgiving terrain. It can also be used to access more challenging trails as you level up.
• Blue Diamond Loop: This might be the most famous trail in the whole system. Best for intermediates or ambitious beginners, the 10-mile loop ramps up the effort with a few short drops and rock gardens to keep things interesting. For a longer ride, hit the 20-mile Blue Diamond Outer Loop, which climbs about 2,000 feet.
• 3 Mile Smile: From the parking lot off Pahrump Valley Highway, this figure-eight-ish loop will keep you grinning with its fine desert riding and a climb over Badger Pass. Make it an epic one by adding nine miles via Dead Horse Loop.
• Ike’s Peek Loop: Ike’s Peek Loop is a black-diamond trail, meaning only for advanced mountain bikers. Even seasoned riders should prepare for a tough climb at the start and committing drops of up to four feet.
• Ebb’n Flow: For a real thrill, this trail offers seven miles of technical riding that undulate through rough desert terrain. Return via the more forgiving, five-mile Flow Job to map out one tremendous Cottonwood Valley day.

After your ride, hit up nearby Cottonwood Station for a thin-crust pizza or panini, a cold brew or lemonade, and a stellar view of the nearby mountains. Farther afield, historic Pioneer Saloon is another option for a cold drink and a hot burger (a famous one if you ask the folks there). Southern Nevada’s oldest tavern, Pioneer Saloon is located in the old mining village of Goodsprings Ghost Town, where you’ll love seeing the remnants of the 120-year-old town.

If you’re someone who has trouble sitting still, even when you’re not on a bike, consider tacking on a hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just a few miles away. (You can also rent a road bike and join locals on an early morning tour around the Red Rock Canyon loop road — that still counts as a break from mountain biking, right?)

It’s Goin’ Down:
Boulder City & Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park

Photo: Whitney Hassett

Head to nearby Boulder City for even more of the state’s best mountain biking: Bootleg Canyon. Stay low for beginner trails and climb for the bigger challenges (or ride a shuttle to the top and scream your way back downhill). Keep in mind, though: The more challenging trails are not to be taken lightly. Many wear full downhill riding gear and face-protecting helmets for the more extreme rides. Options include:

• Par None Loop (including IMBA and POW): A 3.5-mile intermediate lollypop loop, this amalgam of trails is a great introduction to the flowy Bootleg singletrack.
• Lake View: These three trails (Lower, Middle, and Upper) combine for several intermediate loops with minimal climbing and some fun features. Of the three, Upper sports the most challenging terrain.
• Caldera: Caldera offers four miles of intermediate singletrack on a remote passage, creating a real feeling of isolation while adding more intense features.
• East Leg and West Leg: These two black-diamond routes serve bigger steps and deeper drops on rockier terrain. West has the views while East is the more challenging. Put them together for a wild loop that will leave you breathless.
• Bomb’s Loop: Ten miles and 1,000 feet of climbing and descending makes this black-diamond trail a truly wild line. It also connects to several even harder trails, including the double-black The Sh*t, which is for downhill experts only (body armor recommended).

All that riding is going to make you hungry. Refuel with gourmet burgers like The Baby Face Nelson (brie, fig marmalade, and greens) or The Bugsy (cheddar, bacon, and grilled onions) at The Dillinger in Boulder City. While you’re in the area, make time for a classic Nevada outing to Hoover Dam, which is just down the road.

An Active Rest Day:
18b and Beyond

Photo: Whitney Hassett

Who says rest days have to be sedentary? When you’re not out tearing up singletrack, get to know the Las Vegas arts scene. Here’s a step-by-step guide to a perfect day off the Strip (one that doesn’t involve wheels, at least).

• Bungalow Coffee Co: Start with coffee and goodies in the Las Vegas Arts District, also known as 18b. From there, head out to view the many outdoor murals and street artworks found here.
• Antique Alley Mall: Don’t miss this 12,000-square-foot bazaar with 65 separate vendors selling everything from Victorian to Western and vintage to kitsch.
• Seven Magic Mountains: Choose a more colorful path at Seven Magic Mountains, Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s stack of 35-foot-high boulders arranged like totem poles and painted in day-glow colors. It’s about 30 minutes south of town.
• Downtown Container Park: Back downtown, this mix of shops, eateries, galleries, live music outlets, and more comes together as a series of repurposed shipping containers and pre-fab metal cubes. Swing by for an open-air outing and check out Downtown Terrace for quick, gourmet food and $7 happy hour deals.
• Neon Museum: The art doesn’t stop at sunset. If you’re at Downtown Container Park, stick around to see the fire and music show as flames shoot from the antennae of the giant praying mantis sitting at the entrance. Then head to the outdoor Neon Museum where many of the classic signs of Las Vegas are lit for all to see.
• Fremont Street Experience: To wrap up your day of cultural exploration, head out for a drink at the Fremont Street Experience, with live music, street performers, a zipline, light shows, and the cheapest souvenir shops in town.

Whatever brings you to southern Nevada, be sure to work knobby-tired fun into your plans if you’re a mountain biker — better yet, make that your excuse to come. From screaming downhills to epic cross-country, miles of adventure await outside of Nevada’s most iconic city — where you’ll have even more fun after you put your bike to bed.