A few years ago, an article about cycling through Las Vegas may have been a quick read. Today, however, because region leaders placed an emphasis on creating user- and environmentally-friendly bike paths, cyclists can circumvent the city on paved trails; two-wheel-it beyond city limits to national conservation areas; and even tour downtown Las Vegas on rented e-bikes with the added benefit of designated bike lanes. With more than 130 miles of bicycle paths throughout metro Las Vegas, there are companies that offer guided tours to ease the hesitation of the most novice of riders.
To celebrate National Bike Month, here are just a few of the available trails. For a more detailed list check out these RTC maps. There’s also a great KLAS article in which top Las Vegas bike enthusiasts and advocates talk about their favorite trails.
The downtown Cultural Corridor Trail takes riders from just east of the Mob Museum to the Cultural Corridor Trail pedestrian bridge for access to The Neon Museum as well as the Natural History Museum, Mormon Fort, and Cashman Field.
The 35-mile River Mountain Loop Trail links Henderson, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, and Boulder City, with easy access to Lake Las Vegas and Clark County Wetlands Park via the Wetlands Trail Connector. Along the way, there’s Bootleg Canyon with a chance to see bighorn sheep, desert tortoises and even skittering lizards. And at the north edge of the trail are the spectacular panoramas of Lake Mead.
The I-215 West Beltway Trail offers stunning views of the mountains that flank the city. The paved connector trail links up with several other dirt trails, paved bike trails, and bike lanes in the beautiful area west of the Las Vegas strip and around Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
For thrills (and hopefully not spills), just a few miles from the Strip are challenging and fun mountain biking trails amongst the distinct beauty of the desert and red rock canyons.
East of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the 10-mile Badger Pass Loop via Three Mile Smile
Trail weaves its way through desertscapes with a steady 1,000-foot ascent.
And, Cycling Las Vegas has never been more spectacular than the Blue Diamond Loop along the North Cottonwood Trail system, boasting small drops, rock gardens, sand, hard pack, and moderate climbs and descents.
For more information on other mountain biking trails including Cowboy Trails and Charleston Downhill, check out “The Best Bike Trails near Las Vegas – Las Vegas is home to some top-notch desert mountain biking.”
If you really want to show off those cycling skills, sign up for the 2023 May 7 L’Étape Las Vegas where amateur cyclists can get the legendary Tour de France experience and a chance to compete for an authentic Yellow Jersey. Register now.
