Las Vegas Mountain Biking

Las Vegas  is known world wide for its extravagant casinos, fine eateries and 24 hour entertainment but wait there's more.. there's mountain biking in them hills. 

One of the most scenic areas to visit while in Vegas is Red Rock Canyon National Preserve.   The park has incredible  vistas with  plenty of hiking trails and the park can even be enjoyed from within your car as there is a loop road that takes you throughout it.  And make sure to bring along the binoculars so you can view the numerous mountain climbers scaling its plentiful peaks. 

Now the bike riding isn't in the park but located just a  few short miles away in an area called Blue Diamond where you will find some incredible high desert single track.  The firm desert floor makes the tight twisty trails fast and they go on for miles. 

(Click thumbnail for larger view. Click the "X" in top right corner to close the window)

A view of the terrain.  Hard to tell on this cloudy day,  but the red mountains are something to be seen.

Some interesting cacti along the trail but do be careful as a spill into one of these would be quite unpleasant.   I suggest riding in pants and slowing down at least until you are comfortable with the terrain.  Tire treads need to be good condition before riding in the desert.

The scenery makes it well worth it.  Who says you have to stay in the casinos all day.  This makes a great way to break up a weekend.  

The trails go on for miles.  During summer, start in the early a.m. or  better yet ride during the cool months of  October through May.

The desert is full of natural wonders.  Not only is the riding great, but the desert vistas are incredible so don't forget the camera.

This picture is of the trail -head so don't  look for any signs.  The area is  on your right coming from Vegas and  normally there are a few cars so its easy to spot from the road unless you are the first one.  Click here for a map of the area.  Heading west on the 15 coming from Vegas, you can't miss the turn off to Red Rock Canyon or Highway 160.  Just stay of the road and once you pass the turn off  to Red Rock Canyon Preserve it will be on the right in a mile or two. 

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