River Mountains Loop Trail clockwise

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Henderson, NV, US

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Clipping In

Cycling the Las Vegas Valley & Clark County Nevada

56 km

738 m

One of Southern Nevada's great rides. 35 miles of desert, mountains and lakeshore, all on a paved, dedicated trail.

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# The River Mountain Trail loop has it all
## Beautiful views, twisting switchbacks,  and a 9 mile climb.

The River Mountain Trail Loop is a great few hours on a bike. At 35 miles, it is a nice intermediate distance that can be double looped for a perfect 70 miles. The really adventurous ride the secound loop in the opposite direction (it's a bit more challenging going counter-clockwise).

But most of us mere mortals prefer the traditional clockwise loop.

The path itself is a very well maintained mix of asphault and concrete with a broken yellow centerline marking the majority of the trail. There are four main trailheads to choose from: @poi[Equestrian Rd](2758888),  @poi[Lakeshore Rd](2758887), @poi[The Tunnel Trails](2866727), and at the @poi[Railroad Pass Casino](2866728). Because of ease of parking, most choose to start at either Equestrian Rd or the Railroad Pass Casino trailheads. The Equestrian Rd trailhead also has additional parking at the @poi[Equestrian Dog Park](2869186) and is connected by a paved trail. All the trailheads have restrooms as well as a bike stand with basic tools connected by cables, should you find yourself in need of simple repairs.

From the Equestrian Rd trailhead, you'll cross a @photo[planked bridge](2305878) and start a gentle but gradually increasing climb for the first mile, before starting a @slice[two mile](d,1972.4,5963.7) fast curving descent to the @slice[The Three Sisters](d,5869.89,6439.22) - a series of short steep climbs with equally steep drops between them. Another @slice[fast descent](d,7056.54,8683.58) will find you making a sharp right and climbing along Lake Mead Pkwy.

After passing under Lake Mead Pkwy twice, the trail turns away from the road and begins a long, sometimes twisting, 11 mile descent to the @point[low point](d,26508.95) of the route. However, even though you are always generally descending, there are plenty of undulations throughout this section of the route, and you will find yourself climbing quite a few short hills an your way down.
 
 The next few miles @slice[along the lakeshore](d,26562.16,31259.57) gently rise and fall along a reasonably straight section of the route. If you find yourself in need of supplies, there is a small @poi[convenience store](2875195) in the RV village.

From here you begin the @slice[Lakeshore to Bootleg Canyon climb](d,31221.85,45324.79). 1,500 ft of climbing over the next nine miles. While it never gets beyond seven percent at it's steepest, it is a relentless climb with only a @slice[brief drop](d,39173.88,39521.16) midway up to catch your breath.

Soon after you'll have a choice: @slice[The Canal Trail or Great Basin Highway bike lane option](d,40999.42,43690.78). The trail 'officially' follows the canal. While being isolated from traffic makes it a desirable option, it is however, a bit of a bumpy ride. There are @photo[seams in the concrete](2305912) every ten feet keeping time with your cadence.

The [Great Basin Highway bike lane option](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19722575) on the other hand is beautiful, buttery smooth pavement with one big drawback: lots of traffic, including quite a few @photo[large trucks](2305911). This is part of the main arterial from Arizona into Nevada and the traffic reflects it. I'd let your comfort level with this kind of traffic take precedence over the comfort of your backside.
 
 When these two options converge you'll begin the final push @slice[up to Bootleg Canyon](d,43490.53,45269.68). After conquring the twisty ascent you'll pass through the [Epic Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park](https://www.imba.com/epics/bootleg-canyon-epic) and begin the fast descent past the @poi[Railroad Pass Casino trailhead](2866728), over a @slice[series of sharp rollers](d,51391.23,52706.35) and onto a @slice[fast, two-and-a-half mile downhill](d,52711.39,56452.96) to the @poi[Equestrian Rd trailhead](2758888).
 
 Whew! What a great ride!

Please visit [Rivermountainstrail.org](https://rivermountainstrail.org) for the most up to date information on trail conditions.

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River Mountains Loop Trail clockwise

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