A Las Vegas Classic ride

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is located about 25 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. From the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, the Conservation Area can be approached from Charleston Boulevard, which will turn into SR 159. Or from the south, take Blue Diamond Rd/SR 160 west to the Junction with Route 159. Follow SR 159 until you see the entrance signs.

There is parking and a visitor center just beyond the entrance, but most cyclists ride in along State Route 159 (Blue Diamond Highway/W.Charleston Blvd). There is an entrance fee required-$3.00 per bike, $7.00 per car. They also honor America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.

Scenic Loop

As you pass the entrance gate you'll immediately begin a 1145 ft, cat 2 climb over the first 4.7 miles, but don't worry -- the view at the top is worth every turn of the pedals.

Pull into the parking lot at top and take in the desert splendor. From the stunning overlook, you'll begin your descent with a few fast, long rollers before falling into a groove as you navigate the long curving drop to the canyon floor.

Your flight will be briefly slowed just before mile 7 as you hit 'the wall', a short, steep (8.5%) rise that levels out after about a third of a mile. From there the descent picks up again with another short, steep drop, followed by a fast straight section.

A few more undulations will take you back to State Route 159, where you can either return to the park entrance, or if you rode in, you can continue on to Blue Diamond for a rest stop at the Bike Outpost, and possibly the greater challenge of riding up to Mountain Springs on Mt. Potosi.

Check out the beauty of the Red Rock Conservation Area Scenic Loop in this time lapsed video.

Important Reminders

Few things to keep in mind when choosing to enjoy the Scenic Loop:

• There is an entrance fee required-$3.00 per bike, $7.00 per car. They also honor America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.

• Once beyond the visitor center there is no water available on the loop. Temps can easily reach the 110's during the summer months, so plan to ride early and bring plenty of hydration

• Update: Rehabilitation of the pavement of the 13-mile Scenic Drive is scheduled to begin February 26. It will initially be performed in one-mile segments. During this time, the travel lane width will be reduced to 11 feet inside the one-mile segment. Each segment should take one week to complete. There will be a reduced speed limit and no passing allowed in the active construction segments. Visitors are asked to take extreme caution while traveling in the construction area, as it could be shared motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The segments may expand a half mile if it is determined construction can be performed safely, and with minimal delay to visitors, after the first few miles are complete. This is scheduled to proceed into summer 2017.