Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Boulder City, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Here’s my take on the trail:
Required abilities- Hot weather endurance, be able to ride at least 40 miles without too much trouble, able to handle long climbs.
Required gear: Depending the time of year, bring at least 2 liters of water. There are a few watering holes (mile 3, 12 I think, 16 ish, and from 22 on you’re near civilization), snacks and electrolytes.
When to ride: DO NOT RIDE FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER! There is literally a sign at the visitor area that says that. The heat can kill you and has killed others. I rode in October and still succumbed to the heat. If you do ride in the fall or spring, ride early (6AM is nice).
Others have commented that this is all climbs and descents. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. There are no flat areas. Going clockwise, mile 19 to mile 34 is one long continuous (and at times arduous) climb. Miles 1 to 19 are a bunch of ups and downs.
Mile 4 to 14 has the “Three Sisters.” Three very intense but short climbs followed by really fun and winding descents. I clocked at 37 mph on a 37 lbs hybrid and I wasn’t even trying.
If you’re trying it for the first time, go clockwise. It’s more fun, and if you poop out after mile 20, you are near civilization. Clockwise takes you around to Lake Las Vegas and Lake Meade via very pretty and scenic route. The “Three Sisters” aren’t as bad, the down hill descents stretch out nicely.
Counterclockwise starts with a brutal uphill followed by a very long descent. “The Wash” portion of the descent (mile 28 to mile 31 ish) is tough, hot, and slippery. If you’re on a road bike, please be careful.
From mile 19 to mile 1 it is a mostly gentle climb with some severe bumps. The Sisters are called the “Three Not-So-Nice words” going this direction. Please be prepared, as they are in the last portion of your ride.
Is it worth doing? Yes! If you plan it right, it’s a great experience. If you can do it with friends, even better. Please take the appropriate steps, come at the right time, and make sure you are good enough in a bike to enjoy the ride. Kick it’s butt!
Connection to River Mountain Loops Trail on the south end is now complete, bridge over Interstate 11 is scenic.
Love this trail. Ride this one every weekend
Stranded in Las Vegas due to blizzard in Boston, so I decided to go for a long run while I was here. I ran from circus circus down to where the trail crosses Desert Inn Rd and hopped on it. My preliminary version of bicycles and runners and families were quickly diminished and the 3 mile stretch that I ran was full of garbage and trash and vandalism and homeless people. On the return leg I opted to run on 6 miles of concrete sidewalk along a busy road, if that tells you anything. This trail has a lot of potential, but it needs a lot of TLC.
Ok ride, nice to be off the street most of the time, but there are crossings. LV needs more paved trails that are at least 10 miles one way.
It’s a nice small lengthier ride. They view is also stunning
This is an expert level inline skate for those of you wishing to take the challenge. The pavement is great, but the heat and major steep grades will kick your butt hard. It is like hiking on skates in one direction, and skiing in the other. There is not much water available - found some at the 36.012998, -114.922980 trailhead.
My route: from the AMS water treatment plant, going north, it will basically be uphill for 15 miles. If you get to the trailhead near River Mountain water treatment and go back, it will be dangerous downhill for 15 miles.
Some of the hills are 30+ mph hills with jog turns at the bottom. Start braking immediately when you see these hills. Others are more fun, so it really feels like you climbed a mountain and now get to go down as a reward. There are some surprise dirt washes to jump over.
Note there is currently a detour in place near the AMS water treatment plant next to Lake Mead. Good luck!
it's great in some spots others are supper hot you are just baking out in the sun there is no shade or trees for most of it and it is short come on LV put some money down for the bikers.
I live by this trail and walk/hike around the portion that runs by my house. I sometimes see very ill-prepared cyclists in poor condition for this long, hot trail. I saw a guy today who was in serious danger wearing all black, sunburned and no sun hat or any protection and should not have been out there. Do not undertake this loop if you are out of shape or not equipped to be baked under in the blinding desert sun all day long. This is NOT KID OR PET FRIENDY AT ALL and has zero shade anywhere along the way. Serious fit and prepared cyclists with water only. This trail is NOT FOR HIKING or families.
I found the trail to be excellent. Must stay alert due to the areas of heavier pedestrian traffic ... bikes, walking dogs, etc ... but it was never overwhelming. Relatively wide, divided paved path helps. I also enjoyed running in the washway where there is a stone-lined path. Much less traffic, and it amounted to 1-2 miles of a solid trail run. I'd recommend this trail.
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