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Happy New Year…completed this nearly 38 mile (some signage claims 31 miles) loop on 4 Jan 2019. Parked at Equestrian Dog Park in Henderson. Good park to start from, there is a decent restroom with water at the location. (At the end of Equestrian Dr there is also a parking area with pit toilet and bike repair station.) Took connector trail up to the River Mountains Loop trail about 0.5 mile away. Traveled clockwise. Was cool temps (50’s) and calm. Still saw a number of other folks on the trail, mostly bikers but some walkers. Signage on some portions of the trail was lacking at intersections. Following the main trail was easy enough but if wanting to take a side trip requires a study of the map. Once on the Lake Mead side of the loop watched a coyote trot down the trail in front of us for a short distance, finally leaving the trail when we got a little closer. Then on the big climb up to Boulder City there was a group of Desert Bighorn Sheep rams right on the edge of the trail enjoying the grassy shoulder. This is not a Rails-to-Trails type trail, plenty of hills to climb and glide down. Can’t imagine attempting this in the middle of the summer, no shade available anywhere. Enjoyed the ride but was ready to be done once we saw the end in sight.
Sort of confusing finding the trail head. Parked on the other side of McCleod not down by Twain. Thankfully we did that as the underpass bridge is basically a homeless camp. Unfortunately there were several homeless camps along the way. Lots of trash as well
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.
We rode this on our tandem road bike. Easy ride with great views. Hard pack surface with thin layer of fine grit. Easily rideable with a road bike if you don’t do the hill at the end. We say two desert big horn sheep. Also met some friendly people along the way.
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.
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