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Biking
Mountain biking is becoming an increasingly popular sport, and more and more areas in Nevada are opening special trails to accommodate biking enthusiasts.
Northern Nevada
In northern Nevada, there are many places for mountain bikers to test their skills in the areas surrounding the rolling hillsides of Elko.
For mountain bikers just getting into the sport, there are a few low-paced trails that offer relatively smooth and friendly rides. The 20-mile long Fifth Street-Kittridge Trail is located on the outskirts of Elko. This trail offers beautiful scenery and is accessible by traveling down 5th Street in Elko. Other beginner and first-time rider trails include the 18-mile ride in Four Mile Canyon and the 19-mile Long Canyon Trail both located outside of Elko. These roundtrip rides should take the average biker between two and four hours to complete.
The more experienced riders will enjoy the 15-mile Elko Radio Tower Trail with its steep climbs and sharp turns. This trail, located off of 5th Street in Elko, is for the more hearty cyclist. Frequent riders with a lot of expertise will also be challenged on the nine-mile Liberty Pass Trail and the 14-mile Echo Canyon ride.
Other trails in the Elko area featuring a variety of difficulty levels include the 20-mile Spring Valley Parkway ride, the 40-mile Lone Mountain Station ride located 60 miles up Mountain City Highway, the 70-mile Liberty Lake Trailhead ride and the 14-mile Angel Lake ride off of Interstate 80 heading east. True experts or mountain biking fanatics can also tackle the 111-mile ride in the town of Deeth.
In the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a variety of popular rides that come highly recommended by the National Park Service and mountain bikers.
Angora Ridge is a moderately difficult ride that offers spectacular views. The ride to Angora Lookout is two miles and the ride to Angora Lakes is four miles. To get there, take Fallen Leaf Lake Road from Highway 89, then ride along Fallen Leaf Lake Road taking the first left. Continue down the road for a half a mile, then turn right on Angora Ridge Road.
Twin Peaks is perfect for the person on a tight schedule. This short but steep ride to the top of a mountain peak has great views of Lake Tahoe. Access is off of Lake Tahoe Boulevard approximately two miles from the intersection of Highways 50 and 89. This is a moderate to strenuous ride that is one to two miles one-way.
The Rim Trail allows you to experience exceptional views of Lake Tahoe. This moderate to strenuous trail lets you travel a distance of 18 miles, reaching an elevation of 9,600 feet. The Rim Trail is off of Highway 89 at Meyers in the Big Meadow parking lot. The trail starts at the north end of the parking area. A longer trip is possible by taking two cars and parking one at the Heavenly Valley Ski Resort's Stagecoach parking lot. The trail head begins one-eigth of a mile up Stagecoach Run. For more information, visit www.tahoerimtrail.org.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a technical and strenuous ride for the experienced mountain biker. This trail drops from 9,000 to 6,800 feet in a distance of just three miles. To get there, take the Rim Trail from the Big Meadow parking lot two and a half miles to Tucker Flat. Turn left and follow the drainage of Saxon Creek. In two miles, the trail will fork again. The right fork leads to Oneidas Street off of Pioneer Trail, the left fork leads to Highway 89 south of the Highway 89/50 junction.
Genoa Peak is perfect for the moderate-level mountain biker who likes to ride along a ridge-line, with scenic views of the Lake Tahoe Basin to the west and Carson Valley to the east. This eight-to twelve-mile ride offers the option of taking a 10-mile loop off the main ridge. From South Lake Tahoe, take Kingsbury Grade (Highway 207) and turn left on North Benjamin Road, which turns into Andria Drive. Continue to the end of the pavement and park, then begin your journey on Genoa Peak Road.
The Flume Trail is rated as one of the 20 top mountain biking trails in the country. Located in Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, this popular trail is often crowded in the summer. Challenging even the expert rider, the trail begins east of the picnic area near Spooner Lake. Do not attempt if you are afraid of heights or unfamiliar with your bike. The Flume trail is a 23-mile loop.
Central Nevada
Central Nevada is your mountain biking theme park, where bright blue skies meet exciting and unique mountain bike terrain. Enjoy trails and roads in the surrounding mountain ranges of the Toiyabe, Toquima and Hot Creeks. Austin sports a full-service mountain bike shop, Tyrannosaurus Rix Mountain Bikes & Specialities. Mix sightseeing and mountain biking as you experience mining history at the Tonopah Mining Park and Museum. The Central Nevada Mountain Bike Association hosts bike events and workshops seasonally.
Southern Nevada
In southern Nevada, cyclists have numerous paths and trails to choose from that can suit the wants and expertise of a variety of bikers.
Cottonwood Valley Mountain Bike Park-Loop is a trail lasting just over eight miles that is for the moderate rider, due to some technical challenges. The trail begins in the town of Blue Diamond off of State Highway 160 near mile marker 17.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers bikers a surprising assortment of vistas, canyons, wildlife and plant life. Black Canyon Vista is an 8.5-mile round trip course that generally takes just over an hour to complete. It is moderately difficult due to rough terrain. The ride begins southwest of Boulder City and makes its way to the edge of Black Canyon about five miles south of Hoover Dam.
Red Rock-Wilson Cliffs Loop is a 41-mile ride with a mile hike to the north peak vista at the top of the sandstone Wilson Cliffs. This ride takes about five to eight hours to complete and is very difficult. It offers beautiful views of the Sandstone Bluffs and the Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands.
Red Rock can be as long as a 51-mile ride, but the ride can be adapted to as short at 15 miles. The ride is rated as difficult due to its length, but can be used by in-shape, beginning riders because it is a paved trail. Red Rock is west of Las Vegas and can be reached by Charleston Boulevard.
The Bristlecone Pine Trail is in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. This technical single-track trail is a moderate to difficult ride and could pose a problem for those who have difficulty adjusting to high altitudes. The popular trail begins with a steady climb up a graded fire road, then turns into a single-track road full of twists and turns. The six-mile course generally takes one to two hours to complete. To try the trail out, travel north on U.S. 95 to the Lee Canyon turn-off. Turn left and head west toward the mountains for approximately 17 miles until you see a dirt road where you can turn off and park.
The River Mountain Peak separating Las Vegas and Henderson offers a nearly ten-mile mountain bike route with two miles of hiking. The moderate level course has stretches that are sandy and rocky. This area has a variety of unique scenery to explore. To get to the head of the trail, take Interstate 93/95 to Equestrian Drive, turning east.
Biking Tips
The U.S. National Forest Service advises mountain bikers to always wear a helmet and to carry with them at least one quart of water per hour of riding during the summer.
Don't forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes, plenty of sunscreen to save your skin, a spare hat to wear in case you have to do any hiking and extra food in case of an emergency situation.
Be prepared to handle any mechanical problems you may encounter by carrying a pump, patches, spare tire tube, a small adjustable wrench, a chain tool and a pocket knife.
Weather conditions in Nevada can change rapidly. Be prepared with the proper clothing for a variety of climates.
Please help protect the environment by staying out of meadows and wet areas. Please do not cut switchbacks or make new trails.
Visit the Nevada Division of Wildlife website for more information
Northern Nevada
In northern Nevada, there are many places for mountain bikers to test their skills in the areas surrounding the rolling hillsides of Elko.
For mountain bikers just getting into the sport, there are a few low-paced trails that offer relatively smooth and friendly rides. The 20-mile long Fifth Street-Kittridge Trail is located on the outskirts of Elko. This trail offers beautiful scenery and is accessible by traveling down 5th Street in Elko. Other beginner and first-time rider trails include the 18-mile ride in Four Mile Canyon and the 19-mile Long Canyon Trail both located outside of Elko. These roundtrip rides should take the average biker between two and four hours to complete.
The more experienced riders will enjoy the 15-mile Elko Radio Tower Trail with its steep climbs and sharp turns. This trail, located off of 5th Street in Elko, is for the more hearty cyclist. Frequent riders with a lot of expertise will also be challenged on the nine-mile Liberty Pass Trail and the 14-mile Echo Canyon ride.
Other trails in the Elko area featuring a variety of difficulty levels include the 20-mile Spring Valley Parkway ride, the 40-mile Lone Mountain Station ride located 60 miles up Mountain City Highway, the 70-mile Liberty Lake Trailhead ride and the 14-mile Angel Lake ride off of Interstate 80 heading east. True experts or mountain biking fanatics can also tackle the 111-mile ride in the town of Deeth.
In the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a variety of popular rides that come highly recommended by the National Park Service and mountain bikers.
Angora Ridge is a moderately difficult ride that offers spectacular views. The ride to Angora Lookout is two miles and the ride to Angora Lakes is four miles. To get there, take Fallen Leaf Lake Road from Highway 89, then ride along Fallen Leaf Lake Road taking the first left. Continue down the road for a half a mile, then turn right on Angora Ridge Road.
Twin Peaks is perfect for the person on a tight schedule. This short but steep ride to the top of a mountain peak has great views of Lake Tahoe. Access is off of Lake Tahoe Boulevard approximately two miles from the intersection of Highways 50 and 89. This is a moderate to strenuous ride that is one to two miles one-way.
The Rim Trail allows you to experience exceptional views of Lake Tahoe. This moderate to strenuous trail lets you travel a distance of 18 miles, reaching an elevation of 9,600 feet. The Rim Trail is off of Highway 89 at Meyers in the Big Meadow parking lot. The trail starts at the north end of the parking area. A longer trip is possible by taking two cars and parking one at the Heavenly Valley Ski Resort's Stagecoach parking lot. The trail head begins one-eigth of a mile up Stagecoach Run. For more information, visit www.tahoerimtrail.org.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a technical and strenuous ride for the experienced mountain biker. This trail drops from 9,000 to 6,800 feet in a distance of just three miles. To get there, take the Rim Trail from the Big Meadow parking lot two and a half miles to Tucker Flat. Turn left and follow the drainage of Saxon Creek. In two miles, the trail will fork again. The right fork leads to Oneidas Street off of Pioneer Trail, the left fork leads to Highway 89 south of the Highway 89/50 junction.
Genoa Peak is perfect for the moderate-level mountain biker who likes to ride along a ridge-line, with scenic views of the Lake Tahoe Basin to the west and Carson Valley to the east. This eight-to twelve-mile ride offers the option of taking a 10-mile loop off the main ridge. From South Lake Tahoe, take Kingsbury Grade (Highway 207) and turn left on North Benjamin Road, which turns into Andria Drive. Continue to the end of the pavement and park, then begin your journey on Genoa Peak Road.
The Flume Trail is rated as one of the 20 top mountain biking trails in the country. Located in Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, this popular trail is often crowded in the summer. Challenging even the expert rider, the trail begins east of the picnic area near Spooner Lake. Do not attempt if you are afraid of heights or unfamiliar with your bike. The Flume trail is a 23-mile loop.
Central Nevada
Central Nevada is your mountain biking theme park, where bright blue skies meet exciting and unique mountain bike terrain. Enjoy trails and roads in the surrounding mountain ranges of the Toiyabe, Toquima and Hot Creeks. Austin sports a full-service mountain bike shop, Tyrannosaurus Rix Mountain Bikes & Specialities. Mix sightseeing and mountain biking as you experience mining history at the Tonopah Mining Park and Museum. The Central Nevada Mountain Bike Association hosts bike events and workshops seasonally.
Southern Nevada
In southern Nevada, cyclists have numerous paths and trails to choose from that can suit the wants and expertise of a variety of bikers.
Cottonwood Valley Mountain Bike Park-Loop is a trail lasting just over eight miles that is for the moderate rider, due to some technical challenges. The trail begins in the town of Blue Diamond off of State Highway 160 near mile marker 17.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers bikers a surprising assortment of vistas, canyons, wildlife and plant life. Black Canyon Vista is an 8.5-mile round trip course that generally takes just over an hour to complete. It is moderately difficult due to rough terrain. The ride begins southwest of Boulder City and makes its way to the edge of Black Canyon about five miles south of Hoover Dam.
Red Rock-Wilson Cliffs Loop is a 41-mile ride with a mile hike to the north peak vista at the top of the sandstone Wilson Cliffs. This ride takes about five to eight hours to complete and is very difficult. It offers beautiful views of the Sandstone Bluffs and the Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands.
Red Rock can be as long as a 51-mile ride, but the ride can be adapted to as short at 15 miles. The ride is rated as difficult due to its length, but can be used by in-shape, beginning riders because it is a paved trail. Red Rock is west of Las Vegas and can be reached by Charleston Boulevard.
The Bristlecone Pine Trail is in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. This technical single-track trail is a moderate to difficult ride and could pose a problem for those who have difficulty adjusting to high altitudes. The popular trail begins with a steady climb up a graded fire road, then turns into a single-track road full of twists and turns. The six-mile course generally takes one to two hours to complete. To try the trail out, travel north on U.S. 95 to the Lee Canyon turn-off. Turn left and head west toward the mountains for approximately 17 miles until you see a dirt road where you can turn off and park.
The River Mountain Peak separating Las Vegas and Henderson offers a nearly ten-mile mountain bike route with two miles of hiking. The moderate level course has stretches that are sandy and rocky. This area has a variety of unique scenery to explore. To get to the head of the trail, take Interstate 93/95 to Equestrian Drive, turning east.
Biking Tips
The U.S. National Forest Service advises mountain bikers to always wear a helmet and to carry with them at least one quart of water per hour of riding during the summer.
Don't forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes, plenty of sunscreen to save your skin, a spare hat to wear in case you have to do any hiking and extra food in case of an emergency situation.
Be prepared to handle any mechanical problems you may encounter by carrying a pump, patches, spare tire tube, a small adjustable wrench, a chain tool and a pocket knife.
Weather conditions in Nevada can change rapidly. Be prepared with the proper clothing for a variety of climates.
Please help protect the environment by staying out of meadows and wet areas. Please do not cut switchbacks or make new trails.
Visit the Nevada Division of Wildlife website for more information
Adventure in Nevada: Hiking » Biking » Climbing » Skiing/Boarding » Snowshoeing » Off-Roading » Water Sports » Air Sports
