Cycling-Vegas

🚴‍♀️ Biking in Las Vegas: The Outdoor Adventure No One Expects (But Everyone Loves)

Say "Las Vegas," and most people picture slot machines, giant resorts, and 110°F heat waves.

What they don't picture is world-class cycling. But they should — because the riding in and around Southern Nevada is shockingly good.

I've lived in the Las Vegas valley for years and logged hundreds of miles on both regular bikes and e-bikes. And here's the truth: if you know where to go (and when to ride — early morning and winter are your best friends), Las Vegas becomes one of the most underrated cycling destinations in the American Southwest.

I rate every route against a strict 5-star standard — the kind of rating I'd give the Swiss Alps, Yosemite, or Zion. Very few local rides make it there… but some come impressively close.

Here are the best rides in Las Vegas right now — ranked, reviewed, and absolutely worth your time.

🌄 Mountain Edge Park + Exploration Peak Trails – 4 ⭐

The Perfect Quick-Hit Desert Escape You’ll Wish Was Closer (Until You Realize It Is)

• Distance: 4–6 miles (1 loop is about 2 miles)

• Location: Mountain’s Edge Regional Park, 8101 Mountain Edge Park Dr

Wide, smooth, car-free paths, big enough for the whole family, killer mountain views, and outdoor workout stations right on the loop.

Just yesterday we rolled in at 8:30 a.m. on a Monday, knocked out almost 5 relaxed miles in an hour, hit the fitness equipment, and still had the whole place to ourselves. Not crowded at all — pure morning bliss.

If you’re anywhere in the southwest valley, this is the “I only have an hour but I need to ride” spot. Super convenient, free parking, and when you want more distance you just keep rolling into Exploration Peak Park and the bigger trail system. Zero road crossings, all day.

Love having this one basically in my backyard. 4 easy stars and climbing.

🏆 River Mountain Loop Trail – 4.5 ⭐

The Signature Las Vegas Ride

• Distance: 34–35 miles (full loop)

• Surface: 100% paved + car-free

• Start: Lake Mead Pkwy & Equestrian Dr, Henderson

• Time: 3.5–4 hrs (e-bike), 4.5–6 hrs (regular bike)

This is the ride that puts Vegas on any serious cyclist's bucket list. Think nonstop views of Lake Mead, the Colorado River, red rock mountains, and even snow-dusted Mt. Charleston on clear days. The climbs are steady (never brutal), and the three-mile descent into Boulder City feels like pure flight.

Pro tip: Ride clockwise for the best scenery. And if you can? Start at sunrise. The light over the lake is unreal.

This trail isn't just a ride — it's an experience. You'll pass through different ecosystems, spot wildlife, and feel like you've left Nevada entirely. Pack snacks, bring extra water, and give yourself time to stop and take it all in.

📹 Watch my River Mountain Loop ride on YouTube

🚂 Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail – 4 ⭐

The Most Photogenic Trail Near Vegas

• Distance: 7.4 miles round-trip

• Start: Alan Bible Visitor Center, Boulder City

Five historic, 1930s-era railroad tunnels + sweeping Lake Mead views + a peaceful, car-free path = the perfect out-and-back for families, visitors, or casual riders. Everyone finishes saying, "How is this only 30 minutes from the Strip?"

The tunnels themselves are fascinating — you're riding through actual Hoover Dam-era infrastructure. Bring a headlamp or bike light for the tunnels, and don't skip the viewpoints overlooking the lake. This is one of those rides where you'll stop every half-mile just to take photos.

Best for: Tourists, beginners, families with kids, anyone who wants a "wow" ride without committing to 35 miles.

📸 See photos from my Historic Railroad Tunnel rides

🌳 Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs – 4.5 ⭐

The Desert Oasis You'd Never Expect

• Distance: 4–5 miles

• Location: 9200 Tule Springs Rd

Peacocks, ponds, cottonwood trees, and quiet loops with no traffic at all. It feels like Northern California dropped into the Mojave Desert. Ideal for relaxed weekend rides or recovery days.

This place is magic. You're technically still in Las Vegas, but you'd never know it. The shade alone makes this a summer favorite, and the scenery is so lush and green that first-time visitors don't believe it's real. Bring a picnic, ride slowly, and watch for peacocks crossing the path.

📸 See photos from Floyd Lamb Park

🐦 Wetlands Park Loop – 4 ⭐

Flat, Scenic, and Surprisingly Peaceful

• Distance: ~14 miles

• Start: 5400 S Hollywood Blvd or Duck Creek Trailhead

This ride is calm, easy, and full of wildlife. Completely flat with no road crossings if you stay on the main path — and sunset turns the wetlands gold.

Wetlands Park is one of those hidden gems that locals love and tourists never hear about. You'll see herons, ducks, rabbits, and if you're lucky, desert tortoises. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and perfect for riders of all levels. I've done this route dozens of times and it never gets old.

📸 See photos from Wetlands Park

🌆 Summerlin Cottonwood Canyon Trail – 4 ⭐

Best Urban Path in the Valley

• Start: 9280 Cottonwood Canyon Dr

Smooth, wide, bike-friendly, and mostly separate from traffic. You can easily combine it with Summerlin Parkway trails for 20+ miles of stress-free riding.

If you live in Summerlin or you're staying on the west side of the valley, this is your go-to route. It's clean, safe, and convenient — plus you can connect to Red Rock Canyon from here if you're feeling ambitious.

📸 See photos from Summerlin Cottonwood Canyon Trail

🕒 Cornerstone Park – 3 ⭐

Fast, Easy, "I Only Have 20 Minutes" Ride

• Distance: 1.2-mile loop

• Location: Henderson

Perfect for a quick spin or an after-work reset.

Not every ride needs to be epic. Sometimes you just need to clear your head, get your legs moving, and be home in 30 minutes. That's Cornerstone. It's short, it's flat, and it gets the job done.

🏞️ Pueblo Park – 3.5 ⭐

The Summerlin Neighborhood Gem

• Location: 7663 Lake Mead Blvd

A clean, calm neighborhood loop with wide multi-use paths, desert landscaping, and an easy route you can do anytime. Great for:

• Quick 20–40 minute rides

• Testing new bikes

• Low-effort cardio days

• Staying close to home base in Summerlin

Not a "destination ride," but super handy and surprisingly pleasant when you just need to get out and spin.

🌤️ Best Time to Ride in Las Vegas

Timing is everything when cycling in the desert. Here's the breakdown:

• October–April: Ideal weather (50–75°F) — this is peak riding season

• May & September: Ride at sunrise — it's tolerable but heating up fast

• June–August: Only before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. (or bring an e-bike + LOTS of water)

I'm not exaggerating about summer. I've done afternoon rides in July, and it's genuinely dangerous without serious preparation. Stick to early mornings or switch to an e-bike so you're not overexerting in the heat.

🧢 Gear Tips From a Local

• Carry more water than you think — the desert does not play. I bring 2–3 bottles minimum, even in winter.

• Sunscreen isn't optional, even in winter. The sun reflects off the pavement and you'll burn faster than you realize.

• Use a bike bell — these trails get busy with walkers, runners, and families.

• Road cyclists: the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive (13 miles, one-way loop) is one of the best morning rides in Nevada and often opens to cyclists before cars. Get there early.

🚴‍♂️ Why Vegas Cycling Is So Underrated

Las Vegas may never be Boulder or Bend — but if you're willing to explore beyond the Strip, you'll find rides that rival anywhere in the country. And the bonus? You're always 15–20 minutes away from a shower, a cold drink, and a $12 buffet.

The diversity of terrain is unreal. In a single day, you can ride through desert wetlands, climb into red rock canyons, cruise past a massive reservoir, and pedal through tree-lined oases. Most cities can't offer that.

So next time someone says, "There's nothing to do outdoors in Vegas," just hand them a helmet and take them to the River Mountain Loop at sunrise. Guaranteed perspective shift.

Happy pedaling! ✨🚴‍♀️

🚴‍♂️ Optional: E-Bike & Gear Recommendations

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• Helmet: https://amzn.to/44Eomq3

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