reviewjournal.com -- Recreation: Biking

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Mountain biking is an increasingly popular sport, and more and more areas in Nevada are opening special trails to accommodate singletrack shredders.

Photo by K.M. Cannon

In Southern Nevada, cyclists from novice to expert can choose from a variety paths and trails.

Places To Bike
• Bristlecone Pine
• Bootleg Canyon
• Cottonwood Valley
• Lake Mead
• Red Rock Canyon
• Red Rock-Wilson Cliffs
• River Mountain Peak

Biking News:
Behold The Bike Path - Michael Squires, "The Road Warrior," says paved pathways along the beltway and throughout the valley are part of an overall plan. (Feb. 5, 2003)

BRISTLECONE PINE

The Bristlecone Pine trail is in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area at Mount Charleston. 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. This is the only trail at Mount Charleston on which bikes are permitted.

For more information, call (702)222-1597.

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BOOTLEG CANYON

Photo by K.M. Cannon

Bootleg Canyon, located in Boulder City, features an extensive 36-mile network trails, both cross-country and downhill in very technical desert terrain. Some beginner-intermediate riding is available but most trails are intermediate-expert. Most of the trails are built into the slopes of an ancient volcano cone, so there is a lot of lava rock.

Related Story:
ROCKY THRILLS: Rough Riders - Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City attracts mountain bikers from far and wide

Directions: From Las Vegas, take U.S. 93/95 East to Boulder City, where the freeway ends and the road continues as Nevada Highway. Turn left on Yucca Street and follow it for 2 miles to the trailhead parking lot. There are bathroom/shower facilities with trail information. Elevation is 3,600 feet; season is September to June.
• View Map

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COTTONWOOD VALLEY

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.

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LAKE MEAD

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.

For more information, call (702)293-8990.

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RED ROCK CANYON

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 Canyon National Conservation Area is west of Las Vegas and can be reached by Charleston Boulevard.

For more information, call (702)363-1921.

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RED ROCK-WILSON CLIFFS

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 National Conservation Area.

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RIVER MOUNTAIN PEAK

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.

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Information provided by the Nevada Commission on Tourism and the Bureau of Land Management.

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Guidelines

Follow these general guidelines when biking in the desert to ensure a safe and fun experience:

Always wear a helmet
Carry at least one quart of water per hour of riding during the summer
Use sunglasses to protect your eyes
Use plenty of sunscreen
Bring a hat
Be prepared to handle any mechanical problems by carrying a pump, patches, spare tire tube, a small adjustable wrench, a chain tool and a pocket knife