How about we test your mountain biking prowess right here at the MTB Obstacle? Las Vegas is not just about casinos. It is also a surprisingly impressive mountain biking destination. Every time I ride here, I discover more great trails. I see more riders getting out to enjoy them.
Sure, the singletrack here may not be as world-class as Moab. It might not be as beautiful as Sedona. But the scope of riding around Las Vegas is broad. The unique desert terrain makes it a worthy place to check out, especially here at the MTB Obstacle.
Many mountain bike trails are located around the south and west side of the city. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is nearby. It is home to some of the most popular trails like Cowboy and Cottonwood Valley. Bootleg Canyon is on the east side of the city in Boulder City. It is the rowdiest riding in Las Vegas.
Bear’s Best is one of the largest and most popular mountain bike trail networks. It’s a great warm-up to Las Vegas mountain biking. It’s also a great place to take the kids or newer riders. The trails are not marked with signs. It’s really easy to get confused but it’s hard to get lost.
Cottonwood Valley is a step up from Bear’s Best. There is a lot of riding around here. It includes a bit more tech and rocky Las Vegas riding. Landmine Loop is a great intermediate ride. Three Mile Smile is a classic Vegas descent that requires a bit of a climb. Flow Job and EBB n’ Flow are not to be missed.
Southwest Ridge sees less traffic than Bear’s Best and Blue Diamond. It has a bit more variety including some fun rocky tech. The climb up to the top of the ridge is a bit of a grunt. But the descents down Menny Thanks and Bipolar are worth it.
If you’re looking to get rowdy, head over to the Cowboy Trails. This area has some of the most technical riding in Las Vegas. The trail to do is Bone Shaker. It is a super fun downhill line with a lot of drops and cool rock features. There is a steep, loose chute at the end. Brohemian Rhapsody Trail sounds like a little slice of Sedona and Moab in Vegas.
Electric bikes are allowed on most trails in Las Vegas with a few exceptions. They’re not allowed on Ebb n’ Flow trail. They are not allowed on trails within the Red Rock Canyon NCA.
The best time to plan a mountain bike trip to Las Vegas is during the cooler winter months. A short travel bike is best for the desert cross-country singletrack. A mid or long travel bike would be better for Cowboy Trails or Bootleg Canyon.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to tackle this MTB Obstacle and experience a taste of what mountain biking in Las Vegas has to offer?