As a biking destination, Las Vegas is full of wonderful surprises.
Epic cycling probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Las Vegas. Sin? Yes. Slots? Sure. But beyond the fringes of the city, it’s an incredible place to ride: long, paved climbs through the desert, challenging descents in red-rock country, and smooth rail trails to manmade and natural wonders alike. Yes, Vegas itself received a silver Bicycle Friendly Community award, thanks to almost 60 miles of bike trails — including family-friendly Pittman Wash and the serene Wetlands Loop.
Not far from the Strip, follow the former railway tracks of the tree-lined Union Pacific Railroad Trail through Henderson, then connect to the 35-mile-long, multi-use loop of the River Mountains Trail (with close-ups of Lake Mead). The real road classic is the winding, 13-mile Red Rock Scenic Loop, which climbs high and descends through gorgeous Southwest scenery.
Red Rock Canyon has close to 100 miles of great mountain biking, too, from the punchy climbs of Flow Job to the popular, technical Bone Shaker. Easier and closer to town, Bear’s Best has an impressive network of cross-country trails. Cottonwood Valley is home to the iconic, flowy Three Mile Smile.
Looking for gravel? First, slather on sunscreen and bring lots of water, then explore the hundreds of miles of back roads: Clark Mountain, Tecopa Hot Springs, Rocky Gap Road, and Beaver Dam.
When it comes to events, Vegas (no surprise) does it up. Warm up your legs for the season in the Tour de Summerlin, then experience a version of the Tour de France in the L’Etape Las Vegas, and wrap your season with the popular Gran Fondo Last Vegas.