There are plenty of ways to enjoy Las Vegas other than the Strip. Get outdoors—perfect for practicing social distancing—for a solo trip or bring your partner or family and check out nine great biking experiences. Whether it’s checking out the beautiful scenery on a nice slow-paced ride or putting your cycling skills to the test, there’s great options for everyone.
1. River Mountains Loop Trail You can actually access this bike path from the Union Pacific Railroad trail. Just cross over the bridge and this path will take you to popular points like Lake Las Vegas and Hoover Dam. This loop is more than 35 miles, so pick your paths wisely if you don’t plan on a long trip. The paved trails are surrounded by the River Mountains where big-horned sheep roam, so don’t be surprised if you catch sight of some along the way.
2. Red Rock Scenic Loop Bike 13 miles of beautiful scenery along the paved Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop. While cars also share the road, it’s safe for riders. While enjoying the views of striking desert mountains and foliage, you’ll find a climb that will test your endurance, but the winding descent is a nice reprieve.
3. Pittman Wash Trail A trail perfect for a leisurely family ride through the Green Valley neighborhood—just a short drive from the Strip—is the Pittman Wash Trail, a 4-mile ride. Enjoy the paved path lined with trees and manicured landscaping. There are tables along the way, so it’s a great spot to have a picnic, too.
4. Bootleg Canyon About a half-hour drive from the Strip, Bootleg Canyon offers 36 miles of tracks for those looking for a challenge or adrenaline-packed experience. Winding mountain tracks that overlook Lake Mead and the steep downhill trails give riders a workout, but visitors from around the world rate this biking adventure high on their list.
5. Union Pacific Railroad Trail Ride nearly eight miles following the railway tracks through the city of Henderson, a neighborhood just a short drive from the Strip. The tree-lined trails cut through residential and shopping areas and for the most part are a breeze to bike, making them good for families with little ones.
6. Wetlands Loop Trail This trail is for the nature lovers out there. The 210-acre Wetlands Park is home to a nature preserve with hundreds of species of animals. It’s also where you’ll find the 14-mile loop that stretches around the perimeter of the park for multi-use, including biking.
7. Blue Diamond Loop Head to the quaint little town of Blue Diamond and head out on 8 miles of beginner trails that stretch through desert landscaping and surrounding mountains. There’s a short distance of steep terrain, but for the most part this is an easy biking experience with a fun, downhill ride on your way back.
8. Mount Charleston You can’t beat the weather up at Mount Charleston—it’s usually around 20 degrees cooler and seems like a world away from the neon lights. It’s also where you’ll find dozens of bike trails from beginner to difficult. Some popular rides include the 4-mile Tin Can Alley trail and the adrenaline-pumping, steep downhill ride on the Chutes and Ladders trail.
9. Sunset Park The largest park in the county—more than 300 acres—can be found just a quick drive from the Strip and offers a plethora of outdoor activities including a fishing lake, picnic areas, disc golf, multiple playgrounds and four different family-friendly biking trails.
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