The best MTB trails in the Spring Mountains

Embark on The Hurl and Landmine Loop for a difficult mountain biking adventure spanning 13.9 miles (22.4 km) with a significant 1194 feet (364 metres) of elevation gain. This route, estimated to take around 2 hours and 6 minutes, offers a challenging ride through the desert landscape of Cottonwood Valley North. You will experience diverse terrain, from the flowy singletrack of the Landmine Loop to the very loose and steep climb of The Hurl, which often requires walking your bike. Expect to navigate through green shrubs and various cacti, with sections winding between large rocky hills that provide expansive desert views.

When planning your visit, be prepared for the intense desert heat, especially during warmer months. Always carry ample water to stay hydrated throughout your ride on the trail. The Hurl and Landmine Loop is conveniently located just outside Las Vegas, close to the small desert town of Blue Diamond, making it an accessible escape for a challenging ride. Consider starting early in the day to avoid the peak heat and make the most of your experience.

This Bureau of Land Management area is known for its vibrant wildlife, so keep an eye out for wild horses, burros, and even bighorn sheep as you ride. The trail provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural environment of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It stands out as a demanding yet rewarding route for mountain bikers seeking a true desert challenge with varied terrain and potential wildlife sightings.

Embark on the Landmine and Mustang Loop, an easy mountain biking adventure spanning 12.0 miles (19.3 km) through a classic high desert landscape. You will experience varied terrain, from smooth, flowy singletrack to more challenging sections with dirt, rock gardens, and large boulders, particularly on the Landmine portion. As you ride, keep watch for the distinctive Rubber Ducky Tree, a quirky visual landmark that adds character to the route. This ride involves an elevation gain of 849 feet (259 metres) and typically takes around 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete, offering a rewarding experience without excessive strain.

When planning your mountain biking trip on this loop, remember the desert climate means intense heat can be a major factor. Always carry plenty of water, especially if you are riding during the warmer months to stay hydrated. The nearby town of Blue Diamond serves as a convenient base for your adventure. Here, you can find essential amenities like a bike repair and rental shop, ensuring your equipment is ready for the trail. You can also grab a bite at the bike-friendly Cottonwood Station Eatery before or after your ride.

This route offers expansive views of the red hills within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the surrounding desert. The combination of the Landmine and Mustang trails creates a diverse ride suitable for various skill levels, making it a popular choice in the region. Beyond the unique Rubber Ducky Tree, you might also spot wild horses or burros roaming freely, adding to the natural charm of your desert mountain biking experience. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

The Landmine Loop offers a classic desert mountain biking experience within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You will navigate a moderate 10.6-mile (17.0 km) route, gaining 700 feet (213 metres) of elevation. Expect to spend around 1 hour and 31 minutes on the trail, enjoying the distinct red hills of the canyon and vibrant green shrubs that define the landscape. The route provides panoramic vistas of Blue Diamond and the surrounding valley, making for excellent photo opportunities as you ride.

When planning your visit, consider that the Landmine Loop serves as a key entry point to the larger Cottonwood Valley trail system. The nearby town of Blue Diamond is a convenient hub for mountain bikers, offering essential amenities like bike repair and rental shops. You can also find bike-friendly restaurants there, and generally expect good cell phone service throughout the Cottonwood Valley region, which is helpful for navigation or emergencies.

This trail is notable for its rich natural environment, showcasing the unique geology of the Red Rock Canyon. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as bighorn sheep sightings are possible along the route, adding to the desert adventure. The Landmine Loop provides a solid introduction to the area's extensive riding opportunities and its distinctive high desert ecosystem.

Embark on the Blue Diamond Outer Loop for a moderate mountain biking adventure spanning 28.4 miles (45.7 km) with a total elevation gain of 2438 feet (743 metres). This route, which typically takes about 4 hours and 17 minutes to complete, offers a diverse experience through otherworldly landscapes just outside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You will navigate past jagged, ancient sandstone formations and ride through burro-grazed Joshua tree forests, enjoying big views of vibrant mountain ranges and desert flora like Yucca plants and cholla cactus.

To begin your ride, head to the charming town of Blue Diamond, conveniently located less than 45 minutes from downtown Las Vegas. This area serves as an excellent starting point, and you can find amenities like Mcghies Bike Outpost there. Plan your visit to make the most of the trail's accessibility and local resources.

As you cycle, you will be treated to panoramic 360-degree views from Blue Diamond Hill, encompassing the vast Red Rock Canyon, the impressive La Madre Mountains, and the expansive Las Vegas Valley. A notable stop along the way is the Las Vegas Overlook, offering a unique perspective of the region. Keep an eye out for distinctive landmarks such as the Rubber Ducky Tree, adding a touch of whimsy to your desert journey.

The Landmine Loop offers an easy mountain biking experience through a cool desert landscape, showcasing green shrubs and various cacti. As you ride, you'll enjoy scenic views of the canyon's red hills, with a notable 'Mountain Views' highlight perfect for a stop. This route covers 7.5 miles (12.1 km) with an elevation gain of 454 feet (138 metres), taking about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Landmine Loop is a primary entry point to the wider Cottonwood Valley trail network. The trail connects directly to Blue Diamond, Nevada, a small desert town where you can find amenities like bike shops and eateries. This route is particularly popular in October, suggesting it's a great time to experience the trail.

This trail is an excellent introduction to the Cottonwood Valley Trail System, making it a good starting point if you are new to the area. You can easily combine the Landmine Loop with other routes to create longer mountain biking adventures, extending your ride as much as you like. It's a versatile option for exploring the local trails.

Embark on the Dead Horse Loop, a moderate mountain biking adventure spanning 14.5 miles (23.4 km) through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You will climb 1543 feet (470 metres) over approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes, encountering diverse desert terrain. The route transitions from doubletrack to engaging singletrack, featuring steep washes and technical rock drops. As you ride, you will be treated to expansive high desert views, including spectacular vistas of the Las Vegas Strip from the Wilson's Tank Overlook. This trail offers a solid workout for riders seeking a challenge.

To begin your mountain biking journey on the Dead Horse Loop, head to the common starting point near the Late Night Trailhead. This route demands preparation for its varied terrain and challenging sections, so ensure your bike is ready for steep washes and rocky switchbacks. You can expect a long, mostly gradual ascent that provides a good workout before you hit the thrilling downhill flowy sections. Plan your visit during cooler parts of the day, especially in the desert environment, to make the most of your ride.

This trail is notable for its varied and engaging terrain, including the infamous "Satan's Escalator," a section of steep, rocky switchbacks that often requires walking your bike. Beyond the technical challenges, the Dead Horse Loop provides a unique perspective of the high desert landscape. It combines a good physical test with rewarding views, making it a memorable experience in the Red Rock Canyon area.

Get ready for an easy mountain biking adventure on the Landmine, Molly's, and Cactus Slalom Loop, a route that winds through the classic Mojave Desert landscape. This 11.7 miles (18.9 km) trail offers a gentle ride with 919 feet (280 metres) of elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. You can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 44 minutes, enjoying panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley and the dramatic Red Rock Canyon. As you pedal, you'll pass through forests of Joshua trees and dense cholla cactus, experiencing the unique desert atmosphere. Look out for the distinctive Rubber Ducky Tree, a memorable landmark along the way.

Planning your ride on this loop is straightforward, as the trail system is easily accessible from the town of Blue Diamond, located just outside Las Vegas. You'll find ample parking available, making it simple to get started on your adventure. Many riders choose McGhie's Bike Outpost as a convenient starting point, where you can also find any last-minute gear or advice. Consider riding in the cooler morning hours or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat, especially during warmer months. Always carry plenty of water and sun protection when exploring the Red Rock Canyon area.

This route provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse desert ecosystem of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Beyond the unique flora like Joshua trees and cholla cactus, you might even spot wild horses or burros roaming freely. The trail offers a true taste of desert mountain biking, combining scenic beauty with an approachable challenge, making it a standout option for exploring the region's natural wonders.

The Badger Pass Loop offers a moderate mountain biking experience, covering 6.7 miles (10.8 km) with a total elevation gain of 742 feet (226 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 4 minutes, enjoying the singletrack terrain. As you ride, you'll encounter open desert landscapes and scenic views, especially around Badger Pass and the White Rhino trail sections.

Planning your visit to the Badger Pass Loop is straightforward, as the trail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM), ensuring free public access for all. While generally accessible, always check for any weather-related closures before heading out. Consider an early morning or late afternoon ride to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best light.

Located just outside Las Vegas in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, this trail provides a great escape into nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as wild burros and various raptors, as you navigate the route. In spring, the area comes alive with beautiful wildflower blooms, adding a splash of color to the desert scenery.

Embark on the Cowboy Trails loop, a difficult mountain biking route spanning 8.9 miles (14.3 km) with a significant 1299 feet (396 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this challenging ride in about 1 hour and 33 minutes. As you navigate the trail, you'll find yourself immersed in a rugged desert environment, characterized by classic Mojave Desert flora like Joshua Trees and striking granite slickrock formations. The route culminates in incredible overlooks near the radio towers, offering expansive panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding valley.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Cowboy Trails are multi-use, so you will share the path with equestrians and hikers; courtesy is key. This is not a trail for beginners; it demands advanced mountain biking skills. We highly recommend wearing protective gear such as knee and elbow pads for your safety. Since the trails are not always clearly marked, using a reliable navigation app is essential to stay on course throughout your ride.

The Cowboy Trails loop is situated within the dramatic backdrop of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, providing a truly scenic experience that highlights the unique geology of the region. This area is renowned for its vibrant red rock formations and diverse desert ecosystem. The trail offers a distinct opportunity to explore the Mojave Desert's natural beauty, making it a notable adventure for those seeking a challenging ride amidst iconic Southwestern landscapes.