Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Nevada

Nevada is situated between two mountain ranges that form the Great Basin. It is also famous for the Mojave Desert. Due to the terrain, riding in some parts of the state in the summer may be dangerous if you do not keep hydrated. Make sure to always take water and ride with a friend and stop frequently for breaks for cool off.

You can pick from over 20 miles of trails when visiting the Boulder City Mountain Bike Park. The trails are made especially for experienced rider that want to tackle technical terrain. There are some treacherous climbs but you are then rewarded with zooming descents. Intermediate riders can also give these trails a try. The terrain is well kept and well marked so get ready for hours of non-stop riding.

The trail to Star Lake near Stateline is 16 miles out and back. It begins at the Heavenly Valley Stagecoach lift. From there you can expect a steep climb. Follow the sign for the Tahoe Rim Trail. There are some rock steps to look out for. Also, the cliffs next to the trail have steep drops, so be careful and keep your eyes on the trail. If you want to soak in the natural beauty all around you, be sure to do it AFTER you stop. You'll enjoy views of Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe as well.

Another popular "Tahoe trail" is Flume Trail. This 22-mile loop follows the rim of Lake Tahoe. The trail is well-marked and fairly flat (easy for beginners) but if you're up for a challenge you can branch off on the trail from Spooner Lake to Mariette Lake. You can expect a demanding climb, but the views are out of this world! This is one of the most popular trails in the entire state so be courteous to others with whom you share the trail.

There is nearly 15 miles of track to pick from at Cottonwood Canyon which is close to Las Vegas. There are various trails from rocky to sandy but they are out in the open so it is impossible to lose your way. There are trails for all skill levels, but because this is out in the dessert, you must bring a plenty of water! It gets extremely hot in this location in the summer!

Another trail close to Las Vegas, that does not have extremely hot temperatures is Bristlecone Pine. This 5-mile loop includes some steep climbs but because it is located in higher altitude it is much cooler than in the valley. The trails are both very enjoyable and scenic as well. Bring your camera along for some exquisite photographs.

The Copper Basin Trail near Battle Mountain is a network of 15 miles of trails. There are lots of technical things like ridge line rides, screaming descents, rocks, roots, etc. It's easy to get lost here, so it's best to get a map of the area. With a map you can choose the trails that fit your skill level and the distance you wish to go, or just spend all day exploring and have fun!

Nevada has a variety of terrains ranging from flat plains to mountain ranges. This is a biker's paradise. There's plenty of room to hone your skills or just flat-out have fun! Be safe and happy trails!