River Mountains Loop Trail: 34-Mile Bike Trail Guide

by Michael Shackleford • Feb. 25, 2014

The River Mountains Loop is an outstanding bike trail and one of the best free outdoor activities in Las Vegas. It forms a big circle between the east edge of Henderson and Lake Mead. The trail is well maintained and goes through some fantastic scenery. Although you're close to Las Vegas, most of the time there is little sign of civilization except the trail itself. If you're not enjoying the view of Lake Mead, there are plenty of mountains and desert scenery to look at. There are no major street crossings. Just a few minor roads in the vicinity of the Boulder Beach.

The trail itself is challenging. It is either uphill or downhill the whole way and very curvy. Serious riders who like to maintain high speeds will likely be frustrated with it. It is meant more for recreational riders than bikers who log in hundreds of miles a week. In case you are wondering, it takes me about three hours to complete, and I'm pretty slow.

As with anything on the Internet, there is a lot of outdated information floating around about the trail. Many indicate the trail is unfinished in places. No two sources seem to agree on the total distance. Even the maps posted along the trail say it is 31 miles long. I'm here to tell you loud and clear that the loop, not including the side trails, is 34 miles long. This is easily verified by the mile markers, which end at number 34 at the Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino. There are also lots of old web sites and maps indicating certain sections are under construction. I can also say affirmatively that when I first did the loop on November 29, 2013, it was 100% completed.

Here is my map of the trail.

River Mountains Loop trail map

Click on any image for a larger version. Image from GoogleMaps.com

Before starting on the trail description, here are some typical photos of things you'll see the whole way.

River Mountains Loop with Curve 10 MPH and Do not pass signs

Note the signs that say "Curve 10 MPH" and "Do not pass." There is lots of such signage the whole way. It really is a curvy trail and/or steep trail in places so you have to watch you speed in such spots.

River Mountains Loop half-mile milepost

There are mileposts, like this one, every half mile. I'm not sure why, but there are other similar unmarked pylons all over the place as well.

River Mountains Loop trail logo marking the route

This logo is used to mark the trail in spots.

River Mountains Loop with benches to rest on

No shortage of benches to rest on.

River Mountains Loop informational sign

Lots of informational signs like this one.

River Mountains Loop official trail map at a parking area

This is the official trail map you'll see at the parking areas along the trail. These are the maps that incorrectly say the distance is 31 miles.

River Mountains Loop poster describing the trail

Another poster describing the trail. Here is a close up of the text.

Let me take a moment to discuss which orientation to travel in. The trail has a maximum elevation of 2,694 between mileposts 30.5 and 31. The lowest point has an elevation of about 1,245 near milepost 21. Going counterclockwise, as I did when these photos were taken, the trail drops about 1,450 feet in the 9.5 miles after milepost 30.5, and then takes another 24.5 miles to regain them.

I think I can speak for most bikers when I say that I would prefer the pain of the uphill portions be spread out over as much distance as possible. If you do the trail clockwise it is a tough uphill slog starting at milepost 21, gaining 1,450 feet in 9.5 miles. For experienced bikers this may not sound bad, but I'm just a recreational biker, still using the same bike I rode in college in the 1980's. In my early twenties I was offended if another bicyclist dared to pass me. Now it is the order of the day. The only bicyclists I seem to pass up any more are homeless people on rusty old beach cruisers. A word of advice to the young -- never get old.

Another downside to going clockwise, is on the north section of the loop you'll be going downhill and it is very curvy. You'll be riding your brakes for miles as you coast down these curvy sections. Some might complain about some steep hills between mileposts 7 and 8 going counterclockwise. That is true, but you can always walk your bike up that section. It makes a nice break from riding.

For these reasons, I feel going counter clockwise is more pleasant. It seems to me that most other bikers on the loop do it that direction as well.

There are a host of parking lots along the trail and side trails leading to the trail. Personally, I prefer to park at the Railroad Crossing Casino, which right off the 93/95 highway, west of Boulder City. That is where I started this trail description.

Let me discuss navigation. It would be difficult to get lost on this trail. Still, it probably has been known to happen. There are lots of side trails, most leading to parking lots for the trail, and the part that goes through Boulder City could be marked better in places. When in doubt, keep these tips in mind.

The trail is never on a road, so don't turn onto one. Part of the trail in the Lake Mead Recreation Area is on what was once an old road, but they paved bike lanes over it.
When in doubt, stay close to the inner side of the trail. There isn't much except mountains bounded by the trail, except in the Boulder City section.
The Boulder City section is the most likely section to get lost. Keep your eye out for signage marking the trail.
There are several side paths leading to residential areas and parking lots. If you want to stay on the main trail, keep going straight.

With the introductions out of the way, let's go around the loop!

River Mountains Loop connector path to the Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino

Short connector path to the trail at the Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino. It can be found at the east side of the upper parking lot, meant for large vehcicles and trailers.

River Mountains Loop where the Railroad Pass connector joins the main trail

Here the Railroad Pass connector joins the main trail. To go counterclockwise, as I did, turn right.

River Mountains Loop milepost 0-34

A short distance away is milepost 0-34. It says 0 on one side and 34 on the other.

River Mountains Loop railroad crossing used by the Nevada Southern Railway

Railroad crossing. The only train to use these tracks is the Nevada Southern Railway, a short train ride to nowhere that leaves out of Boulder City.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 33

Milepost 33.

River Mountains Loop bridge crossing

Cross this bridge.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 32

Milepost 32.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 31 on a flat, straight section

Milepost 31. It looks a lot like the previous picture doesn't it? This goes to show this section is comparatively flat and straight.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 30, with the Bootleg Canyon mountain ahead

Milepost 30. That mountain up ahead is home to Bootleg Canyon, a popular spot for off-road biking. The dirt trails cross the paved path in several spots, so be careful of off-road bikers crossing the path.

River Mountains Loop going straight, with a path left to a parking area

Keep going straight. The path to the left leads to a parking area.

River Mountains Loop at the highest elevation sign, with a BC on the mountain

According to rivermountainstrail.org, this is the highest elevation on the trail. The lowest is at the Boulder Beach Marina, around mile 22, at an elevation of 1245.

Note the BC on the mountain just to the right of the sign (click on any image for a larger version). I've always wondered if that stands for Bootleg Canyon or Boulder City. If you know, please tell me.

River Mountains Loop at a second milepost 30 marker

Milepost 30.

River Mountains Loop parking area west of St. Jude's Ranch

Here is another parking area, just west of St. Jude's Ranch.

River Mountains Loop in the drainage after the parking lot

After the parking lot you'll be in and out of this drainage for a while. Look out for loose rocks.

River Mountains Loop crossing the entrance to St. Jude's Ranch

The path goes right across the entrance to St. Jude's Ranch.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 29, still in the drainage

Milepost 29. Still in the drainage.

River Mountains Loop one of many tunnels

One of many tunnels you'll go through.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 28 at a tunnel

Milepost 28 at this tunnel.

River Mountains Loop making a quick left after the tunnel

After going through the tunnel you'll make a quick left here.

River Mountains Loop empty parking area for the trail

Another nice, and empty, parking area for the trail.

River Mountains Loop with a view of Lake Mead

Nice view of Lake Mead.

River Mountains Loop with houses beyond the trail where a coyote was seen

I saw a coyote about half way between the trail and those houses. Click on the picure for a larger version, or this close up.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 27

Milepost 27.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 26

Milepost 26.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 25, Hacienda Hotel/Casino in the distance on the right

Milepost 25. That is the Hacienda Hotel/Casino off in the distance on the right side.

River Mountains Loop another tunnel

Another tunnel.

River Mountains Loop left turn at the start of the Historic Railroad Trail dirt path

Turn left here. The dirt path is the beginning of the Historic Railroad Trail

River Mountains Loop parking area shared with the Historic Railroad Trail

Another nice parking area, good for both the River Mountain Loop and Historic Railroad Trail.

River Mountains Loop parking area with an outhouse but no water

There is a nice outhouse at the parking area, but no water.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 24

Milepost 24.

River Mountains Loop crossing a road in the Lake Mead marina and camping areas

One of the few roads in the marina and camping areas for Lake Mead. The odds of any cross traffic are pretty low.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 23

Milepost 23.

River Mountains Loop through the Lake Mead camping grounds

Lake Mead camping grounds.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 22

Milepost 22.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 21

Milepost 21.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 20

Milepost 20.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 19

Milepost 19.

River Mountains Loop washed-out section of the trail

The trail evidently got washed out here.

River Mountains Loop yet another tunnel

Yet another tunnel.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 18

Milepost 18.

River Mountains Loop pair of tunnels, taking the one on the right

A pair of tunnels this time. Take the one on the right.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 17, halfway from the Railroad Crossing

Milepost 17. Half way point from the Railroad Crossing.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 16

Milepost 16.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 15

Milepost 15.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 14

Milepost 14.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 13

Milepost 13.

River Mountains Loop with switchbacks on the north part of the loop

Lots of switchbacks like this on the north part of the loop.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 12

Milepost 12.

River Mountains Loop side trail to a trailhead with a bathroom but no water

According to the map, this side trail to the trailhead has a bathroom but no water.

River Mountains Loop blockade at a tunnel where the trail may be closed

With just that one little blockade I wasn't sure if they really meant the trail was closed. The last time I did the trail I saw a similar sign at another tunnel, which had just a little gravel in it from a recent rain. I must confess that I went through the tunnel here anyway. I would later discover that they were digging a ditch along the side of the trail further up. Maybe they are installing lights. They removed the trail markers between 12 and 8.5 in this effort.

River Mountains Loop going under Lake Mead Parkway again

Going under Lake Mead Parkway again.

River Mountains Loop passing the entrance to Lake Las Vegas

Passing the entrance to Lake Las Vegas. This is where Barack Obama prepared for his first debate with Mitt Romney.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 8

Milepost 8. As mentioned earlier, posts 9 to 12 were evidently removed due to construction.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 7.5 after a huge hill

Milepost 7.5. Normally I don't take photos of the non-integer markers, but this is worthy of mention. It comes after climbing a huge hill going northbound. You'll be forgiven if you walk your bike up it, which I had to do. You can see another smaller hill past that water tank.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 7

Milepost 7.

River Mountains Loop with small cracks in the trail, car keys for scale

There are small cracks in the trail in this section. I put my car keys in this one, to show how thick a typical crack is in comparison.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 6

Milepost 6.

River Mountains Loop with a large B built in 1971 by Basic High School students

Do you wonder what that B stands for? According to forum member beachbumbabs, it was built in 1971 by the students of Basic High School. Since then, the school moved to another location in Henderson. The B is large enough to be noted on avaition maps.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 5, solar panels just past

Milepost 5. A little past this are a bunch of solar panels.

River Mountains Loop rest area with a picnic table and water fountain

There is a small rest area to the side here, with a picnic table and water fountain.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 4

Milepost 4.

River Mountains Loop wood-bottom bridge

Wood-bottom bridge.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 2

Milepost 2. I didn't notice milepost 3.

River Mountains Loop at milepost 1

Milepost 1.

River Mountains Loop railroad crossing by the Railroad Crossing Casino, near milepost 0

Almost back to milepost 0! Here is a railroad crossing by the Railroad Crossing Casino.

That is my report. I hope you liked it. If you see me on the trail, please say "hello."

Videos

The River Mountains Loop is so long that I had to break it into four videos. The videos start at the Railroad Pass casino at mile 0/34.0 and go counterclockwise.