Last updated: May 14, 2024
Thing to Do
Bike the River Mountains Loop Trail
NPS/A. Cattoir
The River Mountains Loop Trail results from a multi-agency public-private partnership bringing together resources from government agencies, private landowners, and local businesses. This non-motorized, paved trail provides visitors with an extensive trail loop offering scenic views, plentiful wildlife, and the vast beauty only the Mojave Desert can offer.
The trail surrounds the River Mountains connecting Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder City, and the rest of the Las Vegas Valley.
Trail Information
- Trailhead: DIRECTIONS
- Parking: With multiple access points, there are several parking options along the length of the trail.
- Distance: 16.2 miles one-way within Lake Mead National Recreation Area boundaries (The entire looped trail system, which includes portions that cut outside the Lake Mead NRA boundaries, is 34-miles).
- Elevation Gain: 750 ft. elevation change
- Difficulty: Easy
- THIS TRAIL IS MAINTAINED
- Services: Accessible pit toilets at the trailheads/along the trail, self-service bike repair stations, and trash/litter receptacles.
- Interactive map of the bike trail loop
Details
Duration
4-8 Hours
Duration represents the time it would take to complete the entire trail one-way within the boundaries of the park.
Activity
Biking
- Drinking water is available at the trailhead near the Lake Mead Visitor Center.
Pets Allowed
Yes
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Pets must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times.
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Pets should not be left unattended.
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We require that you clean up after your pet at all times.
Activity Fee
Yes
Bicycles are subject to the Entrance Fee Requirements at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A daily pass (valid for 1-7 days) for individuals can be purchased for $15 from entrance stations located throughout the park, or at the Park Headquarters lobby front desk in Boulder City, Nevada. Annual Passes can also be used for bicycles. Please keep your pass with you as you ride through the park. For more information on Entrance Fees in the park, please visit our Fees and Passes page.
Reservations
No
There are many businesses that have authorization to conduct rental and/or guided outfitting services within the park, such as renting a bicycle. Check out the Guided Experiences page to find an rental or guided outfitting service!
Season
Winter, Spring, Fall
Remember heat kills, be summer-smart and opt to hike when temperatures are cooler. If you do choose to utlize the trail during the summer, rangers recommend starting early in the morning or later in the evening when the weather is slightly cooler. Remember to pack enough water for your entire trip.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
N/A
Other Biking Trails in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Hike the Historic Railroad Trail
- Type: Front-Country Hiking
- Duration: 1-4 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Fall
The Historic Railroad Trail features incredible vistas of Lake Mead and Boulder Basin and five tunnels – each approximately 25 feet wide.
Important Information
- Mount and dismount the bike carefully. The added weight of some e-bike batteries and motor assist technology can add 20 or more pounds to the weight of the bike.
- Make yourself visible. Wear bright-colored and reflective clothes.
- Wear a helmet while riding.
- Obey speed limits. Some e-bikes may exceed park speed limits with the motor engaged.
- Pay attention to traffic.
- Slow down at intersections. Make eye contact with other drivers before crossing the intersection.
- Don't forget to hydrate.
E-bikes are allowed everywhere traditional bicycles are allowed in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This includes all park roads currently open to motor vehicles. This policy enhances fun and healthy recreational opportunities for visitors to our national parks and supports active transportation options.
- The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower).
- E-bikes make bicycle travel easier and more efficient, because they allow bicyclists to travel farther with less effort.
- E-bikes provide expanded options for visitors who wish to ride a bicycle but may be limited because of physical fitness, age, disability, or convenience.
- When used as an alternative to gasoline- or diesel-powered modes of transportation, e-bikes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality, and support active modes of transportation for park staff and visitors.
- Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes can decrease traffic congestion, reduce the demand for vehicle parking spaces, and increase the number and visibility of cyclists on the road.
- Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
Safety information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the Electric Bicycles in National Parks website. Some roads are better for cycling than others. Check at the Lake Mead Visitor Center for recommendations and road conditions.
If you plan to ride at the park, please be aware of the rules in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulation, as the following are prohibited:
- Possessing a bicycle in a designated wilderness area established by Federal statute.
- Operating a bicycle during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, without exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear.
- Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle except where authorized by the superintendent.
- Operating a bicycle while consuming an alcoholic beverage or carrying in hand an open container of an alcoholic beverage.
Also, please use extreme caution when bicycling on park roads as some areas have low visibility, no shoulder and are steep with windy turns. Please stay on the roads so our fragile desert soils stay protected.
It is always a good idea to carry plenty of water, cycle with a friend, and let someone know your itinerary.