Bootleg Canyon For Mountain Biking

Southeast of Las Vegas and north of Boulder City, the highly acclaimed Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park is an amazing, but technical, trail network totaling 36 miles. The network combines doubletrack climbs along with fast, rocky singletrack through chaparral desert terrain. But don't underestimate this riding area - there are plenty of short, steep climbs and descents, some of which are hike-a-bikes.

These trails were designed on an old volcanic area by Brent Thomson with the help of plenty of locals from mountain bike friendly Boulder City. The area is listed as an IMBA Epic area and also hosts a popular XC and DH race series.

While the best season to ride is October to May due to summer heat, the summertime can be great for night riding. There is limited, primitive camping onsite.

To reach the Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park trailhead from Las Vegas, head south on US515 towards Henderson. US515 ends into US93/95 (Boulder Highway). Follow US93 East into Boulder City, which is just 4 miles west of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Turn left on Yucca Street for 2 miles to the trailhead parking area.

There is a little known northern trailhead in Henderson that accesses the main Bootleg Canyon loop. The River Mountain / Equestrian trailhead provides access to the Enduro DH / Ernies Extra trail which leads up to the main Bootleg Canyon Loop. To reach the trailhead from Las Vegas, head south on US515/93/95 to Equestrian Drive. Head northeast on Equestrian Drive to the trailhead.

After a long, hot day of mountain biking in Bootleg Canyon make sure to stop in Boulder City for a cool drink. One of the best places is Beer Zombies Boulder City.

Overall, Bootleg Canyon is the 1st most popular mountain bike trail of all 13 mountain biking rides in Nevada. Several of the better mountain bike trails are nearby Bootleg Canyon including Red Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Valley Trail System, Bristlecone Pine Trail, Logandale Trail System and Sloan Canyon.