River Mountains Loop trail

You don't have to be into gambling to love Las Vegas. Odds are, you'll be surprised by the quality and diversity of outdoor activities available nearby.
One of the newest and most diverse additions to the list of outdoor activities in the Vegas area is the River Mountains Loop. With 34 miles of smooth pavement, your recreation options include biking, inline skating, recumbents, Trikkes, hiking, trail-running, wheelchairs, and equestrian pursuits. It must be noted however, that while portions of the trail are great for all of the previously listed activities the entire loop is mostly suitable for biking, walking, and running. Only the most capable skaters, recumbent riders, and Trikke riders will be able to negotiate all 34 miles due to a few very steep areas.
Although this path is considered a rail-trail, only a little over 3.5 miles of the trail was actually converted from a former rail-bed. So the usual gradual inclines of rails-to-trails routes do not apply on this path. Some of the inclines are surprisingly steep for an asphalt trail, and are probably the steepest I have encountered on a rail-trail.
Despite the rigorous workout, the desert vistas and Lake Mead views make all of your efforts worthwhile. And if that isn't enough, many lucky trail-users are the recipients of stellar wildlife viewing including roadrunners, coyotes, deer, desert tortoises, and bighorn sheep.
And after a hard day of trail exploration, the River Mountain Loop provides a unique treat not available on most trails; a casino buffet awaits you on your return to the trailhead with a meal fit for a king.

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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 10:44:20 AM

River Mountains Loop Trail

Beware of wet trails due to rain or irrigation water.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 11:02:00 AM

smooth pavement trail
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 11:21:24 AM

most roads have underpasses so trail is very safe
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 11:27:01 AM

This plant is in a group of flora called gypsophiles.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 12:20:50 PM

Beware of barriers on nearby flood water channels.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 10:52:15 AM

The lodging for this trail is all in or near Boulder City, Nevada
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 10:56:39 AM

Portions of this trail follow flood canals or ditches.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 11:02:08 AM

The trail is well marked with signs and mile posts.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 11:03:52 AM

Desert Bighorn Sheep may be spotted on or from the trail.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 11:51:51 AM

Stay out of these in times of heavy rain.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 12:13:55 PM

This is a great family trail.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 12:36:06 PM

Plan for some fairly steep climbs. The trail is never technical, but sometimes tiring.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 12:52:10 PM

The downhills are fun, but be cautious.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 12:59:11 PM

A little over 13 miles of the trail is accessible by horseback riders.
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Image Date: Jan 24, 2011 1:14:08 PM