Biking Bootleg Canyon Trails – Boulder City and Las Vegas

Bootleg Canyon, located in Boulder City, Nevada, is a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts visiting the Las Vegas area. Known for its rugged desert terrain and stunning panoramic views, Bootleg Canyon offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for beginners and seasoned bikers alike. Just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, this trail network is a must-visit for outdoor adventurers seeking a thrilling ride with a side of breathtaking desert scenery.

Adventure Guide To Biking Bootleg Canyon Trails – Boulder City

The Snake Back Trail:
This trail is ideal for those looking for a technically demanding ride. With steep climbs, tight corners, and rocky drops, it provides an adrenaline-filled adventure. Spectacular views of Lake Mead await at higher elevations, making the tough sections worthwhile. Riders should be prepared for loose gravel and rocky terrain that require focused maneuvering, as well as sharp switchbacks that test your biking skills.
Mother Trail:
Perfect for intermediate riders, the Mother Trail offers a mix of gradual inclines, fast descents, and smoother technical sections. Spanning about 4 miles, it provides an excellent introduction to the terrain of Bootleg Canyon without being overly intimidating. Natural features like desert vegetation and outcroppings add to the sense of immersion, and the views of Colorado River are stunning.
Armageddon Trail:
This expert-level trail is not for the faint-hearted. Known for its steep drops and extensive rock gardens, Armageddon presents a punishing yet rewarding experience. Helmet and body protection gear are recommended, as the trail is full of challenging obstacles that demand precision and focus.

Local Insights

Bootleg Canyon was developed by passionate locals to create a world-class biking destination. It's one of the first "Epic Rides" designated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and is frequently used for downhill racing events. The area also doubles as a hub for wildlife viewing, with bighorn sheep commonly seen along the trails.

Visitor Tips

Best Time: Visit from October to April for cooler weather. Summer rides can be dangerous due to extreme heat, often exceeding 100°F.
What to Bring: A quality mountain bike, helmet, hydration pack, and snacks. Don’t skip sunscreen and first aid supplies.
Getting There: From Las Vegas, take US-93 South toward Boulder City. Estimated drive time is 30 minutes. Parking is available near the trailhead.

Adventure Map

Las Vegas Info

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

18.1 mi

Elevation

4583 ft

Download

Reviews

Casey Scalfa year ago

This is one of the best trailheads in the greater Las Vegas area and I highly recommend checking it out with your mountain bike! It is pretty rocky but some of the trails are not bad compared to other areas. The free ride park is definitely a highlight and has lots of choose your own adventure style trails.

Edward Blubaugh2 years ago

Gateway to a variety of awesome mountain bike and paved bike trails. Trails range from awesome downhill double black diamond super gnar to more mild. Also a great spot for hiking, off roading etc.

Thomas B2 months ago

This trailhead brings you to some of the better hiking/biking trails here in Boulder City. There is free parking space along with a restroom, water station, a covered pavilion area with 3 picnic tables and at least one grill. The trails vary in difficulty from sandy/soft to rocky, uneven surfaces and all the trails are very well marked. Would advise prior planning on what trails to use before setting out unless you are familiar with the area. No matter what trail you choose, you will always be able to enjoy the beautiful views you will have of the valley below. Word of caution for hikers/walkers, be aware the trails are used by bikers that sometimes depending on the location of the trail, can be moving very fast, so make sure to share the path and move to the side to let them by.

Autumn McGrath-Shook3 weeks ago

nice and quiet peaceful area, I walk my dogs here alot, around the park area, cool artwork. the actual bike trails are not for beginners, and theres no shade. its for advanced riders or mountain bikes that do extreme hills and dangerous curves, and def. avoid summer riding or bringing kids or dogs for the long trails.

Amir Hermelina year ago

This place has some of the gnarliest trails for mountain biking. Don't trust the online map/stats - a "descent" can be quite a workout, and a "modest" 500' climb can have plenty of uneven rock along the way! Trails are very well marked, and the rating system (blue/black/d-black) is pretty accurate IMO. Shuttle service exists on weekends, but it's not a long pedal up