Best Mountain Biking Trails in Nevada

There’s a good chance that affiliate links are scattered throughout this post. If you click on one I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you and I’ll definitely be using it to buy bike gear.

Unbeknownst to a lot of riders, Nevada is actually home to a lot of great mountain biking. In between ghost towns and endless stretches of desert, there are pockets of fun singletrack networks with tons of flow and plenty of tech.

Depending on where you’re traveling to and from, Nevada mountain biking can also help break up your drive. If you’re heading to some of the more established mountain bike networks in the west like Moab, Hurricane, and Sedona, you’ll most like pass through Nevada. Why not check out some of these awesome singletrack destinations to make your road trip even better?

Nevada Mountain Biking Map

tips for mountain biking in Nevada

Know the forecasted temperatures

Most of Nevada is desert and deserts get hot. Always know the weather and the temps before heading out for your ride. Some places, like Las Vegas and Caliente are not summer mountain biking destinations because the heat can be incredibly intense and dangerous

Bring more water than you think you’ll need

Even if you’re going out for a 1-2 hour ride, bring more water than you think you’ll need. The desert sucks all the moisture out of you and it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. I also like to have a packet of SaltStick Electrolyte Tabs in my pack to help keep me hydrated.

Always have a ride plan

Always have a general idea of what trails you’re going to ride, what the mileage is, how much elevation gain you’ll be doing, etc… The desert is unforgiving so you need to be prepared.

Tubeless tires for sure

There are a lot of sharp rocks and cacti spines in Nevada, so I highly recommend tubeless tires.

Mountain biker riding on singletrack trail on cliff edge above Las Vegas, Nevada — Nevada has lots of sharp, pointy things on its trails. Use tubeless tires

6 Best Nevada mountain biking destinations

1. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in Nevada. Really! It’s not just about the glitz and glamor. There is a ton of riding here for all levels of riders from easy desert pedaling to full-on downhill descents. You could easily spend a few days exploring the trails around Las Vegas and not get everything in.

Of course, Vegas is also fun to visit for its food and shows. Be sure to eat at Shang Artisan Noodle at least once and maybe catch a Cirque du Soliel show.

>> Read my full guide on mountain biking in Las Vegas

View of mountains outside of Las Vegas from desert singletrack mountain bike trail — Las Vegas has the most extensive mountain bike trail network in Nevada

2. Bootleg Canyon

Bootleg Canyon is the mountain bike trail network in Boulder City outside of Vegas. This area used to be known for its super gnarly and rugged downhill lines and while those trails still exist, there are more beginner and intermediate-friendly trails now.

I haven’t explored Bootleg Canyon a ton, but it’s a worthy destination, especially if you’re passing through and have already ridden Vegas.

There is a weekend shuttle service during the cooler months if you prefer not to pedal.

3. Ely

Ely is not what most people think of when they think of Nevada. This small, historic town is surrounded by 11,000 ft peaks and sits at an elevation of 6,400 ft. It’s green and forested and also home to some of the best mountain biking trails in Nevada.

Unlike most Nevada mountain biking destinations, Ely is a great place to ride during the summer months when the rest of Nevada is baking. There’s also great camping – paid and dispersed – and lots of other great outdoor recreation options like fishing, hiking, and visiting nearby Great Basin National Park.

>> Read my full guide on mountain biking in Ely, Nevada

Mountain biker on a singletrack trail in the mountains and forest above Ely, Nevada — Ely is not what most people think of when they hear Nevada!

4. Caliente

Caliente is still a bit under the radar for Nevada mountain biking, but they’ve got over 80 miles of trail including a new 21-mile descent off of Mt. Ella. The trail crew is also still actively building with dozens of miles of trail planned over the next few years thanks to generous grants.

I’ve visited Caliente several times to ride and I definitely think it deserves a mention for having some of the best mountain bike trails in Nevada. The two main networks – Kershaw-Ryan State Park and Barnes Canyon – are both great places to check out, especially if you’re already passing through. There’s a good mix of cross-country riding as well as some more technical descents, all with great views.

>> Read my full guide on mountain biking in Caliente, Nevada

Mountain biker riding on singletrack trail beneath white cliff bluffs in Caliente, Nevada — Caliente is still a bit under the radar, but home to some great trails

5. Reno

To be honest, I haven’t spent a lot of time mountain biking around Reno, but I know there are some great trails. One day I’ll get to explore them! If you have any tips on where to mountain bike in Reno, drop a comment below.

6. Carson City & Incline Village

Like Reno, I’ve yet to fully explore Carson City. I have done the Ash Canyon to King Canyon trail, which is awesome, and the Tahoe Flume Trail in nearby Incline Village is a must. I’ll update this post when I provide better insights into the riding around Carson City!