River Mountains Trail Loop

Brilliant idea. Create a continuous bike path that encircles the city and gets people off busy streets. Tucson has the loop that we have ridden a bunch over the years, and this time we checked out the River Mountains Trail Loop in Boulder City. The loop is 35 miles with 2800′ of climbing.

I rode the River Mountains Loop by myself once clockwise and another day counter clockwise to see which was better. I think it’s better clockwise, so Derek and I rode that together the other day. The climbing this direction is all from Lake Mead up into the city of Boulder City, and then again on the back side of the loop. In between there are long rolling stretches, twisty flowing sections, and a bunch of steep punchy climbs. It’s nice to not have to worry about cars!

The Mojave Desert is home to the desert tortoise which is listed as a “Threatened ” species under the Endangered Species Act. An encounter with a desert tortoise in the wild is a rare treat. Unfortunately I didn’t seen any. Fun fact though: Tortoise bladders are like canteens; they store water and reabsorb it directly from the bladder when fresh water is not available. When frightened, they frequently urinate as a defense mechanism. Loss of this water supply can be fatal. Who knew?

Bootleg Canyon

Originally a Native American Trail, Bootleg Canyon – also called the Hooch Highway, was a well known back door into Boulder City and the Hoover Dam construction site during Prohibition. Bootleggers brewed illegal alcohol in stills hidden in draws and arroyos then moved it through the canyon into the dry community of Boulder City and down to the Colorado River. Today there are excellent mountain bike trails at Bootleg Canyon

Derek rode here two different days and commented that the trails are pretty technical. The trails are rocky and rugged and it can get pretty hot here in the summer. A majority of riders are here for the uber technical downhill trails but the less intense cross country stuff is fun and challenging.