The best thing about living in Nevada is the fact that adventure is always just right outside your door. It seems like every inch of our state boasts epic scenery and wonderful ways for exploring that scenery. All you have to do is go out there and look for it! If you’ve been searching for a more relaxed adventure that still features incredible landscapes, look no further than the longest paved trail in all of Nevada: The River Mountains Loop Trail. Boasting miles upon miles of well-maintained and easily traversed trail, this is a grand adventure that every Nevadan can take part in.
A relatively new addition to the state, the Rive Mountains Loop Trail is a great way to get out and see some of our state's most incredible landscapes. Boasting 34 miles of paved trail, this is a journey you'll remember for years to come.
Construction of this unique trail started back in 1996. However, the trail wasn't completely finished until 2012. We're pretty lucky to have such a wonderful trail accessible to us, so exploring it is a must for any Nevadan.
The River Mountains Loop is considered the first endeavor of its kind. It was constructed through the combined effort of several local resource management agencies, private landowners, and outdoor lovin' citizens. The non-motorized trail is great for experiencing scenic views, abundant wildlife, and the endless beauty of the Mojave Desert.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is home to approximately 17 miles of the trail. A popular access point is located at the Lake Mead Parkway entrance. This section of the trail mostly follows Lakeshore Road and is great for viewing Lake Mead off in the distance.
What's unique about this trail is the fact that's it's solely dedicated to walking, biking, and horseback riding (only in some sections, though). Any sort of motorized vehicle is off limits, ensuring that adventurers have a peaceful experience on the trail.
As you wind along the trail, you'll come across a section of the iconic Historic Railroad Trail. Continuing north, you'll pass Lake Mead Marina, Boulder Beach Campground, and the Lake Mead Lodge.
The next feature along the trail is Boulder Harbor where you can view prominent landmarks like Pyramid Island and Saddle Island. The trail starts heading away from the lake after the pass the hatchery and continues on through Henderson, and ends at Boulder City.
The River Mountains Loop was constructed in order to make exploring this stunning region of the Las Vegas Valley as accessible to the public as possible. We think the trail accomplishes just that, and exploring it for yourself should definitely be on your to-do list. For more information about the trail, you can visit the National Park Service site here.
