It may be just a few miles from the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, but you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away when you ride this beautiful desert trail.
The Late Night Trail is a great place for riders to get out into the desert without getting too far out of the city. Located on the southern end of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, this trail is part of the Cottonwood Valley Trail System, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
From the trailhead, you can ride out into an extensive network of single track trails and roads. Some of the trails are marked, some are not. This is a great area to just make your own loops and explore. There is enough here to do short rides or all-day rides.
Stay low in the valley or follow the trails up into the fan of Spring Mountain and Red Rock Canyon. The higher trails get a little rocky and, in some places, a little more technical. But, it’s worth it for the views and tons of petroglyphs you can spot along the rock if you keep a sharp eye. There are some seasonal springs in the area, but don’t count on water for your horse.
This area features classic Mojave Desert flora including Joshua trees, yucca, barrel cactus, mesquite trees, and cholla. In some places the cholla can grow thick and big and right up against the trails, so be sure to wear chaps or be prepared to lift your leg! You might also want to carry a Leatherman to pull out any barbs that you or your horse pick up.
In the spring, you’ll see lots of wildflowers out here, with April being the typical peak month for blooms. Keep an eye out for wild burros that roam the desert. They are usually pretty skittish and will run off. Otherwise, these trails are frequented by mountain bike riders and hikers.
There are a few spots that will give you a view of the nearby city, and that would make this a fun place for an evening ride.
Getting Here
Where to Park: The parking lot is on the north side of SR 160 / Pahrump Valley Highway/ Blue Diamond Road. There is space for several rigs in the west lot and a nice loop pull-through. The trailhead also has a vault toilet, trash cans, and hitching posts.
Trail Maps
