Enjoy uninterrupted views of Las Vegas (including the famed Strip) from this mostly flat, multi-use trail. The River Mountains Loop trail connects the Las Vegas Valley with Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, and Boulder City. For equestrians, this trail offers easy access and mild terrain, and opportunities for the more adventurous to head off-trail to explore the mountain range.
The entire River Mountains Loop is 34 miles, but only 13 of those miles are open to horses – from mile marker 1 to 14. As you can see on the map below, that is the west side of the loop trail, from around Railroad Pass all the way up to Lakeshore Road.
You should know up front that this trail is paved. It seems as though the design intention was that equestrians would ride alongside the pavement. The terrain is pretty rocky in some places and if there ever was a single-track horse trail, we didn’t see it on our exploration.
The trail winds along the foothills past a water treatment / transmission / solar facility. You’ll ride under transmission lines and towers most of the way. The terrain is mostly rocky with scrub brush. There is no water along the trail, but there is a rest area at the treatment facility with a water fountain. The River Mountain Loop trail is multi-use but non-motorized. Expect to see the occasional dog walker or bicyclist.
There are lots of dirt roads that branch off into the mountains, which you can ride to explore a bit of the hills. Just be aware that given the proximity to the city, there are dump sites, shooting sites, and possibly rogue campers in them thar hills.
The trail is not technical, other than a couple of bridges at the Equestrian Park North and South access points. The trail is well-marked, with mile marker signs every half mile.
Getting Here
Where to Park: The City of Henderson manages Equestrian Park North and Equestrian Park South. The North park is the most convenient spot to access the River Mountains Loop. There is a very large parking area, bathrooms, corrals, round pens, a large arena, automatic waterers, and permanent mounting blocks. From here you can ride right out to pick up the trail around mile marker 4. You could also park at the end of the Equestrian Park South road, though there is less room and amenities.
Trail Maps
