In the foothills below Mt. Charleston, this area offers classic Mojave Desert terrain with long-distance views and and plenty of riding options.
Roughly 40 minutes northwest of Las Vegas, the Twilight trail system features a combo of desert riding and mountains with a few moderate climbs through the rolling hills and washes. Maintaining a generally low elevation (4,600 feet) this area makes for good riding in fall, winter, and spring.
Equestrians can explore a network of single-track trails, washes, and roads right out of the parking lot. You can do a variety of loops or just meander around the open desert. There are enough options here for short rides or all-day rides.
This is classic Mojave terrain with very little cholla, but lots of Joshua trees, yucca, creosote, and bitterbrush. In the cooler months, keep an eye out for the white cotton-like tufts of winterfat. (Your horse might like to nibble on it.) In the spring, there are lots of wildflowers here.
Most of the terrain is pretty rocky, so boots or shoes are recommended. There is one spring along the main trail, but it is seasonal. Otherwise, there is little to no water along these trails. Keep an eye out for the small herds of wild burros that roam the desert.
This area is popular with mountain bike riders, but the views are wide open so you should always see them coming. The mountain bike groups have named some of the loops and you might spot a few signs along the way but they are inconsistent. These trails are not maintained so depending on the weather, you might find washouts.
Getting Here
Where to Park: This trailhead is right off SR 157 / Kyle Canyon Road. There is a big dirt parking lot, but no signage. Plenty of room for rigs. No facilities or trash collection at this site.
