Bootleg Canyon: The Complete MTB Guide
Boulder City's volcanic trail network is Las Vegas's premier mountain biking destination: an IMBA Epic with 35+ miles of singletrack from beginner cross-country to expert downhill.
Table of Contents
Overview & Location
Bootleg Canyon Bike Park is located in Boulder City, Nevada (zip code 89005), approximately 28 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. The drive takes 30–35 minutes via US-95 south to US-93. Trailhead parking is on Yucca Street near the base of the mountain.
The trail system occupies the volcanic Eldorado Mountains and was developed with IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) involvement, earning Epic status, a designation reserved for trails offering a world-class, sustainable riding experience. Over 35 miles of singletrack wind through desert terrain characterized by loose volcanic rock, basalt slabs, hardpack dirt, and rugged ridgelines with panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Valley.
The bike park is well designed around the parking lot with a straight forward dirt road climb (or shuttle) to the top of the downhill trails that feed back into the parking lot. The more beginner friendly trails can be accessed from the parking lot and return with a paved bike path climb.
Quick Facts
- Address: Yucca St, Boulder City, NV 89005
- Distance from Strip: ~28 miles (30–35 min drive)
- Total trail mileage: 35+ miles
- Elevation gain: Up to 1,500 ft on longer loops
- Trail surface: Volcanic rock, hardpack, loose over hardpack
- Designation: IMBA Epic
Trail Difficulty Breakdown
Bootleg Canyon spans the full spectrum of mountain bike difficulty. The trail map uses standard green/blue/black/double-black ratings:
| Difficulty | Trails | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Green (Easy) | Desert Cruise, Par None | Slower, smoother trails that acclimate riders to looser Bootleg terrain with minimal rocks. Good starting point for anyone new to the network. |
| Blue (Intermediate) | Boyscout, Girlscout, IMBA, POW | Faster and more rocky, these trails maintain a lot of flow while adding more obstacles. Beginners may be intimidated but can survive at a slower pace. |
| Black (Advanced) | Power Pole, Snake Back | Steep, loose, and fast. These trails ride harder than a typical black diamond. Expect more commitment than the rating implies. |
| Double Black (Expert) | Sidewinder, Armageddon, Kevorkian, Reaper | Truly gnarly downhill trails. Race events are held on these. Expert riders only. |
Key Trails at Bootleg Canyon
Arguably easier than the upper sections of Snake Back, this is a high speed option option blasting down the ridge. Watch out for a loose section, but this should be a fun option if you have made it this far.
Best on: Enduro or DH bike
A long, sustained descent starting near the top of the mountain; Snake Back is the backbone of Bootleg's downhill lines. A double black start with the infamous waterfall feature, the trail eases into a fast and flowy blast through the chunk. If you are feeling confident, you can split off to one of the 3 double blacks halfway through; Diva, Reaper, or G-String.
Best on: Enduro or DH bike
Fast and flowy downhill with some technical sections at the beginning. (accessed by IMBA) Great confidence builder to get used to the downhill speeds that Bootleg can offer with less loose terrain than the trails further up mountain.
Best on: Trail bike, 120–140mm travel
The most-ridden trail at Bootleg Canyon and the best introduction to the network for intermediate riders. Girl Scout winds across the mountain through desert scrub and volcanic rock with manageable technical sections, good flow, and enough challenge to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. Can be connected with Boy Scout to add a little more challenge and descent time.
Best on: Hardtail or Trail bike
Parking, Shuttles & Trail Fees
The main trailhead parking area is off Yucca Street in Boulder City. Parking is free. The trailhead has restrooms and a small covered area. No entry fee is required to ride Bootleg Canyon. The trail system is open to the public.
Shuttle services have historically been available at Bootleg Canyon, allowing riders to avoid pedaling up the mountain and focus on descents. Availability changes seasonally. Check with All Mountain Cyclery for current shuttle schedules and pricing before your trip.
Tip:
There is a large RV/Camper friendly lot across the road from the bathrooms that can also be used as overflow
Best Season & Trail Conditions
Bootleg Canyon sits at a slightly higher elevation than the Las Vegas Strip, which provides a marginal temperature advantage in summer, but the Mojave Desert heat is still a serious factor from June through August.
Seasonal Conditions at Bootleg Canyon
- October–November: Excellent. Cooling temps, firm trail surfaces. One of the best times to visit.
- December–February: Good. Mild winter days (50–65°F). Rare rain can make volcanic rock slippery. Check conditions before heading out.
- March–May: Peak season. Best conditions of the year. Book accommodation early for spring break period.
- June–September: Extreme heat. Manageable only with pre-sunrise starts. Carry 3+ liters of water. Not recommended for most visitors.
Trail conditions after rain deserve special attention at Bootleg. The volcanic rock becomes significantly more slippery when wet. Check local trail reports (Trailforks, MTB Project, local Facebook groups) after any precipitation before riding.
Bike Rentals & Nearby Shops
All Mountain Cyclery is a rider-owned local shop right in Boulder City, making it the most convenient stop before or after a ride at Bootleg. They offer rentals, sales, and service, and the staff knows the local trails well and can advise on current conditions.
All Mountain Cyclery
1601 Boulder City Pkwy, Boulder City, NV 89005
Phone: (702) 453-2453
Hours: Mon 11am–6pm, Tue–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 9am–6pm, closed Sunday
Alternatively, mountain bike demo events in the Las Vegas area provide an excellent way to ride current-model bikes at Bootleg Canyon without the cost of a rental. Demo events typically run for a full day and let you test multiple bikes.