Beyond the neon glow of the signature Las Vegas strip, a different kind of jackpot is being hit – one measured in miles of singletrack, community spirit, and the sheer joy of tires on dirt.

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For those who’ve been following the Southern Nevada Mountain Bike Association (SNMBA) and their tireless efforts, the trail scene around Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) and beyond is less a gamble and more a testament to strategic vision and hard-won progress.

It was back in 2023 when IMBA’s Trail Care School rolled into town, a marker in time that seems to have catalyzed an already simmering pot of ambition. Since then, SNMBA has been on a relentless campaign, transforming plans discussed around tailgates and trailheads into tangible, rideable realities.

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The Campground Concept: From TAG Grant to Local Grit

One of the significant early sparks was an IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant (TAG) awarded to SNMBA. The initial focus was on assessment and creating a concept plan for new trails around the Red Rock Campground area. IMBA Trail Solutions Planner Geoff Chain recalls his site visit, where it quickly became clear the community was hungry for more than just lines on a map. "They wanted new trail design in addition to doing an assessment of their existing trails," said Geoff. The project scope expanded, and he ended up flagging nearly 12 miles of conceptual trail, with a keen eye on creating much-needed beginner and intermediate flow trails – a style somewhat lacking in an area known for its gnarly user-built paths.

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Winning the TAG also ensured that this in-depth groundwork would make the inevitable NEPA analysis go smoothly and this foresight was crucial, especially considering the project area is prime habitat for the desert tortoise, adding a significant layer to the environmental assessment process. Unfortunately, the path forward hit an early snag when an anticipated grant to fund the NEPA surveys didn’t materialize, throwing off the anticipated timeline to move into construction.

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But as is often the case with passionate volunteer organizations, SNMBA’s resourcefulness shone through. “We secured a $100,000 Conserve Nevada grant which is earmarked for cultural surveys on 100 miles of existing unsanctioned trails throughout Red Rock Canyon NCA. The Campground Trails sit right at the top of the priority list,” explained Alison Cormier, Vice President of SNMBA. While environmental surveys for the campground are still a future step, this funding represents a major leap forward.

Curious about IMBA's Trail Accelerator grant program?  More info here

Shifting Gears to Cottonwood: New Trails on the Horizon

The momentum doesn’t stop there. SNMBA also landed a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant in 2024, fueling another chapter of trail development in the Cottonwood South area of Red Rock Canyon NCA – the same area that IMBA Trail Care School participants triaged in 2023.

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This project is set to deliver two new trails. First, a dedicated climbing trail will be built adjacent to 3 Mile Smile – a popular trail that many locals and visitors alike already prefer downhill. The hope? That the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will then designate 3 Mile Smile as a downhill only trail – a game-changer for flow and safety. For riders craving more technical terrain, a rugged, backcountry-style, advanced downhill trail is also in the works in the same area. Beyond new construction, the RTP grant is also funding some much-needed TLC for the existing Deadhorse trail. More strategically, the reroutes will ensure the trail stays entirely on BLM land, which is key for enabling the BLM to authorize race events on this popular route.

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Navigating the NEPA process for this area also looks promising. The BLM is currently updating its Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for the Cottonwood area, and the necessary environmental surveys for these new trails will be completed as part of that process. The cultural surveys will be covered by the Conserve Nevada funds, creating a streamlined approach. And the cherry on top? BLM’s Jon Prescott has indicated that volunteer power will be acceptable for building these trails and reroutes – a resource SNMBA is confident they’ll have in abundance.

Beyond Red Rock: County Collaborations and Building Bridges

SNMBA's vision extends beyond the NCA boundaries. They are also working closely with Clark County to develop another network of beginner and intermediate-friendly trails, this time on county land. A concept plan is already in place, and the focus is on creating accessible trails adjacent to developing neighborhoods, ensuring more people can easily connect with the outdoors. SNMBA, in partnership with the county, is gearing up to apply for another round of the Conserve Nevada grant to fund the construction of these trails.

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This project, like many in the Vegas area, personifies the key ingredient to SNMBA’s success: the art of relationship building. One parcel of land in this project was a privately owned "island" within the NCA boundaries. Instead of an adversarial fight, which had been the hallmark of some past efforts, a breakthrough occurred. "Turns out their attorney is a mountain biker," Alison explained. This shared passion led to productive conversations about integrating trails into the housing development, a win-win scenario. "You have to use some common sense," Alison reflected on past conflicts. "Let's talk to them and see if we can't make something work to everybody's benefit."

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This philosophy of finding common ground and understanding diverse interests extends to working with local industries. SNMBA is exploring how the mining industry’s need for reclamation offsets could benefit trails, and they continue to seek inroads with the dominant gaming industry, hoping to demonstrate the value of outdoor recreation even in a city built on indoor entertainment.

Celebrating the Ride: The Las Vegas Mountain Bike Festival

SNMBA is continuing to foster the riding culture with initiatives like this fall’s Las Vegas Mountain Bike Festival. What started as a quickly planned event last year is set for a bigger return this November and planned to coincide with a local race, the Chainsmoker. It’s another sign of a community coming into its own, ready to celebrate its trails and the people who ride them.

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The journey of Las Vegas’s trail development is a compelling narrative of vision, persistence, and the power of collaboration. While challenges like navigating federal bureaucracy and securing consistent funding are ever-present, the momentum is undeniable. From the foundational work of the IMBA Trail Accelerator grant to the multifaceted projects currently underway, SNMBA and its partners are proving that with strategic effort and a community willing to dig in (literally and figuratively), world class trails can indeed bloom in the desert. Las Vegas is steadily building a reputation not just for its glittering lights, but for its growing network of sweet singletrack – and that’s a win for everyone.

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