Last updated: September 24, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike the River Mountains Loop Trail
NPS/A. Cattoir
The River Mountains Loop Trail results from a multi-agency public-private partnership bringing together resources from government agencies, private landowners, and local businesses. This non-motorized, paved trail provides visitors with an extensive trail loop offering scenic views, plentiful wildlife, and the vast beauty only the Mojave Desert can offer.
The trail surrounds the River Mountains connecting Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder City, and the rest of the Las Vegas Valley.
Trail Information
- Trailhead: DIRECTIONS
- Parking: With multiple access points, there are several parking options along the length of the trail.
- Distance: 16.2 miles one-way within Lake Mead National Recreation Area boundaries (The entire looped trail system, which includes portions that cut outside the Lake Mead NRA boundaries, is 34-miles).
- Elevation Gain: 750 ft. elevation change
- Difficulty: Easy
- THIS TRAIL IS MAINTAINED
- Services: Accessible pit toilets at the trailheads/along the trail, self-service bike repair stations, and trash/litter receptacles.
Details
Duration
4-8 Hours
Duration represents the time it would take to complete the entire trail one-way within the boundaries of the park.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
- Drinking water is available at the trailhead near the Lake Mead Visitor Center.
Pets Allowed
Yes
- Pets must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times.
- Pets should not be left unattended.
- We require that you clean up after your pet at all times.
Activity Fee
Yes
The River Mountains Loop Trail is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Remember heat kills, be summer-smart and opt to hike when temperatures are cooler. If you do choose to utlize the trail during the summer, rangers recommend starting early in the morning or later in the evening when the weather is slightly cooler. Remember to pack enough water for your entire trip.
Accessibility Information
This trail is considered accessible.
Some of the original partners involved in the building of the trail were:
Federal Partners:
National Park Service-Lake Mead NRA
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Land Management
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Local Governments:
City of Boulder City
City of Henderson
City of Las Vegas
Clark County
Regional Agencies:
Southern Nevada Water Authority
Regional Transportation Commission of Clark County