What are the best rides around Las Vegas?

[Travlr]

I'm thinking about riding to Vegas for a long weekend.  I've heard there is some good riding in the mountains northwest of there.  Hwy 157, Hwy 158, Lee Canyon etc.  I"m not looking at Death Valley since I'll be there in the warmer months.

If someone has ridden in that area could they comment on the riding and recommend some nice roads.

Mike

[Sheepdog]

The road to the Hoover Dam is fun, as is the tour of the facility (there can be traffic depending on day and time). I also enjoyed riding North on 95 to Tonopah. There are few turns, but the wide-open vistas, abundant fighter planes (this is where the USAF does their Red Flag exercises), and light traffic make it memorable. I don't gamble, so just about any road that is heading out of Vegas seems good to me.

[RinkRat II]

You can do two separate rides ...Mount Charleston scenic byway northwest of Vegas off 95 and Red Rock Park  west of Vegas off 215  Enjoy!


    Paul B

[ITSec]

I've got a whole set of rides in the general area. One thing you should be aware of is that other than Red Rock Canyon and Mt Charleston, most interesting rides involve 30-60 minutes of getting there, getting back or both. If you want a local guide and I'm free at the time, I can spend some time riding with you.

Here are some maps with comments. The start/finish point is arbitrarily set as the north end of the Strip.

Red Rock area - a simple, very short loop through the nearest scenic area to the city.



Mt Charleston - a nice ride over the shoulder of the highest point in Nevada. Elevation change here is a big part of the ride, as you go from about 2400' in Las Vegas to over 8100' as you crest the highest part of the road.



Valley of Fire and Lake Mead - some very interesting scenery, including a great geological formation. Note that there is a state park and a national rec area involved, so you have to pay fees or have a pass for each.



Loop up into the southern Utah hills - everyone thinks of Zion and Bryce, but even a bit closer are some very nice hill roads riding through the southwest corner of Utah. The stretch of Interstate 15 is worth putting up with to get the hours of nice roads. This is a 3/4 day ride, especially if you stop in Veyo for some BBQ (only on weekends).

[JJ]

QUESTION  : What are the best rides around Las Vegas?

ANSWER:  ANYWHERE outside and away from the casinos and strip clubs!! (LOL)  - - which as everyone knows...are complete $$ MONEY $$ VACUUMS!! 

[Northern Bill]

Can you rent a bike, other than a Harley, in Vegas?

[ITSec]

Can you rent a bike, other than a Harley, in Vegas?

A number of other makes are available, though of course HD dominates. Goldwings and BMWs (various models), and the Triumph/Piaggio dealer also rents - and I've been told even sometimes has Guzzis available though Triumphs (especially the 800) are popular.

[Travlr]

QUESTION  : What are the best rides around Las Vegas?

ANSWER:  ANYWHERE outside and away from the casinos and strip clubs!! (LOL)  - - which as everyone knows...are complete $$ MONEY $$ VACUUMS!! 

Hey JJ - I was going to head up with Kay.  But maybe you, me and Andy should do a long weekend. 
Stay at South Point to avoid the strip.  A few days of good riding, some good food and a nice place to stay.

Mike

[pete roper]

When we were there we immediately fled Vegas because we found it vile. Straight out to Boulder City which is a lovely little 'Anti Vegas'. We stayed in a great hotel that was built at the time the dam was being built, lots of nice little bars and cafe's and a good brew pub with none of the scuzzy nastiness of the 'Strip' which seems to so dominate Vegas.

We also went through Tonopah which has a wonderful old hotel as well. The high deserts are great IF, like us, you like deserts and 'Big Sky' country but there aren't many bends and the way the landscape changes is subtle.

We're sort of planning another visit next year if things pan out well. It's a very interesting area.

Pete

[Travlr]

I've got a whole set of rides in the general area. One thing you should be aware of is that other than Red Rock Canyon and Mt Charleston, most interesting rides involve 30-60 minutes of getting there, getting back or both. If you want a local guide and I'm free at the time, I can spend some time riding with you.

Here are some maps with comments. The start/finish point is arbitrarily set as the north end of the Strip.

Red Rock area - a simple, very short loop through the nearest scenic area to the city.



Mt Charleston - a nice ride over the shoulder of the highest point in Nevada. Elevation change here is a big part of the ride, as you go from about 2400' in Las Vegas to over 8100' as you crest the highest part of the road.



Valley of Fire and Lake Mead - some very interesting scenery, including a great geological formation. Note that there is a state park and a national rec area involved, so you have to pay fees or have a pass for each.



Loop up into the southern Utah hills - everyone thinks of Zion and Bryce, but even a bit closer are some very nice hill roads riding through the southwest corner of Utah. The stretch of Interstate 15 is worth putting up with to get the hours of nice roads. This is a 3/4 day ride, especially if you stop in Veyo for some BBQ (only on weekends).

Many, many thanks for the great maps.  I've copied and saved and put it a file for the trip.

Mike

[ITSec]

Many, many thanks for the great maps.  I've copied and saved and put it a file for the trip.

Mike

No problem - I presume you noticed that clicking on each brings up a full-size, more legible copy of the image.

If you're interested in other rides in the general area, let me know - I have lots of these made up. I also have files for most of them in MS Streets & Trips, Garmin GPS, and Tyre file formats. Send me a PM and I can get the right ones to you if required.

[Huzo]

Talk to Skyguys on this forumv

[boatdetective]

I just got back from renting a triumph Tiger in Vegas. The Euro bike dealer is great and they have a wide selection of machines- BMW, Triumph, Guzzi, Aprilia.

I had more time and went up to Zion and Bryce- memorable. The ride up there really sucks, though. Tight two lane and lots of trucks. My return trip was in strong winds and it was terrifying.

[Skyguyz]

I live here in Vegas....It's getting hot and one of the best rides is up lee canyon and up to the top of Mt. Charleston. I recommend leaving in the AM when is cooler and the first 35 min is ho-humm until you get to lee canyon and gain elevation. Plan on lunch at the top of Mt. Charleston at the lodge where it is cooler and the views are great. If you really want a great rode that has twisties try the "North shore road" just inside the lake mead park. It goes up to Overton, (Valley of fire.) Again, it may be getting to warm to do this ride but the key is to leave early. The "Euro-cycle" dealer, AKA: Freedom cycles does rent a whole host of N0n-HD bikes. Tell anyone there that "William" the Pilot sent ya. They will take good care of you.


Freedom/Euro cycles:

http://www.eurocyclelasvegas.com


Take the 95 north to 156 lee Canyon exit then 157 up to Mt. Charleston then 157 back down to the 95 south and back to your hotel.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.3441105,-115.4634341,11.28z

Or take the 515 to the 564 lakeshore drive *Enter park then left just past park entrance to join "Northshore road" to Overton. return via same route:

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.1231528,-114.8335184,12z