Bootleg Canyon

[Jordansrealm]

Has anyone ridden in Bootleg Canyon? Its not too far from Las Vegas and since I happen to be out there rather often I thought about taking the bike and driving over.

Anyone? Whats it like?

Thanks!

Jordan

http://www.bootlegcanyon.org/map.html

Jordan, there are a few threads on the subject I believe, try searching "bootleg canyon" on here and I think you'll find some good info. Here is one example of a RR Bootleg Canyon RR also check out mtbr, i hear there are some cool cats over there that will show you around.

[Sprockethead]

Hey Jordan,

Bootleg is a blast. We were out there right before Interbike and had a great time with a local guide. We only rode the XC trails, but for some reason, 12 miles feels like a lot out there. Our favorites were the Mother - POW - Par None loop. Bootleg has some technical climbing where you have to negotiate over rocks and step ups. Most of it is pretty easy climbing, it's only when you hit the lava rocks where you have to manuever skillfully. Craig suggested a great idea. Post on the Nevada board in MTBR and tell them you're coming out and looking for people to ride with. You'll get some bites. James was nice enough to show us around. I'm sure you'll have the same luck.

Here's a link to our RR if you want to see some photos
Bootleg Canyon RR

[Stray_Bullit]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

Has anyone ridden in Bootleg Canyon? Its not too far from Las Vegas and since I happen to be out there rather often I thought about taking the bike and driving over.

Anyone? Whats it like?

Well, first of all it really depends on what kind of riding you want? There are some EPIC downhill runs! I have only done those there. I don't like to climb. If I HAVE to I will, but if I can avoid it, I do. If you go on a weekend there is a shuttle, I think it's around $20.00 for all day. If you go alone during the week, your outta luck. If you go with friends with a few cars, you can shuttle yourselves. There is a jump park, some new north shore stuff. Big HUGE doubles, smaller doubles and itsy bitsy doubles. Table tops too.

I guess you can ride XC if that's your thing. I Hear it's pretty tough. I can only give you the DH/FR aspect of the place. I have been a few times and I love it!

Usually a few cool people around. Ask questions, most people will show you around. The place is very unforgiving, it is made of lava and tires are known to go flat a lot. Drop your pressure a bit, that has helped me.

Take pics! The place is a lot of fun....

[Jordansrealm]

awesome info thanks guys im gonna look into it for my next vegas trip. about how far outta vegas was it??

[Sprockethead]

From Treasure Island, it was only a 25 minute drive for me. If you go past the Rd for Bootleg Cyn, look to your left. There's a bike shop there that sells maps for Bootleg.

[stjunkie]

There are also some less-rocky desert XC trails Southwest of Vegas between Blue Diamond and Hwy 160. I think it's called Red Canyon.

[Pain Freak]

Like it was said, there is some xc stuff there, but the place is known for the dh opportunities. Some of these are highly technical and not for the novice rider. But there's plenty to be had. Just don't end up on the wrong trail as I've seen some very good riders walking down (including pro's).
Also this is not a place to make a mistake,the lava rocks are just waiting to rip the skin from you. Bring pads and go easy your first time down the trails so you can see what your up against. Most of the rides here I would consider high intermediate to advanced.

[CalEpic]

Originally Posted by stjunkie

There are also some less-rocky desert XC trails Southwest of Vegas between Blue Diamond and Hwy 160. I think it's called Red Canyon.

It's called the Cottonwood trails. It's near Red Rock Rec area. You can start at the bike store in Blue Diamond (free maps) or at parking areas off the highway. If you're not a strong intermediate rider I would recommend Cottonwood.

C

[Stray_Bullit]

It's not too far from Vegas. Like the other guy said, about 1/2 an hour. I forget the names of the highways, but you can figure it out. I pretty much remember that it is near the Taco Bell and an A&W burger stand I think. You turn up the road from there and just follow the signs. The bike shop is a good source for information as well. It is a small town, you can't miss it going there. Best thing is that it is a public park so it's FREE!

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Bring a few extra tires because those lava rocks eat up softer rubber.