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Challenging and technical with a stunning backdrop; an exciting place to ride in Las Vegas.


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Map Key

9.9

Miles

15.9

KM

100%

Singletrack

4,925' 1,501 m

High

3,685' 1,123 m

Low

1,367' 417 m

Up

1,374' 419 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The Cowboy Trails are a dream for anyone who loves extremely technical riding in a unique and beautiful setting. The trails require a big effort going both uphill and down.

The ride listed here is a recommended tour for all that Cowboy has to offer. It starts with a long, challenging climb followed by a steep and rowdy descent. Along the way you'll pedal, grind and bomb your way through the classic Mojave Desert setting of Joshua Trees and granite slickrock.

Need to Know

The Cowboy Trails are multi-use and frequented by equestrians and hikers. Please be courteous to other trail users.

The trails and routes here are extremely technical and are not marked very well. Be sure to have the MTB Project mobile app with you as a guide.

Knee and elbow pads, as well as a dropper seatpost are recommended for riding at Cowboy Trails.

Description

Start the Cowboy Trails loop at the bottom of Bunny along Red Rock Canyon Road. Bunny is a horse trail. It's loose dirt and rock with some great steps along the way. It's not a bad way up just quite loose from the countless hooves that travel this path.

From Bunny continue straight onto Cat in the Hat which is similar in terms of terrain only slightly steeper and with bigger obstacles. Continue along Cat in the Hat until you wrap around to the junction with First Finger to connect to SARS.

Stay right on SARS to continue the route. It's more of the same - climbing and navigating the rocky terrain. SARS ends on a very short downhill to the intersection with Bob Gnarly and Radio Tower. Stay right again to head up along a small canyon ledge to the overlook. This is a great place to catch your breath, have a snack and take in the view of the Las Vegas Strip.

Ready for the rowdy descent?

Bomb Voyage is a long descent from the top of the Cowboy Trail System.System. It's with very technical with loose rocks and steep sections - 100% rowdy from top to bottom.

From the overlook, start downhill along a big shoulder. There are a few drops that come up quickly - be prepared for fast transitions. The trail surface alternates between medium-sized loose rocks and marble-sized scree.

At the far end of the shoulder, the trail turns left (west) near a large rock formation. Make sure your knee pads are on tight and your seat post is dropped - it gets extra spicy from here.

Bomb Voyage continues to descend quickly through more steep and technical terrain, rolling over and through large drops and big slabs. Towards the bottom, the trail snakes through a series of tight switchbacks before rolling out to the end through a small drainage.

From here, follow the mellow singletrack back to the parking area along Red Rock Canyon Road.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier with improvements by Kathy August

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 44 votes

#432

Overall
  3.9 from 44 votes
5 Star
32%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
23%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Nevada

#432

Overall
195 Views Last Month
43,113 Since Feb 25, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
5%
5%
66%
24%

Photos

Climbing any of the Cowboy Trails is tiring for the legs but delightful to the eyes.
May 25, 2017 near Blue Di…, NV
A fast and fun section on the Bomb Voyage descent.
Apr 1, 2015 near Summerl…, NV
The overlook section of the Cowboy Trails have an amazing view of the Las Vegas Strip.
Apr 1, 2015 near Summerl…, NV
When Bomb Voyage turns to the west, it gets extra steep and spicy.
Apr 1, 2015 near Summerl…, NV
Spring riding in the desert along the Bunny Trail.
May 25, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
Beautiful landscape
Dec 24, 2020 near Blue Di…, NV
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Current Trail Conditions

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