River Mountains Loop Trail

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Mountain Lion sighted Near Trail

Dec. 16, 2010 – Boulder city, NV. – According to a report in the Las Vegas Sun this a.m. a mountain lion was recently sighted near Keyes Drive in Boulder City.  Keys Drive going east turns into the Old Historic Railroad Grade/trail which in turn becomes part of the River Mountains Loop Trail system.   Mountain Lions have always been part of the wildlife mix in the River Mountains, just not seen that often.  These big cats have a taste for Desert Big Horn Sheep and the River Mountains are home to one of the largest reproducing herds in the State of Nevada.  The LV Sun goes on to report that yearling cats are often booted out of their home this time of year to fend for themselves, so they are looking for their own territory to roam and hunt.

Mountain Lion

Mountain Lion file photo….

Mountain Lion file photo….

National Park Service Advice for Mountain Lion Encounters:

  1. Avoid behavior that may attract a mountain lion. Avoid hiking or jogging alone. Children shouldn’t run ahead on a trail.
  2. If you see a mountain lion:  Remain calm. Never run.!!! Report the sighting to the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 702-486-5127.
  3. If you encounter an aggressive mountain lion: Do all you can to appear large and threatening. Hold your ground. Wave your arms. Shout. Throw rocks if the lion approaches.

If you have a cell phone and feel in immediate danger, call 911.

Note: Since 1999 when the trail became operational, this is the first reported sighting near the trail.

Desert Bighorn Sheep of the River Mountains

Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis) – Range throughout the River Mountains an are often seen on or next to the trail.  Rams grow to 5 to 6 feet long, ewes grow 4 to 5 feet; study, muscular build; brown to tan with white belly, rump, muzzle and eye patches.

Three Bighorn Ram sheep near the trail – photo by Paul G. 112408

Rams have massive horns that grow over and behind the ears in a C-shaped curl.  Horns are permanent and grow incrementally year by year.  It may take 7 to 8 years for a ram to acquire a full curl. Ewes have a shorter, more slender horns that curve gently back.

The River Mountains are perfect habitat;  for the bighorn sheep occupy rough, precipitous terrain near sources of permanent water.  Bands follow regular feeding routes and maintain bedding grounds that may be used for years.  The desert bighorn sheep is Nevada’s state mammal.

The sheep population in the River Mountains is estimated at 200+.  In order to protect this herd of sheep the BLM has designated a good portion of the Northwest mountain range as an “Area of critical Environmental Concern” (ACEC) to help protect this productive herd of bighorn sheep.  Each year to keep this herd in balance the National Wildlife Service culls the herd by capturing sheep and re-locating into other mountain ranges in Nevada and elsewhere in the west.

RJ photo – Bighorn sheep capture fall 2007 in the River Mountains

The symbol or image used to identify the River Mountains Loop Trail is an image of a Bighorn Sheep on a mountain with the sun rising behind or the moon.  The sheep image is copied from the local rock art symbol for bighorn sheep used by Native Americans. This logo is used on maps, trail kiosks, trail monuments etc.

River Mountains Loop Trail logo – Bighorn sheep on Mountain with Sun rising behind

Photo Gallery Big Horn Sheep:

Big Horn Sheep near trail at risk?

 OCTOBER 12, 2009 – I have received many searches for Big Horn Sheep. This recent article by Jean Norman along with related photos really provides some great insight to the some of the issues these big boys face on a daily basis.  I personally prefer to see them out more in the wilds along the trail which is a rare sight indeed.  This park location where the sheep are photographed is only a block off the trail so one can make a quick side trip while riding trail through Boulder City.  The park is located off of Ville Drive and is called the “Hemenway Valley Park”. 

Image

Photo by L.V. Sun Justin M. Bowen

Story by Jean Norman, L.V. Sun & B.C. News

The desert bighorn sheep that live in the River Mountains in Boulder City, seen here on a recent weekday morning, make their way down to Hemenway Park almost every morning. City officials have voiced concerns about the sheep as traffic in the area they roam is set to increase next year with the opening of the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge.

Link to entire article with lots of sheep photos below.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/05/when-bypass-bridge-opens-bighorn-sheep-could-be-bi/

Desert Big Horn Sheep use the trail, too…

The River Mountains Loop Trail is home to many users groups. The oldest users were here long before the trail was dreamed of.  The photos below were provided courtesy of Paul Grebe, Green Valley Cyclist and a RMLT member. Photos were taken November 24th around milepost #15. These three Rams have seen some years as the horns are nearing full curl.  There have been reports of other sightings along the trail by other users. 

Desert big horn Sheep by Paul G.112408

Desert big horn Sheep by Paul G.112408

Their have been several reports of small herds up around the SNWA.

Big Horn on RMLT by Paul g. 112408

Big Horn on RMLT by Paul g. 112408

Recent Blog Posts

Dogs on the Trail

Las Vegas Hiking Trail Featured in Article

Las Vegas Hiking Trail Featured in Article

Pacifica trail head Boulder City on the new trail website.

New Trail Website

Be Sure to Visit

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River Mountains Loop Trail
1 month ago
River Mountains Loop Trail

If they can do it, we can do it. The Red Rock Legacy Trail is next! ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Likes: 63
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  • Comments: 9

9 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations!

I looked up the new paths for Red Rock so look forward to using them.

One of the BEST bike trails in the USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love it!

Elizabeth Keegans

I can’t believe its been 25 years John Holman!

looks so awesome, look forward to an organized inaugural group ride

John Holman and Ron Floth are rockstars!

Are they ever going to fill the horrible cracks on RMLT??

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River Mountains Loop Trail
1 month ago
River Mountains Loop Trail
Thank you for enjoying the RMLT Celebration - Picnic/Potluck with us today!

Thank you for enjoying the RMLT Celebration - Picnic/Potluck with us today! ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Likes: 51
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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Sorry I missed your get together I rode the American Lung Association ride yesterday, I what to touch base with your group about You need to take a look at mile marker 11.5 to 13.5 large cracks in the road. And thank your River Mountain Loop

River Mountains Loop Trail
1 month ago
River Mountains Loop Trail

Come join us in celebrating the 25th year of the River Mountains Loop Trail! We will be gathering at lower Equestrian Park from 11:00-1:00pm on Saturday, November 4th for a community pot-luck. Bring your chair and something to share. 🚶🏇🚴‍♀️ ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Likes: 32
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6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Please join us tomorrow for a lovely picnic at Lower Equestrian Park. We will have a few activities for the kids and distribute information about the RMLT.

Choose your own adventure and enjoy the trail from 8:00-11:00 am. Let us know what your favorite part of the RMLT is. What do you enjoy most about the trail?

Sorry to be negative but I don't know how we can celebrate something that is not functioning properly. Tires are flattening from the large gaps. It is throughout the entire RMT with the exception of the new part of the RMT on the Boulder City. This was once an awesome trail.

In 2003 I remember riding the three sisters from the dirt lot on Lake Mead to the end which was around 3 miles.

Carla Jo Panico Darcy Walker Fitch Mary Fitch

The large CRACKS in the road 

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