River Mountains Loop Trail

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You are here: Home / History of the Trail

History of the Trail

Historic rail trail switch backs

Hoover connector trail – contractor & trail partners 2004

The history of the River Mountains Loop Trail is interesting since it represents a dream come true for many of those involved. Quite a few citizens and agencies were involved in planning, designing and constructing this multi-use, non-motorized 34-mile loop trail. It provides links and connections to other trails throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

In the Beginning

We started in 1996. There was 18-months of focus groups and stakeholder meetings to determine trail design, location, uses, themes, etc. These meetings were conducted by the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program headed up by Barbara Rice. In Fall of 1997 the stakeholders held an election of officers and the Advisory Council was formed. The River Mountains Trail Partnership started out with 30 partner members. The Advisory Council was made up of one primary representative and one alternate. This group met regularly every month for over 16-years. Their primary purpose, besides being advisory to the land managers, was to keep the group motivated and moving forward with planning, grant applications and construction schedules. The Advisory Council acted as a clearinghouse for new ideas and provided a public forum for issues.

Partners

The original 30 partners were a broad cross section of trail stakeholders. There were federal, state, county and city entities as well as private landowners. Over the years the mix and numbers changed. Some of the original partners were:

Federal Partners

  • National Park Service-Lake Mead
  • Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service

Local Government

  • City of Boulder City
  • City of Henderson
  • City of Las Vegas
  • Clark County

Business and Corporations

  • Lake Las Vegas Resort
  • NV Energy
  • The Landwell Company
  • Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino

Regional Agencies

  • Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)
  • Regional Transportation Commission of Clark County (RTC)
  • Conservation District of Southern Nevada

The project, as many of the ongoing efforts to enhance the enjoyment of our incredible outdoor areas in and around Clark County, remains a work in progress!

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

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River Mountains Loop Trail
2 weeks ago
River Mountains Loop Trail

Update: Closure at RR Pass due to storm damage impacting concrete at railroad tracks.

Henderson is working with UPRR and the Boulder City Railroad Museum to make this repair as soon as possible.
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River Mountains Loop Trail
2 weeks ago
River Mountains Loop Trail
Hello All,

The City of Henderson is  temporarily re-routing trail traffic around the railroad tracks near Railroad Pass Casino. We dont have a timetable for this closure yet. 

Updates coming soon on the re-opening of this trail section.

Hello All,

The City of Henderson is temporarily re-routing trail traffic around the railroad tracks near Railroad Pass Casino. We don't have a timetable for this closure yet.

Updates coming soon on the re-opening of this trail section.
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15 CommentsComment on Facebook

It’ll be like this till next year or so .

Had a employee from Railroad museum, train is running but is being stop half down, it is not going pass Railroad Hotel and Casino he sad the track was damaged from Hilary and monsoon rain we had

Where does the trail reroute for this section?

I biked this today and there was no closure?!?!

Lisa Lohmann we will have remember this when we plan our long ride

For your safety = the government is all knowing and you must comply because you know no better!

Great, I’m usually hauling ass there, only to find a barricade 3 seconds till I hit them if I’m watching closely

Part of the F1 race construction?

Steve Burchell

There’s no easy “re-routing” once you’re at this point….

anything fun in henderson, the city wants to tax you to use.

Someone I know biked this section today from the ped bridge over the 11 to BC and said the trail was clear of all the dirt that was on the trail a week ago.

Rode by the Railroad Pass today, no problem. Is it still closed elsewhere?

Mattchew Fisherino

The resurfacing that was slated to begin back in April HAS BEGUN! Someone I know rode the RMLT early morning Monday the 18th and said there were roadwork crews busy repairing cracks and applying blacktop, so please abide by the trail closure signs on the northern section of the trail unless you enjoy riding through fresh tar. BTW, the gates at the RR Casino crossing have been moved out of the way and there appears to be nothing going on there in the way of repairs. Also, the entire trail has been cleared of all gravel and debris from the recent rains so thanks to the City of Henderson for dealing with that. The attached trail closure map that was put online last March now actually applies.

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River Mountains Loop Trail
3 weeks ago
River Mountains Loop Trail
Thank you John Day for cleaning storm debris off of the RMLT!

Thank you John Day for cleaning storm debris off of the RMLT! ... See MoreSee Less

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34 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thanks John and all that keep our trail clean! Your hard work is greatly appreciated!!

There are some great people in this world!!!

Awesome. We encountered some rough patches on Saturday morning.

Your a legend!! Thank you sir

Wow! What a mess, thanks for clearing all that. I loved riding that trail when I lived in Vegas🚴‍♀️

Thank you...so much!!

You can do the Beltway Trail when you are finished. LOL. All your hard work is greatly appreciated by the cycling community. Thank you.

We have an amazing group of “trail gnomes” in our mountain bike community who put in significant hours to maintain trails throughout the year that are my inspiration to contribute to the biking culture in Henderson, Las Vegas, and Boulder City.

Awesome my friend 🤙🏽

🙌🙌🙌

Clap clap for him .. thank you so much

Thank you

Huge thanks!

I’ve been there 3x on that trail it’s amazing. we start at the railroad casino, thanks for your outstanding support 👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks much. Does anyone know if it needs cleaning anywhere else?? I have free time tomorrow.

Thank you!!!

Thank you John Day!

Thank you!

Thank you!!

Thank you 😊

thanks!

thank you so much, i saw you Saturday but i had to find my husband who turned around, thanks again, appreciate you!!!

Thank you John!

Thank you sir! Greatly appreciated! Kerry Jo Mitchell

Robert Jr Samano

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