I made this page for the benefit of so many people who go to Vegas but want a fantastic and relatively undiscovered alternative to gambling and partying.
Every time I am in Vegas I am always sure to head out into the desert and do some real gambling. To make sure the odds are stacked in my favour in summer I take lots of water, sunglasses and sunscreen!
The rides
There is over 150 miles of trails but for first timers there is a loop that takes you over the “saddle” and then around the hill. Basically just keep the hill on your right and you are doing fine.
This ride takes about 1 hour or 1.5 hours if you get lost a few times. You will get lost a few times on your first ride, but don’t sweat it, all roads seem to lead to back to Blue Diamond. If you cross any highways or mountain ranges you have gone in the wrong direction.
If you want to go beyond the basic loop ride it is worth the $10 investing in a proper map (sold at the shop).
Rent a bike
McGhies Bike Outpost is in Blue Diamond and is the only place I know of that rent bikes. Bikes start at $40 and you can get 29s for $65. I believe they do tours as well.
The Manager of the store Chris Tuma keeps the bikes in excellent shape and he is only too happy to make even the smallest of changes to ensure the bike works well for you. He will change the pedals to suit your shoes. Helmets and Gloves are supplied. I recommend calling ahead to ensure they are open.
I usually just rent a car for about $50 at 12 noon for 24 hours – that way I can get an afternoon ride and a morning ride.
Directions
It is relatively easy to get to Blue Diamond from the strip
- Take the 15 south about 4 miles.
- There is a sign to Blue Diamond then drive for about 10 miles until you get to the turn off for Red Rock and Blue Diamond.
- Blue Diamond is a quaint little town just a few miles down the road on your left after the butt ugly gypsum manufacturing plant.
- Just drive down the main street you enter and when you run out of road your there!
- Don’t forget to check out Red Rock as well before or after your ride.
I took this screenshot from Google Maps to help you get there.
Hope you have a great ride! Thanks for reading. If you like this ride please share this page!
Quinn