Bob Gnarly–Boneshaker Loop

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Nearby Essentials

Gas: Chevron Station
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Common Questions

Distance:: 5.83
Class:: 2
Dogs:: Ok
Route Style:: loop
Trail Condition:: Primitive
Tags:: mountain biking, multiple trails combined, remote feeling
Difficulty:: Hard
Parking:: Roadside pull-offs and informal parking areas along the SR-159 south side / Blue Diamond side are typically used for access to the Cowboy Trails network. Park legally, avoid blocking gates or shoulders, and expect conditions to vary.
Restrooms:: No
Reception:: No
Access:: Alongside SR-159 between the Scenic Loop entrance and exit.
Good to Know:: Not an ideal hike for the summer months. November to May is recommended.
Why:: Each of the four trails offers entirely different experiences offering rarely seen views of Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
Wildlife Probability:: Unknown
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.12213, -115.42668 — Map

This loop is comprised of four distinct connector trails located in the "Cowboy Trails" region. More specifically, Blue Diamond Hill. Part of which is within Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas. Yes, only a portion of this area is in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Said boundary line is displayed on a small white sign on the west side of the hill. Regardless, these trails live up to the areas reputation for renowned hiking in Las Vegas.

Bob Gnarly

Take the loop counter clockwise or clockwise—makes no difference. Starting at Bob Gnarly however leads hikers or mountain bikers from ground level, up, and into a narrowing canyon. Early mornings you're likely to hear owls, experience cooler temperatures nestled inside the canyon, and increasingly pleasant views of the Spring Mountains directly across.

Overlook Ridge

Overlook Ridge takes over nearing the top of the mountain. Ascend up a medium sized hill, and you're presented with miraculous views of the Las Vegas valley. In some cases, seeing all the way to Lake Mead is possible. Walk or bike on a clearly defined trail along the edge towards the radio tower.

Radio Tower

The radio tower trail gets its name from the multiple towers littered about on top of this massive Blue Diamond Hill. Bob Gnarly is a canyon. Overlook Ridge is just what it sounds like. Radio Tower is no different. It's both fascinating and a bit eerie as there's a high chance, there won't be anyone else around. Regardless, the views are incomprehensible.

Boneshaker

The Boneshaker trail is steep if you're beginning from ground level. Riding down it is undoubtedly exhilerating. Hiking down provides even slower views to take in of the Spring Mountains far below.

Adventure enthusiasts need know something rather crucial about this region—it's unmaintained. And therefore, trails have no signage. There's no directions. Google and Apple Maps certainly help, but there are most definitely numerous forks on nearly every trail. And, said companions are not always accurate. What's commonly found on the Scenic Loop does not exist here. However, these trails have the propensity to be unpredictable in direction. They'll keep you guessing where you're headed, what's coming next, and whether you'll see geological formations, metropolitan views, or gorgeous mountains.

Hiking or mountain biking, this loop is both challenging and wildly rewarding. Hikers have coined this region as some of the best hiking in Las Vegas. Moreover, the views of Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area... from these so called Cowboy Trails are undeniably unqiue.

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