Boneshaker Trail

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Common Questions

Distance:: 2.23 miles
Class:: Class 2
Dogs:: Ok
Route Style:: connector
Trail Condition:: Primitive
Tags:: exposed, mountain biking, seasonal snow, vast views
Difficulty:: Moderate
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:: Unreliable
Access:: Primitive desert trail network accessed from the Blue Diamond / SR-159 South side of Red Rock. Navigation is informal, intersections are not always obvious, and users should expect routefinding rather than trail marker access.
Good to Know:: This route was documented from a hiking perspective—from bottom to top. Mountain bikers should be riding down this trail though.
Why:: Excellent views, a medium but rewarding hike, and a great trail for mountain biking.
Wildlife Probability:: Low
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.12140, -115.43361 — Map

Boneshaker

The Boneshaker trail in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sounds more intimidating than it is. Yes, no doubt—it's a steep incline ascending for a slow 2.23 miles. It's no Mt. Wilson or Bridge Mountain though. Starting at roughly ground level just beyond the horse stables, it takes hikers and mountain bikers further up Blue Diamond Hill. Mountain bikers would probably enjoy riding down this picturesque trail vs pedaling up. Hikers may be starting this trail here with plans to catch the next connector. Either way, this trail is both challenging and possesses remarkable views of The Spring Mountains below.

Consider these two excellent loops:

Radio Tower & Overlook Ridge

Kibbles n' Bits & Cat in the Hat

Cowboy Trails on Blue Diamond Hill

All of these trails—Bob Gnarly, Boneshaker, Radio Tower, Cat in the Hat, Kibbles n' Bits, and many others in this region have near zero shade. They're all largely entirely exposed. Blue Diamond Hill is undoubtedly packed with wildly diverse trails ranging from direct to curvy, zig zag, and totally unpredictable. The views are unlike anywhere else nearby. There are no springs causing seasonal streams. What you will find however is seasonal snow which seems to disappear as quickly as it appeared. Blue Diamond Hill is indicative of rich, rugged, and untamed stereotypical Mojave style trails.

Though the Boneshaker is fully capable as being its own out and back, standalone trail—it's most definitely classified as a connector. One in which leads to the Radio Tower trail and SARS. Each of which have their own forks and connections. Though signage is minimal at most, there is one sign you may notice—a small white Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area boundary sign. Foot traffic and even mountain bikers are few and far between. This region is the antithesis of the Scenic Loop in the most popular area of Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas. In turn, if it's solitude and minimal to no traffic, this is ideal.

As always, be very careful. Bring water and any necessary gear for the type of excursion, time of day, and season. Be fully prepared to bail yourself out of any and all mishaps that may occur in this unforgiving environment. You'll be largely on your own.