FATMAP by Strava

McCullough Hills: 701 Loop

An endless maze of flowy singletrack.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance
23 km
Ascent
447 m
Descent
446 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
766 m
High Point
972 m
Gradient
McCullough Hills: 701 Loop Map

The McCullough Hills trails provide a fantastic outlet for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers looking to enjoy endless trails looping through the desert without the brutality of negotiating the endless seas of sharp rocks that you'll find on many of the other trails near Las Vegas. McCullough Hills is also conveniently easy to access, with a well-developed trailhead, complete with bathrooms, located in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Henderson.

Description

As you begin pedaling up the sandy trails, you'll quickly leave the city behind as you journey deeper into BLM land. This trail system offers a seemingly endless sea of connecting and intersecting trails, which may make the navigation seem a bit confusing. Some of the trails are better for mountain biking than others, so be sure to refer to this recommended route to reach some of the best-quality singletrack pedaling.

As you head deeper into the trail system, the smooth, mostly flat trails begin to gain and lose a little more elevation, and some of the short climbs and descents on the trails themselves can be a bit steep. While still non-technical, some of these short, steep climbs and descents may pose a problem to a true beginner rider. But in spite of that, this route has still been given an "Easy" FATMAP rating, as overall, these trails are quite achievable.

Thanks to the interconnecting trails, you can easily craft a route that's as long or as short as you desire. It's very easy to cut this loop down by utilizing one of the many cross trails. If you're getting tired, there's no shame in turning back.

However, if you persevere and make it all the way out to the 701 Loop, you'll be rewarded with some of the best views in the trail system. To the west, a small mountain range towers above you, with beautiful rock cliffs surrounded by rolling foothills. It's hard to believe that this wild desert landscape is located so close to the metropolis of Las Vegas, but if you pedal out here to see it, you will believe it!

Difficulty

Easy

Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Flow
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • Rock Gardens

Guidebooks in this area