River Mountains Loop trail in Nevada

Bike trails, water trails, outdoor adventures...

These aren't phrases that people normally associate with Nevada. But every time I go there, I find a new outdoor adventure.

One time it was a crazy downhill mountain bike course in Bootleg Canyon. Another time it was a relaxing kayak trip through the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, replete with hot springs and caves.

River Mountains Loop Trail near Las Vegas, Nevada

But most recently, I had the opportunity to ride the 34 mile River Mountains Loop trail in Boulder City, Nevada. Not far out of Las Vegas, this paved trail offered desert wildlife, views of Lake Mead, and plenty of outdoor exercise. Heck, it even offered a Vegas-style buffet within yards of the trailhead.

Of course, my trail adventures are never complete until I post them to the trailsnet website, the Everytrail guide book pages, and the trails network blog. If you're wondering which format is the best way to view one of the many trails I've got posted online, here's a quick primer:

• The trailsnet website lists all the trails, by state. Each trail web page has a written description of the trail, numerous trail photos, a trail map, and "trail facts" sidebar for quick trail information at-a-glance.
• The EveryTrail guides offer all of the above with a couple differences; the Everytrail guides can be downloaded to your smart-phone (iPhone, Droid...) so you can take the guide with you on a trip without having to pack along a printed version. The guides are also interactive so you can access related web-links and view the map in various forms while you're on the trail.
• The trails network blog gives a very general overview of trails, but also provides information about other trail and bike-related issues.

River Mountains Loop trail in Nevada

Bear Creek Trail near Morrison, Colorado

Spring is around the corner. We've had a tough winter. February averaged nine degrees colder than usual this year. When I was working full time as a teacher, I averaged a couple days of biking per week. This year, as a retiree who works from home, I only made it out two or three times all winter. It's been either too cold, too snowy, or too icy.
Well it's warm out today, and my thoughts turn to a good biking trip. I'm thinking the Bear Creek Trail that goes through parts of Morrison, Arvada, Westminster & Denver, Colorado would be a good trail to hit pretty soon.
The nice thing about the Bear Creek Trail is that I can start by having breakfast in Morrison and end by having lunch in Denver. It also makes a pretty good loop trail when tied in with the Platte River Trail and the C470 Trail.
If you are interested in any of those trails, feel free to visit the links above for more trail information and photos.

Bear Creek Trail near Morrison, Colorado