Blue Diamond Loop

The Cottonwood North Loop: A Perfect Blend of Terrain and Thrill

Overview: A Scenic Yet Challenging Loop for Every Rider

Tucked away in the quaint town of Blue Diamond, Nevada, the Cottonwood North Loop offers an 8-mile ride replete with variety, from small drops and rock gardens to sand and hard pack. It’s a beginner to intermediate level course that promises a few thrills and a lot of scenic beauty.

• Distance: 8 miles
• Level: Very Easy
• Route Type: Loop
• City: Blue Diamond, Nevada

The Trail Experience: From Steep Climbs to Rocky Descents

The adventure begins with a quick up-and-down sequence before throwing riders into a half-mile steep climb, arguably the most challenging part of the trail. The reward? A descent towards SR160, offering:

• Highway Scenery: The trail follows SR160 for about a mile before gradually veering away.
• Split Decisions: A triangle split appears just north of a wash. Stick to the left for the best experience.
• Turns and Choices: A subsequent T-junction requires a right turn, guiding cyclists onto a fire road, or what locals call a 'jeep trail'.
• Rocky Delights: After rejoining the Blue Diamond (BD) loop, the trail gets rockier and more downhill-oriented, culminating in a 15-20 foot drop at a steep angle.

Navigating the Loop: The Heart of Cottonwood System

After turning right at the jeep trail, about a mile in, cyclists will encounter a placard displaying a map of bike trails within the Cottonwood system. This marks the re-entry into the BD Loop, which should be followed for a rocky downhill journey. This is where the adrenaline really kicks in, especially on that large slope towards the end.

How To Get There: Access Points and Parking

Directions: Head west from Las Vegas on Blue Diamond (SR-160) and take the Red Rock Canyon Exit (SR-159). After passing the Blue Diamond Gypsum mine on the right, turn left onto Arroyo Rd. Slow down as you enter the town of Blue Diamond. Make a left on Cerrito St and proceed until you see an open dirt area on the left, just before the road turns right. Park here—the trail starts just to your left.

Community Opinions: It's a Mixed Bag

The trail receives mixed reviews; while some find the singletrack terrain "flowy" and infused with "rocky fun," others find the system "quite boring." However, it offers enough diversity in terrain to please most riders.

Final Words and Safety Tips

Cottonwood North Loop stands as a solid trail choice within the Blue Diamond system. Whether you're a beginner seeking a pleasant couple of hours of riding or an intermediate looking for moderate challenges, this trail delivers. Just remember to maintain a cautious speed, especially during the descent on the rocky sections.