Cottonwood Valley North

Blue Diamond Trails: A Cyclist's Paradise in the Nevada Desert

Overview: A Trail That Packs a Punch

Located in the charming town of Blue Diamond, Nevada, the trail network offers a compelling mix of fast, flowy paths, scenic views, and enough technical sections to keep things interesting. With a generous length of 20 miles and rated at an intermediate level, this loop route guarantees an exhilarating ride.

• Distance: 20 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Loop
• City: Blue Diamond, Nevada

The Route Experience: Fast, Flowy, and Fantastic

From the get-go, the trail offers an impressive variety of landscapes and terrain types, including Joshua tree-filled deserts and rocky sections. Key features include:

• Climbs and Descents: Several users have remarked on the challenging, rock-step inclines and exhilarating downhill drops, particularly on the trail's southeast corner.
• Signage: The trails are well-marked, ensuring that riders can navigate easily, even if they're new to the network.
• Switchbacks and Obstacles: Some tight turns and manageable barriers make the journey engaging for both newcomers and seasoned riders.

Getting There: Easy Access for Everyone

Directions: Head west on Blue Diamond Road and turn right onto Castalia St. to enter Blue Diamond. Parking is available at McGhie's Bike Outpost. Ride southeast on Cottonwood Dr. and turn right on Cerrito. The trails begin on your right just as Cerrito makes a sharp left.

Local Shops and Rentals: A Convenient Setup

Many riders have praised the local shops, specifically McGhie's Outpost and Broken Spoke, for offering quality rentals and top-notch advice. Particularly noted was a staff member named Blake, who has earned a reputation for excellent customer service.

Rider Reviews: Varied Opinions But Mostly Positive

Reviews are largely positive, praising the trail's flow and scenery. While some find it less challenging, others enjoy the options to turn off onto more technical forks. Beginners will find enough thrills without feeling overwhelmed, and intermediate riders can push their limits by tackling optional features.

• "Tons of fun, friendly people on the trails, not too technical but plenty of downhill sections."
• "Fun XC trails. No real technical challenges but the scenery is great."
• "Honestly, I found this trail system quite boring. Fortunately, St. George is only 90 minutes away."

Final Recommendations and Tips

Bring enough hydration—riders have reported going through almost 100oz of water in just over an hour. Watch your speed on the downhill segments to avoid unplanned dismounts or crashes.Whether you're a local or just visiting from out of state, Blue Diamond's loop trail is an opportunity for a memorable ride, offering enough diversity to appeal to a wide range of skill levels.