Mustang Loop + Cactus Slalom (Beginner Friendly) - Las Vegas Mountain Biking Trails

In this video I'm showcasing the beginner mountain biking loop in Vegas called Mustang/Beginner Loop on Trailforks. As an added bonus I've also included Cactus Slalom. These trails are located out at the Late Night Trailhead near Blue Diamond/Las Vegas.
This is a full pull of both trails, meaning start to finish with no editing out or speeding up sections. I begin with riding from the trailhead to get on the Mustang or connector to Late Night and ride that parallel to the highway until I reach the Mustang turnoff to the right. (There's a sign, don't worry 😊). The climb, which is moderate and pretty mellow takes me about 6 minutes. Then that's when the true fun begins. I take Mustang around and merge onto Cactus Slalom and ride that to completion, where it intersects with Landmine. From there the video picks back up where we left Mustang (I did another lap and filmed that section) so you can see what a full loop looks like on that without taking Cactus Slalom.
These trails are very beginner friendly and relatively smooth with a few small rocky sections sprinkled in here and there. I'd say the biggest thing to watch out for would be the cactus on the edge of the trails. Don't be fooled though, this trail is fun for ALL levels!
For your view pleasure I'll provide timestamps for each section so if you're wanting to see a particular section or wanting to skip the climbs, etc....
02:21 Beginning the ride
09:15 Mustang (The Flow)
15:54 Cactus Slalom
22:42 Back to Mustang to finish
Links for Trailforks:
Mustang Loop: www.trailforks...
Cactus Slalom: www.trailforks...
Parking: www.trailforks...
My goal with doing these full-pulls (even though they're LONG and take a long time to do) is to help others who are looking to get information for trails they've never been on. Whether it's to help them make decisions on which trails they would want to ride, especially if they are limited on days, or they just want some beta on what to expect or even trust they can ride it! Call it virtual scouting haha. Not to mention I see it a lot where people either ask me or on forums, what's a good beginner loop in Vegas? What's family friendly? etc....
Stayed tuned for more...🥰

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

I was an avid biker for nearly 70 years, starting early in childhood. Now well into my 70s with severe arthritis, I can't bike anymore, so I live vicariously though excellent videos like yours. I do hike the trails in the Cottonwood Valley system often, in cooler weather. As I saw someone comment below, it's great that hikers and bikers get along so well in this area, unlike some places in CA where there is conflict. The bikers generally call out a gentle warning to let people know they're coming, and it's much appreciated. As a hiker and a former biker, I've always thought that standard trail etiquette (bikers give way to hikers; it's posted all around the Mustang Loop area) was backwards, because it's so much easier as a hiker to take a few quick steps off the trail, and clear the path for the biker. But I'm glad that from what I've seen, most hikers will in fact step out of the way as a matter of common sense and courtesy.

[@RCRGIRL]

I’m right there with you in that the outdoors is for everyone. I wish everyone could play nice and be respectful. To have people out enjoying trails, nature, family, friends etc makes me happy. I feel very fortunate in that I’ve have minimal bad experiences when it comes to other trail users and when I do I try to remind myself of that. I’m with you in the common sense part about hikers yielding or just giving enough room to get by (though I do believe the biker should slow down, s/he may know they’re a “skilled” rider but that other trail user doesn’t. I’ll often even yield to a rider coming downhill when I’m climbing simply for the fact that the downhill part is all the fun. Though I do get both sides of it. It’s typically much easier to get going again when you’re moving downhill than it is to get restarted on a climb with a decent grade. I absolutely love the trails out there in the cottonwood area. Makes me miss living in Vegas (I didn’t even know about MTBing when I grew up there). Bummer right? I think it’s awesome you’re getting out there hiking and enjoying the outdoors, it’s so beautiful out there. 😍 If you ever see me, say hi!! I’ll be up there this winter riding quite a bit hopefully. Do you have a favorite hike/trail?

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

@@RCRGIRL I've actually concocted my own little favorite route. It's based on the Mustang Loop Trail, but with variations onto some of the smaller side trails where you get a closer view of the hillside, or maybe a more interesting view of the plant life. I also take advantage of the areas where the vehicular roads go in the same general direction for a while. In those cases, I'll walk on the road for a little way, because it keeps me out of the way of any bikers going by on the trail. It doesn't detract from my own enjoyment at all.

[@WildMeff]

Great video and love that you take the time to explain the “simple” things that sometimes aren’t so simple 😊

[@RCRGIRL]

Glad you enjoyed it and my trail beta. 🥰

[@DavidS94938]

looks beautiful out there!

[@ivankaenriquez1559]

Donna you are the best!!!! Me and my son love ride those trails!!especially three miles smile!!! I hope one day we can riding together!!!

[@RCRGIRL]

So glad you enjoy! That's awesome you guys ride these trails and 3 Mile Smile is one of my faves too! Though this option is nice for the shorter climb 😉

[@jesst998]

These trails look so pretty-I'm hoping to get down there sometime this spring. Thanks for the video, Donna!

[@RCRGIRL]

They are there waiting for you. I think you’d absolutely LOVE this one and then there are a bunch others to explore right in that same area/trailhead!!

[@jesst998]

​@@RCRGIRL I'm heading down Sunday for a few days-looking forward to riding them!

[@DUIA77]

Great video Donna of Vegas trails, I rode Havasu 2 weeks ago after seeing your video. I never wouldn’t have taught Havasu had mtb trails. Great trails, heading back to Havasu to ride more trails next week.

[@RCRGIRL]

That’s so awesome to read!! How’d it go? Stoked you’re exploring out here!!

[@DUIA77]

@@RCRGIRL thank you Donna for your reply. We rode Beer bottle and Water shed loop. We are going to ride Pilot Rock and Water Shed next week. Me and my wife are new to mtb, we have now been riding for about 1yr we love it exploring the back end of mountains.

[@tonylee7714]

Looks like lots of funs

[@kennyblye3515]

this is a senior friendly trail incredible views alot less crowded then the santa Monica's mountains , thanks

[@RCRGIRL]

It's a fun trail system with something for everyone. Glad you liked!

[@davidparsons6517]

Just the video I was looking for. As a beginner form Michigan I feel way better about hitting this loop over the up coming X mas Holiday. Well done. Stay safe out there!

[@RCRGIRL]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully you guys were able to make it out on some rides over Xmas.

[@gvegas]

Thank you for putting the uphill and time stamp. For a beginner like me it’s good to know how far the uphill is to the good stuff and what it looks like

[@catsym58]

Squirly magwirly lol too funny. that's awesome . Great vid

[@RCRGIRL]

🤣 Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it. 🥰

[@8664antonio]

camera angle is perfect!

[@RCRGIRL]

😅🙌🏼

[@craigfellows8269]

Another great video. I will be trying this trail soon. Thank you.

[@RCRGIRL]

Thanks Craig, have you established any favorites?

[@craigfellows8269]

@@RCRGIRL I love 3 Mile Smile.

[@UtterUnit]

Just ordered my first bike, definitely going to try these trails.

[@RCRGIRL]

How exciting!! New bike day is the best!

[@christianholmstedt8770]

That's a fun trail system.

[@RCRGIRL]

So good!

[@rjahn3000]

Nice video, btw you may want to try an Ergon saddle they work well for me....keep riding!

[@RCRGIRL]

I’ll have to look into those. I tried to demo one at the Sedona mtb fest but they didn’t have any available the few times I checked in.

[@leighpringle286]

Great Stuff Donna!

[@RCRGIRL]

Thanks 🙌🏼🙌🏼🥰

[@oregonxyz]

las vegas and bend - the best mtn biking areas, if you like rideable trails that won't beat you up

[@RCRGIRL]

Bend is on my list of places to get to. I also want to get back over to Colorado and explore there some more! Idaho is good too!

[@Cheatingforfun]

Awesome 💪🏽🔥 I was looking for a trail to take my wife on a trip to Las Vegas and this one should do it

[@RCRGIRL]

Hope you made it out there and you guys had fun!

[@Cheatingforfun]

@@RCRGIRL actually we did and had a lot of fun. Lots of rubber duckies 😊🦆

[@cellphonenut]

Donna don't forget about the Little critters we have to watch out for also

[@RCRGIRL]

So true, snakes and super cute little chipmunks 🥰

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

@@RCRGIRL And the big creatures. Wild burros. You don't see them that often, but they are there. I've seen a dozen of them casually sauntering down the trail together.

[@jeffreyarellano3593]

I’ve personally never gone the opposite direction on the trail. I think that’s why you ran into those other bikers. Awesome video apart from that observation.

[@RCRGIRL]

Thanks Jeffrey. I've seen it ran both ways. I prefer the direction I went and tying it into Cactus Slalom, it's all mostly downhill. I'll have to try it the other way. So many fun trails there to play on and try different routes.

[@outbackwack368]

FUN!

[@RCRGIRL]

Indeed, will not disappoint!! 🙌🏼

[@BIGVINNY99]

Thanks for posting this! I'm going to take my girlfriend on cactus and rubber ducky tomorrow!

[@RCRGIRL]

That’s awesome, let me know how it goes!

[@cellphonenut]

I've always called to cactus out in Vegas politicians they reach out to shake your hands but don't dare you to regret it

[@RCRGIRL]

😂 love it!

[@88broncoll]

That is fast

[@1397304]

Dang it! I wanna try this trail so bad. It’s great for beginner like me hehe….

[@RCRGIRL]

Get it!

[@ronin550]

One of the few trails my wife says she'd ride🤘🏾🤙🏾🚴🏾‍♂️💪🏾

[@RCRGIRL]

Judging by your name I’m assuming you live in the middle. Hope you guys can make it out there and ride this one together!!! It’s such a fun and beautiful ride, add some speed and it’s just plain ridiculously fun!! 🤩

[@ronin550]

@@RCRGIRL goals for sure!! There, Sedona, and Utah are on the list!!💪🏾🚴🏾‍♂️🤙🏾🤘🏾

[@RCRGIRL]

@@ronin550 that’s great list. So many amazing options to choose from just with those places!!!

[@_bloodysunday]

Beginner** Noob** but forgive me for noticing just how fast and in control you are, its like watching art man. your vibes are exopressed, to us viewers to get a sense of you lol.. going that fast, to where you’re on par with oxygen. this speed is what i chase. just bought my first MTB and i am ready to go man. ready to suck, be afraid and crush that inner bitch i have.. motivating stuff, ty !

[@RikuSpirit]

Hi. What camera are you using? The footage looks beautiful even with the sun directly in front.

[@RCRGIRL]

I'm running the new GoPro 9. Glad you liked it. I was a little concerned with the time of day and like you said, heading directly into the sun!

[@RikuSpirit]

@@RCRGIRL thank you for the info and for putting this video together. I’ve done this trail in the sprig when there are plenty of flowers. Very nice footage from the GoPro.

[@Onecogmike]

My singlespeed trails

[@RCRGIRL]

🚂 💪🏼

[@abstraddic0442]

Sounds like a pinched nerve in you lower back you should try a (Teeter Hang ups), they work miracles. plus various stretching afterward. Good luck.

[@RCRGIRL]

It honestly wouldn't surprise me given what I do and the crashes and injuries I've had both racing quads and on the MTB. Definitely need to make stretching a daily habit and work on my core strength.

[@abstraddic0442]

This was a sweet video, beautiful scenery, nice flow and trust me every does hates when their momentum is interrupted.( That guy couldn't even ride) ( and another on standing in the middle of the trail w/ her back turned and looking down !WOW!). #@%$#!*&@! I always move over for women, that's just common or trail courtesy. Great job ! Keep it up !

[@RCRGIRL]

I feel ya. I also try and remind myself that were all just out trying to keep our sanity and enjoy the great outdoors...some times I'm successful and well others...not so much 😂

[@abstraddic0442]

@@RCRGIRL I fully agree.

[@ednafronkelbarger8601]

@@RCRGIRL After all, it's a designated multi-use trail, for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. And of course, hikers will occasionally be taking photos of the landscape, or as mentioned above "looking down (WOW)" because they're looking at the beautiful desert flowers. I do love the fact that in general, hikers and bikers coexist in a friendly manner on this trail system.

[@adriano8809]

Hi, I love your videos and personality! What camera do you use for your videos?

[@keeferdog5617]

Hey Donna- Long time Havasu resident, now in Vegas. I have an ebike coming in October (I’ve been waiting 4 months for delivery) Do you know if these trails are ebike friendly? Thanks

[@RCRGIRL]

So sorry I didn't respond sooner. I've ridden an ebike on most of the trails there. I'm not sure on the exact "legal" aspect but I've never seen any signs that say no. The only recommendation i'd have is to be considerate out there if you're on a climb and passing someone. PLenty of good trails to play on in Vegas! Havasu isn't too shabby either but Vegas wins when it comes to trail selection!

[@marsque76]

Great video..Will be heading to Vegas in November, any advice where can i get rentals and trail guide?

[@RCRGIRL]

I believe Las Vegas Cyclery does rentals and they can probably give you some trail beta. I usually reference trailforks and KZbin together to get an idea of what to expect and/or decide if I want to explore a trail. It’s sorta the main reason I put videos up is to try and offer a little help with people who also like to do that. Late Night Trailhead is a great starting point for several different trails, including this one. Southwest Ridge is another one of my favorites. Some of the trails there to look at are Good Call, Menny Thanks, BiPolar. I often like to climb up Good Call and then either come back down it (out and back) or I come down BiPolar. The good thing about doing an out and back on Good call is you will know what’s coming because you just climbed it. It’s the more mellow of those two trails. If you come down Bipolar it has some decent sized drops, some of which have ride arounds and some are actually roll able. Just depends on your skill level. There are some killer views of the Vegas sky line on those trails. You also have Bootleg Canyon which is technically in Boulder City. It has some pretty technical trails. I’d highly advise looking at KZbin videos of it. Some of the more mellow options out there are Girl Scout, west side and east side trails. Or the ones that drop down the backside called Pow and I can’t think of the others. Just be prepared for a little pedal on the bike path to get back to the parking lot. There are also sometimes shuttle options out there. That’s all off the top of my head. Hopefully helps a little. 😊

[@marsque76]

To be honest, all those names mentioned, have never heard of before. As i am not from the States. Will be flying to LA, travelling from Singapore for a vacation and hoping to have a day of trail in Vegas…. But yeah, I guess you did offer some advice which can be useful to me. 👍👍👍

[@RCRGIRL]

@@marsque76 I know you’re visiting. I was giving you some names that you can research or at least have an idea. I’m not sure there’s anyone who does a guided ride. Most people use trailforks app and put together their own ride. A lot of people use KZbin and Trailforks to come up with their “route/ride”.

[@marsque76]

Anyway thanks for the sharing and looking forward to have a good trail there and possibly add in some videos.

[@leedixon7]

Great vid I love Nevada & Red Rock Canyon. Just curious what is your set up? Gopro 9 and stuntman chest mount or something different. What are you using for editing? Anyway it looks great and I'll watch for more, good job!

[@RCRGIRL]

GoPro 9 (upside down) on a Stuntman Chest Mount. I use FCP for editing. Thanks Lee!! Red Rock has some great trails and amazing views too.

[@leedixon7]

@@RCRGIRL thanks for the response! I nailed it eh on the equipment used lol. I am going to to start doing more POV videos myself. Have fun riding & putting out these good vids. You got 1 more subscriber!

[@RCRGIRL]

You did nail it!! It's a great setup, so nice not having to run a gimbal anymore (way less batteries and weight to worry about). Have fun with putting together the POV goodies!! 🤘🏼🙌🏼

[@brandonkasper4416]

I want to go here,just got a bike last night, but my transportation is limited to bus and my bike. Can you get to here without a vehicle necessarily? Probably doubtful.

[@Onecogmike]

Viagra starts where you passed the two hikers. I held the KOM for about 2 hours

[@RCRGIRL]

I don’t think I’ve ever taken that one. I hadn’t even done the actual mustang loop until recently. In the past I’ve always taken either Badger to 3 miles or hit up the actual Late Night loop. I love mustang for its flow and how it doesn’t have a huge buy in and buy out. Pretty sweet ratios on it. 🙌🏼 You’re a beast in that SS 💪🏼

[@pingpongballz5998]

I can do that on my gravel bike!

[@RCRGIRL]

absolutely! The trails in this you could no problem, they're pretty buffed out. If you go off on some of the other trails it might get a little sketch depending on how your gravel setup is.

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@RCRGIRL that's awesome!

[@88broncoll]

Is trail-fork free…

[@RCRGIRL]

it used to be but now you have to pay for full features. I think it's worth it if you ride new places a lot and/or are new to riding.

[@D1E5ECT]

Lesbian cop

[@whatadumbass]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I've watched it about 10 times now. How fast do you think you got going on the Cactus Slalom part? 🤪

[@RCRGIRL]

oh my gosh, I love that segment and I'm not sure how fast I was going specifically but it feels like you're on rails and hauling ass!!

[@whatadumbass]

@@RCRGIRL you were definitely hauling ass!