Neon to Nature

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. How do I find a trail on Neon to Nature?

    Under the map on the Find a Trail webpage, you will see an option to personalize your map. Enter a location in the ‘Near Address’ box, select a range from the drop down menu (5, 10, 15, 20 miles) and select the ‘Trail Difficulty’. The map will automatically populate with icons of the trails that match your selection.

    Click on the icon to view a summary of the trail. In the trail view, click “View all trail details” to get all the information available about the trail, including a more detailed map, pictures, amenity, notes and a list of other nearby trails.

Trail Types/Amenities

  1. What are the different types of trails?

    Off-street trails consist of regional trails, park loop trails, neighborhood trails and rural backcountry trails that are located along natural washes, flood control facilities, highways, beltways, utility corridors, and wind through neighborhoods. Generally, the trails in the urban area will be paved with asphalt or concrete and equestrian trails will be suitable native soils or acceptable aggregates.

    On-street trails typically include a sidewalk (back of curb or detached) and bicycle lanes or bicycle routes located on the street.

  2. Neon to Nature
    Are there fees to use the trails?

    Trails in local jurisdictions are free to use. However, some trails located on federal or state lands are in designated fee areas and require payment of an entrance fee.

  3. What is the level of difficulty on trails?

    Most urban trails are fairly easy to walk, bike, or skate for people of all ages. Rural trails and federal land trails have a greater range of difficulty.

    You can select your level of difficulty when searching for trails on the Neon to Nature application.

  4. Will I need special equipment?

    No special equipment is needed for trail use. However, depending on the time of the year and the activity or experience you want to achieve, special equipment may be needed for some terrain.

Trail Access

  1. What is the difference between an urban trail and a backcountry trail?

    Urban trails, serve a variety of user groups, including pedestrians (walkers and joggers), in-line skaters and bicyclists. With hard surfacing, these trails provide a high level of accessibility to users of all abilities.

    Backcountry, or natural surface trails, serve a variety of user groups, including hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.

  2. How long are the trails?

    Trail lengths vary for each trail. Regional urban trails are those that cross multiple jurisdictions and typically cover more than five miles.

    Local urban trails vary in length and typically connect to other trails in the system but do not cross jurisdictions. The longest regional urban trail in Southern Nevada is the River Mountain Loop Trail which is 35 miles long.

  3. What types of activities are acceptable on trails?

    Acceptable activities on the urban trails include walking, hiking, cycling, in-line/roller skating, skateboarding, and jogging. Some trails have adjacent un-paved natural tracks for equestrian use. Wheelchairs and strollers are also allowed on trails.

    Acceptable activities on the federal trails vary with the agency and whether they are in designated wilderness areas or not. Most of the trails allow for hiking and equestrian use and some allow for street bikes and some mountain bikes. The most extensive mountain biking trail networks are at Cottonwood Valley on Bureau of Land Management lands and at Bootleg Canyon on City of Boulder City lands.

  4. What type of services can I find on the trails?

    Depending on the trail there may be benches, shade structures and trash receptacles. Typically no restrooms, drinking water or lighting are provided along the trails but are generally available at the trailheads. Specific amenities for each trail can be found on the trail detail page for each trail.

  5. Can I backpack or spend the night?

    Overnight camping on urban trails is not allowed.

    On the adjacent federal lands and backcountry trails, backpacking is generally allowed and overnight camping requirements vary with the agency. Camping requirements can be found on the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service websites.

  6. Are there bike lanes that connect to the bus system?

    Combining your modes of travel in the Las Vegas Valley continues to get easier with the growing number of bicycle lanes and dedicated bicycle paths throughout the region.

    The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) in cooperation with member entities, community partners and citizens, has made great strides towards improving bicycling conditions for Valley residents and visitors.

    All RTC transit vehicles serving the Las Vegas Valley are equipped with bicycle racks. Each bike rack on the RTC’s fleet can accommodate up to two bicycles and newer vehicles can carry three. The RTC’s public transit system carries more than 60,000 bike trips each month. There is no additional cost to bring your bicycle along for the ride on the bus.

    To view a map of existing and planned bicycle facilities go to www.rtcsnv.com. external link

Trail Use

  1. What is not allowed on trails?

    Unauthorized motor vehicles, motorized scooters, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are not allowed on the Neon to Nature Regional Trail System.

  2. What types of activities are acceptable for location specific trails?

    Horseback riding and mountain biking are acceptable activities for location specific trails.

  3. Can I bike on all trails?

    Bicycles are allowed on the paved urban trails. Cyclists should share the path with walkers, runners, etc.

    Bicycles are only allowed on designated backcountry trails. Bikes are not allowed on designated hiking trails. Motor vehicle regulations for bicycles apply while in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Motorized vehicles are limited to designated roads.

  4. What will I see on the trails – wildlife, natural desert, etc.?

    Scenery along the Neon to Nature Regional Trail System varies greatly by location. Traversing both urbanized and pristine areas, trail users may view desert plants and animals, scenic vistas, historic and cultural sites, rock art, natural features and rock formations.

  5. Where can I view birds and wildlife along trails?

    Though animal habitats can be viewed along any trail, rural trails are perfect locations for bird and wildlife observation. Some of these prime locations are Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Las Vegas Wash, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Valley of Fire State Park and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

  6. Can I use trails at night?

    Hours during which the trails may be used vary depending on jurisdiction and trail.

  7. Are the trails lighted?

    Most urban trails have lighting but it just depends on the trail. Use the Neon to Nature personalized search feature to find trails with lighting.

  8. What kind of weather might I encounter in the summer and other seasons?

    • Summer weather in Las Vegas is typically sunny, hot and dry, with mid-afternoon July temperatures ranging from 100 to the 110s. Morning temperatures range from the mid 70s to upper 80s.
    • The southwest monsoon season begins in August and is characterized by an increase in humidity and a higher probability of afternoon thunderstorms.
    • The fall months are generally pleasant, with temperatures in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
    • December, January and February are cooler, with elevated chances for precipitation and generally good for hiking, except at the higher elevations where snow can be encountered.

  9. Are there any amenities such as restrooms, informational kiosks, lighting, benches, etc.?

    Local trail systems will have different amenities depending on where the trail is located. However, most trail systems will have informational or directional signage to identify the trail you are on and waste receptacles and benches for trail use.

  10. Is there cell phone access on the trails?

    Depending upon your phone and network, cell phones should work on most urban trails and are less likely to work on backcountry and rural trails. A cell phone is not always dependable in an emergency. Trail users should always leave their plans, routes and timeline with someone.

  11. Are pets welcome on trails?

    Pets on leashes are allowed on the urban trails and most backcountry trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times. You must be in control of your dog at all times. You must remove all dog feces.

  12. Are trails near flood channels and will I encounter flood waters?

    Several trails run along flood channels and other storm water facilities due to the natural alignment along embankments and water. Flash flood season is typically in the summer months. It is important that users stay on the provided paths to avoid the potential for flash flooding. However, the majority of local trails do not run along flood channels and you should be safe to travel on these trails.

Trail Management and Maintenance

  1. Who is responsible for the managing and maintaining the trails?

    Routine maintenance on the urban trails is provided by the local governmental jurisdiction through which the trail traverses. Likewise, trails on the federal lands are maintained by the respective federal land management agency. Volunteer groups also assist the agencies on occasion to maintain trails. Help keep our trails clean by throwing away your trash or picking up trash that you see along the trail.

  2. What should I do with my trash?

    Trail users should never knowingly litter or dump on the trails. Use only approved receptacles and/or waste disposal sites. If you see litter on the ground, pick it up and place it in the appropriate container and recycle whenever possible.

    In backcountry areas where trash receptacles may not be available, pack it in, pack it out! Whatever you bring into a natural area should be with you when you leave.

  3. How do I report suspicious activities?

    Contact the following agencies to report suspicious activity:
    • Emergencies – 911
    • Non Emergencies – 311
    • Crime Stoppers – (702) 385-5555
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation - (702) 385-1281
    • Graffiti Removal Hotline - (702) 455-4509


  4. How do I report graffiti?

    The following list of contacts may be used to report graffiti on your community’s trails:
    • City of North Las Vegas - (702) 633-1871
    • City of Las Vegas - (702) 229-6615
    • Clark County - (702) 455-4509
    • Henderson - (702) 267-3220
    • Mesquite - (702) 346-5262
    • BLM - (702) 515-5030
    • Turn-In-A-Tagger program - (702) 385-5555
    • Graffiti in Progress – 911

Funding

  1. Who pays for the trails?

    The Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act is the most significant funding source in Southern Nevada for open space and trail related projects.

Benefits

  1. What are some of the community benefits of trails/open space?

    Most trails are free and accessible to all. Trails provide an alternative mode of transportation with its attendant benefits of reducing congestion, improving air quality and reducing the carbon imprint.

    Trails offer spaces for a variety of recreational activities depending on their primary purpose – from hiking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, in-line skating, walking dogs, and a place for strolling children. Trails provide an avenue for increasing physical activity and improving health and wellness physically, mentally and spiritually.

    Many of these trails provide natural breaks from urban development, creating a more pleasant urban form, enhanced sense of place and improved quality of life. There are many economic benefits such as enhanced real estate values, increased local tax revenues, increased job opportunities, expansion opportunities for local recreation-oriented businesses and employment, and as a positive element in attracting new and relocating businesses that all come from having a trail system in a community.

    Trails not only provide opportunity for special events such as fun runs, marathons, iron man competitions, bike races, etc. but also provide places for solace, contemplation and inspiration. Trails help to give our neighborhoods a sense of community.

  2. What are some health benefits of trails?

    Being physically active is an important factor in improving and maintaining your health. Engaging in physical activity helps to reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity.

    An active lifestyle helps people achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, improves mood, promotes a sense of well-being and helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.

  3. How many calories can you burn on trails?

    If you are walking at a 3.5 MPH pace you can burn about 130 calories every 30 minutes. This calorie-burning is based on a 150-pound woman. So if you weigh more, you'll burn more calories, while if you weigh a little less, you'll burn fewer calories.

    Thirty minutes of hiking burns about 200-250 calories, so hiking is an excellent way of increasing your calorie expenditure, which will help you to reduce weight.

  4. How much hiking, walking do I need to do to meet minimal daily exercise requirement?

    The recommended amount of daily physical activity varies according to age.

    Adults, at minimum, should be active for 2 hours and 30 minutes (or 150 minutes) of moderate-intensity activity each week.

    Children and adolescents should be active for one hour or more every day.

    A person who is active at a moderate intensity level should be able to carry on a conversation comfortably while engaging in the activity.

Volunteer Opportunities

  1. Are their opportunities to volunteer?

    The City of Henderson has a “Trail Watch” program where volunteers promote safety and appropriate trail use by providing information and assistance to all trail users, by observing and documenting safety issues requiring attention and by serving as a positive presence on Henderson trails. There are both “trail ambassadors” who are individual volunteers and “trail adopters” who are either a group or individual who provide a positive presence on a dedicated section of trail. The applications and requirements can be accessed on the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation. external link

    Volunteer opportunities are also available through the park and recreation department, other local jurisdictions or non-profit agencies such as the Outside Las Vegas Foundation. external link

    Volunteer opportunities on the federal lands can accessed at www.getoutdoorsnevada.gov. external link The purpose of this interagency volunteer program is to
    • develop and administer a central clearinghouse and single point of contact for public lands volunteers
    • develop a joint volunteer recruitment process with a single database, website and application forms
    • develop joint volunteer training programs
    • trail interagency volunteer leaders
    • develop coordinated volunteer recognition programs