Nevada: Trails to Rails – Hike & Bike 7 Day Tour

Nevada: Trails to Rails – Hike & Bike 7 Day Tour is one of those trips that promises a mix of stunning desert scenery, history, and outdoor activity. While I haven’t taken it myself, I’ve spent time researching what makes this experience stand out—and what might make you think twice before booking. If you’re someone who loves to combine moderate physical activity with exploring unique landscapes, this tour could be a good fit.

What I really like about this tour is how it balances daily biking and hiking—offering enough activity to keep things interesting without tipping into full-on adventure sports territory. Plus, the chance to ride on a historic Nevada steam train and explore incredible spots like Great Basin National Park and Cathedral Gorge are definite highlights.

However, a key consideration is the physical fitness requirement. It’s a tour designed for those comfortable biking uphill and managing uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for travelers who are in good shape. If you’re not quite at that level or prefer more leisurely options, this might feel a little intense.

That said, if you’re an active traveler who enjoys outdoor challenges and appreciates authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, this trip could be a real winner. It’s especially well-suited for those who love scenic landscapes, history, and a bit of adventure—without the need for advanced skills or gear.

Key Points

• Balanced activity level: Suitable for intermediate bikers and hikers comfortable with uphill and uneven terrain.
• Rich scenery and history: The tour combines Nevada’s beautiful desert landscapes with historic train rides and old silver mining sites.
• Diverse locations: From Great Basin National Park to Cathedral Gorge, each stop offers unique natural beauty.
• All-inclusive experience: Includes most meals, accommodations, equipment, and entry fees, offering good value.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants for more personalized guidance.
• Physical fitness required: Expect to bike 5-20 miles daily and hike on trails with varying elevations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Nevada Trails to Rails Tour

Starting Off: A Warm Welcome and Bike Fitting

The adventure begins in Las Vegas, where you’ll meet your guides early in the morning, ready to set out on this week-long exploration. The initial step—getting fitted for your full-suspension mountain bike—is more than just a formality; it’s about ensuring comfort and safety for the days ahead. Good bike fit makes a huge difference, especially on uneven, hilly terrain, and the guides’ attention here hints at a well-organized trip.

Day 1: Desert Scenery and Kershaw Canyon

Your first day takes you through Nevada’s stunning desert landscape to Caliente, a town rich with old-west charm. The highlight is a picnic in Kershaw Ryan State Park, where the scenery shifts to dramatic canyon views. The half-day ride (7-10 miles) in Kershaw Canyon offers a flowing, single-track experience that’s accessible for intermediate riders. The trail “has a nice flow,” according to reviews, making it enjoyable even if you’re new to mountain biking.

This initial ride sets a relaxed tone, allowing you to soak in the views while testing your legs in a manageable way. The hotel, The Shady Motel, is simple but comfortable—suitable for those who value decent, no-frills accommodations after a day outdoors.

Day 2: More Mountain Biking in Ella Mountain / Barnes Canyon

This full-day ride is the heart of the trip for many. With 15-20 miles of trails, you’ll experience a variety of terrain—ranging from beginner-friendly flow trails to more technical downhill sections. The guides do a good job adjusting the trail choices based on the group’s ability, making this accessible to those with a moderate level of biking skill.

What we love here is the variety. You can expect technical downhill if you’re up for it or opt for easier sections if you prefer. The guides’ expertise ensures everyone has a good time, no matter their comfort level with technical riding. Expect to spend a good part of the afternoon back at the hotel, tired but satisfied.

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Day 3: From Ely to Cathedral Gorge and Ward Charcoal Ovens

The journey continues eastward to Ely. Here, the trip offers a short hike in Cathedral Gorge State Park—a hidden gem in Nevada—with its slot canyons and unique rock formations. The scenery is unlike typical desert landscapes, and the hike gives a welcome breather from biking.

Later, you visit Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park. The preserved ovens—still fully intact—are fascinating relics of Nevada’s silver mining past. The 2-3 mile guided hike provides insight into the area’s history and industry, offering a nice blend of nature and heritage.

Days 4 & 5: Ward Mountain and Cave Lake State Park

Back in Ely, the focus shifts to more biking. Ward Mountain offers the Ice Plant Trail System, with loops around the foothills. The trails feature mild to moderate climbs and fast-flowing descents, making for a lively ride that’s perfect for adventure lovers who don’t want something overly technical.

Day 5 is dedicated to Cave Lake State Park, which is praised for its diverse terrain and well-designed trails. With stacked loops from 3 to 12 miles, you get to choose your own adventure each time, making this a highlight for mountain biking enthusiasts. The included lunch on the trail adds a nice touch, allowing you to refuel amid spectacular scenery.

Day 6: Exploring Great Basin National Park

One of the tour’s big draws is a visit to Nevada’s only National Park. The Lehman Caves tour is a key feature, offering a peek into the park’s impressive limestone formations—an experience highly rated by previous travelers.

In the afternoon, a short ride (3-5 miles) at Sacramento Pass offers views over some of Nevada’s highest peaks, many over 12,000 feet. It’s a fitting way to appreciate the state’s rugged landscape—without pushing yourself too hard.

Day 7: Historic Nevada Railroad & Return

The trip concludes with a 90-minute ride on a historic steam train operated by the Nevada Northern Railway. For fans of history and vintage machinery, this is a real treat—seeing steam engines in action and feeling transported back in time.

The train ride is a relaxing way to cap off your active week, offering a different perspective on Nevada’s transportation past. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas around 6 pm, ready to process everything you’ve seen and done.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour strikes me as offering solid value for the price of $3,995 per person. It includes most meals—six breakfasts and seven lunches, which saves you from planning every day’s food. Bike rentals, guides, and entry fees to parks are all covered, reducing extra costs and hassle.

The accommodations are straightforward—hotels like The Shady Motel and Holiday Inn—clean but not fancy. If you’re seeking luxury, you might be a bit disappointed, but for an active adventure, they’re perfectly serviceable.

What’s not included are evening meals, which your guides will help organize reservations for. Personal snacks aren’t included, but refilling water and grabbing snacks on the trail is straightforward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is clearly aimed at active travelers who are comfortable with moderate biking and hiking. It’s not suitable for children under 18, nor those who prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding experience. If you’re looking to explore Nevada’s natural beauty while staying active, and you enjoy combining outdoor sports with sightseeing, this tour offers a rewarding experience.

It’s also a great pick for those interested in history—specifically the mining and railroad heritage of Nevada—and who want to see a variety of landscapes, from canyons to mountain passes.

Final Thoughts

The Nevada: Trails to Rails tour offers a well-rounded, physically engaging look at some of Nevada’s most impressive outdoor sights. The combination of biking, hiking, and historic train rides makes it particularly appealing to those who want to stay active while exploring. The guides seem knowledgeable and attentive, and the scenery is second to none.

While it’s not a trip for complete beginners or anyone who prefers a very relaxed pace, it rewards those with a good level of fitness and a love for adventure. If that sounds like you, then this could be a memorable, authentic way to see Nevada’s wild side.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour is designed for intermediate level riders and hikers. Beginners comfortable with some uphill biking and uneven trails can enjoy it, but absolute beginners might find the physical demands challenging.

How physically fit do I need to be?
Good physical fitness is essential. You should be able to bike for 5-20 miles daily on varied terrain and handle uphill sections. The hikes also involve different elevations, so being comfortable walking on uneven paths is key.

What kind of biking equipment is provided?
You’ll have a full suspension mountain bike with proper fitting for the entire trip. The tour includes bike rentals and equipment so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own gear.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes six breakfasts and seven lunches. Evening meals are not included but guides will help organize reservations if needed.

What accommodations are provided?
Participants stay in hotel accommodations, such as The Shady Motel in Caliente and Holiday Inn in Ely, which offer basic but comfortable rooms.

Is this tour suitable for families?
This tour is not suitable for children under 18, as it requires good physical fitness and involves active biking and hiking.

What’s the best time of year to do this?
While not specified, the best times are probably spring and fall when Nevada’s weather is mild, avoiding the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter.

How do I get back to Las Vegas?
The tour ends with an approximate 6 pm arrival back in Las Vegas, after the historic steam train ride.

If you’re craving a week of active exploration mixed with history and stunning scenery, this tour might just be what you’re looking for. Just make sure your fitness level matches the adventure—and you’ll be well on your way to unforgettable Nevada memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: