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Posted in Nevada Hiking, Nature September 20, 2017 by Natalie Faulk

You Must Add This Stunning And Historical Nevada Trail To Your Bucket List

Nevada is a hiker’s and cyclist’s dream with numerous mountains, trails, valleys, and canyons to explore. Among the most beautiful and popular is the Cottonwood Trail system. Located in the aptly named Cottonwood Valley, in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area about 30 minutes west of Las Vegas, this stunning and historical Nevada trail is one to add to your bucket list immediately.

Cottonwood Valley occupies the southeastern part of Red Rock Canyon. This 13-mile stretch of scenic desert is popular among hikers, runners, and cyclists.

There are more than 125 miles of interconnected, single-track trails with a variety of challenges. From smooth terrain to steep climbs to technical descents and beyond, Cottonwood Valley has it all for the novice through advanced cyclist, hiker, or runner.

Among the most popular trailheads are the Late Night, Black Velvet, Cottonwood Trail, and Red Valley.

Cottonwood Valley is historic as it contains a portion of the Old Spanish Trail along with freshwater springs which were used by settlers in the area.

The trails are all clearly marked and moderately trafficked.

A variety of indigenous flora like Joshua trees, yucca, Juniper trees, cactus, and hundreds of species of assorted desert flowers decorate the area.

Cottonwood Valley is also home to various desert animals. You can see wild burros on the north side of State Route 160.

Wild horses are oftentimes spotted along the south side of SR 160. Other common critters in the area include Gila monsters and other lizards, rabbits, coyotes, snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas.

The panoramic views are absolutely gorgeous.

You can reach Cottonwood Valley Trail via SR 160. Have you visited this stunning and historical Nevada trail? Please share your experiences below.

Natalie Faulk

Natalie Faulk is a California-born, Colorado-raised, Las Vegas-based freelance writer, blogger, and the author of several books.