The best road cycling routes in the Sheep Range

While this guide is titled for the Sheep Range, the routes primarily traverse the surrounding urban and suburban areas of Las Vegas, offering views towards the Sheep Range and other desert mountains like Red Rock Canyon. The Sheep Range itself is largely composed of unpaved 4WD roads, gravel, and rocky terrain, making it unsuitable for traditional road cycling.

You can expect a mix of paved surfaces and dedicated cycling trails. Routes often combine urban cycling with sections through green spaces and suburban areas, providing varied scenery and generally smooth riding conditions suitable for road bikes.

This guide features 10 distinct road cycling routes. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties, catering to different experience levels.

For a challenging ride, consider the Sandstone Quarry – Red Rock Canyon Overlook loop from Centennial High School, which is 51 miles with significant elevation gain. Moderate options include the Northern Beltway Trail – Downtown Summerlin loop from Centennial Hills Transit Center. For an easier ride, the Northern Beltway Trail loop from Northbound Decatur after Dorrell is a good choice.

Yes, routes like the Floyd Lamb Park loop from Centennial Hills Transit Center offer moderate distances and relatively flat terrain, making them suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. Floyd Lamb Park itself provides a pleasant setting for cycling.

Many routes offer panoramic views of the surrounding desert mountains, including the Red Rock Canyon area. You'll also experience urban landscapes, suburban greenways, and dedicated cycling paths, providing a diverse visual experience.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Northern Beltway Trail – Northern Beltway Trail loop from Arbor View High School and several variations of the Floyd Lamb Park loop are popular circular options.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paved surfaces, the convenience of dedicated cycling trails, and the scenic views of the desert landscape that many routes provide.

While the routes are primarily focused on cycling, you'll pass by areas like Floyd Lamb Park, which offers a serene environment with lakes and peacocks. The Sandstone Quarry – Red Rock Canyon Overlook loop provides direct views and access points to the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, known for its vibrant geological formations.

Many routes start from locations with accessible parking, such as Centennial High School, Centennial Hills Transit Center, Arbor View High School, or near Floyd Lamb Park. Specific parking details can often be found on the individual route pages on komoot.

Several routes, such as the Northern Beltway Trail – Downtown Summerlin loop, start from transit centers like the Centennial Hills Transit Center, making them accessible via public transportation in the Las Vegas area.

The best time for road cycling is typically during the cooler months, from fall through spring (October to April), to avoid the extreme heat of the summer. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.