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Cycling routes
United States
Nevada
Washoe County

Lemmon Valley

The best cycling routes around Lemmon Valley

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 5, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Lemmon Valley, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails and paths, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.

That's where komoot comes in. Our community has explored, ridden, and reviewed these routes, creating a curated shortlist of the very best. We've sifted through the data to bring you the rides that truly capture the spirit of Lemmon Valley, saving you the hassle of endless searching. Expect high desert terrain, unique marshlands, and scenic canyons, all framed by impressive views of the Sierra Nevada and Peavine Mountains. It's a landscape that offers everything from easy paved paths to challenging routes with significant elevation gain.

If you only do one ride, make it the Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop. At 13.6 miles (21.9 km), this moderate route offers a fantastic blend of wetland views and open landscapes – it's popular for a reason. For something a bit easier, especially if you're looking for a taste of the desert with some gravel sections, the Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop is a great choice at 3.4 miles (5.4 km). Ready to explore? More than 60 touring cyclists have already discovered Lemmon Valley with komoot, and we think you'll love it too.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop
  2. 2

    Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop
  3. 3

    Total Recall – Keystone Canyon loop from University of Nevada, Reno

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop

5.39 km

80 m

Easy

Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop

21.9 km

150 m

Moderate

Total Recall – Keystone Canyon loop from University of Nevada, Reno

20.0 km

400 m

Hard

Basque Sheepherder Monument – Miner's Trail loop from University of Nevada, Reno

10.2 km

220 m

Moderate

Total Recall – Bacon Strip loop from Rancho San Rafael

13.8 km

370 m

Moderate

Top of Evans Canyon – Total Recall loop from University of Nevada, Reno

27.0 km

670 m

Hard

Basque Sheepherder Monument – Reno Vista loop from University of Nevada, Reno

11.4 km

240 m

Moderate

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1.

Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop

5.39km

00:32

80m

80m

The Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop offers a delightful, quick ride through dry, sage-dotted hills, providing expansive views of Reno and the surrounding mountains. You'll navigate a mix of multi-track and single-track paths, with the chance to spot historical elements like old mine shafts and the Basque Sheepherder Monument. Spring brings a beautiful display of wildflowers, adding vibrant color to the landscape.

This easy touring cycling route covers 3.4 miles (5.4 km) with a gentle 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 32 minutes to complete. While rated easy, the varied terrain means it's best enjoyed on a gravel or mountain bike rather than a traditional road touring bike. The trail is part of a larger network within Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, offering options to extend your ride if you wish.

Located just north of downtown Reno, the trail is easily accessible with convenient parking available at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick escape from the city. The blend of natural scenery and historical intrigue makes this one of the most popular cycling trails in the Evans Canyon area for those seeking a short, engaging ride.

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2.

Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop

21.9km

01:21

150m

150m

The Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop is a moderate 13.6-mile (21.9 km) touring cycling route that offers a peaceful ride through natural landscapes in the Lemmon Valley area of Nevada. With 495 feet (151 metres) of elevation gain, you can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, enjoying serene views of both Swan Lake and Silver Lake. The route takes you directly through the Swan Lake Nature Study Area, where you can observe diverse plant life and local wildlife, making it a pleasant and engaging experience for cyclists.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is typically available near the starting point within the Swan Lake Nature Study Area. This makes it a convenient option for a refreshing escape into nature. The route is well-suited for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness, providing a balanced challenge without being overly strenuous, and is enjoyable during most pleasant weather conditions.

This cycling route stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a tranquil and accessible outdoor activity near Reno. Its focus on natural surroundings and the opportunity to experience the Swan Lake Nature Study Area make it a notable option among cycling trails in the region. It's a great way to connect with the local environment and enjoy a scenic ride.

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3.

Total Recall – Keystone Canyon loop from University of Nevada, Reno

20.0km

01:59

400m

400m

The Total Recall – Keystone Canyon loop offers a dynamic touring bicycle experience through the high desert landscape of Peavine Mountain, just outside Reno. You'll navigate a mix of multi-use doubletrack and singletrack, including the flowy sections of the Total Recall trail, while enjoying expansive panoramas of Reno and the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for old mine shafts and informative panels detailing the local geology and history as you climb through the arid Great Basin scenery.

This challenging 12.4 miles (20.0 km) route, with its 1321 feet (403 metres) of elevation gain, is best tackled by experienced cyclists, taking approximately 1 hours and 58 minutes. It's easily accessible from the University of Nevada, Reno, but be prepared to share the path with other users. The best conditions for cycling are typically from April to November, though you should always watch out for mud after rain and the potential for rattlesnakes in warmer months.

What makes this route stand out is its blend of historical significance and modern trail design, offering a quick escape into nature from the city. The Keystone Canyon portion follows an old road, while Total Recall is known for its fun, flowy sections. This loop is part of the larger Peavine Trails network, providing endless options for exploration, but always carry a map to navigate the intersecting paths.

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4.

Basque Sheepherder Monument – Miner's Trail loop from University of Nevada, Reno

10.2km

01:00

220m

220m

Cycle through sage-covered hills on the Basque Sheepherder Monument – Miner's Trail loop, a moderate 6.3-mile (10.2 km) route that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. You'll pass the striking Basque Sheepherder Monument, a 23-foot bronze sculpture, and enjoy panoramic views of Reno, the Truckee Meadows, and Peavine Mountain. The trail's varied terrain, including soft and rutted sections, makes it ideal for gravel or mountain bikes, providing a good hour-long workout with 732 feet (223 metres) of elevation gain.

Starting from the University of Nevada, Reno, this loop is easily accessible. Be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions depending on recent weather, and remember there's very little shade along the route. Carrying sufficient water is essential, especially during warmer months, when early morning or late evening rides are best to avoid the heat.

This trail is notable for its connection to the Basque heritage of the American West, honoring the thousands of sheepherders who contributed to the region. The University of Nevada, Reno, itself is a hub for Basque culture, making this loop a meaningful journey through local history. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in spring, adding another layer of beauty to the scenic views.

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7.

Basque Sheepherder Monument – Reno Vista loop from University of Nevada, Reno

11.4km

01:08

240m

240m

This touring cycling loop from the University of Nevada, Reno, takes you on a moderate 7.1 miles (11.4 km) journey, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and stunning cityscapes. You'll navigate a mix of urban streets and potentially some mixed-surface paths, with a steady climb of 774 feet (236 metres) leading to the Basque Sheepherder Monument. From there, you're treated to expansive views of the Truckee Meadows, Peavine Mountain, and the Sierra Nevada, making the 1 hour and 7 minutes ride feel incredibly rewarding.

To make the most of your ride, plan to start from the University of Nevada, Reno, where you'll likely find convenient access to paved roads. While the route is generally suitable for touring bikes, be mindful that some sections in the wider Reno area might include unpaved surfaces. This ride is best enjoyed on a clear day, allowing you to fully appreciate the panoramic Reno vistas and the surrounding natural beauty.

The Basque Sheepherder Monument is a significant cultural landmark, honoring the Basque immigrants who played a crucial role as sheepherders in the American West. The monument, titled "Bakardade" (Solitude), is a striking 23-foot tall bronze sculpture that serves as a focal point for the region's rich Basque heritage. Combining this cultural appreciation with the scenic climbs and impressive viewpoints makes this loop a notable experience in Reno.

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Tips from the Community

Andrus
June 2, 2025, Miner's Trail

Miner's Trail is an easy ride down Evans Canyon but there are a couple of side trail options you can take for more of a challenge. It's popular with hikers and dog walkers as well so keep an eye out for other trail users.

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Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is a 580-acre park. It is Washoe County's largest park. This park is known for being the home of the Great Reno Balloon Race and its land extends north on the other side of McCarran Blvd.

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Andrus
November 13, 2023, Bacon Strip

Bacon Strip, named after the famous breakfast food, is a great way to start your day. It sits in the sweet spot where it's accessible to everyone with a bit of experience but still has enough to offer more advanced riders to keep things interesting. Being on Peavine you can link it with many other trails and have a ride as long or as short as you have time for.

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Built to honor the history of the many Basque sheepherders who traveled to the Western United States to ply their trade, this monument stands at the head of many trails around Peavine Mountain. It's a peaceful place to stop before or after a ride and learn a little about the local history.

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Andrus
November 9, 2023, Total Recall

Total Recall is a fun flowy downhill and a fairly gradual climb uphill. This makes it a popular trail in both directions so you'll probably encounter other riders on your way. You'll also be crisscrossing a lot of other trails & jeep roads so be sure to have your map handy so you don't end up on an extended detour.

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Andrus
November 8, 2023, Bench with a view

This bench is near a big junction, so you can take a break here to catch your breath and have a drink of water. Once you're ready to go take your pick of the trails and have a good ride. You can't go wrong as all the trails are well maintained and fun.

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Andrus
November 8, 2023, Keystone Canyon

Keystone Canyon is a multiuse trail that used to be a road. Some sections are still double track while other have been somewhat reclaimed by nature and are more like singletrack. It's moderately graded so the climb isn't bad though there are some technical rocky sections to be aware of.

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This trail connects Rancho Rafael to Keystone Canyon & Peavine Mountain. There's incredible views of Downtown Reno and the Sierra Nevada Mountains all along the way. If you can make it for sunrise or sunset the views are even better!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in Lemmon Valley?

There are 7 touring cycling routes around Lemmon Valley, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These include easy, moderate, and difficult options.

What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Lemmon Valley?

You'll encounter a diverse range of terrain, from high desert landscapes and marshland to canyons, with scenic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Routes feature a mix of paved asphalt trails, like the Lemmon Valley Trail, and gravel sections, such as those found on the Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Lemmon Valley?

Yes, there is one easy touring cycling route available. The Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop is a 3.4-mile path featuring gravel sections and views across the desert landscape, ideal for a relaxed ride.

What are some of the more challenging touring cycling routes in Lemmon Valley?

For those seeking a challenge, there are 4 difficult routes. One notable option is the Basque Sheepherder Monument – Keystone Canyon loop from University of Nevada, Reno, which covers 20.3 miles and involves significant elevation changes through Keystone Canyon.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Lemmon Valley?

Yes, many of the routes are circular. For example, the Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop is a moderate 13.6-mile trail that offers views of the wetland environment. Another is the Basque Sheepherder Monument – Keystone Canyon loop from University of Nevada, Reno.

What scenic views or landmarks can I expect to see while cycling in Lemmon Valley?

Cyclists can enjoy views of Peavine Mountain and the distant Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Keystone Canyon is a popular area, and the Las Brisas Trail offers vistas across the desert. The Swan Lake Nature Study Area provides unique wetland scenery and is a nationally recognized birdwatching spot.

Are there any unique natural features to explore on a touring bike in Lemmon Valley?

Absolutely. The Swan Lake Nature Study Area is a distinctive wetland environment amidst the desert, offering a unique natural feature. Cycling routes like the Swan Lake & Silver Lake Loop allow you to experience these wetlands and lake views.

What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Lemmon Valley?

Given the high desert climate, spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant seasons for touring cycling in Lemmon Valley, offering milder temperatures. The desert landscape is particularly vibrant in spring. Summers can be hot, and winters may bring colder conditions.

Are the touring cycling routes in Lemmon Valley suitable for families?

Many routes around Lemmon Valley are described as suitable for various skill levels, with some being mostly paved, making them accessible for families. The easy routes, such as the Evans Canyon and Miner's Trail Loop, are good options for family outings.

Can I bring my dog on the touring cycling routes in Lemmon Valley?

While specific regulations for each trail may vary, many outdoor areas in the region are dog-friendly. It's always recommended to check local signage or official park websites for the most current rules regarding dogs on trails, especially concerning leash requirements and waste disposal.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Lemmon Valley?

The touring cycling routes in Lemmon Valley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 1 review. Over 80 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the unique high desert and mountain scenery.

Are there options for parking near the touring cycling trailheads in Lemmon Valley?

Yes, many popular trailheads and access points in and around Lemmon Valley offer parking facilities. For routes that start near urban areas, like those originating from the University of Nevada, Reno, parking options are typically available nearby.

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