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

Nevada: Trails to Rails – Hike & Bike 7 Day Tour
Location: Nevada, United States
Price: $3,995 per person
Duration: 7 days
Supplier: Bindlestiff Tours

Quick Overview and First Impressions
This seven-day journey through Nevada combines the thrill of mountain biking and hiking with a touch of historic railroading — all in some of the state’s most captivating landscapes. Price-wise, $3,995 per person gets you not just a physically engaging experience but also thoughtful touches like guided hikes, bike rentals, and entry to parks and caves.

What truly makes this tour stand out are two things we particularly love: first, the chance to ride a genuine Nevada steam train that whisks you back in time, and second, the opportunity to enjoy diverse trails ranging from flowy single tracks to technical downhill, all tailored to intermediate riders.

One possible consideration is the physical demand — you’ll be biking up to 20 miles a day over uneven terrain and hiking in areas with elevation changes. While suitable for most enthusiasts with good fitness, those with mobility issues or who prefer more relaxed trips might want to evaluate their stamina.

This adventure is best suited for active travelers who enjoy both outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a well-rounded trip that offers authentic Nevada scenery, historical insights, and a good dose of physical activity.

Key Points

• Diverse Activities: Combines biking, hiking, and a historic train ride, giving a well-rounded Nevada adventure.
• Scenic Variety: From deserts and canyons to national parks, you’ll see some of Nevada’s most striking landscapes.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided tours in caves, state parks, and the Ward Charcoal Ovens provide a glimpse into Nevada’s past and natural beauty.
• Physical Fitness Needed: The trip involves significant biking and hiking, suited for those in good physical condition.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention from guides.
• All-Inclusive Value: Most meals, park entries, bike gear, and train tickets are included, making planning simpler.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Nevada: Trails to Rails Experience

What to Expect on Day 1: Setting Out into Nevada’s Desert

We start our adventure in Nevada’s desert scenery, meeting our guides for a brief welcome and getting fitted for full-suspension mountain bikes. We love that the bike fitting is thorough, promising comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Our first ride leads us through Kershaw Canyon, a striking area known for its flowing single track and the highlight, the 7-mile Kershaw Redemption loop. The ride here is ideal for intermediate riders — not too steep, but offering enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. Plus, the picnic lunch in Kershaw Ryan State Park sets a relaxed tone for the trip.

The Shady Motel in Caliente offers a cozy base for two nights, giving us a chance to settle in and enjoy the small-town vibe before more rugged adventures.

Day 2: Mountain Biking in Ella Mountain & Barnes Canyon

The second day ramps up the activity with a full day of mountain biking. Guides select trails suitable for varying skills within the intermediate level — from flow trails perfect for gaining confidence to more technical downhill sections for those seeking a challenge.

We loved the way the guides tailor the experience, keeping it fun while respecting individual skill levels. Covering approximately 15-20 miles, the ride showcases Nevada’s varied terrain, including rocky descents and pinyon-juniper forests. The late afternoon return to the hotel offers time to relax before dinner.

Day 3: Exploring Ely and Nevada’s Iconic Canyons

Traveling further east, we reach Ely, a town rich in mining history. Our highlight here is a short hike in Cathedral Gorge State Park, a surprisingly dramatic slot canyon with towering cliffs and narrow pathways. The contrast of rugged rock formations against the desert sky makes it a photographer’s dream.

In the afternoon, we visit Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park to see seven intact ovens—these structures processed silver ore in the late 19th century and have a hauntingly nostalgic feel. The guided 2-3 mile hike provides insight into Nevada’s mining past, which is a recurring theme throughout this tour.

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Day 4: Riding Near Ely’s Ward Mountain

This day focuses on adventure riding with a half-day ride along the Ice Plant Trail System. Trails offer mild to moderate climbs with fast, flowy downhill sections, perfect for those who want an adrenaline rush without technical difficulties.

We appreciate the midday picnic, a thoughtful touch that keeps energy levels high. The proximity of the trails to Ely means we can easily tailor the day—whether we want to extend the ride or relax at the hotel.

Day 5: Cave Lake State Park — Nevada’s Mountain Bike Gem

A full day is dedicated to Cave Lake State Park, renowned for diverse trails and longer loops of 3 to 12 miles. The terrain here offers a mix of climbs and descents, with various trail options for intermediate riders seeking both challenge and scenic beauty.

The lakeside scenery adds a peaceful backdrop to vigorous pedaling, and after an included lunch, we explore a different loop, revealing even more of the park’s mountain biking diversity. This day underscores Nevada’s less-acknowledged wilderness, far from the crowded national parks.

Day 6: Visiting Great Basin National Park

One of the tour’s crown jewels is a visit to Great Basin National Park, Nevada’s only national park. The Lehman Caves tour transports us underground to see stunning limestone formations and stalactites, a must for geological enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, after lunch in Baker, we enjoy a short ride of 3-5 miles on Sacramento Pass, overlooking some of Nevada’s highest peaks around 12,000 feet. The views of the rugged White Pine Mountains provide a fitting finale to the active part of our trip.

Day 7: Stepping Back in Time with a Historic Steam Train

The final day involves a 90-minute ride on Nevada’s steam-powered historic railroad. The Nevada Northern Railway remains operational, offering a living history experience that perfectly caps off the trip.

Riding behind a steam engine while passing through Nevada’s industrial past connects us to the stories of miners and railroad workers. The experience is both nostalgic and educational, with authentic steam engines that still run year-round.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

This tour offers a deep dive into Nevada’s diverse landscapes — from high mountain passes and canyons to desert valleys and historic mining towns. The combination of active outdoor pursuits and cultural insights creates a well-rounded experience.

The small group size (max 8) ensures you get personalized attention, and the inclusion of most meals, park entries, and gear simplifies planning, adding to the overall value. The professional guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, often sharing stories that bring the landscape alive.

On the downside, the physical demands mean it’s not a relaxing vacation but rather suited for those in good shape. The daily bike distances (up to 20 miles) and hiking in varied terrain require stamina and comfort with uneven ground.

For those who love adventure travel—with a touch of history, scenery, and camaraderie—this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially ideal for active seniors or adventure seekers who want a taste of Nevada’s wild side without sacrificing comfort.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re someone who enjoys physical activity mixed with cultural and scenic discoveries, this Nevada adventure will resonate deeply. The guided bike rides are a highlight, offering opportunities to see the state’s less-visited landscapes up close, while the historic train ride adds a charming touch of the past.

Travelers who appreciate well-organized trips with knowledgeable guides and inclusive amenities will find excellent value here. Whether you’re a moderate cyclist looking for new terrain or a history buff interested in Nevada’s mining roots, this tour covers both in a beautifully balanced way.

However, if your idea of a vacation is more about relaxing and less about daily physical exertion, this might feel intense. But for those who want to challenge themselves and explore Nevada in a way that’s both authentic and active, this tour offers a memorable, authentic experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for intermediate riders, but beginners with good fitness and a willingness to learn could enjoy it. The guides tailor trails to suit the group’s skill levels.

What is the physical requirement?
You should be in good physical shape—able to bike for 5-20 miles on uneven terrain and hike in varied elevations.

Are meals included?
Most breakfasts and lunches are included, along with snacks and water refills. You’ll need to organize your own evening meals.

Can I extend my stay in Nevada after the tour?
Yes, but you’d need to arrange your own accommodations and transportation beyond the scheduled end.

What kind of bikes are provided?
Full suspension mountain bikes fitted for each rider, ensuring comfort on rugged trails.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 8 participants, which allows for personalized guiding and a more intimate experience.

What is the tour duration?
Exactly 7 days, with a flexible start time depending on availability.

Is this tour family-friendly?
No, participants must be 18 or older due to the physical nature of activities.

What’s the best season to take this tour?
While not explicitly stated, Nevada’s weather suggests spring through fall is ideal for outdoor activities, avoiding extreme summer heat or winter cold.

This Nevada trail adventure packs a punch for those eager to combine outdoor activity, history, and breathtaking scenery into an active week. It’s a rare chance to see Nevada’s natural wonders in a way that’s engaging, authentic, and well-organized—perfect for travelers who love to move and learn.

You can check availability for your dates here: