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

Planning a week-long adventure through Nevada that combines active exploration with authentic sights? The Trails to Rails – Hike & Bike Tour offers just that, delivering a well-balanced mix of mountain biking, hiking, and historic sights. Priced at $3,995 per person, this guided trip takes you through some of Nevada’s most striking natural landscapes, historic towns, and important parks — all tailored for those with intermediate biking skills and a love of outdoor wonders.

That said, it’s worth noting that this isn’t your laid-back sightseeing tour. The physical demands—riding on uneven terrain and hiking up and down canyons—mean you’ll need decent fitness and an adventurous spirit. Travelers unaccustomed to back-to-back outdoor activity might find it intense, but for those in good shape and willing to challenge themselves, this trip promises a rewarding experience.

What we love about this tour? First, the knowledgeable guides really bring Nevada’s stories and landscapes to life, adding layers of context to each stop. Second, the stunning views, from rugged canyons to mountain peaks, make every ride or walk memorable. However, the fast pace, especially on multiple kayaking and hiking excursions, isn’t ideal for those seeking a very relaxed trip. Still, the overall sense of accomplishment and the authentic connection to Nevada’s wild beauty compensate for this.

Highlights

• Daily Biking and Hiking—designed for intermediates but accessible to beginners willing to try
• Historic Nevada Steam Train Ride—step back in time while chugging along scenic railways
• Great Basin National Park & Cave Tour—explore Nevada’s only national park with stunning caves
• Walks in Cathedral Gorge State Park—experience remarkable slot canyons
• Hike to Ward Charcoal Ovens—see wells-preserved ovens from Nevada’s silver mining days
• Visit Ward Mountain and Cave Lake—enjoy diverse terrain and mountain views

A Closer Look at the Journey

Day 1: Starting in Caliente

Your adventure begins in Nevada’s desert landscape. After a quick orientation and bike fitting at the shop, we weave through the arid beauty heading toward Caliente. Expect a 7-10 mile ride through scenic terrain, highlighted by a picnic lunch in Kershaw Ryan State Park. The trail in Kershaw Canyon offers a nice flowy single track with gentle drops and curves, perfect for riders looking to mix a bit of technical challenge with enjoyment. Guides gauge the trail to match your skill level, which helps keep the experience accessible without sacrificing fun.

Traveling to Caliente, you’ll get a sense of the remote beauty Nevada has to offer—vast open skies, rugged hills, and quiet streets. We loved the sense of freedom and space here, far from crowded tourist hubs.

Day 2: Ella Mountain & Barnes Canyon

For those riding in the morning, the day’s highlight is a mountain biking session in the Ella Mountain/Barnes Canyon area. According to previous rider reviews, the trail system “has everything from beginner-friendly flow trail to serious technical downhill” — a key point for those seeking variety.

Your guides will select trails suited to everyone’s skill, allowing you to push your limits or enjoy a relaxed ride. Expect to cover roughly 15-20 miles—a significant yet rewarding effort that gives you sweeping views and fast off-road descents. Guides are praised for their skill in navigating technical sections and ensuring everyone stays safe, which builds confidence.

Day 3: Exploring Ely & Cathedral Gorge

Moving east to Ely, the journey takes you into now Nevada’s lone National Park, Great Basin. The highlight is a short hike in Cathedral Gorge State Park, where spectacular slot canyons carve through the rock. There’s a gentle thrill walking near the edges of narrow walls and into natural amphitheaters—it’s like wandering inside a giant stone sculpture.

Later, the group heads to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park for a 2-3 mile guided hike. Construction from the 19th-century silver boom, these complete ovens echo Nevada’s mining past. Several reviewers mention how impressive and fully intact these ovens are—an authentic step back into history.

Day 4: Ward Mountain Riding

You’ll tackle the Ice Plant Trail System, a local favorite in Ely’s back yard. Trails here offer a good mix of mild to moderate climbs and enjoyable descents through Pinyon and Juniper forests. A midday picnic and relaxed riding style mean this day works well for those wanting to keep active without overdoing it. Riders are often struck by the sheer accessibility and easy navigation of the trail system, making it a highlight for mountain bikers.

Day 5: Cave Lake State Park

This day is dedicated to mountain biking at Cave Lake State Park, known for its beautiful, diverse terrain. Stacked loops provide options for longer rides, and critics note that the trails “offer the most diversity of terrain,” making this a top spot for enthusiasts.

After about 7-10 miles, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch — the food is often praised for being hearty and satisfying, thanks to the included meal options. The park is widely appreciated for its lush surroundings and flowing trails, contrasting nicely with the desert scenery earlier in the trip.

Day 6: Nevada’s Only National Park – Great Basin

The trip’s pinnacle is a morning visit to Lehman Caves within Great Basin National Park. The guided cave tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the underground world, with stunning formations and narrow passages that make you feel like an explorer.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Baker, a small mountain town known for its farm-to-table rice and local eats, which many find charming and authentic. Then, a short 3-5 mile ride on White Pine County BLM land presents an excellent final outdoor experience, offering views of 14,000-foot peaks. Travelers appreciate this balance of a quiet trail and high alpine views.

Day 7: Historic Rail Experience & Return

Your journey wraps up with a 90-minute steam train ride aboard Nevada’s historic railroad. Drivers claim that riding the Nevada Northern Railway brings a fascinating dose of history together with scenery, providing that final memorable experience. The steam engines, still in operation, offer a real sense of Nevada’s train-driving past. Once back in Las Vegas around 6 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on an active week full of incredible sights.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

For $3,995, you’re getting a richly packed week of guided activities, comfortable hotel stays, all transportation, most meals, and entry fees. The inclusion of bike rentals and expert guiding for multiple rides means the value here stacks up well against independent travel, especially considering the effort and logistics involved. Previous reviews commend the guides for their expertise and friendly attitude, which elevates the experience beyond just a sequence of rides.

Travelers who value authentic outdoor experiences—from riding alongside Nevada’s picturesque valleys to walking through historic sites—find this tour to be a fantastic introduction to the state’s lesser-known sites. Plus, for those seeking a physically engaging trip with a good mix of biking, hiking, and scenic train rides, it ticks many boxes.

That said, the tour isn’t for the faint of heart or those with limited mobility. The emphasis on uphill terrain, technical descents, and physical endurance means a reasonable level of fitness is required. Also, the tour’s small group size—limited to 8 people—ensures personalized attention but also means spots fill quickly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you crave active holidays with a taste of Nevada’s rugged, authentic landscapes, this is a terrific choice. It’s particularly suited for moderately fit adventurers looking to push their limits while enjoying a diverse itinerary. The mix of biking, hiking, historic sites, and a scenic train ride appeals to travelers eager to see Nevada in an active, engaging way.

This trip is ideal for those who don’t mind long days on their feet and in the saddle, and who appreciate guides who can share local stories and knowledge. It’s less suited for families with young children, or travelers seeking a very relaxed, slow-paced vacation.

The quality of the guiding, the authenticity of the experiences, and the stunning scenery make this tour a compelling pick for seasoned outdoor lovers. For those wishing for an immersive, balanced, and physically rewarding week in Nevada, it’s well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
While designed for intermediate bikers, beginners who are comfortable with steady biking and willing to try new terrains could enjoy this with guidance. However, it’s best suited for those with some biking experience.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers bike rentals, full suspension mountain bikes fitted to you, 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, snacks, water refills, entry to key parks, the cave tour, and historic railroad tickets. Hotel stays are also included for the entire week.

Are evening meals included?
No, evening meals are not included, but your guides can help organize reservations based on your preferences.

What is the total biking mileage?
Daily rides generally range from 5 to 20 miles, tailored to your group’s ability—sufficient to deliver a fulfilling outdoor experience without overwhelming.

Do I need special physical fitness?
Yes, this is an active trip; you should be comfortable biking uphill and on uneven terrain. Good physical fitness is crucial since the trip involves riding and hiking across various elevations and terrains.

How many people are in each group?
This is a small group experience, limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention from skilled guides.

What is the best time to go?
Availability varies; check with the provider. Given Nevada’s climate, best times are often spring and fall to avoid extreme heat.

Are children allowed?
No, participants must be 18 or older due to the activity level and safety considerations.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 56 days in advance for a full refund, making plans flexible for most travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Nevada: Trails to Rails tour offers something for active travelers eager to connect with Nevada’s wild, historic landscapes. With knowledgeable guides, scenic routes, and a mix of biking, hiking, and historic train rides, it’s an adventure that balances physical challenge with cultural exploration.

It’s best suited for those who want a meaningful outdoor experience where every day delivers something new—be it a canyon walk, mountain trail, or train journey. While not suitable for very casual travelers or families with young kids, the trip delivers style, substance, and stunning scenery in equal measure. Often praised for the expert guides and stunning views, it promises a memorable way to see Nevada differently—on two wheels, on foot, and along historic rails.

If you’re craving an active exploration trip that’s authentic and well-organized, this tour might just be your perfect Nevada escape.