Parts of the River Mountains Loop Trail around Lake Las Vegas are temporarily closed after Friday’s heavy rain washed out sections of the popular bike and walking path, the City of Henderson said. As of Tuesday morning, Nov. 3, the city had not said when the damaged stretches will reopen.
Where the trail is closed
City workers on scene Monday pointed to two spots just east of Lake Las Vegas that were washed out or buried in rocks, plus a third spot near Mountain Lake Park on the west side of Lake Las Vegas, FOX5 reported. The rest of the loop remains open. No official detour has been posted, and at least two cyclists had to leave the trail and ride a short stretch on the road to get around the damage.
The storm on Friday, Oct. 30, sent stormwater pouring over several spots on Lake Mead Parkway near Lake Las Vegas, something that happens in that area during heavy rain. City employees said this time the damage is worse than earlier washouts, which crews can usually clear of sand and small rocks. Because the trail carries runoff toward Lake Mead, they said water is expected to run down it from time to time.
Henderson says it will come up with a repair plan and fix the damaged sections as quickly as possible. The Regional Flood Control District says long-term plans for the area include channels and detention basins; current and planned flood projects are shown on the FloodView map at regionalflood.org.
East Las Vegas cleanup continues
In the east valley, City of Las Vegas streets and sanitation crews have been out for several days with skid steers, loaders, Vactor trucks and sweepers in the hardest-hit areas. The city said a storm that size can overwhelm the drain system, and debris backed up drains near Stewart Avenue and Lamb Boulevard. Businesses near Marion Drive and Stewart Avenue told FOX5 they had never seen flooding like it, and at least five cars stalled in deep water there Friday afternoon.
What it means for locals and visitors
- Riders and runners: Plan a shorter out-and-back on the Henderson side or skip the Lake Las Vegas stretch for now. Don’t ride through closed sections or along Lake Mead Parkway if you can avoid it.
- Drivers: Watch for cyclists on the road near Lake Las Vegas, and expect crews and equipment near Stewart and Lamb.
- Next storm: Never drive into flooded streets. Turn around and use another route.