Biking
Lee Canyon, Nevada, a year-round recreation area near the Las Vegas Metro area, has opened its bike park for the 2026 summer season. Due to historically low snowfall totals in the western United States, the recreation area has been forced to pivot from snow sports to summer operations earlier than ever before. The mountain bike park opened last weekend, starting on May 1.
“We operate in the wilderness. So of course, we accept that we deal with the weather, whatever it is. But, Lee Canyon has really grown into that of a year-round business as opposed to previously being more of a winter recreation site,” Johnny DeGeorge of Lee Canyon told Fox5Vegas. Due to the elevation of the ski area, the climate varies drastically from the dry desert climate of the Las Vegas valley.
In 2023, Lee Canyon was able to operate skiing operations well into mid-May. Last year, Lee Canyon also saw over 50 inches of snow in March. Unfortunately, record heat in the 2026 season melted nearly all of the snow by the end of March, sparking a move into early summer operations.
While Las Vegas is well known to get into the triple digits during the summer, Lee Canyon offers a stark contrast from the dry summer heat the area is known for. “An average day in July, you’ll see in the mid-70s up on the mountain. So, you know, 30 degrees cooler than town, if not more, is very typical,” DeGeorge went on to say.
The bike park is currently only open weekends with limited terrain available, but full, 7-day-a-week operations will soon begin on Friday, May 22, 2026. Mountain bike rentals will also become available on May 22, just in time for summer break. DeGeorge is optimistic about the 2026 summer season. “This is the earliest Lee Canyon has ever opened for Mountain Bike Park… just opens up a door for more recreation in Las Vegas” he wrapped things up with.
