Working Out Cheap in Nevada: The 34-Mile River Mountains Loop, a $100 State Parks Pass and $15 City Gym Passes

Nevada is built for getting outside, as long as you plan around the heat. A paved trail circles the River Mountains near Las Vegas [2], the state parks sell a $100 annual pass [1], and both Las Vegas and Reno run community centers with fitness rooms and classes at public prices [3][4]. Here’s what each one costs and how to use it safely.

Nevada State Parks: one pass for the year

Nevada State Parks sells annual permits that cover entry to every state park for 12 months [1]:

• Annual Day Use: $100. Entry to all parks. Camping, boating, hook-ups and special events cost extra [1].
• All Access: $250. Entry plus camping and boating fees for 12 months [1].
• Senior Citizen: $30 administrative fee, for Nevada residents 65 and older. Covers entry, camping and boat launching for 12 months [1].
• Disabled Veteran: $30 administrative fee, for Nevada residents with a permanent service-connected disability and an honorable discharge, with the same coverage [1].

Nevada also offers annual entrance permits for Nevada veterans and for members of recognized Nevada tribes [1]. Day Use and All Access permits can be assigned to two vehicles, but only one can use the permit at a time [1].

You can apply online at reservenevada.com or by mail or email. Permits are mailed placards, and there are no renewals: you apply again each year [1].

The River Mountains Loop Trail

The River Mountains Loop Trail is about 34 miles of firm paved surface circling the River Mountains, linking Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder City and the rest of the Las Vegas Valley [2]. About 16.2 miles of it runs inside the national recreation area [2]. The National Park Service rates the trail easy, with about 750 feet of elevation change and several level miles [2].

The trail is non-motorized, and there are several trailheads with parking along the way [2]. You’ll find accessible pit toilets at trailheads and along the trail, self-service bike repair stations, and drinking water at the trailhead near the Lake Mead Visitor Center [2]. The section inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a fee area, so keep your park pass or proof of admission in your vehicle [2].

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is run by the National Park Service, a federal agency, so a Nevada State Parks annual permit doesn’t cover its entrance fee [7]. That goes for riders and walkers too: bicycles are subject to Lake Mead’s entrance fee requirements [8], and visitors who enter on foot or by bike can buy an individual entrance pass [9]. A valid federal recreation pass also covers entry [7].

You don’t have to do the whole loop. Pick a trailhead, go out for 20 or 30 minutes, and turn around.

Las Vegas: city community center fitness passes

The City of Las Vegas sells one fitness pass that works at its participating community centers [3]:

• 1 month: $15, or $10 for ages 50 and up
• 6 months: $90, or $60 for 50+
• Day pass: $3, or $2 for 50+

The pass covers most fitness classes, such as Pilates, Zumba, cardio dance, barre, strength and tone and sit-and-fit; some specialty classes cost extra [3]. Participating centers include Chuck Minker Sports Complex and the Doolittle, Dula, Mirabelli, Stupak, Veterans Memorial and East Las Vegas community centers, along with the Becker Technology Center [3]. Most have weight rooms, but East Las Vegas and Mirabelli don’t [3].

Reno: RecConnect, with income-based discounts

Reno’s RecConnect membership gives unlimited access to the city’s recreation facilities, including its pools, recreation centers and fitness rooms, with open swim, open gym, pickleball and several fitness classes like water fitness and yoga [4]. Facilities include the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, Neil Road Recreation Center, Plumas Gym and the Moana, Northwest, Idlewild and Traner pools [4].

The full adult price is $62 a month with a 12-month commitment, or $80 month to month [4]. The discounts are what make it a deal [4]:

• Sliding scale: 20% to 80% off based on household income and size, which can bring an adult membership as low as $12.40 a month. You verify income in person with a current pay stub or last year’s tax return.
• Seniors and veterans: an extra 20% off.
• Big households: no added fees after four people.

Exercising in Nevada heat

Desert heat is the biggest safety issue for working out in Nevada. The National Park Service’s warning for the River Mountains Loop is blunt: heat kills. In summer, start early in the morning or later in the evening, and carry enough water for the whole trip [2].

The CDC’s advice for exercising in heat [5]:

• Limit outdoor activity at midday, and move workouts to cooler hours.
• Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Start slowly, and wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Muscle cramps can be an early warning. If you feel faint or weak, stop, cool down and get medical help.

On the hottest days, an indoor community center gym is the safer choice.

How much to aim for

Adults need 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, like brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week, according to the federal Physical Activity Guidelines [6]. Two early-morning walks on the River Mountains Loop, a couple of community center classes and two strength sessions a week would get you there.

Gear that helps

You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.