Historic Railroad Hiking Trail

I always love trails that will take me where cars cannot go, and this trail does not disappoint. We rode the 4mile trail on our ebikes, up and back (8 miles total). Love seeing the desert for.ations, and the harbor at Lake Mead reservoir. Paying to explore the dam area was optional, and we just enjoyed the café (since we'd rece try explored the dam a couple years ago.) Highly recommend this half-day excursion.

Today’s exploration took us to the Historic Railroad Trail, and it did not disappoint! Free parking and clean restrooms made the start of the trip easy and stress-free. Arrive early if you want close parking — it fills up quickly. The trail was lively with kids, bike riders, and pets, which made the experience feel welcoming and family-friendly. Absolutely worth the drive from Las Vegas, NV. We had a blast — and trust me, you will too.

We took the Railroad Tunnel trail to Hoover Dam on a January morning and I have to say, this is a Vegas must see! We walked 7.5 miles roundtrip at mostly level elevation on a nice dirt path. You must go down to the Dam and back up from it, but that's the only elevation change. Lots of history will be presented to you with monumental views. Do and enjoy it BUT, avoid the summer as it could be life threatening heat.

The trail itself is fine for an easy walk, with nice views of Lake Mead. On the Hoover Dam side there is a little spur off the trail with the best views of the whole trail.

Hi everyone, this is Nevada Laobai! Today I’m at the Historic Railroad Trail near the entrance of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, Nevada. This trail was once a railroad, now transformed into a scenic hiking route. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Mead, pass through historic railway tunnels, and eventually reach the Hoover Dam power station. The round trip is about 7 miles (12 km) and takes around 4 hours. Be sure to bring sun protection, plenty of water, and snacks. I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the desert heat. In my opinion, this is one of the most interesting and must-do hikes in Nevada!

Well maintained and easy desert exploration. Enjoyed the park office at the start of our hike and spent time at the Dam on the end. The trail deposits you at the top of the Hoover Dam parking garage. Flat spaces and beautiful vistas along the trail, easy walk, very little shade (the tunnels are pretty much the only shade). Would recommend to get out of Las Vegas and explore how gorgeous Nevada is!

Hot!! But excellent hike....views are amazing. The history behind these tunnels is just incredible. Highly encourage being hydrated days prior.....and during! Sunscreen, etc....Especially if you go during the summer months. Expect to do at least 4 miles or more. I started at Lake Mead National Rec Area. Ended with 4.23 miles beginning from parking lot area. Cool little pebble statue at the 5th tunnel.

Easy trail it took me all the way to the Hoover Dam I walked from Nevada into Arizona. The trail was full of history, fun facts, and scenic views.

You can choose any distance you like, but keep in mind that the return trip will be the same distance. We stopped at the halfway point, completing a hike of about 5 miles, which included walking through a few tunnels. If you're up for it, you can hike all the way to Hoover Dam, which is an 8-mile one-way distance. We were there on the day of the Lake Mead Marathon..which made me complain less about the hike =p

On a Monday holiday, a few people hiked, biked, and ran this trail. There is not much shade besides going through the artificial tunnels. Along the hike, they have information on the history of the lake and tunnels. This hike is about 4.25 miles one way towards the Hoover Dam and 4.25 miles going back, a total of 8.5 miles. After reaching the Hoover damn, you can walk around and go to the gift shop to get a drink or something to bite on, which was nice after hiking under the hot sun. I would definitely. I recommend adding sunscreen and bringing lots of water. It's also kid- and dog-friendly. Two parking lots are available, one closer to the trail and the other to the visitor center. Lastly, go early; it gets hot. I would come back again.

I'm motivated to take more steps and do more hiking in 2024, so I'm kicking off the new year with a review for Historic Railroad Trail in Boulder City! I first hiked this trail nearly a decade ago, way before my Yelp days, and I was looking forward to coming back again. The trail has amazing views of the mountains and Lake Mead and it takes you all the way down to Hoover Dam! I did not make it all the way down there, unfortunately, because my feet were starting to cramp up and I was running out of water. I hiked 2.88 miles up to the Hoover Dam sign and 2.81 miles back to the parking lot, totaling up to almost 6 miles and nearly 13,000 steps. The weather was perfect for hiking, though I did pack a pair of gloves just in case it would get a little chilly. The beginning of the trail had an outdoor thermometer backed up by solar power, which read 67 degrees when I began the hike and then 69 degrees when I finished the hike. They also have a sign that says hiking is not permitted between the months of June and September due to the extreme heat, which is very useful. I learned during the hike that there are bats that stay put in the tunnels, but they travel south or hibernate elsewhere during the winter months and they are not out and about until between the months of May and October. Seeing bighorn sheep was a possibility during the hike, but I did not see any. This is a great trail to hike and I will recommend it to anyone looking for a new trail to try out.

Love love this railroad trail during the winter. We came here in January and it was perfect weather for this walk. Everytime were in vegas, we try to hit up some new trails and burn off some calories. I did some YouTube research and found this trail, which was about 30 mins off the strip. The trail is right off of Lake mead. Beautiful to see. The sign said the trail is closed for the summer months due to extreme heat. Beautiful trail!

This trail has amazing views! It was clean, we'll taken care of, and perfect for new hikers. The trail is pretty leveled and doesn't elevate which is good for a light workout. Would recommend going around 8a before it gets busy. The trail is really active and pet friendly.

We felt like we stepped back in time while exploring the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail. This trail offers a captivating journey through time and nature, it transported us to an era when railroads played a pivotal role in shaping the American West. The trail's well-maintained path winds through rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and stunning deserts hues. The real highlight of the hike, however, is the series of historic railroad tunnels along the way. These tunnels, originally constructed in the early 20th century, served as a crucial link for transporting materials during the construction of the Hoover Dam. Walking through them is like stepping back in time, with their weathered walls and echoes of the past whispering tales of bygone days. The engineering marvel of these tunnels is truly awe-inspiring, and provides a unique glimpse into the region's rich history. Remnants of the Hoover Dam's construction can be seen throughout this route. There are five tunnels, each 25 feet in diameter/height. Aside from the historical significance, the trail also boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, although we didn't get a glimpse of any of them, the signs assured us they were there. The trail from beginning to end is approximately 8.5 miles there and back, it starts in Boulder City off Lakeshore Rd and ends at the Hoover Dam. It's an easy trail but long, you can turn around at any point but we did the full 8.5 miles. It is highly trafficked, and it can be walked, jogged, or biked. We had panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin region along the way. After passing the tunnels, elevation changes bringing new views, new hills to climb, and the final descent towards Hoover Dam. The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail is a must-visit destination and a great way to stay active, sneak in some exercise in nature while taking in the beauty and history of the American West.

I really like this trail. I've been on it a few times with my dog. It's very pet friendly, so definitely expect a lot of dogs when you go. I went on New Year's Day so there was a ton of people, but the trail is wide enough that it accommodates crowds. I explored the trail up to the casino and there was definitely a nice view of the entire area. Make sure to take lots of water and some block because you'll be indirect light most of the time. My favorite part were the caves although beware there are a lot of bats in there.

Easy, enjoyable trail. Pet, kids and wheelchair friendly. Great views of the lake. It takes you all the way to the Hoover Dam. Been here many times and we always love it!

One of the best trail in the area of Las Vegas! You can walk, jog bring your dog and even bike the trail! Beautiful scenic views! It's a very low impact trail as well, good for anyone regardless of your mobility for physical activities! Look forward to hitting this trail before it gets too hot! A must see!

Love to take a walk there. It's really nice and relax. Easy to walk. Dogs friendly. Parking lot available Not too far from Las Vegas

8 miles round trip...Go early to get a good parking spot...dress accordingly. Go on foot or by bike, best to go with someone else or a group. Parents...don't force your kids to go along with you...majority of the kids we passed by were crying/whining and didn't want to be there. WATER IS ESSENTIAL...Some hikers had nothing, and some were just carrying a half empty/empty plastic 16 ounce bottle. By the end of our hike which was on a warm Easter Sunday, we each went through a half gallon of water and a couple of pieces of fruit. Fun hike and a great way to get outside and explore. ALOHA!!! SHAKA METER: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5

Loved this trail. After days of harder hiking on rocks and near cliffs, this was a welcome change. It's an "easy" trail with only slight inclines and declines most of the way. It also is smooth enough to walk, bike, hike or whatever. It does go on and on. Yesterday we explored for a few miles. Today we walked all the way to the Hoover Dam and back (that was 8 miles round trip). Very pretty, scenic views much of the way. But the coolest part are the five tunnels. Very unique. Getting to walk on foot to the Dam was an added treat. Highly recommend this trail. It does have a warning that it is closed June - September due to heat. So plan accordingly.

Highly recommend the Historic Railroad Trail in Boulder City! INCREDIBLE view of Lake Mead. SUPER AWESOME tunnels. A flat, easy, unpaved trail, which is great for walking, running, jogging, biking, all-terrain strollers, and is dog-friendly! Our Golden Retriever completed 7.67 miles with us beginning from the west side of the trail near The Alan Bible Visitor Center, to the east end of the trail at the Hoover Dam parking structure, and back. It was about 55 deg F and cloudy during our walk, which made for perfect hiking conditions. This is a great time to get out and enjoy this trail. From June - September, the trail is closed due to extreme heat conditions, so plan accordingly! There are a total of 5 tunnels on this trail, 300ft in length and 25ft in diameter. Tunnel 2 actually reaches 27ft high. It has a timbered framework and ceiling, which allowed trains to carry huge pipe and construction equipment to the dam site. In the 1930s, the area was a busy railroad switch yard, hauling sand, gravel, and cement over this line to a concrete plant where the Hoover Dam parking garage now stands. The trail is clearly marked and includes informational boards to learn more about the nature and history of this trail. Between May and early October, you may see Mexican free-tail bats hanging out in Tunnels 1, 2, and 3. In the fall and winter, the bats tend to fly to warmer locations to hibernate. Toilets are available at each end of the trail. Parking is free and you can either start from the Alan Bible Visitor Center or Hoover Dam Parking Structure. Poopie bags for your fur babies are also available at the start/end of trail. Bring drinking water!

Love this trail! 5 miles round trip from the parking lot until you reach the end. Busy trail but so beautiful!

Hiking is new to us, and this trail is perfect for beginners. We are locals, but it is located about 35 minutes from the strip. There is plenty of parking, both in the lower lot , and at the Visitor Center. It is easy to get to and well marked. There were a variety of people enjoying the trail including couples, families and even Cub Scout groups. We have gone both during the week and on the weekend. There is a trail that takes you approximately 2.5 miles through the tunnels . If you are up to it, you can go an additional 2 miles a day end up at the Hoover Dam. There are clean bathroom facilities at the start, midway through and at Hoover Dam. Bikes and Dogs are allowed on the trail , however if you choose to go on to Hoover Dam, dogs are not allowed. And you will need to park and lock your bike before descending down to the Dam area, but there are bike racks. There are also plenty of benches along the way to sit and just enjoy the scenery overlooking Lake Mead. This is a great place to go to just enjoy the great outdoors that Nevada has to offer.

First time going kids took their bikes and we took a wagon. To be safe, we will just had to make sure they didn't ride it when there were cliffs on both sides. They rode it all the way until heading back they were tired of riding so we ended up having to carry/trying to ride their small bikes back. Took the trail from the visitors center since the other parking lot was full. Pretty views, easy hike since a path is already made, and the weather was great in November. Best part is it's clean! Second time yesterday as part of our first hike of the new year and we took the trail from the Hoover Dam Lodge. It was much faster although there is more of an incline when you head back to the Lodge. Still pretty easy hike compared to others we've been on. This time we forgot to let our kids use the bathroom before we set out on the trail so yes we had to find a spot where my boys could pee (sorry). It is a pretty easy hike but it's long for someone with a bad knee so we didn't bring my MIL along with us. However, my FIL enjoyed it.

my favorite hiking/ Jogging Traiil 10/29/23 soo beautiful and alot of history .. if you haven't been you Must Go!!

#TheThingsYouDoDuringPandemicCovid19 As of this review, the restrooms at the parking lot AND the visitor center are CLOSED. Make sure you empty your bladder before getting here otherwise you'll be peeing in a bush. I'm not a hiker and not much of an outdoor kinda gal either but this hike/trail was great. Like others have mentioned, it's all flat surface (literally a path that's laid out for you) and not much incline, if at all. You're walking on nothing but rocky dirt road so wear shoes you won't mind if they get scuffed/dusty. We went on Wed, April 1. Took us about a 30min drive and we live pretty close to The Strip. Weather was great. Got to the parking lot around 11am ish and already the lot was full...we parked on the perimeter of the parking lot. You'll see other cars doing this when the parking stalls are all taken. Just PLEASEEEE remember to leave a good amount of space between you and the cars in front/behind you so everyone can exit without scraps & nicks on the vehicle. You will walk about 1 mile before getting to the first railroad tunnel. There's five tunnels in total. Some reviews have mentioned there may be bats chillin in tunnel 3. As of early April, we didn't see any. I'm terrified of snakes and thank goodness I didn't see any. I think if you stay on the path, you won't come across any creepy crawlies. I enjoyed going through all five tunnels. Those who are photo obsessed whether if it's for your IG or photography, you can get some great photos here. I've seen people of different ranges in ages and physical shape so this hike is great for almost everyone. I even seen dogs both big, small, fit and round potato size. Not sure if there's another path to take if you want to walk allll the way to the hoover dam because as of beginning of April, there's a fence that stops you after you exit tunnel 5. This trail took us about 2 hours roundtrip. We took our time taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful view. Def come check it out....just remember social distancing. (When we went, there were others but it wasn't super crowded and everyone kept their distancing).

Nice hike with some awesome views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, if you decide to make it that far it's about 8 miles out and back.The hike starts from outside of Lake Mead, no entrance fees. You can park at either of the parking lots around the Lake Mead Visitor Center and follow the trail or people. It is a very popular hike with everyone from the old and the young there, people riding their bikes, walking their doggies, and pushing strollers. Besides the view, the hike takes you through the historic railroad tunnels. I believe there are 5 of them. There are educational information postings along the entire hike. After the tunnels there are some restrooms and shaded area to rest. A lot of people like to turn back here or continue towards the dam or bridge area. The only restrooms besides these ones are back at the start or at the dam or bridge area. Great hike. Mostly flat with a slight incline up until after the tunnels. Get there early as the parking lots do fill up. Always bring the usual necessities when outdoors. Water, sunscreen, jacket, hat, sunglasses, food, etc.

As of Nov 7, 2019. ALL 5 tunnels are open! No fee required, the trail is outside fee station! The parking lot where the trailhead starts was easy to find! It's the next parking lot on the right of Lakeshore Rd after you pass visitor center. The trail head starts on the south side of the parking lot. The trail is scenic and easy for all levels. Still tab hot for me in the middle of the afternoon around 72 degrees but cool down soon after sunset (sunset was around 4:38pm). If you decide to stay late be sure to bring jacket. It's fun passing dark tunnels but spooky at the same time especially when it's getting dark! One coyote was spotted near parking lot when I was leaving! He must had followed me the whole time since people told me they saw a coyote by the tunnel #2! Watch the video from the link below to get some info about this historical railroad trail. https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=482C1A4C-D0EF-9B22-4A94D5DDE5142432A

After moving here from the Bay Area, I really miss hiking or walking outdoor. While the weather cool down, I know I have to take an advantage of hiking before summer hits. Found this place online and through yelp. Thank you my fellow yelpers! This route lead to Hover Dam. Round trip I would say 7-7.5 miles. However, we didn't get to make it all the way to the dam because of the time crunch. We did enjoy the view from the distance. Might have to start earlier if we want to finished the whole thing next time. We got to the park by 8am-11am. View was amazing! overlook the water, walked inside of the caves, and surrounded by mountain. BEST hike ever. Went with a group of friends and they all enjoy it and want to come back again. Will definitely come back and try to finish the whole thing. Make sure to bring water and snacks. It is a long hike if you decided to finish the whole thing. there are some benches and picnic area with bathroom for anyone wants to take a break.

I'm someone who values living an active life and getting out to enjoy nature. For Christmas 2021, I wanted to do something different. I decided to hike thr railroad trail. It is very easy to get to this trail from Henderson. You just park near the Bible Visitor Center at Lake Mead. The trail is close by. I thought the trail was absolutely beautiful. I had a great time. The history behind the trail, being an old railroad route, was fascinating to learn about. Trains are important and I always enjoy learning more about transportation. The views of Lake Mead are stunning. You can get a great view of the Boulder Beach area. The mountainside is full of ravens who fly around and do a lot of squawking. Going through the railroad tunnels is a thrill. It is really cool how they turned the old railroad into a recreational trail. The trail is gentle and there were a lot of families and disabled people on the hike. It took like an hour to hike all the way to historic Hoover Dam. The hike was totally worth it. It felt great to get away from overcrowded life in Henderson and enjoy nature for a day. I highly recommend this trail. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest tourist attractions in the area. A good time if you like to hike and learn about trains.

I loved this trail. It's so easy, for all levels! People come with strollers, bikes, dogs. It's a wide sand trail just be careful on the edges. Gorgeous views. Little busy and we noticed that upon arrival, parking lot was full but people parked on the side too. Bathrooms available. Tunnels are cool. We walked until the halfway bathrooms and picnic table and back which took is 1.5h.

Great trail! I will definitely be doing this trail again and hopefully I'll be able to make it all the way to Hoover dam. I made it 1 mile away and had to turn around because my baby was not going to last the entire trail. It is quite the trail with spectacular views. I came during the week so there would be less people on the trail, so I would not have to wear a mask the entire time. The trail is 8 miles round-trip if you go to Hoover dam. Like all the other reviews show the trail is not paved but it is a smooth Trail so I was able to use a stroller. It is pretty flat most of the way with a little up and down hills. There is very little shade so I recommend going earlier in the day, when it's cooler. Make sure to bring tons of water, good walking shoes, and a hat. There are bathrooms at the halfway point between the start of the trail and Hoover dam. They also have garbage and recycling bins at the halfway point too. The railroad tunnels are not super long or dark so you do not need a flashlight. As I went along the trail I was able to see some lizards and bighorn sheep. I will definitely be doing the trail again and coming early in the morning. One thing to know, the trail is closed during the summer because of extreme heat.

Being a history buff, hiking this trail has added meaning to a nice workout on a smooth surface and with breathtaking view on the lakeside for most of the way. Though not the fault of the trail, the speedy bikes running down the road can be threatening, the lead guy of 4 bikes shouting nasty on us taking pictures in front of Tunnel 2 is an example, very bad manner. Another con: the fork that goes right to Hoover Dam VC has no sigh! We took the "short cut" as was told from the two-bench area, but kept going passing by the boneyard and ended up back to the two-bench! Only then did we realize from Google Maps satellite view about taking the route to the right before boneyard!

Beautifully maintained, easily walkable or bike-able trail. Although the trail is relatively short the views all along the trail of Lake Mead are amazing. From the trailhead to Hoover Dam is just over 3.5 miles. Although the trail is gravel and slightly uphill you could bring a stroller or wheelchair here. If you're coming in warmer months the trail may be closed due to heat. If you're coming with kids watch them near the edges there are steep drop offs with loose rocks.

A local bucket list destination that didn't disappoint! Waiting for the right opportunity to hike this historic trail, the views and historical aspect is quite impressive! It's the old path that the train hauling supplies to the building of Hoover Dam ran along. It's impressive from the standpoint of the lack of technology back then, as well as the carving out of the mountains to allow for the train to run constantly 24 hours a day! The walk as you approach the tunnels is quite impressive with its views of Lake Mead in the distance. The tunnels themselves are impressive in their sheer size! Not a hike to do in the summer months due to the extreme weather conditions, but a hike worthy any other time of the year!

I love spots that make getting outside accessible and this spot does! It is family friendly, dog friendly, and a lovely spot not too far off the beaten path. We took the fam-bam here for a nice walk to kickstart our day. I had heard about the trail on alltrails and thought it would be a fun thing for all of us to do instead of the normal Las Vegas hub-bub of gambling, shopping, etc. Unfortunately when we went only the first 2 tunnels were open but there are as many as 5 I think by looking at the maps and the final view looked like it would have landed you on an observation deck overlooking hoover dam which would have been great if we could get to it. We only walked about 3 miles total, but there is room to go about 7 total with the full out and back. It is packed dirt/rock trail that is mostly flat so it would be a great running trail for a quick out and back. We overlooked Lake Mead during the walk, the tunnels were HUGE and pretty amazing to see them still in tact after all this time. Of course the tracks are gone, but overall it was a fun easy hike that I recommend if you are looking for something different to do while in the land of sin.

What: Easy, wide, flat trail with beautiful views of Lake Mead and the marina. Easy for non-hikers like me!! The trail goes through 5 huge historic old railroad tunnels all the way to Hoover Dam. As of 3/30/19, tunnel 3 is still closed so we just walked to a little past the 2nd tunnel then turned around (3 miles round trip took about 1.5 hours with two 11 year olds and a dog!) Ambiance: The railroad tracks are gone and the huge tunnels are cool and cavernous. Lining the trail are beautiful flowers, greenery and mountains. The trail is clean and view of lake outstanding. The path is sand/gravel so not smooth enough for me to ride a bike although people do. There is a bench every so often which was nice to take a break and sit down. Parking: Free parking in dedicated small lot past the Visitors Center lot. If that is full (come early like before 10am) then it's easy to circle back and park in Visitors Center lot. Bathrooms: Visitors Center or porta potty by parking lot. There are no restrooms on the trail so go before you go. Dog friendly: Yes! On leashes obviously. Tip: website has great historical info and helpful video to give you an idea of what the trail looks like. This has been on my to do list for almost 3 years. I'm so glad we did this. It's a lovely family outing and March is perfect weather.

Mood- history with the + of a hike The railroad began under construction in 1931 being worked on 24 hours a day. It was built to quickly haul massive pieces that were needed to construct the Hoover Dam. Four gas locomotives and 9 steam locomotives were used to operate this system. At that time 71 people were in full operation of the tunnels. 6 companies were used to build this system. There are 5 tunnels that are built exactly the same in dimensions. 300 feet in length and 25 feet in diameter. 90 lbs rail construction comprising of Oregon fir ties along with standard gauge built these enormous rails. When the dam was completed in 1935 there was no need for the tunnels anymore. The government would occasionally use the tunnels, but eventually decided to dismantle the line in 1962. In the 1984 the area was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and a trail for a walking tour was announced. This is the only part of the trail that is intact or not underwater. In 1990 tunnel 4 was burned due to arson, tunnel 5 was met with that same demise several years previous in 1978- however was rebuilt and shot over with shotcrete in the summer of 2001. This distance roundtrip is 7.5 miles of very easy grade. This hike is hot in the summer, be mindful of your animals as it is distressing to them when the ground is very hot. Some of the tunnels have bats so if you have issues with white noise bring ear plugs as it will help to lessen the sensitivity you are experiencing. Would thoroughly recommend - pricing is free. Bring lots of water. There are many look out areas with historical interest points and benches with amazing views along the way. Location is Lake Mead/ Lake Mead visitor center parking lot - no fee

Only got to do part of the trial all the way to the last Tunnel because there was a fence. The trail it self is pretty easy because it is flat all the way The views are nice, you can see Lake mead from the teal and the tunnels are just amazing. I will be back once the teal opens up Allen the way and hike all the way to the Hoover Dam.

A wonderful 4 Mile Long Trail that leads to Hoover Dam if you continue on through the Bureau of Reclamation Trail, which is a little rougher than the initial historic railroad Trail. We saw several bighorn sheep on our hike. The view of Lake Mead is astounding! A restroom is on the trail about two-thirds the way up. The five tunnels are a fun part of the walk. The trail ends on the top floor of the parking structure at the cafe.

Loved this hike! Beginners hike. The trail is very easy to walk, it is just a long distance if you start from the beginning, go all the way to the Hoover dam, and turn around. Tips: -when putting "historic railroad trail" into your GPS, it may lead you directly to the Hoover dam hotel like mine did. I would suggest to just put your GPS to lead to the lake mead marina. Once you turn in to head down to lake mead, you will see a turn on the right and the sign that says "historic railroad trail". Park here and you start! -bring lots of water. The loop from the start all the way to the Hoover dam is 8 miles round trip The trail is very easy to hike, nothing to climb. Just views to take it! This hike will lead you directly to the Hoover dam! Take in the sights at the end it's pretty cool, plan to bring cash if you want to go into the visitors center at the end. I recommend starting early in the morning to beat the heat. Signs on the hike recommend to avoid the hike from June-September and I definitely agree. There is no shade at all besides the tunnels, so wear protection! Also for dog ppl or biking ppl, the path is friendly for both

Such a great trail for everyone. Seen many people walking , biking , and even a few on wheel chairs. Very easy hike. But it is fairly long. So wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water for you and your loved ones. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on their leashes. And just a FYI. The closest trash can on the trail is about 2.5 miles from the parking lot. So if you bring your furry 4 legged friends with you. Please clean up after them. And don't throw their bags of poop along the trail. I've seen so many poop bags just tossed on the ground. So. If you're gonna be that kind of jerk. Just leave your dogs at home. On this trail there are plenty of benches along the way. So if you get tired. Have a seat and enjoy the scenery. About a mile from the parking lot you will see the first tunnel. There are 5 tunnels to go through before you reach the bathrooms. That is about 2.5 miles from parking lot. So keep that in mind. This is where I stopped and turned around. But if you continue past the bathroom you will eventually end up at the dam/memorial bridge. I believe the whole hike would be about 8 miles. Overall it was a very nice day. About 65 degrees and sunny. With a slight breeze. Made it a perfect hike.

What a cool find! Went on a trial finder and came across this trail and it was definitely worth it. Its about a 27 minute drive from the city ,its a nice trail for all level of hikers . Flat trail hardly any incline if any but do bring good walking shoes if you finish the trail it leads you all the way to the hoover dam. The tunnels are pretty awesome if you stand still you can hear the little bats which was kind of neat. Lots of nice views good little escape from the city. Definitely will be back ,be prepared and bring water with the warmer weather you'll for sure need it.

Update: trail.is 100% open now! See picture of (ugly) structure the park service added to keep rocks from falling on tourist heads.

This trail follows the route of the railroad that facilitated the construction of Hoover Dam. Included on the trail are a number of tunnels cut through the mountains that lead to the site of the Dam. The Historic Railroad Trail offers some truly stunning vistas of Boulder Basin and Late Mead; it's also a quite a nice hiking venue. The hike is relatively easy and the tunnels are intriguing. Walking along the trail, you'll see the rough rock and the shoring of the portals and tunnels. The trail is surfaced with crushed rocks, so it's not the ideal surface to facilitate the passage of strollers and/or wheelchairs, but both are possible if you're cautious. Tip: Space in the parking lot is fairly limited, so avoid weekends and try to arrive early.

This was a little gem that I didn't know existed. Went with a few friends and it's pretty much a very relaxing walk and talk, along with some nice scenery for pictures and selfies. There are quite a bit of people going about with their dogs and a lot of joggers, as well. Highly suggested if you just want to check it out or just have a little nature time :). The tunnels are very nice and the path is all dirt so definitely wear shoes, and it is quite a lengthy walk. We didn't go too far but doubled back after 2 tunnels. This would also be a good place to check out if you want to take some tourist friends.

This is a nice walk and Great Lake mead views. Definitely worth checking out. Has tons of free parking as well!

Who goes to Vegas to hike? This guy! When I booked my trip to Vegas I knew the ladyfriend and I would need our nature fix at some point. I thought about going to the Western side of the Grand Canyon or Red Rock Canyon but settled on this instead. Boy I'm glad we did. The Historic Railroad Trail is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and goes from the Alan Bible Visitor's Center at Lake Mead to the Hoover Dam. Each way is a 4 mile walk along an old railroad track that I believe was built to bring supplies to the construction of the Hoover Dam. Anywho, the trail leads you through 5 or 6 really cool dynamite blasted tunnels in the mountain. It's a 1 mile walk from the parking lot to the 1st tunnel. The entire walk has the spectacular view that is Lake Mead. There are also a bunch of signs along the walk giving you a little history of the area. We did the hike in December and it was in the 30's when we started. It warmed up to the 50's for the hike back so it was pleasant. There are signs everywhere saying do not hike this in the summer as temps get upwards of 110 degrees. You should probably listen. Also they lock the gates at sundown so unless you want to do some rock climbing don't wait until the end of the day. Instead of driving directly to the Hoover Dam, stop at the Alan Bible Visitor's Center, get a hiking map, park in the lot at the trailhead, then get your walk on. There are plenty of benches to sit and take a break or to just relax and take in the view.

I was a little apprehensive about going on this trail. I'm more used to a challenging hike and reading about this one I see that it is more like a walk than a hike. However, I was quite delighted and surprised at how much I liked this trail. It was beautiful with great views of Lake Mead. The trail itself is well maintained and quite clean. I would definitely recommend running this trail or biking it. There are virtually no hills or grade of any kind. The only time there are grades is when you have to basically leave the trail to get to Hoover dam itself. There are a lot of informational markers for people who are interested in the history of the railroads that led to the dam. Definitely a nice walk on a nice day.

What a great trail! There is a lot to see and do around the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead area, but this trail is a great way to get in some physical activity while taking in the sights of both. The trail head is easy to find with bathrooms and a decently-sized parking lot. This is before the pay station, so there's no fee. The trail is clearly marked and will take you through the rail road tunnels used for trucking in equipment and supplies for Hoover Dam, all the way to the Dam structure- you can turn around at any point or go all the way to the Dam itself or to the bridge and walk across (also no fee). The trail is peppered with informative plaques to get a mini history lesson along the way, and the path itself is flat, making it appropriate for all ages and abilities. The views along the way are stunning and the sheer magnitude of how impressive this structure is cannot be appreciated with a drive-through visit. Note that dogs and bikes are permitted on this trail but not on the Dam.

Railroad Tunnel Trail The Railroad Tunnel Trail is one of our favorites. Almost any skill levels can do this hike. You can access this trail from either the Hoover Dam or the Alan Bible Visitor Center. From the visitor center, the trail leads you through a couple historic tunnels and eventually the Hoover Dam. The tunnels are cool. Seriously, it's cold and dark inside the tunnels. And if you get lucky, you may see a few bats. The views from the trail include Boulder Beach, Lake Mead, and of course, the historic huge dam named after President Hoover. I highly recommend this hike to anyone. It's not too far from Sin City and well worth the trip. TIP: The total distance from the visitor center is about 4 miles or 8 miles round trip. 2017 Hike Review #16 / 2017 Yelp Review #118

We decided to take an easy hike in the Lake Mead area and after some research and a stop at the visitor center, we decided on this trail. First, you can access this trail without entering Lake Mead National Park. You turn off of US 93 south of Boulder City and you can either park in the parking lot or if it's full, the visitor center parking lot a short distance up. This trail is rated as easy and it is wide, with a slight grade to it and it is measured out to be 4.2 miles one way. It is dusty and can get rocky on some spots so your shoes will take on a tan tint before your done. This hike is also pet friendly so we took our two small dogs with us and while on the hike, we saw many families walking with their dogs. The scenery from this path is pretty amazing and you will see Lake Mead from a higher vantage point than if you were to drive down into the park. Along the path there are historical markers and things to read up regarding the history of this trail. The day we went on this hike was when the weather began to get warmer in Las Vegas so this day it was in the low 90's. Good thing we brought lots of water for all of us. At the start of the hike, there is a sign that cautions you to not do this hike during the summer months and I'm sure not many people are anxious to do it during this time. The minus to this path is that there are no large trees and the only shade you have is from the tunnels. The first tunnel is about a mile into the hike and that is where we turned around because it didn't seem like our dogs were enjoying themselves this day. Reaching the tunnel seemed like a major accomplishment! This definitely something to try again, probably in October - December when the weather is not so blistering hot.

This trail was one of the coolest trails I have ever been on! The whole entire hiking trail is a flat surface, making it super easy to walk on, however, depending on where you stop it can be a very long trail! My boyfriend and I spent the entire day hiking the entirety of the trail, to where it ends at the Hoover Dam (which was pretty awesome and unexpected). The trail is wide enough that you don't have to worry about other people because they can easily fit to pass you at their own speed. This trail features the great scenery of Lake Mead, then there are several tunnels for old trains, and then it ends with the scenic views of the Hoover Dam, which you can also walk around and visit for a bit as well! If you do this hike, expect it to be a full day event, and bring plenty of water and snacks to prepare for th journey!

A lakeside trail snaking through 5 historic railroad tunnels towards the Hoover Dam. How cool does that sound?!? This is a very easy trail that you can wander off at a few points as well and make it even more interesting. Going through the historic tunnels is very cool in my opinion but it's the views that speak to my heart. Early mornings and sunsets are best because when the sun hits the lake it creates shadows across the mountains and water that can only be witnessed during these times of the day. It's breathtaking... Fun fact: The railroad ran from Boulder City to Hoover Dam from 1931 - 1961. After you've reached the last tunnel you may continue all the way to the Hoover Dam. It's worth it! Additional notes: Panoramic views of Lake Mead Dog friendly Share the trail with folks riding their bikes Just over 2 miles to 5th tunnel (last one) Just over 7 miles round trip to Hoover Dam Skip this one in the summer as it gets too hot Benches everywhere for rests overlooking the lake Free access and parking

This Hike was incredible, it's a beautiful view, cool historic details throughout the trail and pretty easy as well. There is a slight hill at the start and end of the trail. However it is an easy grade. Around the halfway point there was a restroom and picnic table under shade, which was a nice break spot. I really recommend it. This path is great for strollers, if you have a jogging stroller or really durable stroller it's even better and easier to maneuver. There are tunnels that are fun to bring a flashlight and look around in, we saw bats in the tiny crevices too! Just such a great hike and experience, it's so worth it!

"Tunnel number three smells a lot like pee" - Say that over and over again. This is a great hike for the person looking to dip their toe in the proverbial hiking pool. The elevation changes are very smooth and only happen at the start of the hike. The rest of the trail is just a simple walk with an amazing view of Lake mead, or what's left of it, and some brief history lessons on the Railroad tunnels and the surrounding wildlife. They are five tunnels to walk through with each being about twenty-five feet high and about three hundred feet long. The pictures don't really do the tunnels justice; it's definitely something to see in person. The hike is less than four miles one way and will most likely take you any where from two to three hours round trip depending on who you're with and how often you stop for a photo-op. Get here early to avoid the crowds and kids. There were so many kids and strollers arriving to tunnel number one as we left and I was very happy that we were passing them, the echoes of their screams filled the tunnels and pathways which was enough to make anyone jump off the side of the trail. Whether you call it a hike or easy walk? No matter, this is an a solid spot for some outdoor activities

This was an amazing trail to walk- my little bit struggled a bit but he made it to Tunnel 2 with us- we stayed checking out the caves for a little bit. If you stand in tunnel 2 and are completely silent you can hear the Bats chatting and making noises. We saw 1 flying around inside tunnel 2. The trail is easy to walk some rest benches along the way and great views of lake mead. Great ops for photos and to do lunch if you bring one. Bring a backpack with snacks and water, get there early because it's hot and the sun does beat you down- it was 82 degree when we walked there and back and it really felt like 95-96 degree. So the earlier the better. The trail is easy for littles walkers 3 and over and we even saw a few folks on bikes scooters even electric scooter for handicap folks. It was nice to see everyone out and following the Social Distancing rules even on the trail. Some folks with mask some without. Just people being human and taking a stroll and having a good time. Plenty of parking Free to park. Just make sure you can parallel park if no regular spots are open. The rest room is tuff because it is public and dirty. Empty that blaster before hitting the trail or find a Bush. Plenty on the trail that need water lol. Overall 9/10 a must do for hikers families MTB and just a enjoyable trail to walk. Also last point Stop in Tunnel 2 and listen to the Little bats talking it up. ENJOY!!!