Historic Railroad Trail
Hike through 5 historic railroad tunnels with stunning Lake Mead views, ending at the iconic Hoover Dam.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Historic Railroad Trail
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through 5 historic railroad tunnels with stunning Lake Mead views, ending at the iconic Hoover Dam.
"One of the most interesting and must-do hikes in Nevada!"
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water, especially in warmer months. Dehydration is a real risk.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The trail is very exposed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Railroad Tunnels
Along the trail
Walk through five massive, cool tunnels carved into the rock, remnants of a bygone era.
Lake Mead Vistas
Along the trail
Enjoy stunning, expansive views of the shimmering blue waters of Lake Mead.
Hoover Dam Endpoint
End of the trail
Reach the iconic Hoover Dam, offering impressive engineering and panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Tunnel Trek Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water, especially in warmer months. Dehydration is a real risk.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The trail is very exposed.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for the sandy and sometimes uneven terrain.
🚴 Watch for Cyclists
The trail is popular with bikers; be aware of fast-moving cyclists.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water, especially in warmer months. Dehydration is a real risk.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The trail is very exposed.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for the sandy and sometimes uneven terrain.
🚴 Watch for Cyclists
The trail is popular with bikers; be aware of fast-moving cyclists.
📸 Tunnel Photo Ops
The tunnels offer unique photo opportunities and cooler temperatures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of hiking through historic tunnels with stunning views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. While the trail is well-maintained and accessible, many warn about the intense desert heat and lack of shade, emphasizing the need for ample water and sun protection. Some mention sandy conditions and fast-moving cyclists.
"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!"
Yunfei Bai (内华达老白)
"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!"
Amy Kammerman
"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."
Dawn Mcgrew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historic Railroad Trail is about a 30-40 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. You can drive to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center or the Hoover Dam parking garage, which serve as trailheads.
Yes, there is parking available at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center and at the Hoover Dam parking structure. The Hoover Dam parking garage has an entrance on the 5th floor for the trail.
Public transportation options directly to the trailhead are very limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the Historic Railroad Trail.
Yes, the Historic Railroad Trail is generally considered dog-friendly, but always check current park regulations and ensure your dog is leashed.
Many visitors start at the Lake Mead Visitor Center and hike towards the Hoover Dam, or vice versa. Starting at the Lake Mead side offers a slightly gentler incline towards the dam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, access to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where the trail is located, typically requires an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the official NPS website for current fees.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area has specific operating hours, and the Hoover Dam area is also accessible during certain times.
Yes, the Historic Railroad Trail is a popular route for biking. It's a wide, relatively flat path suitable for cycling.
The trail is wide and mostly flat, making it manageable for sturdy strollers, though it can be sandy in places.
Restroom facilities are available at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center and near the Hoover Dam. There are no facilities directly on the trail itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The round trip is approximately 7.4 miles (12 km) and can take around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the Hoover Dam.
The trail is wide, flat, and mostly covered in sand or gravel. It was originally a railroad bed, so it's quite smooth but can be sandy.
The only significant shade comes from the five historic tunnels. The rest of the trail is very exposed to the sun.
You might spot desert wildlife such as lizards, birds, and occasionally bighorn sheep.
The trail follows a former railroad line built in the 1930s to transport materials for the construction of the Hoover Dam. The tracks were removed in 1965.
📸 📸 Photography
The tunnels themselves offer dramatic, moody shots. The expansive views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam also provide stunning photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnels. Be mindful of other hikers and cyclists, and use your phone's flashlight or a small headlamp to illuminate details.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and tunnel interiors. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light shots inside the tunnels.
Look out for the small pebble statues that some visitors have created near the fifth tunnel – a fun, quirky photo op!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack extra water and snacks, and ensure everyone has sun protection. The tunnels offer a cool break, but the exposed sections can get very hot. Starting early in the morning is crucial to keep little ones comfortable. The views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam can also be educational and exciting for kids.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Your main expenses will be transportation to the site and water/snacks. The hike itself is free once you're inside the park. It offers stunning scenery and historical insights without the high cost of many Las Vegas attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The expansive vistas of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam provide opportunities for breathtaking landscape photography. The best light for these shots is typically during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. Keep an eye out for wildlife and the quirky pebble art near the fifth tunnel for some unexpected photographic subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Tunnels and History
+1The most striking features of the trail are the five historic railroad tunnels that were blasted through the rock. These tunnels, some quite long, provided crucial shelter and passage for the trains. Today, they offer hikers a unique and often cooler experience, a welcome respite from the desert sun. The remnants of this past infrastructure serve as a constant reminder of the immense effort involved in building one of the nation's most iconic landmarks.
Walking through these tunnels, you can almost hear the echoes of the past – the rumble of trains, the shouts of workers. It’s a tangible connection to a bygone era, making the hike both physically engaging and historically enriching. The trail was officially established after the tracks were removed in 1965, transforming this industrial artery into a recreational pathway.
Navigating the Trail: Tips for a Smooth Hike
Sun protection is paramount. The trail is almost entirely exposed, with the tunnels offering the only significant shade. Visitors should wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Carrying plenty of water is non-negotiable; the desert heat can be intense, and dehydration is a serious risk. Many reviewers emphasize bringing more water than you think you'll need.
Be aware that the trail is shared with cyclists, some of whom may be moving at a fast pace. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and yield to faster traffic. While the trail is generally peaceful, the presence of cyclists adds another element to consider for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit