Flat gravel trail on the 1930s railbed used to build Hoover Dam, passing through five 25-ft-diameter tunnels with views over Lake Mead; continues to the dam's parking garage.
Historic Railroad Trail follows the 1930s railbed that carried materials to the construction site of Hoover Dam, in Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Boulder City, Nevada. The trailhead is on Lakeshore Road near the Lake Mead Visitor Center, about 30 miles (35 to 40 minutes) from the Las Vegas Strip via I-11. Access is by car or rideshare, and the trail can also be joined from the Hoover Dam Lodge. Entry to the recreation area is $25 per vehicle, valid for seven days, and payment is cashless. The round trip to the fifth tunnel is about 3.8 to 4.3 miles (6 to 7 km), with only about 200 feet (60 m) of gain on a graded rail bed, so the hike is easy and takes roughly one and a half to two and a half hours. The surface is wide, flat gravel and packed dirt, and the grade is gentle because it was built for trains. The trail passes through five tunnels, each about 25 feet in diameter, which were cut to fit large equipment and cool a little in summer. Between the tunnels, the route opens to views over Lake Mead, the surrounding desert mountains and the shoreline, where lower water levels have exposed pale bathtub rings on the rock. The trail continues beyond the fifth tunnel to the Hoover Dam parking garage for hikers who want a longer outing. Shade is scarce except inside the tunnels, and no water is available along the way, so 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person should be carried. There is no shelter or refuge hut. Walking shoes and a sun hat are sufficient. Hikers can turn around at any tunnel, with the fifth being the usual goal. Information about conditions is available at nps.gov/lake.
| Distance | About 3.8-4.3 miles (6-7 km) round trip to the fifth tunnel |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trailhead | Car or rideshare, about 30 miles (35-40 minutes) from the Strip via I-11; Lake Mead NRA entry $25 per vehicle (7 days), cashless; trail can also be joined from the Hoover Dam Lodge |
| Best season | October-April |
| Address | Historic Railroad Trailhead, Lakeshore Rd near the Lake Mead Visitor Center, Boulder City, NV 89005 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- 1.5-2 liters of water
- Sun hat
Location
Historic Railroad Trailhead, Lakeshore Rd near the Lake Mead Visitor Center, Boulder City, NV 89005
36.0110, -114.8000 View on map
Highlights
- Five large railroad tunnels, each about 25 feet in diameter
- Wide, flat railbed built in the 1930s for Hoover Dam construction
- Views over Lake Mead and the desert mountains
- Option to continue to the Hoover Dam parking garage
Tips for visiting
- Carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water; the trail has little shade outside the tunnels.
- Start in the morning or late afternoon, since the gravel bed can get hot.
- Park entry is $25 per vehicle for seven days, and payment is cashless.
- Turn around at any tunnel to shorten the hike; the fifth is the usual endpoint.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp if hiking close to dusk, as the tunnels are dim.
When to visit
October to April offers mild weather. Summer is hot, so early morning is best if visiting then.
Accessibility
The wide, nearly flat gravel surface is among the more accessible hikes in the area, and some stretches may suit sturdy strollers or mobility devices. Gravel can be loose, and the trail is not formally rated as accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Historic Railroad Trail?
The round trip to the fifth tunnel is about 3.8 to 4.3 miles (6 to 7 km). It usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
How much does it cost?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges $25 per vehicle for seven days, with cashless payment.
Is the trail steep?
No. It follows a graded rail bed with about 200 feet (60 m) of total gain.
Where does the trail lead?
It passes through five tunnels and continues to the Hoover Dam parking garage.