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All the United States Nevada Boulder City Historic Railroad Hiking Trail
AO Edited

Historic Railroad Hiking Trail

An old railroad grade built for the construction of Hoover Dam is now a recreational trail featuring several tunnels and sweeping views of Lake Mead.

Boulder City, Nevada

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slgwv
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Near the beginning of the trail, heading out.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
The tunnels are big.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Another tunnel.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Dropping toward the dam.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Looking out.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
A coyote off the trail, on the return.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Lake Mead from the trail. Fortification Hill is the basalt mesa on the skyline to the right.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Lake Mead from the trail.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
June 2023   brendonstinson / Atlas Obscura User
  AbortionCrib / Atlas Obscura User
Scenic overlook at trailhead   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
Proceed with caution, gate is chained at sunset   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
Cactus bloom along the trail during spring   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
Cactus bloom along the trail during spring   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
Timbered tunnel is a haven for Mexican free-tail bats   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
Scenic overlook at trailhead with Hemenway harbor in the distance   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
Scenic overlook at trailhead   TheColorDana / Atlas Obscura User
trail marker   Avoiding Regret
Lake Mead Marina at Hemenway Harbor. Looking northwest; Saddle Island and the old intake for Las Vegas in the distance.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
  lritchie1124 / Atlas Obscura User
The first tunnel.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
trail   Avoiding Regret
Tunnel near Lake Mead   droopydogajna / Atlas Obscura User
Tunnel opening, with a view of the lake   Avoiding Regret
  slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Lake Mead from the trail. The prominent point between the camera and Fortification Hill is Promontory Point.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
A tunnel.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Hoover Dam, of course, is a famous technological megaproject from the 1930s, spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona.  At the time, the railroad was the only practical transportation technology for such a large project, so a dedicated rail line was constructed to the dam site.

The upper rail line, which ran nearly to the top of the dam, got some desultory use after the dam's completion, but the tracks were torn up after the last generator was installed in 1961. For decades, the old right-of-way just sat, blocked off with fences and "No Trespassing" signs.

However, it has since been repurposed as a recreational trail. The trail offers expansive views of Lake Mead and traverses several tunnels, and ends at the Visitor Center on the Nevada side. The trail is also open to bicycles and leashed dogs.

Related Tags

Trails Nature Railroads Dams

Know Before You Go

The trailhead is just beyond the Lake Mead Visitor Center, which is off US Business 93 on Lakeshore Road, near the entrance to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Important: Security is much tighter beyond the last tunnel (#5), as you get near the dam. Take the "Stay on Trail" signs seriously. The gate beyond this tunnel is also locked at sunset.

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slgwv

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lisahaubergine, Avoiding Regret, droopydogajna, TheColorDana...

  • lisahaubergine
  • Avoiding Regret
  • droopydogajna
  • TheColorDana
  • AbortionCrib
  • brendonstinson
  • lritchie1124

Published

July 6, 2021

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  • https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/hikerr.htm
Historic Railroad Hiking Trail
River Mountains Loop Trail
Boulder City, Nevada, 89005
United States
36.01186, -114.793224
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Hemenway Park

Boulder City, Nevada

miles away

Hoover Dam Old Exhibit Building

Boulder City, Nevada

miles away

Black Canyon National Water Trail

Boulder City, Nevada

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Boulder City

Boulder City

Nevada

Places 8

Nearby Places

Hemenway Park

Boulder City, Nevada

miles away

Hoover Dam Old Exhibit Building

Boulder City, Nevada

miles away

Black Canyon National Water Trail

Boulder City, Nevada

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Boulder City

Boulder City

Nevada

Places 8

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