Historic Railroad Hiking Trail – Boulder City, Nevada - Atlas Obscura

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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. 

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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.

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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