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Historic Railroad Trail

4.6 (170 reviews)

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March 2917 what a view !
Allen F.

Excellent hiking trail on a cool day! On hot days, you should avoid this place! Enjoy the scenic views and always have plenty of water with you.

View of Lake Mead from the trail
D. Scott D.

What a great spot to access either direction of the trail. Easy to get to. Parking might take a moment to find a spot - but most people seem to simply take in the view and leave. Not many hikers seem to park here. The flat portion of the trail is easy. Getting to it from the parking lot can take moderate exercise as there are many loose rocks and dirt to navigate. The tunnels are refreshingly cool. There are park benches near most entrances and exits if you need a break. Views are nice! A gazebo and restroom are located opposite the tunnel entrance. Be sure to water, and wear appropriate attire!

Cindy W.

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.

Joey V.

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.

Outdoor thermometer
Jacqui C.

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.

Lourdes V.

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.

Vania M.

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.

Zoe C.

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.

Helen T.

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!

Nelson Q.

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

Historic Railroad Trail sign on the east side of the trail, just 1 mile away from Hoover Dam
Jessica P.

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!

Jodi F.

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.

Cinzia S.

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!

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Ask the Community - Historic Railroad Trail

Do they close during summer?

Although I would not be certain, I would not think they would close at any time of year. It is part of the US National Park Service, so I would think you could walk/hike/run the trail year round. There is no entry point/person to stop you from… Read more

Do you have to pay to access the trail?

No, it's free!

Is there. Parking lot?

Yes there is a parking lot

Is the hike wheelchair accessible?

No steps. You go right from the parking lot to trail head. Mostly smooth trail. Weve seen someone with stroller on trail. Don't go on a hot summers day. Take plenty of water and a snack. Parking lot tends to fill up fast. Go earlier. You'll pass… Read more

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Review Highlights - Historic Railroad Trail

Bikes and Dogs are allowed on the trail , however if you choose to go on to Hoover Dam, dogs are not allowed.

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Goldstrike Hot Springs - Forest service helicopter rescue in the gold strike canyon.

Goldstrike Hot Springs

4.8(127 reviews)
1.9 km

What an epic adventure just 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip! This strenuous but incredibly…read morerewarding hike down Gold Strike Canyon delivers massive red rock walls, fun rope-assisted scrambles, and stunning views of the Colorado River. The payoff at the bottom -- soaking in the natural hot springs pools -- is pure bliss after working up a sweat. The trail has some challenging sections with boulders and fixed ropes, so wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and go early to beat the heat. It's about 5-6 miles round trip with roughly 1,000+ ft elevation change, perfect for experienced hikers or adventurous couples looking for something memorable. Highly recommend -- one of the best hidden gems near Vegas. 10/10 would hike (and soak) again!

This hike is not for dogs, and I wouldn't recommend small kids under 10. You have to go up and own…read moreropes, climb a lot of rocks. It is a part of willow beach. So I would recommend maybe meeting at the end of the trail if you HAVE to bring small kids or dogs. You would have to kayak or canoe from willow beach to the end of the trail. At willow beach they do have the equipment available for rent. This hike is long. It took me 4 hours to get to the end and back. There are 7 ropes you will have to go down and climb up to get back. We had to have young men help us up some of the rocks. Boost were needed, and assistance getting down the rocks.

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Goldstrike Hot Springs
Goldstrike Hot Springs - Parking lot to trail head. Free parking!

Parking lot to trail head. Free parking!

Goldstrike Hot Springs

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Desert Adventures - Aaah million dollar view

Desert Adventures

4.4(188 reviews)
7.4 km

My husband and I did the full-day Black Canyon kayak tour with Desert Adventures and I seriously…read morecan't recommend it enough. I grew up in Vegas and have been on this river a ton by boat, and I've also hiked to both Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs. Those hikes are super rewarding but honestly brutal. This experience was completely different in the best way. Being able to get out of the river and be steps away from hot springs was amazing, and the views from the water are hands down the best. We met the team bright and early at 5:30am for launch, and everything was super smooth. They shuttled us, got us fitted for life jackets, handled waivers, and gave a quick safety rundown. Launch timing is strict because of the park service, but they made it feel easy and not stressful at all. Definitely be on time, though, because due to this strict timing, they will leave without you. The kayaks were such a game-changer. They were longer touring kayaks with foot-controlled rudders, dry storage, and actual back support. Super comfortable for me and somehow also worked great for my 6'2" husband (he had a larger boat). Since it was just the two of us, our guide Holmes customized the whole day to our pace. He took us to hidden spots I had never seen before, even as a local, and helped us avoid crowds. We did some hiking, rock scrambling, used ropes at Boy Scout Canyon, and explored hot springs that you can only get to from the river. It felt adventurous but still very safe, and he gave great tips the whole time. He also knew so much about the area. History of the Hoover Dam, plants, wildlife, etc. I learned a ton - even as someone who felt familiar with the area. This is exactly why I'm glad we didn't just rent kayaks. Having a guide made it feel like a next-level experience. We got to relax more while he handled the route and found the best spots. We got lucky with perfect early April weather. No wind, super glassy water, and we could see fish deep in the water. The 12 miles honestly felt way easier than expected, especially with how well Holmes guided us through the current so we could just float and chill a lot of the time. They also packed a great lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. You really just need a sun shirt, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen. They take care of the rest. Even though we leaned a little more adventurous, I could totally see this being doable for beginners, too. You don't need to be super athletic to enjoy it. Pickup and cleanup were easy and seamless. They handled everything while I grabbed a snack and relaxed, which honestly made it feel even more special. This was such a cool experience, and I would 100% do it again. Already recommending it to friends, and I would definitely consider doing the overnight version next time.

Desert Adventures is great! We did a self led excursion…read moredown the Colorado river but used this company to drop us off and pick us up! They provided a large trailer with ample shelves and space to put are gear onto. A safety speech was also given. This company has special authorization to enter the Hoover Dam property and take people down to launch from the entrance of the Hoover Dam. They instructed you to move quickly as there was a time limit for getting everyone/everything Into the water and away from the area. The next day, they were prompt with their pick up and helped us load our gear back onto the trailer. I would definitely use this company again and recommend them to others.

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Desert Adventures - Launch at Hoover Dam

Launch at Hoover Dam

Desert Adventures - On the Colorado River. Our second night of the Bighorn Classic 3-day river trip.

On the Colorado River. Our second night of the Bighorn Classic 3-day river trip.

Desert Adventures - Fun day, fun times!

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Fun day, fun times!

Shoreline Trail - One of the cool rock formations on the hike

Shoreline Trail

4.5(4 reviews)
13.5 km

I hike part of the Shoreline Trail several times each winter when the temperatures permit. The…read moreShoreline Trail stretches from the former Las Vegas Bay boat launch area to the 3 Islands Overlook at 33 Hole about 2 miles south. When I hike this trail, it's because I'm hiking through what's known as White Owl Canyon and after going through some pipes to get to the old road, I return to the car by joining the Shoreline Trail about a mile from the parking area for 33 Hole and the 3 Islands Lookout. Some volunteers have done some nice work over the last couple of years by placing boulders along the trail so one knows where to go. This section has changed over the 7 years or so that I've been hiking the trail. The boulders work now because the level of the lake has fallen so much there's little danger that the trail will be covered by water and the rocks become useless. In fact, it has been very discouraging to watch the level of the lake drop so much that you now have to leave the trail to get to the edge of a stream that was once the lake. It is nice to see the water fowl and it's a pleasant hike when temperatures permit.

YELP 365 CHALLENGE 2014-(313/365) "A Hiking We Will Go! "…read more Any time there's a chance to explore the outdoors, it's an automatic 5 stars for me. Add to that, a bunch of great people and our resident hike expert Norm leading the pack, you got yourself one heck of an excursion! There were 10 of us on this chilly morning and it was my first time inside the Lake Mead Area. The views here are so breathtaking, pictures and reviews don't do any justice...you gotta get out there and experience this yourself! This hike is about 3 miles and involves different elevations, a bit of rock scrambling, going through a few tunnels and a brief time inside owl canyon where we saw great rock formations, and even an owl who was guarding his/her huge nest nearby. there were also tons of clam shells scattered around and old Budweiser and Coors cans from the peel tab era. There also was a random wood frame kinda thing during our hike which made all of us clueless as to why anything was being constructed. After a short walk on the paved road way, we looped around and began the trek back to our cars along the rock formed trail taking in the awesome scenery and a last scramble up the same hill we first went down back to the parking lot. Thanks again Norm for another great hike, and we'll join you on the trail once again for your next hike! ALOHA!!! Shaka Meter: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5

Photos
Shoreline Trail - Inside the Tunnel. Up ahead .... Norm, Terri & Mel

Inside the Tunnel. Up ahead .... Norm, Terri & Mel

Shoreline Trail - Great short hike

Great short hike

Shoreline Trail

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River Mountain Trail

River Mountain Trail

4.8(6 reviews)
5.3 km

We have lectric bikes and boy did we take em out for a Spin!…read moreWe rode the entire 35mile loop. It took us about 5 hours with one of them Being breaks. Even with help this trail is a beautiful beast. Steep hills and a steady gradual I cline in the middle. It sure was beautiful though. Great views. Some nature. Just some chipmunks and lizards mostly.

This is one of the few cycling trails in the extended Las Vegas Valley that allows you to ride for…read moremiles while separated from cars (another is on the west side of the 215 Beltway). It is a 34 mile loop including almost 3,000' of climbing--both long, slow grades (up to Boulder City) and very steep, short hills (The Three Sisters). Road cyclists regularly take advantage of the well-paved path. You will also see pedestrians walking along the way. The path passes the edge of Boulder City at Bootleg Canyon, goes behind Railroad Pass Casino, passes Lake Las Vegas, and enters Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It continues along the main road in the park, then starts the uphill slog just before the park's Visitor's Center. There, it crosses the park road and the path continues up to Boulder City. Accept on part of the climb to Boulder City where the path is in the flood channel, it is in pristine condition with nicely paved asphalt. There are not many water stops which is a problem for summer workouts. You can get water at Bootleg Canyon, the water district (just past Railroad Pass Casino), and two places in the park (including Boulder Beach). Except for the water district and one of the Lake Mead stops, there are bathrooms at each of the water stations. There is also a bathroom on the path by the Visitor's Center. Almost all riders go in a clockwise direction. I prefer this direction because it is really uncomfortable coming down the flood channel at speed. There are lines in the cement that cause little bumps that are both a problem in the nether-regions and they slow you down. A great workout is to do the loop clockwise and then counter-clockwise. If doing this, you may want to do the CCW-Boulder City-to-the-Lake section on the highway instead of in the storm drains. Other than the flood channel, what I don't like about the RMT is its curviness on the lake side. There are some excellent descents and ascents, but there are usually compact turns at the bottoms of the hills so you lose your speed before having to climb the next hill. And, you can't maintain your speed through the curves because many of them drop 100' to the desert floor below. The views are wonderful. You see the lake during a third of the trek and the Las Vegas skyline during another third. Caution: This is a HARD ride and water is not quickly accessible. Carry MUCH MORE water than you think you'll need. I experienced true thirst only once in my life and it was on this path. Also, I've had to stop on more than one occasion to give others desperately needed water.

Photos
River Mountain Trail - Parking lot.

Parking lot.

River Mountain Trail - Boulder City rest area

Boulder City rest area

River Mountain Trail

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Boy Scout Canyon - This is a narrow spot in the hike.

Boy Scout Canyon

4.8(5 reviews)
5.5 km

Boy Scout Canyon can be a 4 or 8 miles round trip depending on the vehicle you have and how far you…read morewant to hike. I've done it both ways and I prefer the shorter version. To get there, drive to Boulder City and continue straight on Nevada Way to Utah Street. Do NOT head for Hoover Dam. Make a right on Utah Street and follow it until it ends at the Boulder City garbage transfer area. Turn right onto a graded road and follow it for less than a mile. You'll see a left turn for a gun range. Turn left here and follow this road for a short time. There is another turn to get to the gun range. DO NOT take that left turn. Continue to the next left and then go down a steep hill that runs along the south side of the gun range. You'll soon enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Inside the fenced area is where you park if you do not have a 4x4. This will make your hike 8 miles round trip. If you do have a 4x4, continue driving down the wash for another two miles. The rocks are sharp in places and close to each other, so drive this with care. At the end of the 2 miles, you'll come to the trailhead--a place that's wired off so vehicles can't go any more. Park here. From here, follow the wash as it heads to the Colorado River. The rock formations are amazing and the views are great! At about 1/3 mile from the trailhead, you come to a 15 foot dry fall that's easy 3rd class. The best side to scramble down is on the left as you're looking down the wash. Take care, but this isn't a hard down climb. As you near the end of your wash, the canyon narrows and soon you come to the end of this part of the hike. The end is a 20 foot dry fall you can only get down using ropes. There are some hooks in the rock above, but I would not recommend you do this. At the bottom of the dry fall is a pool like area in which I've never seen water. Beyond this small pool is a high pour over that's more than a 300 foot drop. Enough said. You don't need to explore down there! The next part of the hike entails retracing your steps about 3/10 of a mile. Look to your left as you're hiking back and you'll see a use trail leave the wash and go up a hill. Follow this trail which has some ups and downs and eventually it will lead you to a magnificent view of the Colorado and the Black Canyon Wilderness area. This is a good place to have a snack and take photos. When you're done, go back to the wash and head back to your car. This is a great hike with lots of pretty vistas. Wear hiking boots and take water. A Camelbak is best! Happy hiking!

I did a little UYE hiking action with Norm K and August C last weekend. I won't reiterate all of…read morethe useful information that Norm has already listed. If you need directions to the trailhead, I refer you to his excellent review. I found this hike to be pretty easy. There is one scramble down (and back up) a 15-foot spillover in the wash. Other than that, it's a very gradual descent toward the Colorado. You don't actually make it all the way to the river on this hike. There is a 25-foot dry fall that basically serves as the end of this out-and-back hike. Even if you decide to brave that drop, Norm says there is a 300-foot drop waiting for you just moments ahead of that. Instead of pressing downward, we backtracked and found our way up to a ridge where we had a great view of the river and the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. All told, we hiked about four miles. Of course, the hike could have been longer if we didn't drive the two miles down the wash until the point where they prohibit vehicles. That's probably the one thing that would prevent me from doing this hike again. Most of the "road" is fine, but there may be parts where having a 4x4 is recommended. I probably won't ever do this hike again, but it was an enjoyable morning and I'm grateful that I can cross it off my (nonexistent) list.

Photos
Boy Scout Canyon - The wash narrows as your near the first 20 foot dry fall and it's quite pretty!

The wash narrows as your near the first 20 foot dry fall and it's quite pretty!

Boy Scout Canyon - This is Boy Scout Canyon.  That's about 500 feet down.

This is Boy Scout Canyon. That's about 500 feet down.

Boy Scout Canyon - The Colorado from the side trail overlook.

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The Colorado from the side trail overlook.

Historic Railroad Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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