Historic Railroad Trailhead Parking Lot

Overview

This lower parking lot on Lakeshore Road—just below the Alan Bible Visitor Center—is the best jump‑off point for the Historic Railroad Trail. Park, check the kiosk, and in a minute you’re on the wide, gently graded rail bed heading toward Hoover Dam and big Lake Mead views. A park entrance pass is required.

What You’ll Find at the Lot

• Paved parking, an information kiosk, and a vault toilet.
• No water at the lot; fill up at the visitor center when open or use the water stations along the trail toward Hoover Dam.
• Short dirt connectors lead to the hard‑packed gravel trail. Dogs are allowed on leash.
• The lot also ties into the paved River Mountains Loop Trail if you’re biking or looking to extend your outing.

Why Start Here

This is the easiest, least‑steep access to the rail grade—much better than parking up at the visitor center. From here, the route is nearly flat with broad desert‑and‑lake panoramas and five oversized tunnels carved for the trains that ferried materials to build Hoover Dam. The line was built for dam construction, the tracks were removed in 1962, the corridor opened as a public trail in 1992, and a connection to the dam opened in 2007.

On‑Trail Snapshot (from this lot)

• About 3.7 miles one way to the end of the Historic Railroad Trail (more if you continue to the dam).
• Five tunnels, roughly 25–30 feet high and ~300 feet long.
• Hard‑packed gravel surface; mostly level; suited to walking, jogging, and biking.
• Benches, interpretive signs, and a couple of picnic spots appear along the way.
• Near the dam, bike access is restricted; racks are provided so you can continue on foot. Security gates toward the dam can be closed at times.

Best Time to Visit

Start at sunrise year‑round for cooler temps, softer light, and calmer crowds. There’s very little shade outside the tunnels and the area bakes—especially May through September—so plan early or go in the cooler months. The trail is open during daylight hours only, so set a turnaround time if you’re pushing for the dam.

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheep are occasionally spotted along the route, especially early in the morning. Enjoy the sighting from a distance and keep food secured.

Need‑to‑Know

• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes; the surface is gravel.
• Additional restrooms are at the visitor center (when open) and near Hoover Dam.
• If facilities are critical to your plans, check day‑of conditions—restrooms have been locked during special circumstances in the past.
• Pets must be leashed, and hot surfaces can be tough on paws.