Historic Railroad Trail

This is a mostly level, 7.5-mile out-and-back on the old construction railbed from the Historic Railroad Trailhead below Lake Mead Visitor Center to a garage near Hoover Dam. The mapped corridor is 3.7 miles each way; turn around at the Bureau of Reclamation garage and return the same way. Five tunnels and open lake views reward the long walk. Allow about three hours, and closer to four if you stop at signs and overlooks. A shorter tunnel-only option turns back just beyond tunnel five and is commonly described as 4.4 miles round trip; that partial outing is not the full route.

Start at the lot below the visitor center. A short concrete path heads toward the center, then a dirt track branches left to the old railroad grade. The early stretch crosses colorful volcanic ash and opens to Lake Mead and Boulder Basin. A steep spur from Hoover Dam Lodge joins near the start; stay on the broad railbed for the full route. Bicycles share the trail.

The five broad tunnels, each about 25 feet wide, cut through volcanic ridges. Near the first, look through its dark opening toward the second; the shaded black rock nearby carries green lichen. Two tunnels have protective containers with short ramps against occasional small rockfall. Tunnel five is longer and bends, hiding its far opening from the entrance. Frame the second tunnel through the first for a route-specific photo.

Benches and interpretive signs break up the grade, with views over the marinas, Lake Mead, and Boulder Basin. Lakeview Scenic Overlook sits above tunnel five, but no path connects it to the trail. Don't scramble up the cliff; reach the overlook separately by road.

Past the final tunnel, a gate leads to a Bureau of Reclamation rest area with shade and a toilet. The trail continues around a highway maintenance yard and down to the garage near Hoover Dam. This extension has fewer lake views, but completes the official 3.7-mile line; turn around at the garage and return to Lakeshore Road. It does not include crossing the memorial bridge.

In 1931, Six Companies built a nearly 30-mile railroad to move gravel, cement, and equipment to Hoover Dam. Tracks were dismantled in 1962. The park established the multi-use trail in 1992 and connected it to the dam in 2007, so today's walk follows the construction route.

The surface is level, hard-packed fine gravel, which the park describes as navigable by wheelchairs. Still, 7.5 miles is a commitment. The final approach drops toward the garage, so you regain that elevation on the return. Exposed edges and cyclists make it worth staying alert.

The trailhead lot is on Lakeshore Road below the visitor center, with accessible pit toilets and a bicycle repair station. Water is at the nearby visitor center, not along the railbed; fill up first. Dogs may come on a leash no longer than six feet. The park's trail page lists a fee area, while some local directions say the lot is outside it. Check current access rules before assuming it is free.