Historic Railroad Trail, Las Vegas: Address, Phone Number, Historic Railroad Trail Reviews: 4.5/5
Historic Railroad Trail
Historic Railroad Trail
4.5
About
Areas of this trail were used in the movie "The Gauntlet."
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20 within 6 miles

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
186 reviews
Excellent
131
Very good
45
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
0
northernk
Phoenix, AZ10,616 contributions
So i started the trail from the Hoover Dam Lodge where i stayed. The trail down and up from the Railroad trail is a bit steep but once you traverse this short piece of trail real estate the rest of your journey is reasonably flat and once at the Hoover Dam you can choose stairs or an elevator down to the dam level and come out at the gift shop snack area below the Dam parking lot. The trail itself is wonderful the five tunnels are fascinating and make anyone's pictures look good lol I did not see any bats on this day nor thankfully rattlesnakes as other reviewers have mentioned but then temperatures had gotten a bit cooler by early November as well so maybe less reason for them to be hanging out in the tunnels during the day. In any case the tunnels make the first part (which will also be your last part) of the round trip go fast. The trail from where the Dam area technically begins is not part of the railroad trail and has a couple options at one point one of which claims to be a "shortcut" but is really not much difference in time to walk. Also keep an eye out for the offshoot to walk over to and up on the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge.... super windy up there as it was in morning on other parts of the trail so make sure you got a hat that stays on or don't wear it lol But the bridge walk has some cool views as well. Overall a great walk i think was at least 10 miles overall but not bad.
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maria C
Madison, WI12 contributions
Couples
We are moderately fit and we did this 8-mile round trip in 3 hours. It was a beautiful trail and at the end you get to Hoover Sam. You can go down the stairs to explore the dam more closely. We have done that in the past so we chose not to today. There is a bathroom at 2.5-mile marker and at the end of the trail. You can see Lake Mead often as you hike on this trail. You need to be back at the 2.5-mile marker before dusk because the gate to the trail closes. It is worth the nice hike, some steep areas on the route back but not bad at all.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bainfamily1
Las Vegas, NV207 contributions
Friends
Hiking is new to us, and this trail is perfect for beginners. We are locals, but it is located about 35 minutes from the strip. There is plenty of parking, both in the lower lot , and at the Visitor Center. It is easy to get to and well marked. There were a variety of people enjoying the trail including couples, families and even Cub Scout groups.
We have gone both during the week and on the weekend. There is a trail that takes you approximately 2.5 miles through the tunnels . If you are up to it, you can go an additional 2 miles a day end up at the Hoover Dam. There are clean bathroom facilities at the start, midway through and at Hoover Dam. Bikes and Dogs are allowed on the trail , however if you choose to go on to Hoover Dam, dogs are not allowed. And you will need to park and lock your bike before descending down to the Dam area, but there are bike racks. There are also plenty of benches along the way to sit and just enjoy the scenery overlooking Lake Mead.
This is a great place to go to just enjoy the great outdoors that Nevada has to offer.
We have gone both during the week and on the weekend. There is a trail that takes you approximately 2.5 miles through the tunnels . If you are up to it, you can go an additional 2 miles a day end up at the Hoover Dam. There are clean bathroom facilities at the start, midway through and at Hoover Dam. Bikes and Dogs are allowed on the trail , however if you choose to go on to Hoover Dam, dogs are not allowed. And you will need to park and lock your bike before descending down to the Dam area, but there are bike racks. There are also plenty of benches along the way to sit and just enjoy the scenery overlooking Lake Mead.
This is a great place to go to just enjoy the great outdoors that Nevada has to offer.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rum connoisseur 76’
Honolulu, HI611 contributions
Solo
Historical railroad trail let’s you get away from the hustle of Vegas and offers a great trek to hike, bike or walk with amazing views and landscapes. The hike is super easy, more of a walking path opposed to a hiking trail but offers a good distance with plenty of historical markers, observation areas and benches to stop at and take in all the natural beauty of Lake Mead! This is definitely family friendly and a great spot to bike. Highly recommend it for a short day trip, running path or just an excuse to get off “the strip” for a bit. Lots of photo opportunities as well. Very close to Hoover Dam!
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin S
Cranford, NJ1,530 contributions
This 8 mile trail is a moderate to easy one. It has excellent scenery overall and a constant view of Lake Mead.
You can complete the hike in 3+ hours; with pictures and conversations with your group, can take up to 4 hours.
Totally enjoyed the time here. Also it’s a short drive to Boulder City so you can treat yourself to a meal afterwards at any one of the many restaurants.
You can complete the hike in 3+ hours; with pictures and conversations with your group, can take up to 4 hours.
Totally enjoyed the time here. Also it’s a short drive to Boulder City so you can treat yourself to a meal afterwards at any one of the many restaurants.
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NorthCarolina621
Mebane, NC199 contributions
This is a great hike for those who do not like hills. Mostly flat (it follows the RXR) and you walk through the original tunnels (although a lot work has been completed to restore them).
Excellent views of the Hemenway Harbor of Lake Mead and you can walk to the dam. Parking is free at visitor center, but it can get crowded. The trail is closed during the summer months because of heat.
Excellent views of the Hemenway Harbor of Lake Mead and you can walk to the dam. Parking is free at visitor center, but it can get crowded. The trail is closed during the summer months because of heat.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas Sims
Las Vegas, NV336 contributions
Friends
We did this walk at sunset. I enjoyed this much better than a late morning/early afternoon walk. The sunset colors looked great with Lake Mead in the background. Bring a flashlight if you go at sunset as well as it gets dark in the 5 tunnels. Plus, you can use it to see bats. We saw a couple flying around. Most were out feeding. The trail is pretty smooth. It’s an in-and-out trail. We parked at the Hoover Dam Lodge as there is a trailhead there. They have clean restrooms and places to eat after your walk. It’s a huge parking lot.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tara
USA6 contributions
We went in the late fall and the weather varied between perfect and very cool (in the shadier parts). It's interesting to see the old railroad tunnels but there aren't any tracks left. If you keep hiking you can go all the way to Hoover Dam, which we did. Great views of Lake Mead and plenty of benches to sit and relax along the way.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert2014
Caldwell, NJ234 contributions
We "hiked" this trail. Not much of a hike in terms of effort. No real elevation gain, and the trail for the most part was just a smooth gravel path. It was 3.7 miles each way from the trailhead, which is a parking lot near the Alan Bible National Park Visitor Center. The trail ends at the Hoover Dam. Round trip was about 4 hours, including about a 1/2 hour stop at the Dam. Very relaxing.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LIGirl1
New York64 contributions
Couples
Great hike for beginners or families. It has only a slight incline, and it’s not too long. Once you make it to the first tunnel, you’ll see the hard work involved in carving these tunnels out of the mountain. The rest of the tunnels are in close proximity, and you won’t want to stop without seeing them all. We went on a coolish day (about 75 degrees), and it was perfect. The view of the lake is spectacular, and the path is well maintained. Great way to spend some time away from the strip!
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Looking for place to hike with an extended family ranging in ages 16 months to 56 y/o. Will be in Vegas later half of July. I'm concerned about the heat....
Christina B
Louisiana2,488 contributions
This trail was great and easy. The Tunnels were interesting and the view of Lake Mead along part of it was nice. I will say were walked it in Aug and it was 100 degrees. Although it wasn’t really too bad going. The only shade is the tunnels themselves which are only about 100 feet or so long. After the first couple its pretty much the same so you really don’t need to walk the whole thing, although we did walk all the way to Hoover Dam and back. IF you only walk part of it up until the 2nd or 3rd tunnel it would only be about 3 miles round trip. Just a little up hill in the beginning but nothing strenuous. If you go all the way to Hoover Dam there are a few more strenuous areas coming back. Don’t count on an Uber or Lyft at HD. It was our intention to take one back to the car. None responded to us so after 1/2 hour cool off we hiked back. Bring water where ever you go. Use Sunscreen too.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park over in Red Rock has some great areas as well. We took a moonlight hike let by guide there. It was great. Look on the State Park link itself for info. Red Rock area itself has some great areas to hike.
Check out Mount Charleston as well. It’s a nice drive with some stop offs as well. Pretty areas when you get out of LV city area itself.
The Valley of Fire is awesome and lots of places that all ages can enjoy. It’s just north of LV about an hour. None of the hikes/walks are overly long. Most are easy to moderate. I’m 58 and had no issues with any of the things I’ve suggestion. My son and GF went to Valley of Fire this past year and LOVED it. They are 28. Cool Petroglyphs, along with the beautiful red waves, some walks are on sand. Lots of areas the kids can climb up on if they choose, especially for photos. Big rocks and stuff. Get a map when you enter. It will give you info on all stopping point and info about each. I think it was $10 to enter at the gate and get the free map there. It has some beautiful scenery and its a great day out.
If you can Look back in my reviews you can see photos and probably more info. The things I mention we did in Aug. of 2018.
Reviews not organized like they used to be since TA updated their site.
Have a great trip. IF you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon the drive there isn’t bad. A few hours. Hoover Dam is great along with a boat ride down the Colorado. We’ve done those too in the past. I’m not the biggest fan of the casinos, so every time we’ve been there we see things outside of LV when there for a show.
Jenigal
Dallas, TX6 contributions
Is there a fee to get into the Historic Railroad Trail?
JulieH2408
Kingsbridge, UK7 contributions
No it’s free. There is a small car park at the entrance which is also free.
As others have suggested, try to go earlier in the day as gets very hot.
mattrsunset
New York City, NY30 contributions
W'd like to walk the trail early April 2019. What temperature to expect? How long should leisurely hike take from trailhead to Hoover Dam? If we wish to access Hoover Dam, will there be issues carrying backpacks, water, etc.?
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,872 contributions
I agree with TravelinLady- the weather is unpredictable that time of year so be prepared for a variety of conditions. We walked most of the trail and it is not very difficult or strenuous so you should be able to make good time, but you will want to take photos. Visitors are required to go through security screening. The website says small backpacks are permitted.
We are looking to bike the trail. Is there bicycle rental nearby?
AdventuringAF
Regina, Canada282 contributions
Yes! You can rent bikes at All Mountain Cyclery in Boulder City. I believe that they even provide pick up or drop off at the visitors centre which is close to the start of the trail. Definitely contact them to ask. Have fun!
John D
Charlotte130 contributions
Are there any tours that will take you through the tunnels? I have difficulty walking Thank you.
kenracine
Racine, WI146 contributions
I did not see any tour groups walking the trail. I never saw any advertised either. Bicycling would be fine, but there is no place close to rent bikes, except probably in a nearby city. There is free parking at the beginning of the trail. It is just below the visitors center on the road going to the Hoover Dam.
Hi just wondering if there is free parking near by?
Rob A
Toronto, Canada350 contributions
Yes there is free parking available at the Park information center and also at Hoover Dam.
Jay W
Almena, KS138 contributions
how far of a walk is it to the first few tunnels?
jameseZ1331GO
Las Vegas, NV5 contributions
For a casual hike with intensely beautiful views of Lake Mead, this ranks as one of the best.
Go to the National Park page on the Railroad Tunnel Trail (google search).
Good luck and take plenty of water and a snack, as it is a "Round Trip" from whichever end you start, unless you have a car parked at each end.
If you start at the Lake Mead side early enough, you can end up at the Hoover Dam and tour it before heading back. That would make quite a day, then end it up by driving to the new bypass bridge (Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge)
Good luck and have fun. These are three winners and will provide a full day of exercise and spectacular views and lasting memories of the West.
beaugeste2014
Las Vegas, NV
What is breakfast like here? Do they have wi-fi?
Craig M
Mishwaka, IN7 contributions
The trail is just that a trail, the only eating area is once you reach the Hoover Dam site. The trail is a fairly level path of a section once used by the railroad to get building material to the dam site during construction. There are no actual stop area for refreshments, water, etc. Wi-Fi? I'm sorry I can't answer that, if there is, it would be at the visitor center area at the dam site.
Frequently Asked Questions about Historic Railroad Trail
- Hotels near Historic Railroad Trail:
- (0.70 mi) Hoover Dam Lodge
- (4.37 mi) Boulder Dam Hotel
- (4.67 mi) Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel
- (4.74 mi) Sands Motel
- (1.73 mi) Lake Mead RV Village
- Restaurants near Historic Railroad Trail:
- (0.74 mi) The Big Horn Cafe
- (0.55 mi) Lake Mead Marina
- (0.67 mi) The Boat House
- (4.81 mi) Fox Smokehouse BBQ
- (4.44 mi) Coffee Cup Cafe