If you’re looking for an escape that combines desert scenery with incredible engineering history, there’s a one-of-a-kind trail in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail offers a unique hike through 5 abandoned railway tunnels. These were originally carved out of the mountains in 1931!
Today, this path allows visitors to walk or bike along the exact route used to build one of America’s most famous landmarks.
A look back in time
The history of this trail is as monumental as the tunnels themselves. In 1931, the federal government partnered with a consortium of major western construction firms to build nearly 30 miles of railroad. This massive infrastructure project connected Boulder City and Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam construction site.
Trains ran on these tracks 24 hours a day, hauling cement, gravel, and heavy equipment to keep the dam’s building schedule on track. The tracks were eventually dismantled in 1962, and the route was officially established as a public recreational trail in 1992. By 2007, the path was fully opened to allow visitors to hike all the way to the Hoover Dam.
What to expect on the historic trail
This historic path is 3.7 miles one-way (7.4 miles round-trip) and features incredible panoramic views of Lake Mead. Along the way, you can see:
- The 5 tunnels: Each tunnel is incredibly spacious, measuring approximately 25 feet wide, 30 feet high, and 300 feet long.
- Original 1930s engineering: As you walk through Tunnel #1, look up to see the original vertical supports and horizontal planks. These were installed to prevent falling rocks from blocking the tracks and delaying the 24-hour dam construction schedule. (Tunnels #2 and #5 were damaged by fires in 1978 and 1990).
- The “bone yard”: Closer to the dam, the trail passes by archeological remnants of the original heavy equipment that the trains brought in to build the structure almost a century ago.
So, whether you’re into history, hiking, or just looking for one of Nevada’s most unique trail experiences, the Historic Railroad Trail offers a literal walk through the past. Just keep in mind that this hike is better done during colder months – it can get veeeery hot during the summer.
