What trail takes you through five massive tunnels, offers sweeping views of Lake Mead, and was once a supply route for one of the greatest engineering feats in American history?
The Historic Railroad Trail in Boulder City, Nevada, might just be one of the most unique and underrated hikes in Southern Nevada. Every time we’re in Las Vegas and find ourselves with a free couple of hours, we make a beeline for this easy, scenic, and history-rich trail. It’s one of our favorite short hikes in the area, and it’s especially magical at sunrise.
A Stunning Sunrise Hike
On a recent visit, we arrived at the trailhead just before dawn. With headlamps lighting the way, we began the gentle uphill climb from the parking area to the old railroad bed. Within ten minutes, the desert sky began to brighten, and we were able to turn off our lights and enjoy the cool, peaceful quiet of the morning.
This trail is as easy as it is rewarding. After the brief initial climb, the path levels out and follows the old railroad grade all the way toward Hoover Dam. It’s a wide, flat route perfect for walkers, bikers, and even those using wheelchairs or strollers. But don’t stow your flashlight too soon, you may need them inside those tunnels carved into the cliffside.
And a History Lesson
And the tunnels are a highlight. There are five in total, each roughly 30 feet high and stretching 300 feet long. Walking through them, you can almost picture the massive freight trains that once rumbled through here, hauling materials to build the Hoover Dam in the 1930s.
The story behind the trail adds another layer of fascination. Originally constructed by a consortium of six major construction companies, the nearly 30-mile railroad line connected Boulder City to the dam site, supplying everything from cement and quarry rock to heavy machinery. The tracks were dismantled in 1962, and in 1992, the old rail bed was transformed into a public trail. A connection to Hoover Dam itself opened in 2007.
Chance to See Wildlife
As we hiked, we paused several times to watch the sunrise over Lake Mead, something we’d highly recommend timing your visit around. The territorial views of Lake Mead and surrounding hills were worth getting out of bed early to see. Starting early also gave us a chance to see several bighorn sheep grazing near the trail, close enough to photograph (from a respectful distance). That was a fun added bonus.
While this trail can get busy later in the day, our early start meant we had most of it to ourselves. It’s a peaceful, flat hike with big payoffs: stunning views, rich history, and the thrill of walking in the footsteps of dam builders and railway workers.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 3.7 miles one way (7.4 miles round trip). It’s an out-and-back trail, so can turn around at any time to fit the distance to your liking.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Location: Near Alan Bible Visitor Center in Boulder City, Nevada
- Best Time to Go: Early morning for cooler temps, fewer crowds, and possible bighorn sheep sightings
- Where to Park: You can park at Lake Mead’s Alan Bible Visitor Center and pick the trail up from there. Or, what we’ve always done, go to the next parking just past the visitor center on Lakeshore Road and park there. Short social trails lead up to the railroad grade from there.
Note: A National Park entrance fee or pass is required to access the trail.
