Historic Railroad Trail — Full Route

Walk the old railroad grade used to build Hoover Dam through five giant tunnels above Lake Mead.

Five tunnels punch through the volcanic rock. Each is roughly 25 feet wide, 30 feet high and about 300 feet long. The railroad was built in 1931 to move materials for Hoover Dam construction. Nearly 30 miles of rail once linked the dam, Boulder City and industrial sites.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE

Park in the Historic Railroad Trail lot below the Lake Mead Visitor Center on Lakeshore Road. Pick up the broad hard-packed railroad grade and stay on it as it contours above Boulder Basin. Count all five tunnels before continuing toward the Hoover Dam end of the route, then reverse course and return to the same trailhead. Accessible pit toilets, trash receptacles and a bike-repair station are at the trailhead; drinking water is available at the nearby visitor center.

LOCAL INTEL

Don't turn around after the first dark opening. Count every tunnel—there are five, each roughly 300 feet long.

TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY

shade: No shade for roughly the first 1.5 miles.

FEES & ACCESS

Lake Mead National Recreation Area requires an entrance pass. Current standard pass is $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person entering on foot/bicycle, valid 1–7 days. Qualifying annual/interagency passes may cover admission.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The route is technically year-round, but NPS specifically does not recommend it in summer because of extreme heat and long unshaded sections.