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 Reporter |
Summary: Railroad tunnel trail is a small portion of the 30 mile long River Mtns trail system. A haven for mountain bikers is Bootleg Canyon, west of this tunnel trail -- a dream come true within a protected big horn sheep area, with views of the lake, valleys & peaks. This tunnel trail follows the elevated RR bed used to haul supplies used in construction of Hoover Dam 1931 - 1935. The tracks continued in use until 1961, dismantled in 1962, and added to Natl Register of Historic Places in 1984. Since converted to bicycle/hiking trail (no horses on this portion), it is a easy, level, wide gravel walk for tourists and beginners; hiking under 5 tunnels, which are each 300' long and 25' in diameter. The 5th tunnel was opened in 2001, and this trail will eventually go all the way to Hoover Dam. End of trail is located directly under the Lakeview Point scenic overlook (reached by Hwy 93, W of dam), just before the security checkpoint and maintenance yard. Dry & Hot ! Trailhead: Hike is located at Lake Mead, SE of the entry to Boulder Beach, between visitor's center & Hoover Dam. Reach the trailhead parking from the Las Vegas strip (Tropicana & LV Blvd.), I-15 S to 215 (southern beltway) heading E to Boulder City. Continue as the 215 joins the 93 & follow signs to Hoover Dam. Turn off for trailhead pkg is about 7 miles after you pass Railroad Pass Casino. Turn L towards the lake and park in paved parking on the R side BEFORE the park entry/fee gate. Driving from Henderson, take Lake Mead DRIVE to Lakeshore Road towards Boulder Beach. From North Las Vegas, take Lake Mead ROAD E (hwy 147), turn R at the stop sign just past the entry/fee gate. Continue S on Northshore Road until it turns L at Lakeshore Road to Boulder Beach. From Arizona, take 93 west and past Hoover Dam, turning R at Lake Mead entry. Closest motels/casinos are the Hacienda (2 mi) or Railroad Pass Casino (8 mi). If hiking in summer, be off the trail by 9 a.m. !! (Lat:36.01142 Lon:-114.7949) Trail Guides for Railroad Tunnel Trail: Lake Mead free map and Desert Lake View brochure by National Park Service (Lake Mead National Rec Area) River Mountains Loop Trail free map and brochure by River Mtns Trail Partnership (River Mountains Trail Partnership) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Lake Mead NRA (702) 293-8907, emerg (702) 293-8932 or (800) 680-5851 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jeff on 4/26/2007 Beautiful views of Lake Mead, very flat, trail very well maintained. Tunnels are interesting as well. Saw several desert ground squirrels (look like chipmunks), a jackrabbit, and several lizards. Great hike for families as it is flat enough and well maintained. I was on the trail from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM (temp > 90*F) and went through over 3 liters of water. THE CLIMATE IS VERY DRY - BRING PLENTY OF WATER AND DRINK IT!!!
Reviewed by Rohana on 12/7/2006 Level and easy hike, but still interesting and a bit of exercise. Good for kids, family, and those new to hiking. I had knee surgery last year, and my joints are still a bit sore. The length of the hike seems more than 4.4 miles... but that could just be that I am out of shape! Lovely views of Lake Mead - especially at sunset.
Reviewed by RobW on 6/24/2006 This is a pleasent hike for a short afternoon, with almost no grade. Several of the tunnels are now coated with shotcrete due to fires and vandalism, however they are still home to numerous bats! On the downside, the trail will not be extended to Hoover Dam due to post 9/11 security concerns (whatever they may be). As of now (2006) the trail ends after the 5th tunnel with a gate and barbed wire fence. 
Reviewed by RMH on 8/9/2005 Hiked this trail, but would prefer to ride horseback. Unfortunately the Feds, and everyone else, are becoming horse-haters.
Reviewed by David S on 7/21/2005 This hike is perfect for an after work hike on the South-east side of town. Did this hike leaving the strip at 6:15ish and was at the trailhead by 7:00. This was also a perfect trail to go if not looking for a hike, rather a walk as this is as flat as they come and short. But it was neat to see the inside of the tunnels that were quickly made for the dam construction. Also the sunsetting on the red rocks of the tunnels and the shores of the lake makes for some great photos. Was able to do the whole hike and ended up at the car just as the last bit of daylight was ending. While I don't think it merits 4 stars
Reviewed by Edward on 10/22/2003 Unfortunatly there is now a fence preventing hikers from enjoying the view (10/22/03). After the 5th tunnel a fence with barbed wire was erected (for security concerns??)and we had to turn around.
Reviewed by Carol on 9/18/2003 Scenic, easy walk and the tunnels give you a break from the sun and heat. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||