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It’s not difficult to get a stunning view of Lake Mead in Nevada and see a piece of history close-up thanks to the Historic Railroad Trail. Formerly a part of the Hoover Dam Railroad, it was repurposed into a walking trail decades ago and is now one of the most popular ways to see Lake Mead up close. It also takes guests directly to the Hoover Dam and explains the historical significance of the area along the way.

It's best for visitors to do their research ahead of time to know what to expect from this historic trail. Knowing weather conditions and how accessible the trail is can help prevent the unknown from interfering with a fun outing. It’s also important to ensure visitors know exactly what they want to see before starting the trail so they leave nothing unchecked.

Below, we look at what visitors need to know about the Historic Railroad Trail beforehand and what makes this trail so popular.

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The Historic Railroad Trail’s Cool History

The historic railroad hiking trail doesn’t only offer beautiful views but also a cool history. The trail used to belong to the railroad that facilitated the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, which spanned the Colorado river from Arizona to Nevada.

After the dam was completed, the upper rail line was no longer of use, and for decades the tracks stood abandoned. But now, this portion in Boulder City, Nevada, has been given a recreational use – to serve as a unique hiking trail for locals and visitors alike.

Nowadays, this is the only remaining section of the Hoover Dam Railroad that isn’t inaccessible or currently underwater.

The Historic Railroad Trial isn’t just used for recreational purposes but also cinematic ones. It’s been featured in films before, including Clint Eastwood and Sondra Locke’s The Gauntlet (1977), making it an attractive trail for movie buffs in addition to nature lovers.

What To Expect From The Trail

The hiking trail is now known for its expansive views of Lake Mead. It’s become a beloved spot to get free, unrestricted views of the lake without a difficult or long walk required.

The trail includes several tunnels, helping break up the walk. The tunnels are small, only an average of 300 feet in length each. They were built to be oversized to accommodate the large equipment needed to build the Hoover Dam. If doing the trail in the spring or summer, the tunnels offer a great respite from the sun.

At one end, the Lake Mead Visitor Center welcomes guest with information about the area. It can be accessed off US Business 93 on Lakeshore Road. There’s also a parking lot and picnic bench area.

At the other end, the trail takes visitors to the Hoover Dam, where they can see first-hand one of the greatest engineering feats in American history. There are various signboards along the trail that explain its history.

In total, it takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to do the entire trail, depending on how fast the pace is. There’s no entrance fee. It’s also only a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, making it a popular attraction for tourists looking to see a bit of Nevada’s scenic beauty.

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How Hard Is The Historic Railroad Trail?

One of the great features of the trail is that it’s family-friendly. The Historic Railroad Trail is considered “easy” by the National Park Service. The trail is open to leashed dogs and cyclists, too. Since the trail is easy, guests don’t have to be experienced hikers to enjoy it easily.

It’s also possible to do the route with young children. The NPS says the flat ground makes it easy to push a stroller.

The Trail Is Wheelchair-Friendly

The National Park Service includes a review from a person who was able to access a portion of the trail using a wheelchair.

“I did the 2.1 miles from the trailhead to the Bureau of Reclamation boundary and back in my wheelchair,” Ed Price, of the Accessible Trails Foundation, wrote in his review.

“This trail was previously off-limits to me. I liked the firmness and its natural, esthetically pleasing appearance,” he continued. “It is beautiful. I was especially pleased with the consistent evenness through the tunnels, which gave me confidence while safely rolling through the nearly dark places."

Visitors are recommended to call the information center in advance to get a clear picture of what areas of the trail are accessible via a wheelchair and if any other parts may be challenging to people with physical limitations.

When Is The Best Time To Visit?

The Historic Railway Trail is open all seasons, but there are benefits to going at different times. It’s going to be the hottest in the summer, with temperatures easily reaching over 100 Fahrenheit. For visitors not used to this type of dry heat, it can make the walk unbearable.

Those who choose to do the hike in the summer need to prepare for extreme heat. This includes wearing light clothing, putting on sunscreen, and packing adequate water. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion. Going in the fall or winter allows for milder temperatures, which can make for a more comfortable experience. Visitors should research the temperature and weather conditions beforehand and prepare accordingly.

The trail is more likely to be crowded during the late morning and afternoon, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s best to go early in the morning to beat the crowds.