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Historic Railroad Hiking Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,110 Google reviews · Running trail in Boulder City, Nevada · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Historic Railroad Hiking Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Lakeside hiking route snaking through 5 historic railroad tunnels toward the Hoover Dam.
What runners say about Historic Railroad Hiking Trail
“Free parking and clean restrooms made the start of the trip easy and stress-free.”
“Flat spaces and beautiful vistas along the trail, easy walk, very little shade (the tunnels are pretty much the only shade).”
“Flat spaces and beautiful vistas along the trail, easy walk, very little shade (the tunnels are pretty much the only shade).”
I took my 10-year-old son on a bike ride along this trail, and we absolutely loved it. The scenery was stunning, with birds and bats visible just after sunrise. The trail features plenty of park benches where hikers can take a break or simply admire the beautiful surroundings. There were many information signs.
Hi everyone, this is Nevada Laobai! Today I’m at the Historic Railroad Trail near the entrance of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, Nevada. This trail was once a railroad, now transformed into a scenic hiking route.
I always love trails that will take me where cars cannot go, and this trail does not disappoint. We rode the 4mile trail on our ebikes, up and back (8 miles total). Love seeing the desert for.ations, and the harbor at Lake Mead reservoir.
Their website claims, "walk, bike, or roll a wheelchair along the trail." I don't know about all that. This time I went with someone who has mild difficulty walking distances, and getting to tunnel 3 was his limit. For the most part, the trail is a well-maintained, hard-pack dirt path.
Trail conditions & character
“Flat spaces and beautiful vistas along the trail, easy walk, very little shade (the tunnels are pretty much the only shade).”
“Free parking and clean restrooms made the start of the trip easy and stress-free.”
“It is up hill and has windy areas which can get you a bit off balance so check wind before getting half way up the mountain.”
“Flat spaces and beautiful vistas along the trail, easy walk, very little shade (the tunnels are pretty much the only shade).”
“It has gravel path for most area and steeper dirt path for up hill hiking.”
“Free parking and clean restrooms made the start of the trip easy and stress-free.”
“It would have been nice to see a garbage can halfway through for the people dropping their dog waste bags.”
“There is one restroom at the end of the tunnels and a drinking fountain.”
Plan your run at Historic Railroad Hiking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(702) 293-8990
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Boulder City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pacifica Way Trail Head
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Paved and unpaved paths for walking, hiking and biking on desert terrain.
Hemenway Park
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Small city park with tennis & basketball courts, a playground, picnic shelters & views of Lake Mead.
