USA :: Las Vegas :: Hoover Railroad |
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Path to Afterlife into the White Bright Light? Just exit out of one of 5 original tunnels along Railroad Trail |
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| Trip Summary | |||
November 27, 2021
Historic Hoover Railroad trail linking Lake Mead Alan Bible Visitor Center and Hoover Dam is a must for any Las Vegas area visitor that cares for a bit more than Nevada casinos. Originally built in 1930s for rail transport of construction material between Boulder City and Dam Construction site at Nevada/Arizona border. Tracks are long gone, but rail bed still remains and provides outstanding walk down the history lane with spectacular views. Added bonus is tour of Hoover Dam where trail ends. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius; trail is best enjoyed in fall/winter/spring.
Trailhead Parking fills out fast, specially on weekend, but it is possible to leave car at Visitor Center then just walk down. Trail meanders lazily staying level following rail grade passing 5 original tunnels along the way - major highlight! Interpretive boards along the way provide information about the history, including difficult conditions temporary worker family settlements had to endure construction. At far end is the junction - longer branch visits discarded machinery boneyard and is a must; on return you can take the shortcut that is faster, but a bit steeper. Trail ends just above Hoover Dam Visitor Parking Garage; walking down to tour the dam will also save overpriced parking fee! Note that walk on Mike Callaghan - Pat Tillman memorial bridge is also possible (last photo in gallery), but for that is better to drive as it does not link directly with Railroad Trail. Return (hike/walk/cycle) the same way, perhaps admiring sunset colors over Lake Mead from one of many viewpoints, if you timed your hike right.
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Gallery |
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 Railroad Trail
Railroad Trail from Alan Bible Visitor Center. Parking Lot is extreme center left and fills fast |
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 Trail Sign
Starting up on wide path that soon merges with Railroad bed. Structure upper center left is resort/casino |
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 Heat Warning
Fenced gate ~1km from parking, with summer heat warning. Gate presumably gets locked during extreme temperatures |
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 Tunnel Entrance
Very interesting passage through one of 5 tunnels; enough daylight is coming through and flashlight is generally not required |
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 Lake Mead
Great Panoramic Views of Lake Mead are constant companion. Boat Marina center left |
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 Boneyard Junction
At far side trail forks - longer option descends via discarded machinery boneyard and is a must visit |
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 Testing Bulkhead
Old Rusting Testing Bulkhead at Hoover Boneyard |
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 Boneyard Machinery
Another Piece of rusting Machinery at Hoover Boneyard |
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 Hoover Parkade
Trail ends above Hoover Dam Visitor Parkade, but you can descend and tour the Dam - without paying hefty parking fee. Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial bridge upper right |
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 Memorial Bridge
Memorial Bridge from Hoover Dam crest, right on Nevada / Arizona border |
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Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D1/2 | Mainly flat hike on old rail bed. One gentle hill above Hoover Dam parkade | |||
| Scenery | Scenic Railroad bed with Timbered Tunnels. Lake Mead and Mojave Desert. Discarded Machinery Boneyard. Hoover Dam | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Excellent | Wide old rail bed. Official trailhead with map and kiosk. Signed Boneyard junction | |||
| Suggested Time | 3-4hrs | Casual pace with added time to visit the dam | |||
| Elevation | Start: ~470m End: ~375m (Hoover Dam) Total: ~100m | Round Trip: ~12 km | |||
| Gear | Sneakers or day hikers | ||||
| Water | Water can be found at Hoover Dam facilities. Carry 1L, more in hot weather | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | Assuming no extreme heat. Keep control of your pet for courtesy to other hikers | |||