When it comes to waterfront hikes, there’s one hiding on the Arizona-Nevada border that can’t be beat. The eight-mile Railroad Tunnel Trail runs directly alongside Lake Mead, leading hikers through a series of historic railroad tunnels that predate the Hoover Dam. See for yourself:
Paralleling Lake Mead and the iconic Hoover Dam, Railroad Tunnel Trail is an 8.2-mile hike that showcases not only breathtaking views, but a good bit of local history as well.
AllTrails/Cindi Underwood You’ll find the trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, on the Arizona-Nevada border near Boulder City. Lake Mead, United States
The trail is open to both hikers and bikers, and you’ll see plenty of both along the way.
AllTrails/Shauna Shaw With an elevation change of just 11 feet, it’s suitable for most skill levels - including kids and pets.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mead’s Boulder Basin area, as the trail runs directly along the waterfront.
AllTrails/Kevin Weimerskirch There are plenty of benches where you can take a breather and admire the scenery. Don’t forget your camera - these rest stops serve as perfect opportunities to snap some photos!
Five railroad tunnels - the trail’s namesake - are the major focal points of the hike.
AllTrails/Cindy Whalen They’re all about 300 feet long and 25 feet wide, oversized to fit penstock sections and large equipment as it was transported to Hoover Dam.
Speaking of Hoover Dam, you’ll get to see it from an entirely new perspective.
AllTrails/Allison Clark Sure, the manmade wonder is incredible from a distance, but nothing compares to enjoying a front-row seat.
The lake, dam, and tunnels aren’t the only noteworthy aspects of the trail.
AllTrails/Ann Spencer Towering mountains extend far as the eye can see in all directions, their majestic peaks daring to brush up against the clouds.
A quick word of caution: if you find yourself out this way during the summer, please check local weather reports to see if a heat advisory is in place.
AllTrails/Benjamin Lewis The desert can be a lethal place from June through September, so take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and those you’re traveling with.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.
AllTrails/Cindi Underwood
You’ll find the trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, on the Arizona-Nevada border near Boulder City.
Lake Mead, United States
AllTrails/Shauna Shaw
With an elevation change of just 11 feet, it’s suitable for most skill levels - including kids and pets.
AllTrails/Kevin Weimerskirch
There are plenty of benches where you can take a breather and admire the scenery. Don’t forget your camera - these rest stops serve as perfect opportunities to snap some photos!
AllTrails/Cindy Whalen
They’re all about 300 feet long and 25 feet wide, oversized to fit penstock sections and large equipment as it was transported to Hoover Dam.
AllTrails/Allison Clark
Sure, the manmade wonder is incredible from a distance, but nothing compares to enjoying a front-row seat.
AllTrails/Ann Spencer
Towering mountains extend far as the eye can see in all directions, their majestic peaks daring to brush up against the clouds.
AllTrails/Benjamin Lewis
The desert can be a lethal place from June through September, so take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and those you’re traveling with.
Have you ever hiked the Railroad Tunnel Trail? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments. Check out our previous article to learn more about Lake Mead and why you should visit.
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Address: Lake Mead, United States
