I've wanted to take this trail for a long time. It's in the sun for the entire length but we decided since this spring was cooler than normal it was a perfect time for the hike. The trail follows the old railroad corridor that was built in the early 1930s to transport materials used in construction of the Hoover Dam. It's goes uphill gradually until it's high above Lake Mead with great views of the lake and surrounding hills. The trail travels through five tunnels that were blasted through the rock adding an interesting aspect to the hike.
We spotted a couple of young bighorn sheep butting horns. There were also patches of spring flowers.
The trails is hard packed sandy soil and is about 7 miles round trip from the trail head on Lakeshore Road to Hoover Dam parking garage. The first 2.2 miles are along the rail corridor but some of the last 1.3 miles deviate off the corridor and are much steeper. Wheelchair users will need assistance on the last section. Strong users may be able to push up the entire 2.2 miles of rail corridor. The return trip is all downhill. Shipping containers for protection from falling rocks have been installed in two of the tunnels. They do not fit flush to the ground but most users will be able to navigate over the lip. We turned around at the 2.6 mark because we ran out of time to finish the trail in daylight.
The parking lot is large enough for RVs. Additional parking is available at the Lake Mead Visitor Center. A paved trail connects to the rail trail.
Trail 36.01198, -114.794
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