Historic Railroad Trail

This was a cool trail with great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We were able to take the dogs with us. Several people were biking and running the trail as well.
To get here: park at the trail head or the nearby casino in Boulder city (I think it’s the railroad pass) and there’s a path that connects to the trail. Or start at the dam parking lot and work your way towards the trailhead. It’s 4 miles one way, and then you have to take the same way back. There are two entrance gates that close at dusk (one near the trailhead and the other 3 miles in from the trailhead).
The parking area is prior to the Lake Mead fee area, so I don’t think you need to pay entrance fees for this hiking trail.
What you see: five tunnels that were blasted into the mountain so that supplies could be transported from the village (gone) to the dam via the railroad. The railroad tracks are gone but the trail follows the former tracks. Some of the tunnels have started to cave in, so shotcrete was used to remediate the problem. You’ll notice the rocks look different in the remediated tunnels. You’ll also see some pretty spectacular views of lake mead and the surrounding mountain ranges. There’s an interpretative sign that designates points of interest, such as Saddle Island.

Very easy trail with nice views of Lake Mead. Trail is around ⁶⁄₇ miles round trip. Great place for a weekend jog as the trail is well maintained. There are bathrooms at the beginning, middle, and end.
There are historical markers and placards that detail explanations about the tunnels, which is great for a weekend history lesson! If you are able to, I recommend walking this trail round trip. The end of the trail comes out on top of the Hoover Dam parking garage, where you can get some great photos. If you take the elevator down, you can also get a bite to eat at the café.
Trail head directions: Drive towards Hoover Dam. Right before the hotel, you will see the Lake Mead Visitor Center on your left. Pull into the visitor center and grab a map and anything else you might need. They have a great movie on Lake Mead. The staff here is really friendly and helpful. The trail head is actually down the road in the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. You can’t miss it.
DO:
…Bring lots of water. This trail is not shaded when you are not in the tunnels, so you will have full exposure to the sun at certain times of the day. I would recommend bringing at least a hat and some sunscreen.
…Bring a flash light for the tunnels. Depending on the time of day you are here, some of the tunnels can be quite dark. Although the trail is well paved with gravel, there are the occasional larger rocks you may trip on in the dark. Please do not use the flashlight to shine on the tunnels’ bats. This disturbs them. If I see anyone doing this, they’re going to get an ear full from me.
…Keep your dogs on a leash and clean up after them! You can’t see poop in the dark. So someone may come out of a tunnel with a very stinky shoe. Just don’t be an a**hole and be responsible for your pet. Also bring a water bowl. They do have a couple, but only at the very end of the trail.
…Bring your bike. This is a great trail for hybrid or mountain bikes. But please alert hikers/​walkers to your presence if you are coming up behind them by a friendly «On your left!» announcement. This is just common trail courtesy.
DONT:
…Yell or whistle at the big horned sheep. Disturbing them will only deter them coming back to feed and you are ruining it for everyone else that has never seen them!
The only reason I’m not giving this trail 5 stars is because although parts of it are pretty, parts of it are very industrial and noisy because it runs highway. You won’t find yourself becoming one with nature on this hike, but it’s still fun and cool!

Just did this hike yesterday – very easy hike. However, I do NOT recommend bringing your strollers! Previous Unilocalers have said it is stroller friendly – but I beg to differ unless you have the Range Rover of strollers. Ours was ditched at the first tunnel and my 1year old walked or was carried the rest of the trek.
Weather was great – views were gorgeous, and we even saw and heard some bats in the tunnels. My niece and nephews also were with us and we’re rejuvenated with energy once they got to the tunnels! Great easy family hike. Go early though or you won’t find parking!

I did this trail with my family. My youngest being 2 and we all had a wonderful time with some beautiful views! We did not make it the whole way it goes from the Lake Mead rec. Center all the way to the parking garage of the Hoover Dam. It’s 3.7 miles 1 way. We will be back and try to finish it when our little one can make the whole thing but it was a great family outting!

I walked the trail coming from the parking lot right before entering Lake Meade Recreation Center, you don’t have to pay so you don’t need drive all the way up to the Hoover Dam to park. The trail is pretty easy and it’s a five mile round trip. I’d recommend going while the weather is still cool