When nature and history converge, it’s a truly beautiful thing. Lake Mead National Recreation Area boasts an easy hike that leads through five old railroad tunnels and features unparalleled views of the pristine, deep blue waters. This is one hike you definitely shouldn’t pass up.

Railroad Tunnel Trail is an easy, 8.2-mile hike within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The park is located in both Arizona and Nevada.
AllTrails/Ruxgbyp GP
This particular trail is technically on the Nevada side, but so close to the state line that Arizonans have been hiking it for years.
Meandering alongside the deep blue Lake Mead waters, the trail passes through five former railroad tunnels. They're all about 300 feet long and 25 feet wide, but each one has its own unique style.
Google/Lea Fuji
This is the only remaining section of the Hoover Dam Railroad system that isn't heavily damaged or underwater.
In use for 30 years, the railroad featured nine steam and four gas locomotives. Operations ceased in 1961, but the tunnels are so well-preserved that you'll be hard-pressed to believe it's been so long.
Google/James G.
Sections of "The Gauntlet," a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Sondra Locke, were filmed here -- so neat!

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All throughout the hike, you'll learn about the history of the railroad and Hoover Dam as a whole. Informational signs offer up fun facts, old photos, and other fascinating tidbits.
AllTrails/Louise Laureta
Curious about what makes all the tunnels look different? You'll walk away with plenty of knowledge about that, too, including how tunnels #2 and #5 have weathered fires and still remain standing.
Hike, bike, or even push a stroller along the trail, as it remains flat for the entire duration. That means you'll have tons of energy in the tank to simply revel in the present moment and enjoy every step.
Google/Tom Coletto
From this zoomed-out perspective, you can truly see how splendorous the scenery surrounding this hike is.
Sweeping panoramas of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin region promise to leave you awestruck. Essentially paralleling the waterfront, the trail never loses sight of breathtaking vistas like the one pictured here.
AllTrails/AnnMarie Leir
Feel free to stop and admire the scene before you every so often. Experiences this amazing are truly one-of-a-kind.
You can access the Historic Railroad Trail from the Alan Bible Visitor Center. Parking is available there (the hike begins about 0.3 miles beyond) and to the right of the Lake Mead Visitor Center sign.
AllTrails/Laura Vadillo
Click here to learn more.

Visit the Lake Mead NPS page to learn more.

Have you ever hiked the Historic Railroad Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section! Let us know, and check out our previous article for another epic railroad hike in Arizona.

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Featured Addresses
Historic Railroad Trail Access, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Lake Mead, United States