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Writer's picture Denise Vasquez

How Accessible Is Accessible: The Historic Railroad Trail


Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2024


Modern day explorers visiting Las Vegas, who are looking to uncover the past, may want to consider hiking The Historic Railroad Trail.


If you’re ready to go back in time, and feel up for the challenge, the Historic Railroad Trail takes you on a 7.4 mile round trip journey with 434 ft elevation change, through five tunnels about 25 feet wide, 30 feet high, and 300 feet long, that were once used to bring materials needed to build the Hoover Dam.


If you start from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center (10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City), this hike does not require any fee.

Learn about the sights, wildlife and history by reading the informative signs along your journey. Your body, mind, and soul begins to wander as you reach new heights, taking in Lake Mead’s panoramic views, looking up to the bouldering hills and volcanic rocks, with your camera in hand ready to capture any longhorn sheep, jack rabbits or rattlesnakes you may encounter along the way. Remember, if you do see any wildlife, maintain a safe distance of at least 150 feet and never approach or feed the animals.


Photography Tips: Bring a lens brush or something to blow the dust off your camera lens. Using a lens cloth can scratch your lens if you get sand on it, and to avoid getting sand in your camera, try to avoid changing your lenses, especially when the wind is blowing.

This trail is often referred to as being a wheelchair accessible or “Easy” hike, which is very misleading. The trail is doable, but I would not say it is wheelchair accessible by ADA standards. The trail begins with paved walkways from the Visitor Center and parking areas, but beware there is a very steep slope from the visitor center going downhill towards the beginning of the trail. Also, the trail is not paved in it’s entirety, and the terrain changes to sandy, rocky, gravelly and uneven terrain.


Everyone’s abilities are unique and every BODY is different!


As I mentioned in my TIKTOK video… click the link to watch here:


…mobility aid users considering to do this trail may face many challenges due to the sandy, rocky, gravelly terrain, which is not “Easy” to maneuver.


It is so important to me, whenever writing about my personal experiences, to be honest and specific when writing details about trails, rather than just rating a trail as being generally “Easy” for every BODY.


There are benches few and far in between, so if you think you may want to sit and take in the views of Lake Mead, be sure to bring a portable lightweight pop up stool or chair. Finding a good place to sit may be challenging so be mindful! The landscapes in front of and beneath the few benches along the trail have deteriorated, and the trail is very busy, especially on the weekends with not just people walking, but with a lot of bicycles, which I did not find to be very enjoyable as they kicked up a lot of sand and dirt while zooming by. Also with the crowds, the trail felt quite narrow. I found myself paying extra attention to the areas with blind spots staying to my right, but not too close to the edge as there are deteriorating cliffs with no railings.

*Tips for hiking this trail:

-Best time to do this trail is early morning during the week

-Be sure to wear good hiking boots

-Wear a hat & sunglasses

-Wear Sunscreen

-Bring a lot of water. The air is REALLY dry, so it’s important to drink water and stay hydrated.

-Best place to park: Drive past Park Lake Mead Visitor Center on Lakeshore Road and take the second right into the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail parking area. The is Accessible Parking there & the trail is mostly flat from here.


I trust that my research, area exploration, and personal experience sharing have been beneficial! I initiated this project in 2017, more than seven years ago. Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of revisiting locations multiple times to provide updated information. This not only benefits me but also aids individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those with limited mobility. Moreover, it helps raise awareness among trail users and park staff.


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