4.5
(9903)
10,786
hikers
Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Walking Tour
00:26
1.43km
60m
Hiking
Embark on an easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) walking tour that offers unique perspectives of the iconic Hoover Dam and its vast surroundings. You will gain 196 feet (60 metres) in elevation over an estimated 26 minutes, making this a quick and accessible hike. As you follow the route, you'll be…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
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127 m
High Scaler Statue at Hoover Dam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
252 m
Hoover Dam Visitor Center
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
345 m
Hoover Dam Memorial
Highlight • Monument
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496 m
Colorado River
Highlight • River
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607 m
Hoover Dam
Highlight • Monument
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1.18 km
View of Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
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Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.43 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
1.14 km
286 m
Surfaces
987 m
402 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (400 m)
Lowest point (350 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 8 May
38°C
21°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Walking Tour start, and where can I park?
The Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Walking Tour largely follows the Historic Railroad Trail. The most common starting point is the Historic Railroad Trailhead, located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There is ample parking available at the trailhead.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this trail?
Yes, the trail is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which requires an entrance fee. You can find detailed information about passes and fees on the official nps.gov website.
Is the Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Walking Tour dog-friendly?
Yes, the Historic Railroad Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Be mindful of the hot trail surface during warmer months, which can be dangerous for paws.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike is from October through May. Hiking is not recommended during the hot summer months (June through September) when temperatures can reach 100-115 degrees Fahrenheit, and the trail surface can become dangerously hot due to minimal shade.
What is the terrain like on the Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Walking Tour?
The trail primarily consists of well-maintained, level paths with a hardpacked fine gravel surface. It follows an old railroad bed, making it relatively flat, though there is a gradual incline towards the Hoover Dam. You'll also walk through five historic railroad tunnels carved into the rock.
What kind of scenery and landmarks can I expect to see along the route?
You'll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Mead and the surrounding Mojave Desert. Highlights include the historic railroad tunnels, panoramic vistas of the Boulder Basin, and glimpses of desert flora. Near the end, you'll get impressive views of the Hoover Dam itself and the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Other notable spots include the High Scaler Statue at Hoover Dam and the Hoover Dam Visitor Center.
How long does it typically take to complete the Lake Mead & Hoover Dam Walking Tour?
The round trip is approximately 7 to 8 miles and can take 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the dam area.
Is the trail suitable for beginners, families, or those with strollers/wheelchairs?
Yes, the Historic Railroad Trail is generally considered easy and is suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children. Many sections are wide and flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though the gradual incline towards the dam should be noted.
What wildlife or plants might I encounter on the trail?
Along the route, you might spot local wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep. The trail also offers glimpses of desert flora like cacti and wildflowers, especially during spring.
What makes this trail unique or historically significant?
This trail is unique because it follows a former railway line used during the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s. You'll walk through the same tunnels that once carried massive equipment and supplies for this engineering marvel, with informative signages providing historical context about the dam and Lake Mead.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Railroad Tunnel Trail.