Lake Mead's Historic Railroad Trail

[@AlexofZippo]

This shit is SO cool! I love the leftover bits of history like this. This isn’t the Hoover dam, but without this the Hoover dam wouldn’t exist. Every person working on the dam would have seen it and known about it, but afterwards it was just left behind, like a footprint in a cave. So many tiny parts of history like this are forgotten in favor of the larger or shinier ones. Thanks for showing me this, I love it!

[@biglakepress5788]

It's great they made this into an official hiking trail . I hiked this in 1987. No benches , no signs. Was rough going. I parked at the casino that was nearby, believe it was called the lucky strike. Made it to the old rail line and I popped out of tunnel 3 or 4 and found myself face to face with one of those bighorn sheep less than 40 feet away. Thing was huge. He made a slight move towards me and I'm thinking oh shyt. Then he shot up the side of that cliff like you wouldn't believe. I continued on with my eyes peeled high and low only to find the last tunnel was sealed. Awesome experience I'll never forget.

[@DocNo27]

Gold Strike. Had tons of character (and an awesome coffee shop). It's a shame it burned down - what they replaced it with is another soulless corporate piece of crap.

[@lizz3104]

Thanks for your interesting story old timer. Jk I love any history that has to do with our beautiful state of Nevada. ❤

[@karenharker2356]

I’ve hiked that tail many many years ago, while going through one of the tunnels, I noticed a loose brick/ rock on the wall, I pulled on it and low and behold was a piece of paper with a pencil, people had added their names to the list of those that were lucky enough to find it, so of course we added ours, and tucked it back and put the rock/ brick back in its place.

[@swankles3877]

The thing I appreciate is your attention to detail, whether it's a random marker in the desert, an abandoned driveway or this important part of our nation's history. Thank you ☺️

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, i appreciate it.

[@JP-su8bp]

10:27 "... it's incredible to think about the backbreaking labor of the men who build this railrod trail using 1930's equipment." So true. Thanks for sharing another of your visits.

[@ride129]

I just did this late May 2023. All told I was on the trail for 5 1/2 hrs start to finish with a 45 minute break at the Hoover Dam gift shop. Even though I’m a Floridian and use to warm weather it was a bit of a challenge. So glad I did it and so happy my memory is preserved on your excellent video.

[@iowa_don]

I've been to the dam a number of times but never knew about that old railroad trail. Thanks.

[@joewenzel5142]

Imagine being the Mom and Pop stucco installation company near Las Vegas and they come to you and say, "Have we got a job for you." Those tunnels are massive - they probably put their kids through college once those jobs were completed.

[@tedkerr2230]

Steve, I felt like I was right there with you. I never knew about the trail. Thanks again!

[@leonardocostantino9072]

Hey Steve, another great adventure thanks to you and your videos. We biked the trail 3/24/24, and it was so neat - beatiful views, warm in the sun, cool in the tunnels, and so exciting to arrive at the dam from the trail. Fellow Sidetrackers: if you're not familiar with this area, best time is between October and May at the latest - otherwise it is dangerously hot, and this and other trails will be closed. Steve, we love your videos, keep on trucking!

[@hotrodgs]

I've been a resident of Nevada since 1965 and I had no idea about that boneyard and trail . Thanks for sharing , Imy family did the Dam tour in 1964 ish , I recently did it again , because of the security now the tour is a small example of what it once was .

[@darlalinn6216]

That hike looks like the best way to see Hoover Dam,

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Avoids paying for parking too!

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

1970 and hoover dam was a magnificent sight to see. We walked over the damn that was open at the time on a trip from Tucson to Las Vegas.

[@cliffordbarrycook2187]

As i came from Sydney, Australia and I stayed in Phoenix for 3 weeks last March, So one day, I visited Hoover Dam for couple of hours and it was very interesting. So I want to thank you for great sharing and it is so much appreciated. Cheers.

[@dennisk207]

A couple of notes about hiking this trail: 1. It is open year-round but they close the gates at dark. 2. You can also park at the Hoover Dam Lodge to access the trail. There is an entrance to the trail clearly labeled along the back fence of the parking lot. It does make the hike to the dam a little shorter although you do have to go up / down a steep hill from the parking lot to access the main trail. 3. Do watch for rattlesnakes - last spring there was a sidewinder just off of the early part of the trail when I was there 🐍 4. Big horn sheep are in the area but I've only seen them in the winter time. They go up and down those steep slopes next to the trail like it's nothing. Remarkable. 5. The Bone Yard is a relatively new thing. I believe it opened around 2011.

[@jeffreysalomone6354]

Great video. Never had an idea that this trail existed!

[@beckyweissberg7644]

Consider a visit to Boulder City. The information we learned there really tied together with the dam information. I am old enough to remember that Hoover Dam used to be called Boulder Dam.

[@brentnearhood8874]

I was there in 1972. I did not know about the railway. I love your adventures.🚗🛤

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@deeexxx8138]

Thanks for taking my suggestion! Another great vid!

[@johneason6540]

I hike all the way to hoover dam. Quite an interesting story about this trail

[@Scott_From_Maine]

Thanks. Of all the videos I've watched about the dam, I've never seen this mentioned.

[@barbarathompson8604]

My husband and I hiked this trail in 2021, highly recommend it.

[@Miridafeo]

Only found out about the tunnels because of ghost adventures 😂 glad you covered them too. Love these videos you do.

[@Corgis175]

Went in the front entrance to the dam, really enjoyed the train trail and history thru the "back way".

[@bruceyoung1343]

Thank You for letting “walk” with you. Shame the lake level so low. It was very interesting. Again, THANK YOU 🙏

[@robbergstrom943]

Great video. We will Be sure to take the railroad trail on our next visit.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Very very interesting!! Didn't even know such a thing existed until now! Knew about the Hoover Dam, of course, but nothing about former rail lines being turned into hiking trails.

[@timothylivingston4135]

I had no idea this was here. I would have loved to do that hike when I was there.

[@loonhaunt]

Real nice calm-soothing presentation.

[@marks.schwartz8468]

Another great adventure, Steve !!! Thanks for taking us along !!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@VintageVermilion]

I love how you’re always filling my “to visit” list with new and interesting sites. Check one off- no worries, there’s always something coming in.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That's the great thing, you never run out of things to see.

[@kurtweiand7086]

Your trips l find very inspiring, l feel right there with you. If your wife and son are with you show them!

[@wisdomprepper]

I actually went here for the first time a few months ago. It truly is amazing and that little deli inside literally had the BEST burger I've ever had and it wasn't very expensive.

[@johnpyle6860]

Thank you for giving this presentation. I have visited the dam several times, but not since the new bridge was built.

[@bryanseverino6967]

Great video! I hiked this trail in the mid 90's. You confirmed what I remember, one of the tunnels was sealed off, #5. Thanks for sharing.......

[@hroses123]

My grandad worked as a high scaler on the dam .I hope to see it someday

[@prairiedog3918]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@secretdaisy6484]

I’ve been to the dam but drove in and then took a tour of the inside. I wasn’t aware of the railroad trail. That was very interesting. Thanks for sharing. 👍☮️🌞❤️

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm surprised there's nothing at the dam about it. I'm sure a few people would like to check out the boneyard at least.

[@birdman5223]

We did that hike about 4 years ago very interesting😉 Great content MrSteve☺️👍

[@AlanDayley]

Thank you for the trek. I feel the need to go do this one for myself.

[@willbarker1693]

thanks for teaching me something you really enjoy, think I learned to like learning and wow I learned why people like scenic views and stuff.

[@lucinoo]

Thanks so much for this video. Your comments and attention to detail is appreciated. I've been a Hoover dam aficionado since I was little. Finally visited it in 2014. Next time, I'll be walking this trail.

[@RFToob]

A true marvel of human accomplishment. Thx for this very peaceful, insightful and enjoyable tour.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@williamcecil9945]

Always interesting trails and places you explore. Thanks for providing all those details along the way.

[@sharylcherwa7369]

Wow Steve, Great Video. I have Driven Right by here & Never Stopped. I was in kind of a Hurry Driving to my Family Reunion. This Video was Full of History & Great Information. You Did a Really Good job. Thank you for Sharing ❤ I Enjoyed it

[@Porsche996driver]

Nice one Steve. Yeah just think every foot of that railroad and tunnels right. Ragtown is new to me, but of course a lot of the guys found some bars up the road right lol. Well we’ve got snow in the mountains hope some makes it to Lake Mead.

[@JamesHardiman99]

Wow, that was a huge effort (both for the builders, and you hiking up it!)

[@dennisammann9104]

Sidetrack Steve, Another fascinating video! I love RR history. Too bad they don’t have a tourist RR going thru there. I love your music too. 🤔😃🚂🚃🚃🚃🎼🎵🎶🎸

[@johnhallford239]

Awesome adventure. Thank you for sharing. Safe and fun travels to you.

[@LPRECIADO94]

I truly enjoyed this video. Very informative, now i know what i need to know before i go on that trail myself! Thank you!!!

[@leonajameson8902]

Wow I never knew the trail existed. Another great video

[@ScratchGlass9]

Fantastic trek Steve ! You guys have exercised like Olympians these past years.....Thank you for taking us !!! Cheers from Detroit 🇺🇲

[@faryldaryl3975]

Funny you mention that. For some reason it never occurred to me before this vid, but when he go to the parking lot I thought "Man, even with the grey hair this guy's heart must be like a locomotive."

[@charleshaggard4341]

I look forward to your weekly travels. Thanks for allowing us to come along.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you for watching every week.

[@freedomlover24-7]

Added to my to-do list. Next time we visit Vegas we'll be taking our bikes to ride this trail. Thanks!

[@motorTranz]

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing this!

[@monsterkxf]

I’ve watched multiple vids on this trail/route and yours is by far the best. Great job!! 🤘🤘

[@stewartthompson72]

I wish I had know about that trail when I was at Hoover Dam. Great Video as always Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@bwhog]

I've been on that dam tour! 😄 I still have my souvenir hardhat. Fascinating but if you're trying to get somewhere, it is not the first thing you want to do since it does take a decent amount of time, but it's history you HAVE to see at some point! I always loved driving that road over the dam. I did it many times before the bridge as constructed. I kind of wish they hadn't have closed it on the one side because it was a nice drive. What I would have preferred was to limit it to light passenger vehicles only just to limit the traffic jam that you used to see. Maybe with like a 50 cent or $1 toll per vehicle. Have to imagine that this would have been a good money maker.

[@marypasco2213]

Late 1980's- early 1990's, drove my 18-wheeler over the dam! WHAT A SIGHT!!! ❤

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

I got up there a few years ago on tour, I've never regretted it! Because I worked on another hydroelectric job up in Yosemite National Park back in 1980! We had the power plant built entirely inside of a mountain it was amazing to see! It's still running today and I'm retired!!

[@marypasco2213]

Enjoyed the 'Crown Jewel' of the National Park system, did ya!?!? ❤

[@1984xlx]

I don't live far, I'm going to have to check that out! Thanks Steve.

[@Lizerator]

Another great video. I've been in this area many times since the 80s and didn't know this trail was here. Thanks!

[@jimschafer9196]

I did not know about this trail, I lived in Henderson a couple of times. Been fishing below the dam that was an awesome experience, been inside for a tour too. Thanks for the share.

[@jimmychanbers2424]

Another Great video and interesting history. 👍

[@gofast3209]

Another wonderful video! I appreciate you over dubbing so you don't hear the sound of your footsteps.

[@Tahoebronco]

Very enjoyable video. Well done.

[@MrFmiller]

My eldest son, ex brother in law and I went on an adventure years ago. I had a book: “Ghost Towns of Washington”. We visited every one in the northeast quarter of the state. It was an unforgettable trip.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That sounds pretty fun.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

Looking at those railroad trestles, I always marvel at the amount of lumber used. Considering the location out there on the desert, it must have cost an additional small fortune to truck all that lumber in from the forests. Very interesting video. Thanks.

[@jennifernichols9468]

Nah they brought everything by train

[@joewenzel5142]

I bet the inside of those tunnels are really cool in the summer.

[@fullmoonAZ]

Excellent video!

[@bob7230]

Very interesting hike, I have drove through there many times but I never knew of that trail. I liked seeing the train tunnels. Hey by the way, you need an Arizona Diamondbacks Hat! 😁

[@chrismcmullen4313]

I suscribe to alot of utube channels and i firmly believe that success can made or broke by the sound of your voice. Steves voice is not only well suited to narration his cadence is relaxed in just the right way

[@dezertraider]

EXCELLENT STEVE!,,,NOT 5G BUT BIG ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD..,,359M,WELL SHAME ON THE AIR INDUSTRY MUCKING UP THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE SKY LIKE THAT,ITS REAL BAD HERE IN MAINE AND ABOUT EVERY DAY.. THAT TRAIL LOOKS COOL AND BONE YARD EVEN COOLER.. BEST WISHES,SAFE TRAVELS

[@richh650]

Absolutely love this video sir! You did a superb job in telling the story and describing what it would feel like being there. I think you found your calling!

[@JMVideos7676]

Another great history lesson and travel adventure - Thanks!

[@eileenirwin2778]

Excellent video, Steve. Thanks for sharing. I always look forward to your interesting and informative tours. Until next time, stay safe. 💙

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@thatplace1]

Great job. Dams and railroad! The best 👍. Thanks for sharing your story 🤠

[@RoadDogSteve]

Excellent tour..... thanks

[@brucebarnes9638]

Great video and details of the history of the dam. I first visited it in 1958 as a 6 year old kid and very impressed.

[@charlo8664]

I biked this trail once and hiked it once. Great trail.

[@gobbleguk]

I wish that there was a nice little tram-style railcar that would use the Railroad Pass RoW between Henderson and the Dam for a cute little tourist-route!

[@gobbleguk]

@@robtorres I was quite surprised that NDOT or whoever was in charge of building the Boulder City Bypass decided to actually preserve the railroad by building the bridge over I-11

[@russell-di8js]

As always Steve, my thanks to you & your "crew" for another peek into the SW corner of your fantastic country!! Love those suspicious activity signs, real Pink Panther stuff. uk

[@randydell4131]

Wow, you do such a wonderful job with your posts...thank you so much

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@stevefigueroa6716]

I really appreciate your videos on historic sites and trails in AZ and Socal. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@felipericketts]

I really enjoy the historical context you provide in your videos. Gives me a much broader view of what it all means and how it relates to what we are living today, as well as what it took for us to be where we are. Thanks, always worth while! 🙂

[@michaelsimonds2632]

Elegantly done, Mr. Adventures! This episode is very cinematographic as well as informative, interesting, etc. Thanks for your painstaking work documenting the real world.

[@barrytalbot2216]

well done as always

[@sganzerlag]

This was awesome, thanks for posting! What an interesting hike!

[@stevenkaskus6173]

I've been to Hoover Dam and took the tour of the interior, pretty impressive. This was is 1978. Never been to lake Mead.

[@ryanmilligan9372]

Looks like a peaceful adventure!

[@markmann6796]

One of your more scenic and well-done presentations. Very informative and well-researched. Thank you for a very pleasing excursion!

[@roadtripboy]

One of your best! I really enjoyed it. Great job.

[@semiproactive9625]

Thanks Steve. I enjoyed it.

[@lgd4247]

Thank you for your continued great content!

[@tdevinetampa]

Thank you, good job!

[@Acehitman369]

I would love to do this hike one day

[@nancyandersen615]

Watch many of your videos as I love history. Really loved this one!

[@gpr8695]

Thank you for your video's

[@Swim2TheMoon]

I love this trail! It's fairly common to spot chuckwallas around the tunnels.

[@markwebb9925]

Your vlogs are so informative about Arizona. Wow !! 👌👌👌👌👌👏

[@johnhodge5871]

Another great video, Steve. Thank you!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you for watching.