3 Lake Mead Hikes to Explore this Fall

Fall is the perfect time to visit Lake Mead. The temperatures are cooler, the summer crowds have left, and the hiking trails are abundant. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a less strenuous one, Lake Mead National Recreation Area has plenty for you to choose from. Enjoy stunning views of the area’s canyons, valleys, mountains, and two vast lakes by foot (or shall we say hiking boot).

Take a look at the hiking trails we encourage our guests to explore this fall at Lake Mead:

1. Historic Railroad Trail

Since becoming recognized as a designated national recreation trail in 2015, even more Lake Mead visitors have flocked to explore the 3.7-mile treasure known as Historic Rail Trail. The trail is the only section of the Hoover Dam Railroad system that is not under water or greatly disturbed. Largely flat and rated an easy hike, this trail is suitable for nearly everyone. The trail goes through five former railway tunnels and offers stunning views of Lake Mead, the Mohave Desert, Fortification Hill, and Boulder Basin, so make sure to have your camera with you! Located approximately 40 minutes from Callville Bay Resort & Marina, the Historic Rail Trail is a great hike to begin or end your Lake Mead houseboating vacation.

2. Callville Summit Trail

Up for a short but challenging hike? Callville Summit Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip that offers rewarding views. From the summit, you’ll be able to see Hemenway Valley, Fortification Hill, Boulder Basin, Boulder City, and the River Mountains. To the east, you can see Callville Bay and Mesa as well as the Black Mountains. It does include an elevation change of 150 feet over less than a mile, which has earned it a moderate level difficulty ranking.

3. River Mountains Loop Trail

One of the easiest hikes in the area, River Mountains Loop Trail is a 12-foot-wide paved path that connects Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder City and the rest of the Las Vegas Valley. Great for hiking and biking, you can enjoy gorgeous mountain scenery as far as the eye can see. This loop is 34 miles in total length, but you can stop and turn around whenever!

For more Lake Mead hiking trails, check out the National Park Service’s website. For more information on reserving a houseboat on Lake Mead, one of the country’s best lakes for houseboats, contact us at Callville Bay Resort & Marina today.