River Mountain Trail…circa 1935-1937

Kiosk trail head sign at River Mountain Trail Head

The River Mountain Trail often times gets confused with the River Mountains Loop Trail and visa versa.  That is because they are both trails in the River Mountains.   The original River Mountain Trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1935-1937 during the time of Hoover Dam construction.  The trail head is located just downhill on Nevada Hwy past the National Park Service warehouse. The trail head was built and developed by the City of Boulder City, the National Parks Service, the University of Nevada Las Vegas who worked jointly to revive this trail to the top of Red Mountain.  The trail was constructed by hand and has extensive rock-work that is a trademark of the CCC which can be seen as one hikes to the summit of Red Mountain.  This trail is not a loop, but 3-miles one way making for a six-mile round trip.  Allow 3-5 hours to make the hike and enjoy the views.  You will experience an elevation change from 2415 to 3600 feet.  The Park Service has rated this hike as Moderately Strenuous. 

With the completion of the River Mountains Loop Trail through Boulder City late 2009/early 2010 this trail head became a shared trail head for both trails.  As yet no map or kiosk for the loop trail has been installed but the trail head is at Mile Marker 30.

This trail head is primitive – no water or restrooms.