River Mountains Loop Trail

Historic Railroad Trail featured in Rails to Trails Magizine

Nov. 20, 20009 – The winter 2009 edition of Rails to Trails is out and it feature The Historic Railroad Trail At Lake Mead on the cover, plus a six page article and photos within.  The photo shoot took place back in the spring which several of us from the River Mountains Trail Partnership participated in.  Only Jim Holland’s photo made it into the article.  Jim is the Lake Mead Park Planner and was deeply involved in the completion of the Historic Railroad Trail.  I also interviewed twice with Ben Spillman, but of course was not quoted in the article either, such is the life of one who works behind the scenes. 

Link to article:  http://www.railstotrails.org/news/magazine/index.html   

 The article is well written and certainly covers the many user groups who visit the trail on an annual basis.  The history of how the trail was built makes another story which is covered elsewhere in this BLOG site.   Look under “History” category.

JIm Holland posing for shoot, Low Lake mead shoreline spring 2009

I have a few behind the scenes photos of part of the official photo shoot.  You will also find detailed information, photos, and maps on both the Historic Railroad Trail and the River Mountains Loop Trail at  www.traillink.com

See Gallery below.

Hoover Dam Marathon Oct. 31, 2009 sponsored by Calico Racing

October 20th, 2009 – Hoover Dam Marathon featured in Henderson View here is link : http://www.viewnews.com/2009/VIEW-Oct-20-Tue-2009/Henderson/31827867.html

August 26, 2009 –  Calico Racing has put together what will become a “have to do” marathon on October 31th, 2009. Both a full and half marathon run on the River Mountains Loop Trail connecting to the Historic Railroad Trail to Hoover Dam visitor center parking garage top floor. This has been months in the making and permitting; a first of its kind.  Yes, the event is on Halloween too. 

The marathon course offers some world class views of Lake Mead and the surrounding Mojave Desert along the River Mountains Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Trail. Along the Historic Railroad Trail you will pass through five (5) large railroad tunnels used during the building of then Boulder Dam project. You will have elevated views of the deep blue waters of Lake Mead up until you enter tunnel #5 after which the new Hoover Dam By-pass Bridge project  comes into view followed shortly by the majestic Hoover Dam itself.  This is the Inaugural Hoover Dam Marathon, but it won’t be the last. 

One of Historic Railroad tunnels Lake Mead

One of Historic Railroad tunnels Lake Mead

If you are a marathon runner I would sign now and be among the first to say I did the “Inaugrual Hoover Dam Marathon” in 2009.   HERE IS THE LINK TO CALICO RACING: www.calicoracing.com  then click on Hoover Dam Marathon and everything you need to know is right there.  See you on the course.

Hoover Dam & Bridge consturction july 2009

Hoover Dam & Bridge consturction july 2009

For  Marathon course map see gallery below.

Gallery of photos of area:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

RMLT construction status

Building trail in actionI was looking at some old reports on our web site and I was quoted as saying we would be done hopefully in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and now I’m saying spring 2009, let’s make that 2010.   Things happen and when you are dealing with three Federal Land Management agencies, NDOT, private land owners, utilities etc. need I say more. Out of 22 planning segments we only have four to complete. These four are funded 100% and in various stages of design/construction. The next segment to be built should be  Boulder City’s segment #5, which will connect Henderson to Boulder City and vica versa is currently at  40% completion with one-mile paved. We expect this bid award in June 2008. The next segment after that will be segment #14 connecting Henderson to Lake Mead NRA along Lake Mead Parkway/Lakeshore Drive,  however; Boulder City’s segments 3 & 4 are at 75% 95% design and may just  will go to bid before Henderson Segment #14.  For those who don’t know the last agency who completes the last segment buys ( Streaks, beer, gifts, Mtn. bikes for all). We hope to throw a big party to celebrate the completion sometime in 2009 Spring 2010. 

It is now March 17th, 2009 and I just modifed this post again.  Segment #5 is underconstruction, but  NDOT issues have slowed construction down. The area through Railroad Pass is very rocky and the Right-of-way is very tight between the highway, the railroad, and underground utilities.  Were are still shooting for completion and hoping for a celebration ride/hike in late May or early June 2009 …this year.    Segments 3& 4 should go to bid any day now., with possible completion by late Fall/early winter 2009…I hope.:)  Segment #14 the last one is in design at 30%. We have property and right-of-way issues past Three Kids Mine and BMI water line corridor. This segment is scheduled for a late fall design completion, follow by bidding and “hopefully” construction start before years end.