Lower Colorado Region Deputy Director Jayne Harkins and Hoover Dam Facility Manager Bill Bruninga were among about 25 bicyclists who on Oct. 19 participated in the inaugural ride on the newest segment of the River Mountains Loop Trail.

The weather was perfect for walking, running or bicycling on the new trail section.

Beginning in Boulder City on a trailhead on the corner of Pacifica Way and Nevada Highway 93 that offers a panoramic view of Lake Mead, the trail follows the path of a railroad right-of-way used during the construction of Hoover Dam.

Also known as the Historic Railroad Trail, it extends for about seven miles, passes through five tunnels, then ends just above the dam’s visitor center parking garage.

Those making welcoming and congratulatory comments just prior to the official opening of the spur included Bill Dickinson, superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area; John Holman, chairman, River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership; Roger Tobler, mayor of Boulder City; and Harkins.

Speaking to about 80 attendees, Dickinson referred to the project as a model of collaboration and success and praised various individuals for their contributions to the project. Among that group was outdoor recreation planner Bill Martin.

Harkins also addressed the group and said, “Reclamation is pleased to be a member of this partnership.” She also highlighted the work and contributions of Bruninga and his staff. The group of speakers then walked from the podium area to the red ribbon that marked the official beginning of the spur. With scissors in hand, they simultaneously cut the ribbon — the spur was open.

The Trail

The railway grade was last used in 1961, when the dam’s last hydroelectric generator was installed.

Twelve miles of the 35-mile course around River Mountains are complete, and 17 more are under construction, with an additional six miles in the design phase.

“We will have a completed system in the not-so-distant future,” Dickinson said.

The River Mountains Loop system, when its completed in 2008, will connect Boulder City, Henderson, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and Hoover Dam.

The system is a collaboration of the River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership, the National Park Service, Clark County, the cities of Boulder City and Henderson, and Reclamation. Other sponsoring entities of the event included Southwest Gas, the Federal Highway Administration, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Whole Foods Market.