Railroad Pass Mountain Loop - 10/15/25

Las Vegas skyline and Spring Mountains

Amora on the Trail

Cascata Golf Course driving Range

Kay and Amora on the Trail

After several days of rain and wind, the Wanderers decided to drive across town to a hike that they had neglected in the past recent years. Railroad Pass Mountain Loop is much the same hike as it was before but, on this hike, we decided to go in a clockwise direction just to change it up a little. We parked at the trailhead that is located up behind the convenience store in the Railroad Pass Casino parking lot. Next, we went looking for the spur trail that leads up to the loop trail on a higher contour. The beginning of the trail was difficult to find this time so we ended up going on down to the railroad crossing where we were able to continue on the trail around the mountain. Everything was familiar on this side so it wasn't difficult to find the route even without my GPS. The skies over the Spring Mountains had snowed the night before and the wide panoramic view of the city and mountains was a beautiful sight. We hiked on around keeping the immediate mountains to our right and took the trail up through 2 small washes. This put us on a higher level contour where we, eventually, crossed a dirt road and continued by zigzagging up to a rock outcrop on top of a small peak. 

Las Vegas skyline and Spring Mountains

Susan on the Trail

Amora on the Trail

C'mon Mom!

This small peak lays between our loop trail and Bootleg Canyon's Mother Loop. We sat here for a break with a gorgeous view of the very green Cascata Golf Course. Noticing that there were no displaced bighorn sheep covering the fairway below us, we wondered how they had managed to make them stay off the green grass. Later, we saw that there was a new fence that had been erected around the grass. So much for the guaranteed sightings of the beautiful wild animals on this hike. So, after the break, we turned right to go over to the saddle and turned left. This part of the bike loop is called "The Sh(..)" This name is clearly for the bikers. Only the best bikers with the toughest bikes should tackle this section of trail! 

Las Vegas skyline and Spring Mountains

Cascata Golf Course (now fenced to keep out bighorns)

Trail above golf Course

Cascata Golf Course

There are a lot of rocks, hills and trail falling off the side of the hill! Exciting stuff for hikers! I'm sure my camera is not able to clearly show the exciting terrain. We hiked on around next to the golf course noting the new fence and came to the back of the old recycled waterfall, once a beautiful golf course feature. We hiked through the washed out ravine - a dicey dance - then to the further end of the cut in the mountain contour. Next, we hiked on out to the outside end of the cut to view the dry waterfall from across the cut. The hard water has left its white mark on the embankment that it used to flow down. At the base of the old dry waterfall, the golf course's driving range spread toward the club house. 

Trail negotiates a wash Ravine

Ravine from a different Angle

Jug Handle Arch under flight Path

Loop trail follows mountain Contour

We continued our trek in and out the mountain cuts noting the jug handle arch above. The last quarter mile of the loop is probably the least interesting as you slowly return to civilization. The trail is still a great hike underfoot. We promise not to let it go so long without our feet in the future! P.S. Be aware that the trailhead parking lot is used for cheap overnighters. There were two cars spending the night here when we arrived. Better than nothing. Go and be blessed.

Stats: 4.4 miles; 850' gain; 3.75 hours

Trail above golf Course

Waterfall no longer Flows

End of loop (CW) view of highway to Boulder City

Opposite direction of this entry's Hike