articles

Southwest Ramble is an exhilarating ride on historic rails

Rail Explorers offers unique experience in Boulder City

By Heather Landon, Publisher SW Las Vegas, Henderson & Boulder City March 21, 2019

Summer is almost here. Find all of the amazing events, summer crafts and summer fun in Henderson & Boulder City here! 

To get the scoop on family fun in Henderson & Boulder City sign-up HERE!



A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to try something we never before experienced as a family. That was taking an exhilarating ride on the historic tracks from the Nevada State Railroad Museum down to Railroad Pass. However, this ride was not on a train, it was on Rail Explorers - unique tour combining pedal-powered explorers and a ride on a historic train. Sounds amazing, right? It was!


Haven’t heard of Rail Explorers? Well, let me tell you this. You need to find the time and get your family out there. It is an experience of a lifetime and everyone in the family will have a thrilling time. Just ask our son. (Check out next week’s newsletter for his review of our experience.)

When we arrived at the museum, we saw all the explorers lined up on the track ready to go. Before boarding our pedal cars, we had a brief safety tutorial and then the excitement began. One-by-one they let each pedal car go, but before we took off, the staff took the time to chat with us, make sure we didn’t have any questions and to take group photos for us. (By the way, the staff at Rail Explorers was so amazing, sweet and very polite. They made the experience so much more exciting!) 

Image may contain: sky and outdoor

When it was our turn, we took off faster than I would have expected, but it was so much fun. 

Now, you would think, that pedaling would have been difficult or have taken a long time. However, the tracks in the beginning went downhill, making it to where we did not have to pedal much at all. At least not until the end. The last few feet (which felt like miles) was an uphill push to the end. But even that did not seem as bad as you might think it would have been. Especially when you have a 15 year old on board who can do most of the work for you. 

Image may contain: sky, mountain, outdoor and nature

The view during the tour was breathtaking. As we traveled we had amazing views of the mountains and even saw some wildlife along the way. The view at the end when we stopped for our 30 minute break was just as fabulous as during the ride. There, we were able to go hiking a bit, eat a quick snack (make sure to pack one) and relax at the picnic area. However, we couldn’t help but wonder how we were going to get back (don’t worry, they told us ahead of time, but we made our son worry he had to pedal the explorer back up the hill). After our break, we were picked up by a historic train and made our way back to Nevada State Railroad Museum.

Image may contain: train, sky, outdoor and nature

We truly have to say, as a family, we give Rail Explorers Las Vegas five gold daisies. Which is the same as five stars and a double thumbs up!

The Las Vegas Division of Rail Explorers is only open from January through May. Do not wait, get your experience booked now. For more information about Rail Explorers, click here or check out our events calendar for a list of dates and times. Rail Explorers Las Vegas departs from Nevada State Railroad Museum, which is located at 601 Yucca Street in Boulder City (89005). 

Southwest Ramble Tour prices start at $85 per explorer and there are tandem and quad explorers available.  Do you live in Nevada? Show them your Nevada State ID and you will receive a special “locals discount” of 15 percent off your experience. Please allow for 1.5 hours for this experience.

Please note: The publishers of Macaroni Kid Henderson-Boulder City and SW Las Vegas were given the opportunity to ride Rail Explorers in exchange for this review.


Get the scoop on family fun in Henderson & Boulder City, SIGN-UP for FREE today!

Is your organization, school, church or business hosting an upcoming event that is not listed? 
Submit the event HERE!
 Thank you!


Our Top Trending Local Articles


mckee ranch.png

McKee Ranch Foundation is Helping to preserve the Ranch Life

IMG_20190122_161048.jpg

Meowee Wowee Hawaiian Shave Ice Cafe is Macaroni Kid Mom Approved


Get a FREE kid-friendly events calendar for Henderson & Boulder City full of festivals, fairs, activities and more! Sign up by clicking here