Adventure in Boulder City/Las Vegas- Rail Explorer

Fun, Unique and Safe Experience

Looking for something fun and unique to do? Well I found just that at Rail Explorers Boulder City, NV

Just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip is an exhilarating 4 mile down hill ride where you will experience the beauty of Nevada: the Desert, River, Mountains and El Dorado Valley like never before.

My husband and I recently had a Safe and Fun weekend away. I wanted to try to find some fun activities that were SAFE yet still adventurous! If you have already read my other blog post on Safe Travel to Vegas: https://www.chasingthesunshineblog.com/safe-travels-to-vegas/ then you know that I set out to find a safe way to have some fun in Vegas.

With the current Pandemic most of us have been super cautious and not really venturing out much. Now that some business are starting to re-open and if you feel comfortable with doing outdoor activities in a safe environment, I highly recommend you give this a try!

I will share more details about Safety measures below.

What is a Rail Explorer?

You are probably very curious about what a Rail Explorer is right? It’s not to common to most of us! A Rail Explorer is a pedal powered vehicle that rides on railroad tracks. They have 4 steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat, and are comfortable, easy and fun to ride. Although the rail explorer requires some pedaling, it is very EASY. The steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience much different then riding a bike. There is no need to steer and riding is hands free, which is great so you can take photos or video.

Choose Your Explorer

Rail Explorers operates ONLY on rails that do not have any train traffic. Their Staff works closely with the Railroad Managers and dispatchers to ensure their is no traffic on the rails during the the operating times.

Rail Explorers vehicles are custom built and have the latest technology, and are global leaders in safety, design and ease of operation.

My husband and I had the opportunity to go on the “Tandem” Explorer, which has 2 seats. There is also a Quad Explore that has 4 seats and they do offer a VIP Seat for single riders. You can also request to go as a “group’ and they can link the rail explorers together to accommodate you.

Tours

Tours and times vary so please check website.

During our visit we had 3 tours to choose from:

Southwest Ramble– 4 mile downhill pedal powered daytime ride

Sunset Tour– A picturesque downhill ride in the evening as the sun sets behind the River Mountains

Evening Lantern Ride– A one-of-a-kind experience illuminated by the glow of the Moon and Stars

History of Pedal Powered Rail Vehicles

They date back to 1850’s, when maintenance workers used hand cars and “rail bikes” to travel along the tracks and to transport crew and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Tour durations vary but it took us approximately 1.5 hours for the rail explorer ride.
• Wear comfortable clothes, if it’s during the Summer I highly suggest to bring a hat and bring sunblock. During the Winter you may need a sweater.
• There is a basket on the rail explorer and you can store a backpack or water bottles.
• During the warmer months they supply you with an umbrella to help shade you.
• You can bring your Go Pro or camera. Part of riding the rails is the hands free experience. Great opportunity to capture some fun moments.
• There is a parking lot on site and it is free to park.
• Don’t worry they do not leave you stranded! Return Journeys are built into each tour. At the Boulder City,Ca location you get to ride on a train back to the depot.
• It is family friendly and fun for all ages: young and older
• Ticket prices vary so please see website- tour times & pricing
• Daytime tours, as well as Sunset and Holiday events are available
• There is a gift shop available to purchase items.
• The Boulder City location has a Railroad Museum on the property.

What Is The Experience Like?

I have to be honest- We had so much fun! I actually had more fun then I thought I would! I guess I just presumed that I would be pedaling around the train tracks like a bike ride. I didn’t realize that it was going to be so easy, fun and adventurous!

Being able to get a little exercise, relax and then have a quick thrill ride with the wind blowing in my hair was definitely an experience that I will never forgot.

When we got to the final stop, I actually wanted MORE!

I felt like a kid after they get off of a ride at an amusement park and then go back in line for round two!

The Train ride back to the depot was also nice. Being on a Historical Train was an added surprise and we really enjoyed chatting with the Staff Members. We learned alot about the History of the area.

Guest Reviews

• Invigorating experience! It’s like a self propelled roller coaster.
• The employees were very nice, helpful and Professional.
• Everyone was masked and respected social distancing
• I definitely recommend this to friends and family.
• “My Favorite part was everything, but seeing my family laugh and smile was awesome”!
• A must do- We had so much fun!

How Does The Tour Work?

We booked online http://www.railexplorers.net and received our tickets via email. The website will show you available times and what vehicle is available. When you arrive, there is a station to check in.

I HIGHLY advise to use the restroom because there is no stopping once you enter the rails.

After all the guests for that time slot has arrive, you are brought over to the Rail Explorer vehicle and every detail and safety measure is explained by a top notch employee. I felt very relieved with all the details and helpful information that was shared with the guests.

Next it was time to board your vehicle. Each rail explorer had the guests last name so it was easy to know which vehicle was waiting for you. After everyone is comfortable and buckled up it is time to go have some fun!

All the rail explorers leave at the same time and the group slowly spreads out a short distance so that there is room for each guest to comfortably enjoy the ride. This allows each group to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors and the magic of the railroad at their own pace in their own space.

At the end of the Rail ride there is a nice spot to sit, relax and wait for all the other riders to arrive.

Safety and Sanitation

The Safety of the guests and employees is very important at Rail Explorers. With the current Pandemic they are taking extra steps to make sure that everything is sanitized and that every guest is following good safety protocol.

During our visit I noticed numerous things that the Staff was doing to make sure each guest was happy. The customer service during our visit was exceptional. Each Staff member was very dedicated to their job and like I mentioned, you could see that safety was #1 priority.

I felt that the Staff went above and beyond to make sure that each guest was enjoying their time in a clean and safe enviroment.

I noticed the vehicles being wiped down prior to us boarding and also when we exited the rail explorer vehicle they were immediately sanitized. All the employees were wearing masks and it is mandatory to wear a mask prior to entering the boarding station.

PLEASE be kind to the employees! I know that it has been an adjustment with all the changes due to COVID19. The employees are just following the company guidelines.

About Rail Explorers

I was told that the inspiration to start the company originally came from a scene in a Korean Soap Opera. Back in 2012 Mary Jo Lu (who started Rail Explorers with her husband Alex Catchpoole) was watching one of her favorite shows and she was so intrigued by this strange contraption being pedaled along the railroad tracks. She was so excited that she took a trip to South Korea to meet with a designer.

After 3 years in the planning, New York’s Adirondacks was the first location which opened on July 3, 2015.

My husband and I loved the Boulder, Nevada location and was told that this was one of the newest locations.

Green Eco Tourism: Rail Explorers is committed to social and environmentally responsible operations and management. 100% Zero emissions and little to no impact on the environment and eco-systems they travel through.

About The Area

Boulder City is located about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. This small town has lots of charm. There are great restaurants, breweries, galleries and places to shop. You can also visit Lake Mead or the Hoover Dam in the same day.

History

In 1928 the Boulder Dam project was authorized. In 1931 the Rail Line was placed in service. The Railroad Pass Casino was also built in 1931. This is the oldest hotel in the area. Hoover Dam workers would stop in after a long week on the job and enjoyed an “illegal” drink, gambled and listened to a 5 piece band. To get in you needed to know the “Password”-Gaiety. This hotel was a hot spot for all the workers in the area. I promise that you will learn more about the History from the awesome Rail Explorer Staff members!

Add This Adventure To Your List-

I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did and it leaves you wanting more! I cant wait to go back and do the Sunset tour.

Enjoy your time and feel free to drop me a comment below or visit me on instagram #chasingthesunshineblog

Until the next Adventure… Stay Happy & Healthy

XO ,Christy

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