We recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Heather Abel, Rail Explorers USA Division Manager to ride the rail bikes down to the picnic area behind Railroad Pass. We took the morning Southwest Ramble on a sparkling spring day to learn more about the operation and opportunities for fun for Boulder City residents.
The first thing we learned when we got there is that the ride is DOG FRIENDLY!!! Yes, you can bring your favorite pupper with you on the trip (pets must be leashed for safety reasons)! Also, while supplies last, you can receive a special, limited edition Rail Explorers t-shirt if you bring a donation of Purina dog food for the Animal Shelter!
Also present on our morning ride were Animal Control Supervisor Ann Inabnitt, Animal Control Officer Brendan Hanson, Animal Control Officer Rebecca Schuster, BCPD Volunteer Anna Willison, and Otis Freeman, grandson of Inabnitt. They brought along Winnie. Winnie is currently looking for his fur-ever home, but was excited to meet all the other riders and smell all the new smells at the depot.
We hopped on our rail bike and started pedaling. The breeze was a pleasant refreshment as we pedaled along the tracks to get to the picnic staging area behind Railroad Pass. If you’re coming along for an adventure, plan on spending 90 minutes from start to finish, and bring a snack to enjoy at the picnic area. When we arrived at the picnic area, we hopped off our ride and snapped a few pics while we waited for the train to bring us back to the depot.
So enough, we heard the familiar train whistle as the train approached. Riders gathered and boarded the train for the return trip. Depending on the day, you could be met by any one of the rolling stock at the rail yard. Today we rode the engine with the cupola so we could sit up high and see the beautiful scenery as we rolled by.
Soon we were back at the station and disembarked. All in all, it was a beautiful day in Boulder City, made even more special by our trek with Rail Explorers and the Animal Shelter staff! Be sure to book your trip soon! Rail Explorers also offers a Sunset Railbike Ride and Fireside Twilight Ride (bring your marshmallows for this one!). You’ll have a fantastic ride, no matter which you choose.
