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The Union Pacific Railroad Trail runs along an active track, cutting through Henderson and connecting to residential neighborhoods and commercial shopping districts. The spur line sees infrequent traffic from companies receiving freight deliveries, and like the trail, is maintained by the City of Henderson. A fence separates trail users from the rail line throughout its length.
At the trail's north end, Green Valley Park has a playground, a baseball field, a basketball court, picnic tables, restrooms, and a large grassy field. Dogs are welcome and the frequent trees provide plenty of shade.
Midway along the trail, the popular Acacia Park offers ball fields, basketball courts and picnic shelters, as well as a playground, splash pad and dog park. The adjacent Acacia Demonstration Gardens provide examples of landscaping appropriate to Henderson's dry desert climate. A direct connection to the I-215 East Beltway Trail from Acacia Park's northwest edge allows trail users to continue along the Bruce Woodbury (Las Vegas) Beltway to points west of Henderson.
The construction of Interstate 11 also prompted the addition of separate rail and trail bridges over I-11 and parallel US 95 at the Union Pacific Railroad Trail's southeast end near Railroad Pass. While a relatively short extension of less than a mile, the bridge allows trail users to continue their journey on the existing River Mountains Loop Trail that provides access to Boulder City, Lake Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam.
At the northern endpoint, restrooms are available at Green Valley Park and street parking is fairly easy by the entrance to the trail at N Pecos Rd & Warm Springs Rd.
Parking and restrooms are available at Acacia Park (50 Casa Del Fuego Street). Additional parking can be found in dedicated lots where the trail crosses Fiesta Henderson Boulevard, Greenway Road, Arrowhead Trail and Nevada State Drive. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
I ride this trail frequently from Fiesta Henderson Blvd going to railroad pass. Then either turn left to Lake Las Vegas or right and thru Boulder down to the edge of lake mead. Both ways are nice.
Great ride, smooth and empty early morning. Clean and easy riding enjoy the landscape and shade from adjacent homes.
We were in Henderson to get 50 miles in Nevada on our quest to bike 50 miles in every state.THis was number 45 for us and we were excited to find the Union Pacific Trail.We were staying in the Black Mountain area and could ride to the Greenway entrance from the house.The trail surface is quite smooth and there a few road crossings that are well done with devices to warn cars of your crossing.Views of the surrounding mountains can be seen the entire way to the end at Railroad Casino which is approximately 5 miles.Watch those SW winds that prevail in the spring and the low humidity for those not from the area!Little extra effort can be required!The ride back to the western end is not quite as scenic but includes a park and an urban feel.If you are lucky you might just get a glimpse of the infamous Road Runner.
Grand opening today of new extension from Acacia Park west to North Pecos Road. This trail is now 12 miles or so. New section includes overpasses or underpasses at Stephanie, Valle Verde and Green Valley Pkwy avoiding major traffic crossings. Easy ride and connects to three other city parks.
I took this trail to go all the way to River Mountain Trail Loop and turning around back from Historical Train Tunnel in Boulder City.
Love this trail. Earlier reviews state the trail turns to gravel at Paradise. Not so anymore. Trail continues on, over the highway and connects to the 35 mile river loop. Trail is wide--6' at the narrowest and wider than a car in other spots. It is concrete and asphalt. Most street crossings had little traffic. A couple were busy enough to use the flashing warning lights and area residents seemed aware of the bikers and courteously stopped at crosswalks for them. The trail is a slight incline heading southward but mostly flat. I used a little pedal assist on my ebike heading south, especially in wind, but turned it off and pedaled manually heading back north to Acacia Park. No homeless spotted. A few pedestrians and dog walkers but not many. Even on a Saturday only passed maybe 12 other cyclers.
kudos to Henderson, the trail was clean, well marked,and just tough enough for a workout on my bike.
Connection to River Mountain Loops Trail on the south end is now complete, bridge over Interstate 11 is scenic.
Start at the bottom on Gibson Road passes through the gardens in the park.It's a gradual climb to the top at Nevada State College.Then it's a blast back down.
We rode this trail on November 24th, 2015. We actually started on I-215 East Beltway trail and connected to the Union Pacific Railroad Trail through Acacia Demonstration Gardens Park. The trail is separated from traffic and runs along the railroad. The street crossings were well marked and most had warning lights to slow the cars. A couple of crossings had tight turns in the medium, but we had no problem negotiating them. You could always walk your bike across. The trail was very well maintained and one of the best trails we have come across. The trail turns to gravel at E.Paradise Road, so we turned north on Paradise Road for 3 blocks and connected with the River Mountain Loop Trail.
This is my favorite trail. I walk it in the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. It appears very safe ,however I walk with a dog. The people on the trail are very nice and serious about their workouts.It is always clean , has great shade ,and exposed sunny areas. Enjoy !
I rode the Union Pacific Trail in Henderson NV on a Bike E recumbent. I left the parking lot at Fiesta Henderson about 1:15 PM on a clear, cool day. After about 2 miles(no mile markers) of southerly pedaling I encountered a crossing of a four lane divided boulevard which was most likely Horizon Drive(no signage). This is a busy, fast moving(50 mph)street. Crossing to the median strip after stopping was without incident because the visibility of traffic approaching from the left is good. Once on the median strip I was confined to a narrow fenced trail that took a 90 degree turn to the left. At that point I was moving parallel to two lanes of traffic which I was about to cross. I had to make a sharp 90 degree right hand turn to enter the crossing. There is a black steel fence all the way to the crossing. Visibilty of the motor vehicle traffic while riding a recumbent is very poor since I had to look through the fence which I could not see over. I stood up as best I could and still be ready to cross, but still did not have a clear view. I waited for the traffic to clear and proceded to pedal across, hooked a pedal on the curbing, and went down partially into the roadway with my bike, fence, and me tangled while I watched the oncoming burst of cars. I released from the mess, stood up, got out of the roadway, and retrived my bike while the cars slowed. I suffered some road burn and a sprained finger. Yes, I was wearing a helmet. I rested for 10 minutes while checking the bike. I then PUSHED the bike across Horizon Drive. On the return trip I DISMOUNTED and PUSHED through this intersection. I recommend that all riders dismount and push, especially young kids and recumbent riders, on the Union Pacific Trail at the difficult maze of the Horizon Drive crossing.
Rode on 6 Oct 2012 in morning. Started at south end of trail then rode downhill to bottom. Nice rail-to-trail with good street crossings. Friendly people on trail. Trail goes all the way down to I-215 and then along side for a distance. Easy ride back up uphill, since it maintains the grade of the active railroad track. Not actually a rail-to-trail but close enough. Trail is in great condition, no issues for road bike.
The UPRT is open from Acacia Park to Paradise Hills Drive South of Nevada State College. There is still some work being done on the landscaping and occasionally there may be areas of the trail pavement that are being worked on that require you to dismount from your bike, but last evening the entire trail was open. Once the landscaping is finished this trail will be even more pleasant. The entire trail is lighted with motion sensitive LED lamps which brighten as you ride past them (it was a bit disorienting until I figured out what was going on).
Over the last month the number of people using the trail has increased significantly, with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and skateboarders. The path is of ample width to accommodate everyone, and portions of the trail include a parallel compacted decomposed granite path that is perfect for running and walking. The trail includes "rest stops" at regular intervals with seating that is surrounded by drought tolerant and colorful plantings. Several water fountains have been installed at street intersections, a great bonus with our hot desert temperatures. Most of the fountains also include a Dog Fountain so that your furry friend can stay hydrated also.
Thank you to Rails-to-Trails, City of Henderson, and Union Pacific Railroad for building this wonderful trail.
Parked at Acacia Park N36.03015 W115.01621 . There is another small trail parking lot parking at Fiesta Henderson Blvd N36.02852 W115.00596 Pedaled this excellent surfaced trail to Horizon Dr where it was still being worked on, and back down grade to Gibson Rd & return to the park. A pleasant trail to ride, that will get even better as the landscaping matures. Thanks to the Henderson City Employees. Noel Keller 23 Apr 2012
The City of Henderson is currently spending millions in trail improvements and additions to complete the UPRR trail which like the UPRR will traverse Henderson from the Northwest through the heart of the city to the Southeast providing a major non-motorized transportation link. Connecting Acacia Park to Nevada State College and all neighborhoods along the way. Landscaping, trail lighting, architectural features bringing local history and designated street crossings with signage for safety of users is being added. These new features will be complete and open to users by early summer 2012.
The UPRR rail line is used once or twice per week by Union Pacific to deliver railcars to two industrail plastic manufacturers served by the rail line; thus it makes a perfect rail-trail corridor for a shared trail system.
At the far south end of the UPRR Trail is a connection via Paradise Hills Dr. over to the River Mountains Loop Trail system (You can find information on Traillink.com).
All of this work is upgrades and finishing of what we refer to as Phase I of the UPRR trail. Phase II continues north from Acacia Park to the Northwest city limits of Henderson. Phase II is under design along with final right-of-way aquisition. Stay tuned for more on Phase II...
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