Nevada Scenic Train Rides That Capture The Spirit Of The West

Nevada’s high desert landscapes and mining heritage come alive aboard historic trains that roll through valleys and mountains.

These preserved railways offer more than just transportation – they’re time machines that transport passengers back to the days of steam engines and frontier towns.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique adventure, these scenic rides showcase the rugged beauty and pioneer spirit that shaped the Silver State.

Virginia & Truckee Railway (Carson City To Virginia City)

This legendary route winds 24 miles through the Comstock region aboard beautifully restored 1914 Pullman coaches. The journey connects Nevada’s capital with one of the West’s most famous mining boomtowns.

Passengers enjoy a 3.5-hour layover in Virginia City to wander wooden sidewalks and peek into historic saloons. The round-trip excursion takes about 6.25 hours total, offering stunning views of the Virginia Range along the way.

Nevada Southern Railway (Boulder City)

Weekend rides along the historic Boulder Branch Line trace the route built in 1931 to support Hoover Dam construction. The 9-mile round trip from Boulder City to Railroad Pass showcases the El Dorado Valley’s sweeping vistas.

Rolling through classic Mojave Desert scenery, passengers glimpse the engineering marvel that brought water and power to the Southwest. The relatively short journey makes it perfect for families with younger children.

Nevada State Railroad Museum (Carson City)

Home to an impressive collection of restored locomotives and rolling stock, this Carson City museum preserves Nevada’s railroad legacy. Operating trains carry visitors through the grounds on select days, offering close-up views of meticulously maintained equipment.

The museum showcases everything from narrow-gauge engines to elegant passenger cars that once served the Silver State. Educational programs and special events help visitors understand how railroads shaped Nevada’s development and economy.

Nevada State Railroad Museum (Boulder City)

Preserving the Boulder Branch Line’s heritage, this museum celebrates the railroad that made Hoover Dam possible. Weekend excursions follow the original 1931 route, giving passengers a tangible connection to Depression-era engineering achievements.

The 9-mile journey offers educational commentary about construction challenges and the workers who built this vital supply line. Surrounded by desert mountains and valleys, riders experience landscapes that have changed little since the 1930s.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum (Ely)

Step aboard America’s best-preserved short line railroad, where original steam and diesel engines still chug along tracks laid over a century ago. The museum in Ely offers hands-on experiences that bring railroad history to life.

Visitors can explore authentic equipment and even climb into engineer cabs. Special events throughout the year include the popular Star Train, which ventures into the desert darkness for breathtaking stargazing sessions guided by Dark Rangers.