The Historic Railroad Trail retraces the tracks that once delivered supplies to workers building the Hoover Dam. The nearly four-mile route has incredible views of Lake Mead and passes through five tunnels carved from mountain rock. Look carefully in the darkness. You might spot a bat 👀
🦇 A Bat, You Say?
Mexican free-tailed bats love to roost in the dark tunnels between May and October. They gravitate to Lake Mead because the water attracts the insects that make up the bats’ primary diet. If you’re wandering the trails during the hot summer months and notice a shortage of bugs around, you have the bats to thank.
☝️ Flying High
The bats are named after their long tails, which extend past the tail membrane. They have large, forward-pointing ears, wrinkled lips, and are incredibly swift and agile. Some travel as fast as 60 miles per hour at altitudes of more than 10,000 feet.
😱 Don’t Panic
When not in caves, Mexican free–tailed bats tend to hang out in mines, under bridges, and inside abandoned buildings. Just don’t shine a light on them, especially when walking through the Lake Mead tunnels. It’s disorienting to these nocturnal creatures. Don’t bother them. They won’t bother you.
