visit hoover dam on your own

Visiting the Hoover Dam: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Deanna Mazzola

History of the Hoover Dam

How to visit the hoover dam, how to drive across the hoover dam, the best views of the hoover dam, tours of the hoover dam, how to get there, where to stay nearby, tips for your visit.

The  Hoover Dam (originally known as the Boulder Dam), which holds back the mighty Colorado River forming Lake Mead , is located on the Arizona-Nevada border on Highway 93. It's 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas . 

It's a popular tourist destination whose Bureau of Reclamation tour alone draws nearly 1 million visitors every year. The bureau has been leading visitors through the dam and power plant since the '30s, and it is no less impressive today. If you're planning a trip to see the Hoover Dam in person, here's what to know.

The construction of the Hoover Dam originally named the Boulder Dam, backed up the Colorado River, resulting in the formation of Lake Mead. The dam was completed in five years. The contractors were allowed seven years from April 20, 1931, but concrete placement in the dam was completed May 29, 1935, and all features were completed by March 1, 1936.

Nearby Boulder City was built in 1931 to house the dam workers. It is the only city in Nevada where gambling is illegal. Visitors can enjoy antique shopping and restaurants.

If you want to visit the Hoover Dam, the first place to start is at the visitor center . Here, you can make your reservations, get the opening hours, learn about special events, and more.  Yes, you can enjoy the Dam for free. Park in one of the free parking areas and walk across the dam, where you will find plenty of great photo opportunities and interesting information posted along the way. Look up as you walk and see another marvel of engineering: the construction of an immense bridge across the river just downstream from Hoover Dam, on the Hoover Dam Bypass.

There are restrooms in the visitors center, parking garage, adjacent to the Old Exhibit Building and in the downstream face towers on top of the dam. Shopping for a souvenir? You'll find some interesting things at the gift shop on the lower floor of the parking garage. There is also a food concession at the dam.

Look for the warning signs before you cross the Hoover Dam. Not all types of vehicles are allowed to cross the dam. Even better, do a little research on the important  information  before you leave. You might be surprised to know that RVs and rental trucks can cross the dam (but they may be inspected). 

It's tempting to want to stop and take photos of the Hoover Dam or just pause and take it all in. Look for the many pullouts to safely do this. Don't stop on the street. 

The visitors center is on the Nevada side of the dam and it can be a bit more crowded but is another place to park. If you want covered parking or primo parking spots, be prepared to pay. Oversized vehicles, those with trailers and recreational vehicles can't park in the garage closest to the visitors center, though. They have to park in a lot on the Arizona side of the dam. If you're on a budget, you can find lots on the Arizona side a bit further up the canyon that offers free parking, if you don't mind the walk across. There is a closer lot on the Arizona side that costs a fee.

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Tours of the Hoover Dam are available at the visitors center a first come, first served basis for those over 8 years of age. (Younger children cannot go on the tour.) For those wanting to see the Power Plant, too, you can reserve a ticket online or at the visitors center. All ages are allowed on the Power Plant tour. Neither tour is accessible for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

The Hoover Dam is about a 45 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip . Exact times may vary due to traffic. Rideshare services can cost around $60 one way depending on the time of day. If you are taking your own car, a parking garage can be found on the Nevada side of the dam. This garage costs $10 and only accepts cash.

There are no public transportation options that go directly to the dam. Take note that the Hoover Dam does not have an exact address, so make sure to set your GPS to the Hoover Dam Visitors Center.

The closest nearby cities to the Hoover Dam are Boulder City, Nevada, Henderson, Nevada, and Winchester, Nevada. A few affordable options are the Hoover Dam Lodge & Casino , the Boulder Dam Hotel , and the Best Western Hoover Dam .

You can find more mid-range options in nearby Lake Las Vegas , including The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa and the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa .

If you're planning on staying in Las Vegas and road tripping, make sure to check out our list of the best hotels to book in Las Vegas .

• The Hoover Dam is a major attraction. It is worth visiting, but you may want to avoid the crowds. The slowest months for visitation are January and February. The least crowded time of day for tours is 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Remember that you are in the desert. It can get hot at Hoover Dam (lots of concrete, remember?). Dress accordingly and bring water.
• When you are at the Hoover Dam, be sure and take the time to look at the Hoover Dam Bypass. The bridge over the Colorado River is viewable from the dam and as you drive across. The immense bridge is both amazing and scary. It is 900 feet above the river, making it the world's highest concrete arch bridge and the second-highest bridge in the United States, behind the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado.
• The main part of the bypass, which rerouted the highway to have fewer sharp turns, is named the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bypass opened in 2010.

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How to Visit Hoover Dam – Things to Do + Tips

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Hoover Dam | How to Visit Hoover Dam – Things to Do + Tips

The Hoover Dam is one of the coolest historical landmarks in the American Southwest. An impressive feat of human engineering and hydropower, the dam continues to amaze visitors nearly 90 years after it was built.

Moreover, its close proximity to Sin City makes visiting the Hoover Dam one of the best things to do outside of Las Vegas . You can easily rent a car in Vegas and get to the dam in less than an hour. If you don’t want to drive, I recommend taking a Hoover Dam day tour like this one or flying over this monumental structure on a Hoover Dam helicopter tour .

To help you decide how to visit Hoover Dam and plan your trip, I’m sharing everything you need to know about this landmark attraction. I’ll share how to get there, the 10 best things to do at the Hoover Dam , and more.

Guide to visiting the Hoover Dam

This guide includes everything you should know about Hoover Dam tourism , including ticket prices, directions, and activities. Feel free to read through the entire guide or skip to the topic you’re curious about:

How to visit Hoover Dam

• Best things to do at the Hoover Dam
• Hoover Dam tourist information

Tips for visiting Hoover Dam

Where is the hoover dam located.

The Hoover Dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona, on the Colorado River in Black Canyon. It’s just 40 minutes from Sin City and one of the best stops on a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon .

You can visit the Hoover Dam by car or take a tour from Las Vegas. An organized tour is the most convenient option especially if you don’t have a vehicle or don’t want to drive.

Directions to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

The Hoover Dam is just 37 miles southeast of Las Vegas, so the drive only takes about 40 minutes.

If you don’t have a vehicle, renting a car in Las Vegas is the best option since you can go on your own schedule and spend as much time at the dam as you want. Plus, you’re free to take any detours or pit stops you’d like. The directions to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas are quite simple:

• Take I-515 S/US-93 S and follow it for about 34 miles to NV-172 (Exit 2).
• Continue on NV-172, which converts to Hoover Dam Access Rd. You’ll see signs for Hoover Dam bridge parking and the Visitor Center.

Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas

Of course, if you don’t want to drive, you can take a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas . This is definitely the easiest option since most of the tours include the Hoover Dam shuttle from Las Vegas and a live guide. Some of these Hoover Dam tours even include extra stops along the way, so they’re perfect for a day trip.

I recommend this full or half-day tour , which passes through Boulder City and Lake Mead before arriving at the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Then, you’ll take a tour through the construction tunnels, powerplant, and Hoover Dam Visitor Center. This tour is included in several Las Vegas tourist cards , including the Las Vegas Go City Pass . I suggest getting the pass if you plan on seeing other Vegas attractions so you can visit them at a discount.

Another option is a Hoover Dam helicopter tour to get a unique aerial view of the Hoover Dam . I like this heli-tour , which flies over the dam and the Grand Canyon West Rim .

10 Best things to do at the Hoover Dam

There is more to do at the Hoover Dam than meets the eye. In addition to some great lookout points, there are interesting attractions and nearby places to check out. Keep reading to see my top 10 recommendations below!

1. Hoover Dam Visitor Center

The first place you should check out is the Hoover Dam Visitor Center . It costs $10 to enter and see the informational exhibits. Here, you can learn more about the history of the Hoover Dam , its legacy, and the power systems and infrastructure that keep it functioning. You can also watch a short documentary about the dam’s construction, including the engineering prowess and manpower it took to build such a huge structure.

The Visitor Center is also where you can purchase tickets for a Hoover Dam tour . There are three tours to choose from:

Hoover Dam self-guided tour

The self-guided Hoover Dam tour costs $10 and is the tour that’s included in your Visitor Center admission. You’ll be able to walk through the narrated exhibits and watch the historical Hoover Dam film. The tour also includes access to the Visitor Center observation decks, which offer panoramic views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the Bypass Bridge in the distance.

Guided Powerplant Tour

The powerplant tour through Hoover Dam costs $15 and grants you access to the dam’s original construction tunnels. A guide will lead you through the passageway and take you to the Nevada Powerhouse to see its commercial generators. You can even feel the force of the water rushing through the pipes below. This tour also includes everything in the self-guided tour.

Guided Dam Tour

For $30, you can take the complete Hoover Dam tour , which includes everything in the powerplant tour, plus an elevator ride to the inner workings of the dam. Take a walk through the old inspection tunnels and check out the ventilation shaft, where you can also see the Colorado River churning. It’s the best deal if you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes logistics of the Hoover Dam.

2. Hoover Dam Bridge – Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

When you visit the Hoover Dam , you’ll also be able to see the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge . From here, you’ll get some of the most impressive views of the dam and its surroundings.

This Hoover Dam Bridge was named after former Nevada Governor Mike O’Callaghan and football player Pat Tillman, who died while on military duty in Afghanistan. It was built to provide a safer route over the dam and ease traffic congestion.

The arch bridge runs across the Colorado River, connecting Nevada and Arizona and measuring 1,900 feet long. Since it opened in 2010, it’s been the widest concrete arch in the Western Hemisphere, and the second-highest bridge in the U.S., at 890 feet tall.

You can walk or drive across the bridge, although you’ll have to get out of your car if you want to get the full view.

3. Hoover Dam Lookout – Kingman Wash

Another one of the best ways to see Hoover Dam is by visiting Kingman Wash . This Hoover Dam Lookout is on the Arizona side of the dam and has the most breathtaking views of the massive structure. From here, you can take in the magnitude of the manmade dam and witness the rushing water while glimpsing Lake Mead, Black Canyon, and the desert environment in the distance.

Best of all, this overlook tends to be less crowded than the others, so you can get a front-row seat to the beautiful views. To get there, follow the Hoover Dam Bridge into Arizona and take the Kingman Wash exit. You’ll find the access road, which is unpaved, and you can take that about a half-mile to the overlook.

If you’re up for it, you can continue along this trail and see the stunning expanse of Fortification Hill, Black Mesa, and the surrounding mountains.

4. Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

I’ve mentioned that you can get nice views of Lake Mead from Hoover Dam , but it’s also worth visiting this place for yourself. Lake Mead was formed as a result of the construction of the Hoover Dam and spans 247 square miles. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the largest of its kind in the U.S.

4. Historic Railroad Hiking Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The calm blue water of the lake is the perfect contrast to the concrete and steel parts of the Hoover Dam . It’s worth spending some time in this area, especially if you enjoy water sports like boating, kayaking and swimming. If you prefer on-land activities, you’ll find hiking trails here, including the Railroad Tunnel Trail .

This family-friendly trail starts at the Lake Mead Visitor Center and has sturdy terrain and signposts, so it’s quite easy. Since it travels along the Boulder City Highway, you’ll be able to see the Hoover Dam’s construction tunnels while you hike. You’ll also see the Hoover Dam Boneyard, the Lake Mead – Lakeview Overlook, and natural scenery, so it’s one of the best hikes near Las Vegas .

5. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

Hiking the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is one of the best things to do at the Hoover Dam , especially if you love outdoor activities like us. This 6-mile off-road hike is a bit of a challenge, but most people can do the first mile or so without any problems. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks and to dress appropriately for the weather.

The trail has a few areas where you’ll have to scramble over boulders and watch your footing, but it’s worth the effort. As you make your way through the wash canyon, you can find scenic grottoes, natural pools, and maybe some bighorn sheep.

Some of the hot springs in the area have dried up, but there are a few you can swim in, and there are some thermal waterfalls, too. It’s one of the coolest places to visit near the Hoover Dam , so I highly recommend it.

6. Dam Builders Memorial at Hoover Dam

By the entrance to the Hoover Dam , you can see the beautiful, winged figures built by Norwegian sculptor Oskar J. W. Hansen. The figures represent guardian angels looking over the dam, and they’re accompanied by a plaque dedicated to the people who died during the dam’s construction.

The plaque was on the canyon wall on the Arizona side of the dam but was moved so it would be closer to the sculptures. The accompanying plaque reads, “They died to make the desert bloom. The United States of America will continue to remember that many who toiled here found their final rest while engaged in the building of this dam. The United States of America will continue to remember the services of all who labored to clothe with substance the plans of those who first visioned the building of this dam.”

Visiting this little piece of the dam is even more meaningful after going through the Hoover Dam Visitor Center and learning about the history of this monument.

7. Hemenway Park

Not far from the dam, off Highway 93, you’ll find Hemenway Park in Boulder City. I recommend taking this detour to visit the park, get some fresh air, and spot some wildlife.

Hemenway Park is a pleasant green space that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s mostly known for its herds of bighorn sheep, who often graze in the park. The bighorn sheep is Nevada’s state animal, so keep your eyes peeled for strays snacking on the grass or resting in the shade.

There are also tennis courts, picnic areas, and a playground at the park, so you can take a brief break here before continuing your journey to the Lake Mead and Hoover Dam area .

8. Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum

The Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum is inside the Boulder Dam Hotel at 1305 Arizona Street. This is another Boulder City attraction near the Hoover Dam that you should add to your itinerary.

The museum chronicles the construction of the dam as well as the history of Boulder City through artifacts, photos, and an educational theater. Many of the objects on display date back to the Great Depression, offering a look back at the social and political climate of the time. You’ll also learn more about the Hoover Dam’s impact and how it paved the way for hydroelectric power and engineering.

The Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum is free and open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

9. Nevada Southern Railroad Museum & other places to visit in Boulder City

Given its proximity to the Hoover Dam , Boulder City is a great place to explore during your trip, so I recommend spending a few hours here if you have time.

In addition to the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and Hemenway Park, the city is home to the Southern Railroad Museum , one of the most popular attractions in Nevada . This museum has a collection of historic trains and locomotive models dating back as far as the 1840s. There are also interpretive exhibits and a 7-mile heritage railroad ride that you can enjoy. This family-friendly attraction is one of the best things to do near Hoover Dam with kids.

Another cool place to check out is Bootleg Canyon Park , a haven for mountain bikers and hikers. The cross-country and downhill trails here wind through the desert landscape and pass by some stunning viewpoints overlooking Lake Mead.

For a scenic change of pace, head to Veteran’s Memorial Park , a 25-acre green space with several sports fields and courts, a 3-acre fishing pond, a skatepark, and walking/biking paths. Another outdoor option is the Alan Bible Botanical Garden , which is home to various species of desert shrubs and cacti.

10. Get stunning aerial views of the Hoover Dam

Finally, to make your visit to the Hoover Dam extra special, consider taking a Hoover Dam helicopter tour . It’s the best way to get aerial views of Hoover Dam and fully grasp the magnitude of this massive structure.

Keep in mind that most helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon also fly over the Hoover Dam . So, if you’re traveling from Vegas and don’t mind just doing a helicopter ride over the dam, this type of tour can be a great deal. We took this heli-tour and got some exceptional photos of the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon from above. The birds-eye view was so amazing that we’ve taken additional helicopter tours over the area. I highly recommend seeing it for yourself !

Hoover Dam tourist information (hours, ticket price, map, and more)

Now that you know the best things to do at the Hoover Dam , here is some important information you’ll need to plan your visit.

Hoover Dam hours

The hours for the Hoover Dam are 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, and official tours operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. You can visit Hoover Dam 365 days a year, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Entrance fee and tickets to Hoover Dam

There is no cost to see the dam, but if you want to go into the Hoover Dam Visitor Center and see the exhibits, you must pay the $10 admission. There are also different guided tours of the Hoover Dam , which range from $15-$30 per person and include admission to the Visitor Center.

Hoover Dam map

You’ll have an easier time planning your visit with this Hoover Dam map . It includes an overview of the dam, the parking lots, and attractions surrounding the dam.

Parking at the Hoover Dam

There is free Hoover Dam parking across from the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. There is another free lot on the Arizona side. Paid parking at the garage by the Visitor Center costs $10 per vehicle.

Hoover Dam hotel

If you want more time to visit the Hoover Dam and the surrounding area, consider staying overnight. The Hoover Dam Lodge in Boulder City is the best hotel by the Hoover Dam . It’s just a 5-minute drive away and offers good nightly rates and free parking.

The accommodation features spacious and tidy rooms that are ideal for families. Plus, there are additional guest amenities like an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a casino, a general store and a restaurant.

Otherwise, we have a full guide on where to stay in Las Vegas , for more accommodation options.

Hoover Dam history & facts

What’s so special about the Hoover Dam anyway? You’ll learn all about it when you visit and take a tour, but for now, here are some Hoover Dam facts to entice you:

• The dam was built between 1931 and 1936 to hold back the waters of the Colorado River and supply hydroelectric power to the surrounding area, which was rapidly developing. Today, the Hoover Dam still fulfills this purpose and provides power to over a million people in three states and irrigates 2 million acres of land.
• The Hoover Dam’s height of 726.4 ft made it the world’s tallest dam until 1968 when it was surpassed by California’s Orville Dam (770 ft).
• The Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is the Western Hemisphere’s longest single-span concrete arch bridge . It replaced the portion of US-93 that crossed over the top of the dam to help ease traffic congestion.

• The construction of the Hoover Dam was a huge project and provided employment for thousands of people who were out of work due to the Great Depression. As these laborers flocked to the area, they needed a place to live, so Boulder City was built to house the workforce .
• During the five years it took to build the dam, over 130 workers died , either from accident or illness.
• The dam is named after U.S. President Herbert Hoover , whose administration approved the project’s construction. However, President Hoover wasn’t invited to the dedication ceremony, and the dam wasn’t officially named until 1947.
• In 1939, the United States discovered that the Hoover Dam was the target of a German military bomb threat , and U.S. officials were able to stop the attack .

Before you plan your visit to the Hoover Dam , here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Plan to spend 3-4 hours here. This will give you time to take pictures, go to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, take a tour, and explore the Lake Mead area.
• The best time to visit Hoover Dam if you want to avoid crowds is between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m .
• Remember that it takes about an hour to visit the Hoover Dam by car from Vegas. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get there and maximize your visit.
• It is free to cross the Hoover Dam Bridge , but there is a fee to get into the Visitor Center. Also, the tours at the Hoover Dam range from $15-$30 per person.
• Parking at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center costs $10. You can find free Hoover Dam parking on the Arizona side, across from the Memorial Bridge.
• Be prepared for desert heat and bring plenty of water to carry with you. There isn’t much shade around the dam, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are must-haves.

FAQs about visiting Hoover Dam

To round out this guide on how to visit the Hoover Dam , here are the answers to some common questions:

How tall is Hoover Dam?

The total height of the Hoover Dam is 726.4 feet.

The Hoover Dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona, on the Colorado River in Black Canyon.

How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?

The Hoover Dam is just 37 miles from Las Vegas, or about a 40-minute drive.

When was the Hoover Dam built?

Construction on the Hoover Dam began in April 1931, and it opened in March 1936.

Why was the Hoover Dam built?

The purpose of the Hoover Dam was to control flooding on the Colorado River and to help with agricultural irrigation and hydroelectric power to Nevada, Arizona, and California.

How long does it take to visit Hoover Dam?

You should plan to spend about 3 hours touring the Hoover Dam .

When is the best time to visit Hoover Dam?

The best time to visit the Hoover Dam is in fall or winter when there are minimal crowds, and the temperatures are mild.

Can I see the Hoover Dam without a tour?

Yes, you can walk across the Hoover Dam and see the lookout points, but if you want to go into the Visitor Center, you need to pay the admission fee.

Can you see the Hoover Dam for free?

Yes, you can see the Hoover Dam for free, but it’s worth taking the tours.

How much does it cost to visit Hoover Dam?

It’s free to go to the Hoover Dam, but the Visitor Center costs $10 per person. The tours at the Hoover Dam range from $15 to $30.

Is Hoover Dam worth seeing?

Absolutely! It’s worth visiting the Hoover Dam and learning about its history while seeing it up close. Plus, the dam is close to Las Vegas and on the way to the Grand Canyon.

Can you walk across the Hoover Dam?

Yes, and it’s free to walk across the Hoover Dam Bridge .

Can you drive across Hoover Dam?

Yes, you can drive across the dam and park in one of the free lots or the paid parking garage.

That’s it from me! I hope you feel better prepared for your Hoover Dam visit and that you make the most of your time here. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d also love to hear about your experience touring the Hoover Dam .

Stay safe and have a wonderful trip!

Ascen Aynat

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Tips for Visiting Hoover Dam

Nevada / April 14, 2018 by Allison / 53 Comments This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links.

Planning a trip to or through Las Vegas? Hoover Dam is located about 30 minutes south of Las Vegas, Nevada and it's a “dam” good family-friendly attraction in a city that is not known for its family attractions. It's educational too!

We have visited Hoover Dam twice, about five years apart and our experience was similar – and positive – both times. Here's what you can expect from a stop at Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam straddles the Nevada-Arizona state line. The road over the dam used to be part of the main highway through that area, but now it ends on the Arizona side. It is easy to spend an hour or more just walking on and around the dam itself.

The dam is an engineering marvel. Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains are scenic. The state line marker is a popular photo op and it's fun to get a good look at Lake Mead on one side and then wonder at HUGE drop down the concrete wall on the other.

There is a statuary on the Nevada side where you can get an idea of just how challenging Hoover Dam was to build and how many lives were lost for it. There is a gift shop and cafe.

It costs nothing to visit Hoover Dam. There is a charge to take a tour and see the visitor center. Admission to the visitor center is included with a tour, or can be purchased separately.

We would like to take a tour and see the visitor center, but we haven't yet. On one trip, our kids were younger, and kind of grumpy on the day we visited. On the other, we arrived too late in the day for a tour, but our visit was still well worth the time.

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Don't Miss the Bridge

About a mile before you reach Hoover Dam, look for a parking lot near the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This bridge, which was completed in 2010, spans the gorge in front of Hoover Dam. The bridge is an engineering feat on its own and there is an informative foot path up to the bridge and a pedestrian walkway across it.

You can get great photos of the bridge from Hoover Dam and of Hoover Dam from the bridge. Standing over that much air was a little unnerving for me, but still pretty neat. Hang on to your hats! It's quite windy on the bridge.

On our last visit, we spotted several mountain sheep just above the bridge, across the road from the Welcome to Nevada sign. 

There is only one small parking lot at the bridge, compared with hundreds of spaces at the dam. To beat the crowds, consider stopping at the bridge first if you arrive in the morning, or last if you arrive in the afternoon.

How to Get There

We drive our own car when we visit Hoover Dam. It's the easiest and least expensive way to get there. 

If you don't need a car for any other reason than to visit Hoover Dam, you can book a tour from Las Vegas. Concierges at every hotel in Las Vegas can help you book a tour to Hoover Dam. Or, choose from dozens of tours at Viator.com , starting at around $50 per person. Basic tours typically include

• Transportation
• Hoover Dam Tour
• Visitor Center
• Memorial Bridge

Some tours may also include a helicopter ride, Lake Mead cruise or a combination Grand Canyon trip. Click the button below to see tour options at Viator.com .

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Hoover Dam has a multi-level parking garage on the Nevada side and several parking lots on the Arizona side. The parking garage charges $10 per vehicle and it is the most convenient parking option for the dam. Your car will be shaded from the sun, which will be nice on a hot day. There is no parking charge for those with accessible plates and placards.

Additional parking is available on the Arizona side of the dam. There is a pay lot just on the other side, but if demand is low you may be able to park there for free. That was the case on our most recent visit. Additional free parking is available in several places up the hill. Oversize vehicles are required to park on the Arizona side.

Parking will fill up on busy days, so arrive early or late in the day if you can.

What to Bring

Hoover Dam is located in the desert and temperatures will usually be hotter than 100 degrees (F) in the summer. It was 90 degrees (F) on our last visit in early April.

Bring plenty of drinking water with you, especially if you plan to park in the free parking on the Arizona side. You'll be walking uphill on the way back to your car. The walk across the dam is a half-mile, round trip.

Wear sunscreen and sun hats on the dam. There will be little shade.

I recommend bringing your own snacks and picnic. The cafe at Hoover Dam serves lunch, bottled water and cold treats too.

Where to Stay

Hoover Dam is located about 30 minutes from Las Vegas, just outside Boulder City, Nevada. If your visit to Hoover Dam is part of a Las Vegas vacation, then I would stay in Las Vegas. Tahiti Village Resort is a good option for families in Las Vegas.

If you're just passing through and need a place for the night, then Boulder City or Henderson have a number of hotels to choose from.

Click the red button to check rates and availability for Boulder City hotels on TripAdvisor.com .

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Good to Know

Where:  Hoover Dam is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, on the Nevada-Arizona border. From Las Vegas, take US Highway 93 to Nevada State Route 172. From Boulder City, follow the signs.

When: Open year-round except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Visit Hoover Dam between 5 AM and 9 PM. Tours and Visitor Center availability is 9 AM to 5 PM. 

How Much:  It's FREE to walk or drive across Hoover Dam and the Colorado River Bridge. However, there is a charge for parking, the visitor center and tours:

• $10 for parking. If you don't mind walking, free parking is available farther up on the Arizona side.
• $10 per person (ages 4 and up) for the visitor center
• $12-15 per person for 30-minute Powerplant tour (includes visitor center)
• $30 per person for 1-hour Hoover Dam tour (includes visitor center)

How Long: 1-2 hours without the visitor center or a tour

Amenities: Free access to restrooms, gift shop and cafe.

Website:  www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

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Reader Interactions

May 24, 2012 at 10:47 am

I’ve seen the dam as I’ve flown into Vegas but never drive. I think it would be a very interesting outing. I love the first photo.

May 24, 2012 at 11:17 am

Thanks! That sign is funny, isn’t it? Hoover Dam is an easy half-day excursion from Las Vegas and I enjoyed it even more than I expected to.

Dick Jordan

May 24, 2012 at 11:45 am

Back in 1998, my wife and I took the top-end “Hard Hat Tour” of the dam, and got to keep our plastic “fedoras” as a souvenir. Alas, I think that particular tour was canceled after 9/11.

May 24, 2012 at 11:53 am

It did feel like some things had changed since 9/11. I’m sure the security checkpoint is a product of that event. There are still two different dam tours, though probably not the same tour as yours, for visitors who want an inside look.

May 24, 2012 at 12:24 pm

I’ve always thought that this would be a fun day trip from Vegas! Not sure that I could do the pedestrian walkway though – I get a bit freaked out on the glass floor at the top of the CN Tower in Toronto!

May 26, 2012 at 8:40 pm

Glass floors in a tower would make me anxious too, but I think that the view from this bridge was worth it. Walking across the dam is not scary, so be sure to make the trip if you get the chance!

Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

May 24, 2012 at 12:44 pm

Hoover is an amazing dam and an engineering feat! Great pictures.

May 26, 2012 at 8:36 pm

May 24, 2012 at 2:10 pm

we did this trip from Vegas one day and it was great. I didn’t realize how much of a history lesson we would also get but it was great learning about how the dam came to be.

I agree. We got more from it than we expected, even without taking the tour or seeing the visitor center.

May 24, 2012 at 9:50 pm

We stopped by there on our way to Vegas once – no tour either though. It’s impressive how huge it is! Your pics show that much better than mine from back then 🙂

May 26, 2012 at 8:42 pm

Thanks! That new bridge helped us get a shot that wasn’t possible a couple of years ago, because it’s definitely not my photography skills.

Becca@ R We There Yet Mom?

May 25, 2012 at 7:38 am

I used to live in Vegas back when there was no security check point to drive over the Hoover Dam – I bet that takes time to get through. There was no problem just pulling over in the TWO parking lots (free) and walking the dam – funny to hear how things have changed!

Make sure to link this up with Friday Daydremin’ too – this is perfect! Thanks!

May 25, 2012 at 8:04 am

Will do. Thanks! The checkpoint slowed us down a bit, but we were there early enough that it only took a couple of extra minutes, even on a busy morning. There were some cars pulled over for more extensive checks, but I don’t know if that was random or not.

Tonya @ The Traveling Praters

May 25, 2012 at 3:41 pm

Hoover Dam is top on our list of places to visit when we make it out West. My teens would really enjoy the tour but I’m not sure that they would have when they were younger. I’d love to walk onto the bridge and snap an amazing photo, but I’m terrified of heights and afraid I’d hyperventilate or pass out right there. 🙁

LOL. Perhaps you could delegate that photo op to one of your kids.

Andi at The Particular Traveler

May 25, 2012 at 9:33 pm

Awesome photos! I saw Hoover Dam as a kid but haven’t been back since. When my daughter gets a little older I’d love to take her there. I read somewhere that kids under 8 aren’t allowed somewhere there? Maybe it’s just on the tour…

May 26, 2012 at 8:34 pm

That’s how it was for me too. I don’t recall any restrictions on taking my young kids on a tour, but it could have been the longer tour that we wouldn’t have considered anyway, or the older tour Dick Jordan mentioned. As Tonya mentioned, older kids are probably going to enjoy the tours more than younger children.

March 21, 2013 at 10:08 am

This is awesome! I am actually just looking at this because I am doing a project for School on the Hoover Dam, during the Great Depression. I hope to visit here someday! It’s a long trip from Oregon, but I bet it’s worth it!

November 16, 2013 at 10:15 pm

“Let us find the dam snack bar.” ~Zoe in Titan’s Curse by Rick Ridorian

December 23, 2014 at 2:53 am

Hay Tyler! That’s good your are doing research on that dam. I hope you could make a visit there as soon as possible, and yap it would be worthwhile. Hoover dam is in itself one of most promising and wonderful attractions of Southwest area of United States. I visited there during my las vegas sunset helicopter tour(GetBusTours) along with my bests friend. Throughout that tour we really had seen amazing and worthwhile sky views of that region. After completing our tour we landed on Lake Mead. That is one of most promising attractions of Hoover dam which is known as a creation of that dam. There a visitor could enjoy fishing, boating, swimming and other water activities. I really had unforgettable experiences there. After reading your article my all memories are so fresher now, thanks for that lovely sharing…..

August 2, 2017 at 6:51 pm

How long of a walk is it from the free parking on AZ side?

August 2, 2017 at 10:05 pm

It isn’t long. The first lot immediately on the AZ side was a pay lot when we visited. Then the road goes up the hill and there was some free roadside parking. It’s not far – a quarter mile or so and all in view of the dam – if you don’t mind the hill.

March 4, 2019 at 12:06 pm

How do you get to the free parking on Arizona side? Do you drive 8ver Tillman Bridge or 9ver the dam itself?

March 4, 2019 at 12:40 pm

Hi James! You drive over the dam itself.

Alexandria Martinez

August 8, 2017 at 8:58 pm

My uncle has been touring the United States as a retirement gift to himself. He isn’t great with the GPS so, it is good to hear that the Hoover Dam is easy to find. He will be so excited to visit.

april stocker

February 25, 2018 at 10:30 pm

Does anyone know if there’s free parking at the Hoover dam??

February 26, 2018 at 10:05 am

You can find free parking if you get there first and are willing to walk a little. Drive to the Arizona side and keep driving up the hill past the parking lot. There is some free parking along the road above the parking lot.

Richard Travis

September 19, 2021 at 10:29 pm

$10 to park? A slap in the face after paying to get into Lake Mead!

September 22, 2021 at 6:56 am

Hi Richard. In my experience, driving in to see Hoover Dam is not the same entry point as getting in to play on Lake Mead. Driving from Las Vegas through Boulder City, we didn’t have to pay to drive to Hoover Dam. And on our first trip, we found free parking on the far side of the dam. Has that changed?

Kimberley Mein

November 5, 2023 at 6:48 pm

Yes, there is free parking. The free lots are in the AZ side and they are further away. Keep in mind, free parking sounds great until you have to walk back. There is NO loading or unloading on the Dam, there is not a shuttle either. You cannot wait on the side of the street for a ride. In thesumm or it gets up to 120 degrees, the road is black asphalt (hot and sticky), there are stairs between the upper and lower parking lot but, going down is easier than going up. I would recommend visiting Hoover Dam in the Spring or Fall, it’s not to hot nor to cold. The dam is open Thanksgiving, the dam is open every day, 365 a year. The only things that change are the hours that things are available or open I would check the website for seasonal hours before arrival. The last, Dam Tour is at 3:15pm and the last Power Plant Tour starts at 3:45pm. Keep in mind that these hours are seasonal.

If you choose to drive yourself, that is awesome but please be mindful of the laws, if you receive any type of ticket while on the Dam, it is a Federal ticket. So pay attention to the posted speed limit, do not enter the parking garage and immediately try to make a uturn, don’t walk in area’s where pedestrian traffic is frowned upon, don’t pick up or drop off anywhere on the property of Hoover Dam. It’s not difficult to follow the rules, there are reasons for the rules so just obey them. The number one rule is DO NOT SIT OR STAND ON THE DAM. It just takes a second and the day will have an entirely different meaning. Oh, we are not a National Park so the Park Pass does not apply here. If you are coming from within the US or from another Country AND you use a Handicap Placard at home, bring something with you that shows you require Handicap Parking. Handicap parking is free IF, you can prove or show the credentials. Only SERVICE ANIMALS are allowed on the Dam. No children or pets can be left in a vehicle, unattended. Honestly, it gets to hot and there are to many people to have animals running around as well, there is little to no shade, the only pet area is in the parking lot for the Brandon Tillman Memorial Bridge.

November 13, 2023 at 11:34 am

Great details! Thank you!!

Fatima Alvir

June 21, 2018 at 9:36 am

Is first week of August is the best time to go there?

June 22, 2018 at 11:14 am

Hi Fatima! I haven’t been there during the first week of August, but I would expect the weather to be very hot during that time. There will still be summer crowds, but Hoover Dam is big enough to handle crowds. I would arrive early in the day to avoid the worst heat and crowds. Consider parking your car in the covered garage rather than the free parking on the other side, where you will need to walk in the heat. Dam tours and the visitor center should be air-conditioned and comfortable – if not a little cold – any time of year.

Mark Citsay

July 14, 2018 at 10:33 pm

Hoover Dam is a great place to bring family and friends and simply enjoy an outing. From the looks of it, it’s a very scenic place so taking those instagram friendly photos would be no problem at all. It’s also a lovely place if you just want a change of scenery once in a while. Thank you for the tips and details.

December 10, 2018 at 7:35 pm

H20, the power of earthlings comes to slots millinial time.Thanks hoover

Michelle Murray

December 14, 2018 at 7:26 am

Thanks for the great information!

December 27, 2018 at 8:38 am

Hi Allison, wondering if i can go early, i know parking lot open by 8, but is visitor center worth to wait? We ll be heading to south rim and wanted to reach there by noon, so can i just park my car by 8 and roam around and then head to south rim? or i have to wait till 9 to open visitor center to explore ? thanks

January 2, 2019 at 9:33 am

Hi Sanjay! I have visited Hoover Dam twice, but haven’t yet been inside the visitor center. There is an admission fee, and when I do it I want to do the tour too.

You can easily spend 1-3 hours walking on the bridge, looking at the outdoor monuments and checking out the bridge. If you’re arriving early, I would start with the bridge, then head over to the dam. By the time you’ve seen the bridge and dam, the visitor center will probably be open and you can decide whether or not to see it and take the tour then.

January 2, 2019 at 9:47 am

that helps…. thanks Allison and Happy new year 🙂

[email protected]

February 9, 2019 at 10:12 am

In your opinion would someone who is slightly claustrophobic be able to ‘survive’ either of the Dam tours? I don’t enjoy enclosed spaces but I’m able to tolerate a three hour airplane flight.

February 11, 2019 at 11:04 am

Hi Michael. I have not taken a Hoover Dam tour in many years. We only explored the top of the dam on recent trips. However, I toured the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona in 2017, and it matched my memories of the Hoover Dam tour. I think that if you can handle an airplane or elevator ride, you’ll probably be fine on a standard tour of the Hoover Dam. You may spend some time in windowless spaces, but they will be large enough to accommodate a tour group. Some of the spaces that house dam operations are quite large. You’ll probably be able to look out at the grassy area at the base of the dam part of the time.

Kathy Ignasiak

April 27, 2019 at 5:49 pm

I will be driving from San Diego to Michigan and really wanted to stop by the dam to show my daughter. The hours you have posted is 9-5. My question is if we arrive after 5 is the whole dam access closed? I mean is there a gate or something or can we park and walk the bridge and stuff or no? I am not interested in the visitors center or tour, just would like to sneak a peek as we go through.

April 30, 2019 at 12:46 pm

Hi Kathy! I’ve double checked the hours and you can see/drive across the dam between 5 AM and 9 PM every day. The Visitor Center and tours are available from 9 AM to 5 PM, but if you don’t care about those, then it sounds like you’re still good to go early or late in the day.

I’ll make sure that’s updated in my post. Thanks for your question!

Lisa LoMarro

June 16, 2019 at 10:35 am

We want to do the Dam tour but will only get there 1pm. Should we pre-book the Powerhouse Tour and then r we able to cancel it if we are able to get into the Dam tour that day?

June 17, 2019 at 12:51 pm

Hi Lisa. According to the official website, Powerplant Tour tickets are non-refundable. If that is not the tour you want, do not purchase them in advance.

If you want the Dam Tour, I would wait until you arrive and inquire about them immediately. If it’s a busy day, you may not get the next tour, but if you’re flexible, I’m hoping that you could get into a tour that afternoon. I haven’t done it, so I can’t say for certain, but 1 PM is still fairly early for a first-come-first-served situation.

Good luck! I’d love to hear how it goes when you return.

June 24, 2019 at 10:36 am

Is there a phone number to call the visitors center or the folks who sell the dam tours (not the power plant). Thank you for this information!

June 24, 2019 at 11:30 am

Hi Bob. It took a little digging, but I found a number on the official Hoover Dam site under the Bureau of Reclamation. “For information about Hoover Dam tours, contact us during operating hours at: Telephone: (702) 494-2517”

Hope that helps! Have a great trip!

June 28, 2019 at 1:08 am

Thank you so much Allison! This was a totally big help. I could not seem to find the number. You are amazingly kind!

Matt Roberts

August 30, 2019 at 12:54 am

Great job! Do you outline all of your blog posts? I’ve read a few of them now and they are way higher quality than other blogs I’ve read.

December 20, 2019 at 7:52 am

Hi Allison, Than you, this is all great info. We are in Vegas with our teenage kids (16, 17, 19) for three more days and have decided to rent a car tomorrow to go see the Dam.

Do you have any recommendations for other fun things to do while we have the car for these next couple of days? A good place to eat on the way back from the Dam?

Also, we wanted to see the Grand Canyon – South Rim.. It seems like the place to go (instead of the West rim). Have you been to either?

Do you have a blog for any GRand Canyon experiences?

December 20, 2019 at 2:21 pm

Hi! I hope that you have a great time at Hoover Dam. I don’t have any favorite local restaurants between Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. You’ll drive right through the cities of Henderson and Boulder City, which might help you narrow your search. Our family also enjoyed the buffet at M, which is on I-15, south of Las Vegas.

Here is a list of activities off the Las Vegas Strip that your family may enjoy with a car. They will not all be great for teens, or winter weather.

Red Rock Canyon Pinball Hall of Fame Lion Habitat Ranch The Neon Museum National Atomic Testing Museum Las Vegas Natural History Museum DISCOVERY Children’s Museum Lake Las Vegas Wet n Wild Water Park Cowabunga Bay Water Park Trampoline parks GameWorks or other arcades Ethel M Candy Factory Tour – FREE Seven Magic Mountains public art – FREE NASCAR and other events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway University of Nevada-Las Vegas museums, tours, sports and performing arts Helicopter tour Day trip to Death Valley National Park (not in summer)

I have visited the Grand Canyon North Rim, but not the South or West Rims yet. They’re on my wish list! The South Rim is open year round, and has the most amenities of the three. The North Rim is not open at this time of year. Here is my post for the North Rim, and the official Grand Canyon National Park website, which should give you good information about the South Rim in winter.

https://tipsforfamilytrips.com/grand-canyon-north-rim/ https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

I hope that your family has a great trip!

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• Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, and Seven Magic Mountains Tour
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• Hoover Dam: From Above - On Top - And Below
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Ultimate Hoover Dam Self-Guided Tour Guide - 2023

Because it is less than an hour from the Strip, Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas are the most popular tours for travelers to Las Vegas to take.  But what if you are an independent traveler and don’t want to join a group tour and just want to explore on your own? Based on our expereince showing tens of thousands of travelers the wonders of the Hoover Dam, we have created the ultimate Hoover Dam Self-Guided Tour guide here.

Tip: Want to avoid all the planning and hassle of a self-guided Hoover Dam Tour? Check out our surprisingly affordable small group Hoover Dam tours by clicking here .

Transportation To The Hoover Dam

To embark on your own self-guided tour of the Hoover dam, you are going to need your own set of wheels. Ideally, you have driven to Las Vegas in your own car. You can also rent a car from the Las Vegas Airport Rental Car center. 

If you are looking for more of an adventure or looking to make more of a grand entrance at the Hoover Dam, there are some fun options for you.

Slingshot Rental

Every day we are out leading tours of the Hoover Dam we see people driving around in these 3 wheeled road beasts, and I have to say, these people look like they are having a ton of fun. Considering the Hoover Dam is only 40 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, renting a Slingshot from a local rental agency. Rentals for 4 hours start at $399.

Exotic Car Rental

Compared to Slingshots, we don't see as many exotic cars at the Hoover Dam, but when we do, they sure turn heads. Renting an exotic car is an excellent way to have an unforgettable time but does come at a price. Renting a Ferrari F8 Spider for 4 hours starts at $899 plus taxes and fees.

Motorcyle/Scooter

We don't recommend renting a scooter and riding it to the Hoover Dam. There is not any way to get to the Hoover Dam that doesn't involve riding on a busy highway. Safety first.

For experienced riders, renting a classic motorcycle and driving it across the Hoover Dam is going to be an exciting experience and one not to be missed.

What To See On A Self-Guided Hoover Dam Tour

When it was finished in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam was the largest dam in the world. To say it is huge is an understatement, and when trying to visit it, you can easily spend the better part of a day trying to see it all. To help you prioritize your self-guided Hoover Dam tour, we have ranked the following Hoover Dam attractions in order from a must-see, to nice to see.

1. Walking Across the Top Of the Dam

The walk across the top of the Hoover dam is so good that we include it on all of our tours that stop at the Hoover Dam. The feeling of peeking your head over the edge and looking down the face of the dam is exhilarating and these feelings are the reason we travel. Don't leave the Hoover Dam until you have a chance to walk on top of it.

There are a few places to park for your walk across the dam. If you are planning on seeing the visitor's center, gift shop, and the powerplant at the bottom of the dam, you can park at the visitors center for $10. Note that you can access all of these from the free parking mentioned below, but it will be a longer walk.

Here are directions to the parking at the visitors center: https://bit.ly/3UFYzY9

You can also park for free on the Arizona side of the dam in lots 11, 12, or 13. We like lot 12 the best for its view and easy access to the dam, but any of them would work well.

Directions to lot 12: https://bit.ly/3xUtlCF

2. Walking Out On The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is the second highest bridge in the United States and offers sweeping views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River. Walking up the bridge from the parking lot only takes 10 minutes and is completely free. The great views, the low cost, and the short amount of time needed to visit make this one of the can't-miss stops on any itinerary of the Hoover Dam.

The view from the bridge is the best place to get iconic photos of the full face of the Hoover Dam.

3. Take a Tour Inside the Hoover Dam

There are two fantastic tours you can take inside the Hoover Dam: The shorter Powerplant tour, and the longer Dam Tour. Both include a self guided tour of the visitors center.

Powerplant Tour

A guided powerplant tour costs $15 per person ages 11+, $10 for ages 4-10, and free for ages 3 and under. Tickets can be bought on-site at the visitors center or online here:

https://hooverdam.tixtrack.com/events/4923d3d5-e70e-348c-1587-fa5be1d87678

Once you have your ticket you can proceed to the visitor center and follow the signs for the powerplant tour, tours depart every 15 minutes and times cannot be reserved in advance, you just line up when you arrive.

The powerplant tours includes a walk through original construction tunnels, a visit to the viewing platform overlooking a 30-foot diameter penstock – feel the vibration created by water rushing through the pipe. You will also see 8 of the commercial generators in the Nevada Powerhouse and get a self-guided visitor center tour

The Dam tour includes everything in the Powerplant tour plus a visit to of the historic tunnels and a ride original elevator to the bottom of the Hoover Dam, a walk through the inspection tunnels at the center of Hoover Dam, and a view of the Colorado River through the inspection ventilation shaft.

4. View The Back Of the Dam From Arizona

After driving halfway across the dam, you will enter Arizona. The border between Nevada and Arizon is the Colorodo River. Follow the road up the hill, stoping at as many of the parking lots as you have time for to get some great views and photos. Our favorite lots are Parking lot 12 and the top with the gift shop.

5. Hoover Dam Museum in Boulder City

Directions: https://bit.ly/3LMj6WV

This completely free museum is a great way to learn all about the history and building process of the Hoover Dam. It can be visited in about 30 minutes and is in historic downtown Boulder City, which has more places to explore and some fun spots to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Bonus Stops

Ok, so you got your rental car (or Slingshot), and you want to make the most of it for the time that you have it. We also like people to get the most out of their tours and love to add extra stops to them. Here are some of the best bonus stops you may want to add to your self-guided Hoover Dam tour.

Hemmenway Park

This local park in Boulder City offers sweeping views of Lake Mead. Also, there are often a bunch of big horned sheep grazing on the park grass, but keep in mind, these are wild animals.

This stop is on the way to the Hoover Dam and is well worth the 15 minutes need to see the big horn sheep with the lake in the background.

Directions: https://bit.ly/3dLKfww

Lake Mead Overlook

Directions: https://bit.ly/3rgqEYB

On the way to the Hoover Dam, this overlook offers some of the best views of Lake Mead and can be visited in less than 5 minutes on your way to the dam.

Bottom Line

Taking a self-guided tour to the Hoover Dam is a great way to independently see one of the engineering marvels of the world. You can easily spend a couple of hours or the better part of the dam exploring the Hoover Dam and the surrounding areas. And if the thought of all this planning has you thinking of skipping the whole thing, we have an amazing tour that combines all the major stops listed above. Click here to see our Hoover Dam: From Above - On Top - And Below, with Boulder City Tour.

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Best Way To See Hoover Dam – Experience Thrilling Tours And Stunning Views

Best way to see hoover dam – ultimate visitors guide.

Planning a trip to Las Vegas and want to make the most out of your Hoover Dam visit? Considered an engineering marvel, this iconic structure is only about 45 minutes away from the famous Strip.

Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that you don’t want to miss. This impressive structure was built on the Colorado River and stretches a whopping 1,244 feet long. Construction on the dam began in 1931 and was completed just four years later, representing an incredible achievement of the early 20th century.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to see the dam in the best possible way, with detailed tips ranging from guided tours to the many things to see at Hoover Dam . Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Different Ways to Visit Hoover Dam

There are multiple ways to experience Hoover Dam, including self-guided tours, guided tours from the Strip, helicopter tours, boat and kayak tours, as well as hiking and walking tours.

While self-guided tours allow you to explore the dam at your own pace, not everyone has transportation to get to and from the dam. Great news, there are many guided tours available that provide transportation as well as the experience of a knowledgeable guide.

Self-guided Tours of Hoover Dam

One of the easiest ways to see Hoover Dam is to drive and take a self-guided tour. Self-guided tours at Hoover Dam give visitors complete control over their experience. These tours allow individuals to explore the historic structure at their own pace and visit all areas of interest.

From walking across the dam’s top for an up-close view or wandering onto the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for a breathtaking scenic outlook, self-guided tours offer flexibility to customize your exploration.

Don’t miss visiting the visitor center as part of your tour; it presents intriguing historical exhibits and runs informative movies about this engineering marvel. Taking a self-guided tour is truly one of the best ways to see Hoover Dam, especially if you prefer making your own itinerary.

Guided Tours of Hoover Dam

A fascinating way to visit Hoover Dam is through a guided tour. Guided tours offer an immersive experience, providing full transportation, access to key areas including the Visitor Center, observation deck, original construction tunnels, and the power plant.

Guided tours of Hoover Dam significantly enhance your journey with expert insights about this civil engineering marvel. Not only do you learn about the history and architecture of Hoover Dam, but enjoy stunning views from various angles too.

The ticket price additionally includes entry into the power plant for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of America’s greatest man-made wonders operates.

Helicopter Tours of Hoover Dam

Helicopter tours are one of the best ways to experience Hoover Dam and its breathtaking surroundings. These tours offer stunning aerial views of the dam, Lake Mead, as well as the Colorado River.

You can learn about the history and significance of Hoover Dam from informative guides while enjoying a bird’s-eye perspective. With prices starting at just $69, helicopter tours are an exciting option for visitors looking to explore the area in a unique and unforgettable way.

Soar above the dam, capture amazing photos, and create lasting memories on a thrilling aerial tour of Hoover Dam.

Boat and Kayak Tours of Hoover Dam

Boat and kayak tours offer a unique way to experience Hoover Dam. These tours provide the opportunity to get up close and personal with this iconic structure, while avoiding the large crowds that can be found at the dam itself.

Most boat and kayak tours of Hoover Dam start at the base of the dam providing a different view than most get to see. In addition to offering a more intimate experience, some boat and kayak tours may also include other activities such as visiting the Emerald Cave on the Colorado River or soaking in hot springs .

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure during your visit to Hoover Dam, consider booking a highly recommended kayak tour of the area.

Must-See Attractions at Hoover Dam

From the dam’s imposing structure to the panoramic views of Lake Mead and the majestic mountains in the backdrop, every angle presents a picture-perfect moment. Be sure to take it all in by visiting all of the must see attractions around Hoover Dam .

Take a guided tour of the power plant, walk across the dam and enjoy the views, visit the Visitor Center and exhibits, explore the surroundings such as Lake Mead, and take in the views from lookout platforms.

Take a Guided Tour of the Power Plant

Explore the inner workings of Hoover Dam by taking a guided tour of the power plant. For just $15, you can experience an informative 30-minute tour that takes you inside the dam and allows you to explore the fascinating power plant.

Led by knowledgeable guides, this government-sponsored tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the engineering marvels of the dam and witness its impressive machinery in action.

Don’t miss out on this chance to go behind-the-scenes and gain a deeper understanding of one of America’s most iconic structures.

Walk Across the Dam and Enjoy the Views

Visiting Hoover Dam is not complete without taking a leisurely walk across the dam itself. As you stroll along, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of both Lake Mead on one side and Colorado River flowing through the Black Canyon on the other.

It’s an opportunity to truly appreciate the enormity and engineering marvel that is Hoover Dam. Soak in the beauty of your surroundings as you take in this iconic structure from a unique perspective.

Visit the Visitor Center and Exhibits

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is a must-visit attraction for anyone planning to see the Hoover Dam. At the visitor center, you can take a self-guided tour for just $10 and explore interactive displays, educational exhibits, and informative films about the dam’s construction and history.

You’ll also get a stunning 360-degree view of the dam itself, as well as the breathtaking Colorado River and Lake Mead. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets on-site to ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible experience!

Explore the Surroundings, Such as Lake Mead

Explore the stunning surroundings of Hoover Dam by visiting the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a picturesque location surrounded by beautiful mountains. As you admire the vast expanse of water, it’s fascinating to know that Lake Mead was formed by the construction of Hoover Dam and can store enough water to irrigate the Southwest.

The main stem of the Colorado River flows through this magnificent lake, adding to its natural beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this must-see attraction while visiting Hoover Dam.

Take in the Views From Lookout Platforms

Visitors to Hoover Dam can’t miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views from the lookout platforms. These platforms offer ideal vantage points to marvel at the surrounding attractions.

One popular spot is the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which provides stunning aerial views of Hoover Dam. On the north side, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Lake Mead, while on the south side, you can admire Black Canyon and the impressive new overpass bridge.

The builders of Hoover Dam even constructed an observation platform on the Arizona side of the canyon rim specifically for tourists, ensuring they could witness this engineering marvel without jeopardizing safety.

From these lookout platforms, visitors can capture incredible photos and truly appreciate the grandeur of this iconic structure.

Tips for Visiting Hoover Dam

Plan your visit in advance, check for any closures or restrictions, come prepared with water and sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive early to avoid crowds.

Plan Your Visit in Advance

To make the most of your visit to Hoover Dam, it’s important to plan ahead. Before you go, check for any closures or restrictions and find out about parking and costs. The visitor center is a great place to start, where you can make reservations for tours and get information about the dam.

It’s also a good idea to bring water and sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive early to beat the crowds. By planning in advance, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this iconic landmark.

Check for Any Closures or Restrictions

Before planning your visit to Hoover Dam, it is important to check for any closures or restrictions. Due to maintenance or security reasons, certain areas may be temporarily closed off to visitors.

It is always a good idea to stay informed so you can plan your trip accordingly and avoid any disappointment upon arrival. By checking for closures or restrictions in advance, you can ensure that your visit goes smoothly and you are able to fully enjoy the experience of seeing this iconic structure up close.

Come Prepared with Water and Sunscreen

Stay hydrated and protected from the sun’s rays by coming prepared with water and sunscreen when visiting Hoover Dam. The area can get quite hot, so it’s important to bring plenty of drinking water to keep yourself refreshed throughout your visit.

Additionally, make sure to apply sunscreen to shield your skin from the strong desert sun. By staying hydrated and protecting your skin, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all that Hoover Dam has to offer without any discomfort or worries about sunburn.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Exploring Hoover Dam requires a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. The dam is quite large and there are many areas to explore, from the power plant to lookout platforms.

With comfortable footwear, you’ll be able to enjoy your visit without any discomfort or pain in your feet. Plus, wearing the right shoes will make it easier for you to navigate through the crowds and fully experience all that Hoover Dam has to offer.

Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds

To make the most of your visit to Hoover Dam, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day. By doing so, you can beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience exploring this iconic landmark.

Plus, if you want to take part in the dam’s most comprehensive guided tour, arriving early will give you a better chance of securing a ticket. So set your alarm clock and get an early start to ensure you have plenty of time to soak in the awe-inspiring views and marvel at this engineering masterpiece without any unnecessary headaches.

Conclusion: Best Way To See Hoover Dam

Discovering the best way to experience Hoover Dam is an exciting adventure for any visitor. Whether you choose a guided tour, explore on your own, or take to the skies in a helicopter, there are endless opportunities to soak up the awe-inspiring beauty and engineering marvels of this iconic structure.

With careful planning and preparation, you’ll have an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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7 Must-Know Tips For Visiting The Hoover Dam

This post is all about The Hoover Dam, featuring seven must-know travel tips for visiting The Hoover Dam in Nevada!

I imagined visiting the Hoover Dam about a thousand times. I imagined the moment I first saw the giant slice of concrete, the moment I looked down and down and down, the moment I felt dizzy and excited, shocked and in awe.

This was years ago when I was in fourth grade. I had just finished reading The Titan’s Curse and I couldn’t shake Rick Riordan’s Hoover Dam description from my head.

“Then we straggled back toward the dam. It was cold and windy on top. On one side, a big lake spread out, ringed by barren desert mountains. On the other side, the dam dropped away like the world’s most dangerous skateboard ramp, down to the river seven hundred feet below, and water that churned from the dam’s vents.” Rick Riordan (From Percy Jackson & The Olympians, The Titan’s Curse)

Fast forward a decade and I’m now wedging a beat-up copy of The Titan’s Curse into our car’s map pocket. I didn’t consider the logistics of this trip. I probably should have. So as I’m heading out to see “The Greatest Dam In The World” (as Franklin D. Roosevelt called it), I have a dozen questions cycling through my head.

Does the Hoover Dam have an entrance fee? Can you park near the Hoover Dam? How far is the Hoover Dam from Vegas? How long does it take to visit the Hoover Dam? Is there anything to see at the Hoover Dam besides the dam itself?

The short answer: no, yes, further than you think, a half-day, yes. I promise I’ll get into more details in this travel guide.

Here are seven tips you need to know before visiting the Hoover Dam!

Table of Contents

Know That Visiting The Hoover Dam Is Free

The Hoover Dam is free to visit. I came to the Hoover Dam, prepped with my National Park pass (which I absolutely did not need. The Hoover Dam isn’t even part of the National Park system. What was I thinking?), ready to bypass a hefty admission. After all, this is the Hoover Dam. I assumed it was going to cost an arm and a leg. And it can.

“Wait, Anshula,” you ask. “I thought you just said the Hoover Dam was free.”

Well…it depends on how you want to visit the Hoover Dam. Seeing the Hoover Dam is absolutely free . Touring the Hoover Dam is up-there in cost. And then there’s parking (ah, parking fees. I love you so). Parking at the parking garage costs $10. There’s free parking closer to the Arizona side of the dam, but it’s a walk (a giant, I-don’t-remember-signing-up-for-The Unlikely-Pilgrimmage-Of-Harold-Fry walk).

Note that the Hoover Dam’s tour packages are also tiered . So you’ll find an all-inclusive package (Guided Dam Tour), the mid-range package (Guided Powerplant Tour), and the Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour (the cheapest deal).

I really wanted to go on the Guided Dam Tour (you get to walk through inspection tunnels. need I say more?), but unfortunately, only the Self-Guided Tour was available when I visited the Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam Travel Tip: Although you can officially purchase Hoover Dam tour tickets on the Bureau Of Reclamation website (I’ll link it here ), I highly recommend purchasing the tour in person! You’ll get a better feel of the area, what you can do, and whether or not the tour is a good fit for you.

For me, personally, the Self-Guided tour wasn’t worth it . It wasn’t the fault of the tour itself, we just weren’t well-matched (here’s my it’s not you, it’s me momen t). I mean, I loved the presentation and exhibits (they were thoughtful, to-the-point, and informative), but I have a body-numbing fear of heights so I couldn’t appreciate the full glory of the views from the observation deck.

I think that if you get a chance to go on the hour-long Guided Dam Tour, do it. And if you don’t, I recommend listening to this podcast episode during your Hoover Dam visit instead (it’s not officially an audio guide, but it works well as one).

General Info

ADDRESS: 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005 COST: Free + $10 PARKING + $30 Guided Dam Tour Per Person

Know Where To Park At The Hoover Dam

• Hoover Dam Parking Garage: This 450-plus space parking garage is right next to the Visitor’s Center. There are stunning views of Memorial Bridge from the upper levels of this garage. Although it will set you back $10, it’s the most convenient location.
• Initial Parking Lot: Drive past the Hoover Dam parking garage and you’ll see one outdoor lot up ahead. Due to its proximity to the Hoover Dam, this lot also costs $10.
• Arizona Side Parking Lots: Later on, as you drive closer to the Arizona side, farther and farther away from the dam, parking fees halt. I don’t recommend walking from these lots in the summer. The Arizona side parking lots are, at the very least, over a quarter of a mile away, which doesn’t seem like much on a cool weather day, but in the heat…(I don’t even want to think about it).

Hoover Dam Travel Tip: Mike-O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge has its own dedicated parking lot. If you’re interested in walking across the bridge, park here!

Know The Best Way To See The Hoover Dam

Grab a thesaurus. Look for the words big, huge, ginormous. Combine all the words suggested into one singular idea, one singular thought. The Hoover Dam is larger than that.

I find it hard to describe the Hoover Dam. It’s one of those places that pictures can’t capture fully . No matter how many angles I take, I can’t capture the depth and breadth of the Hoover Dam. I can’t capture the hollow space and the water that flows just beyond. I can’t capture the way the mud-colored mountains tighten the landscape. And I can’t capture feelings – the pride in people’s eyes as they snap a picture with the dam in the background, the laughter of kids as they bounce along the pathway screaming “look, look”, the erratic heartbeats of Hoover Dam visitors as they look down and down and down.

The best way to see the Hoover Dam is in person. You need to let the sight of the dam overwhelm you, amaze you, and inspire you.

Here are the best vantage points of the Hoover Dam:

• Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Pedestrian Walkway: This is a wind-whipped path where you can see it all: the dam, Lake Mead, the mountains beyond. It’s also unbelievably high-up. I didn’t realize how far Memorial Bridge shoots up until a little too late. Although this walkway offers one of the best views of the Hoover Dam, my legs felt wobbly as soon as I neared the rail. My mind blanked, I forgot how to breathe, and I froze a fourth of the way down the path. If you have acrophobia, like me, I do not recommend this viewpoint at all. But if you don’t have a fear of heights, this might turn out to be your favorite viewpoint! It was just too much for this lil’ blogger to take.
• Observation Deck: This viewpoint was included in the self-guided tour package. I loved that I could see the hauntingly deep drop of the Hoover Dam from behind glass windows. There’s also an outdoor area perfect for grabbing a selfie with the dam! I didn’t venture out for long because I was still trying to regain my senses after Memorial Bridge but the view from here is incredible .
• Hoover Dam Bridge Bypass Trail: this isn’t really a trail. It’s a massive, paved walkway from the parking garage to the Hoover Dam. You’ll find thick crowds moving in one continuous photo-taking mass along the path. Hoover Dam Bridge Bypass Trail is one of the most accessible and popular Hoover Dam viewpoints.
• Initial Parking Lot: I was taken aback by the views from the first open parking lot past the parking garage. Smooth dark blue water stretched out to brown-toned rocky edges like a poured-in glaze. The cloudless sky above was bluer, brighter. And the mountains – oh my goodness, if I wasn’t a mountain person before, I was in that moment.

Know That The Hoover Dam Takes A Half-Day To See

I originally planned for the Hoover Dam to be a day trip from Las Vegas (it’s about a one-hour drive from The Strip). Including the tour, the dam takes four-ish hours to see (I think I would have spent longer had I been in a position to savor the views). Traffic from the entrance to the parking garage halted our trip a little (the line took thirty minutes to get through and it took us twenty minutes to find parking ).

If you’re visiting the Hoover Dam, plan to spend at least a half-day here.

🎟️ Guided Tours Of The Hoover Dam

Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour

Lunch, round trip transport from select Vegas hotels, and a Hoover Dam Powerplant Tour are included in this small group VIP tour of The Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam Electric Bike Tour

A guided e-bike tour (e-bikes provided) that cycles along The Historic Railroad Trail. You’ll see beautiful views of Lake Mead and end your trip at The Hoover Dam!

Black Canyon Kayak Hoover Dam Day Trip

A full day guided kayak excursion (perfect for all experience levels ) with unique views of The Hoover Dam! Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

as a Viator Affiliate , I may earn a fee when you book through this widget.

Know What To Bring To The Hoover Dam

Before visiting the Hoover Dam, I wish I knew to leave my hat at home. Back then, I only knew that this part of Nevada was unshaded, so I happily planted my hat on top of my head and went out to explore the Hoover Dam area.

Big mistake.

The region right around the Hoover Dam is windy . If Chicago is one of the windiest cities, the Hoover Dam is definitely one of the windiest attractions in the United States. The winds here don’t howl, but they are big and strong and forceful. Imagine a parade of sumo wrestlers sneaking along a walkway and then hitting you, one at a time, at full blast. That’s what the winds at the Hoover Dam felt like. It’s a miracle my hat made it.

Hoover Dam Travel Tip: There are two security checkpoints at the Hoover Dam. The first checkpoint is a vehicle checkpoint (don’t bring any weapons or fireworks, etc). The second checkpoint happens when you enter the Visitor Center for the tour (it’s very TSA-like and yes, you need to take your shoes off).

Here’s what you can and can not bring during your Hoover Dam visit:

Know Where To Eat Near The Hoover Dam

The food at the Hoover Dam is exactly what you’d expect: typical tourist trap. I usually don’t dine in heavily-trafficked areas, but I made an exception for the Hoover Dam. Remember when I said I visited the Hoover Dam because I read about it in The Titan’s Curse?

Well, there’s this scene:

“Nothing,” Grover said, trying to keep a straight face. “I could use some dam french fries.” Rick Riordan (From Percy Jackson & The Olympians, The Titan’s Curse)

So I ended up ordering this…

I’m the ultimate tourist.

On that note, I’d highly recommend bringing your own food and just eating it in your car (since food isn’t allowed in any of the Hoover Dam buildings). You could also picnic at Lake Mead National Recreation Area ($25 per vehicle) or dine in Boulder City.

If I could redo my trip, I’d visit Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore first and grab a specialty latte and a filling breakfast-to-go (alongside some light snacks).

Know That The Hoover Dam Is Worth Visiting

Is the Hoover Dam worth visiting? Yes! Absolutely. Visiting the Hoover Dam felt like a bucket-list moment ticked off. It’s one of those places that’s 100% more magical in person than in pictures. The scale. The brilliance. The grandeur.

Sure, I made tons of travel mistakes while visiting the Hoover Dam (who doesn’t?), but you live and you learn. And even with my fear of heights, I don’t regret visiting the Hoover Dam one bit . It was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more.

Have you ever visited the Hoover Dam? What tips would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! As always, I love hearing from you!

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Anshula grew up with a love of stories and places. Thirty-five states and 100 bookstores later, she's made her hobbit home in Middle Tennessee. Her Tookish side still takes over and leaves her chasing window seats, literary destinations, adventure books, sunrise coffee, and indie bookshops. She's appeared as a travel source on HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and MSN.

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Boulder city/hoover dam museum, environmental/cultural exhibits .

Location: The dam is located 7 miles northeast of Boulder City, NV. Take US Highway 93 to Nevada State Route 172. The dam is on the Nevada-Arizona border.  Get Directions.

Hours and Fees:

Parking Deck: 8 AM - 5:15 PM

Parking Fee: $10:00

Visitor Center: 9 AM - 4:15 PM

Tickets: $10:00; children 3 and under are free

Power Plant Tour: 9 AM - 3:45 PM

Adults: $15.00

Seniors (62+): $12.00

Juniors (16 & Under): $12:00

U.S. Military:  $12.00

How to spend a day at Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Boulder City for FREE

- 7 stops in 7 miles -.

1. Park in one of the free parking lots on the Arizona side of the dam, then enjoy the amazing architecture as you walk across the top of the dam to the stunning Art Deco sculptures on the Nevada side.

2. Relish the spectacular views of Hoover Dam and Black Canyon from 890 feet above the Colorado River on the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge walkway.  The bridge is the world's tallest concrete arch span.

3.  Stop by the Alan Bible Visitor Center to see a full size relief map of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and explore the plants and animals that make Lake Mead home.

4. Drop in on the desert big horn sheep as they graze at Hemenway Park in Boulder City. You'll find them there most afternoons. They're wild, so keep a safe distance!

5. Step back in time with a visit to the historic Boulder Dam Hotel in downtown Boulder City. Built in 1933, the hotel operates today with 21 guest rooms, a Hoover Dam museum, a popular restaurant and an art gallery.

6. Inside the Boulder Dam Hotel, you'll discover the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Their interactive exhibits tell the story of the Hoover Dam, as well as the men and women who built it and settled Boulder City.

7. WALK BC is a self-guided audio walking tour of Boulder City, the town formed to house the workers who built Hoover Dam. The tour takes you through the historic district, which is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Map to all 7 Stops

Lake Mead Activities

The Town That Built Hoover Dam

Historic Downtown

Colorado River Activities

Hiking & Biking Trails

Grand Canyon Tours

Desert Adventures

Excellent Restaurants

"What's in a name?" and other dam facts:

What's in a name, you ask?  Politics!  The dam was originally planned for Boulder Canyon and the early 1920's blueprints were labeled Boulder Dam. Although the site for the dam was moved to Black Canyon, the dam continued to be called Boulder Dam until 1931 when Secretary of the Interior, Ray Wilbur pronounced the dam would be called Hoover Dam.  In 1933, the new Secretary of the Interior under the Roosevelt administration, Harold L. Ickes, ordered the name "Boulder" be used as the official designation.  Finally, in 1947, under President Harry Truman, the dam was officially named "Hoover."

The Hoover Dam has appeared in dozens of movies, including The Silver Streak (1934), Heldorado (1946), The Amazing Colossal Man ( 1957), Ocean's Eleven (1960), Viva Las Vegas (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Superman (1978), Lost In America (1985), Universal Soldier (1992), Fools Rush In (1996), Vegas Vacation (1996), Head of State (2003), and Transformers (2007).

Hoover Dam is 724.6 feet high and weighs 6,600,000 tons.

The water pressure at the base of the dam is 45,000 pounds per square foot.

The sculptures at the dam were created by Oskar J. W. Hansen who saw his work as "a monument to collective genius asserting itself in community efforts around a common need or ideal."

There is enough concrete in Hoover Dam to build a two lane highway from Seattle, Washington to Miami, Florida or a four foot wide sidewalk around the Earth at the equator.

Because of the dam's remote location and difficult terrain, a town had to be built to house the construction companies and their workers. That town became Boulder City, NV and currently thrives as a safe, clean community of approx. 16,000 with beautiful parks, excellent restaurants and accommodations, educational museums and sites, and an array of outdoor adventure activities. Learn more about the Hoover Dam/Boulder City area at explorebouldercity.com .

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Guide to Visiting the Hoover Dam

Posted by hotelcoupons | Jul 29, 2016 | Attractions , Places , Sightseeing , Things To Do | 0

While most people head to the Las Vegas area to spend time on the famous (and fabulous) Las Vegas Strip, there is another pretty incredible sight not that far away:  the Hoover Dam .

If it’s never occurred to you to hit up the Hoover Dam during your trip to Las Vegas, you should. In fact, Las Vegas wouldn’t even exist if not for the Dam.

The construction began in early 1931 and was completed in just under five years in 1936. And at the time of it’s building was a modern marvel. With walls that are 650 feet thick at the bottom, it took an incredible amount of time, manpower, and skill to find a way to stop the Colorado River from flowing.

It is currently a National Historic Landmark and rising over 700 feet above the Colorado River, is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere. So, needless to say, it is quite the impressive sight to see!

Getting There

There are a couple of options for visiting Hoover Dam.

First you can take one of many tours that are offered. Some of these leave directly from Las Vegas, so if you don’t have a car available, these provide a convenient way to visit.

The second is to make the trip in your own vehicle and take your own tour.

The Dam is only 35 miles south of Las Vegas on Interstate 93, and it’s a great drive. Not only will you leave the sparkling lights and shining casinos of The Strip, but you’ll be able to see the really beautiful desert landscape that surrounds Vegas as you approach Lake Mead.

One of the coolest things to do at the Hoover Dam is to walk across the 1,900 foot bridge that spans the top of the dam. Virtually right in the middle of this bridge you’ll find the border between Nevada and Arizona. It’s a perfect photo opportunity, being able to stand in two states at one time!

If you want to take a tour, there are two available from the Visitor’s Center, a tour of the power plant, the inner workings of the dam so to speak, and a tour of the dam itself. The power plat tour is much shorter, yet visitors still get to see the plant, and take a 500 foot elevator ride down to the bottom of the dam.

The Hoover Dam tour is a bit more strenuous, it lasts about an hour, is a fully guided tour, and includes about two miles worth of walking, so that is something to keep in mind. In this tour, you’ll also see parts of the power plant as well as other areas of the dam. This tour is not recommended if you have difficulties or disabilities with walking as it does cover non-paved areas.

The dam is quite popular to visit, especially during times around school vacations. So, if you are doing a self guided tour especially, aim to get there early before the heat of the day and the parking lots begin to fill up.

This way you can spend the morning at the dam and then also take time to see the surrounding areas like Lake Mead and Boulder city.

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Top Tips on How to Tour the Hoover Dam (2023)

UPDATED 3/11/23

If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Las Vegas, Nevada, touring the Hoover Dam is a must , but can be a hassle unless you use my tips on how to tour the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas to get the most out of your visit.

Like this? Share it with others!

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Visit the Hoover Dam – A U.S. Attraction Must

Despite how you may feel about the role of dams in our environment, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel and a famous landmark in the United States. A friend and I visited Hoover Dam while staying in Las Vegas, and I’m very glad we did. It was not only a nice getaway from the city, but it provided for an amazing scenic and educational experience.

I would recommend touring the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas to anyone, just make sure to use these tips on how best to tour the Hoover Dam.

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How to Visit Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

Only 35 miles from Las Vegas , the Hoover Dam is an easy 40-minute drive down Highway 93.  Although the dam straddles the Nevada and Arizona state lines, the only point of entry and exit is on the Nevada side. 

After completing an automobile inspection, you can still drive across the dam to park on the Arizona side.

Parking is limited compared to the number of visitors the Hoover Dam receives every day. To prevent any issues, refer to the driving, inspection and parking details .

Hoover Dam parking on either side is $10. However, there is free Hoover Dam parking further up the Arizona canyon side yet, this free parking requires some walking.

Eco Travel Tips

When booking your flight to Las Vegas , choose the ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets  through your airline  to lower your carbon footprint.

In addition to Booking.com Sustainable Travel properties in Las Vegas , Green Globe and Green Key Global may also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.

Find Cheap Flights to Las Vegas

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• Top 10 Eco-Friendly Carry On Luggage
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• 10 Easy Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Traveler

Best Time to Visit Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam tour hours are 9am to 5pm daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The last dam tours start before 4pm. 

The area can experience brutally hot weather in the summer.  If you visit the Hoover Dam during the summer months, I would recommend visiting early in the morning. 

Come Prepared to Hoover Dam

The dam draws on average 3,000 tourists daily, yet another reason to get there early in the day.

Additionally, the Hoover Dam’s busiest day of the year is the day after Thanksgiving. We found this out on that day at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center. Thankfully, we got there very early.

I recommend avoiding a visiting the Hoover Dam the day after Thanksgiving, if you can. If you must visit this day, get there at least by the time tours start. Otherwise, you will be stuck in traffic waiting for a parking spot in the parking garage (which is limited), which could ruin your entire day.

We left Hoover Dam by noon and the access road to the parking garage was a parking lot itself. Avoid this if you can.

What To Do at Hoover Dam

The Bureau of Reclamation has much to tell about the history of the Hoover Dam, from its building during the Great Depression (1931 to 1935) to today, all of which can be seen in the Visitor Center exhibits and heard on the Hoover Dam tours available.

Touring the Hoover Dam Options

See the hoover dam for free.

If you wish to go unguided, you can still see the Hoover Dam for free. If you are lucky to score the free Arizona-side parking, you can always walk down and around the dam at your leisure. 

When done, don’t forget to drive back to the lot closest to Highway 93 and walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for fabulous views overlooking the dam.

Self-Guided Hoover Dam Tour

If you wish to go unguided, but want access to the Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour, and all of exhibits and facts about the Hoover Dam, just pay $10 for adult admission. These Hoover Dam tour tickets are available onsite only and touring can be done at your leisure before, or after, you walk around the Hoover Dam and the Pat Tillman Memorial.

Personally, I recommend a tour that goes down into the Hoover Dam itself.  It’s very cool. Why wouldn’t you want this guided experience?  There are two tours that allow you to do this: The Guided Powerplant and Guided Dam tours.

Guided Powerplant Tour

Only the Guided Powerplant Tour admission can be bought in advance.  Adult admission for this guided tour is $15, which includes access to the Visitor Center and a shorter tour than the Guided Dam tour, yet still very informative.

The 30-minute tour is presented by Reclamation guides. The tour includes a 10-minute movie on the Hoover Dam, and you go into original construction tunnels and see part of the power plant. I was very pleased with this tour. 

I recommend purchasing through online ticket sales in advance for the first available tour of the day, as well as arriving at the dam no later than 8am when the parking lot opens, so you can spend more time wandering the dam afterwards with less people there.

*If you suffer from claustrophobia, this tour may not be for you.

Guided Dam Tour​

This is the tour I really wanted to do. It is a one hour guided tour. You get all of what the Guided Powerplant tour offers, but you get to see more of the internal structure. Adult admission is $30. This guided tour ticket is only available on a first come – first served basis.

Arriving at the Hoover Dam the day after Thanksgiving, I was not aware it was the heaviest tourist day of the year. Go figure.

We arrived at 8am when the parking lot opened, and we were in the ticket line well before the ticket office opened. There were not many people in front of us. Yet, we were told we’d have to wait 2 hours for the Guided Dam Tour. Yes, it fills up that  quickly. 

Therefore, we opted for the Guided Powerplant tour.  In short, if you wish to do the Guided Dam Tour , get there early .

Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Don’t wish to drive to the Hoover Dam or deal with parking? Take a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas . Going in groups is also a fun way to meet people if you are touring the Hoover Dam solo.

More Ways for Touring Hoover Dam

Want to add more adventure to your Hoover Dam visit from Las Vegas? Try a Hoover Dam by mountain e-bike , or helicopter tour (with champagne no less) . Want to kayak nearby? Do a Colorado River kayaking tour to Emerald Cave .

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my tips on how to tour the Hoover Dam were helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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Is a Tour of the Hoover Dam Worth It?

Jessica Nemire Last Updated: December 30, 2022

The Hoover Dam is one of the greatest engineering feats in the United States. What’s more, according to the National Park Service, the dam sees around 7 million tourists per year. This makes it the most-visited dam in the entire world! But you might be wondering, is a guided tour of the Hoover Dam worth it? This article will help you decide if a guided Hoover Dam tour is right for you!

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our  Las Vegas Guide  for more planning resources, our  top Hoover Dam and Las Vegas tours  for a memorable trip, and check out other cool things to do around Las Vegas .

Why You Should Take a Hoover Dam Tour

One of the biggest dams in the United States is the Hoover Dam, and it sits right on the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona. For those who don’t know, a man-made dam is a barrier that stops the flow of a body of water to create a reservoir of water and hydro-electric power. In 1931, the creation of the Hoover Dam across the Colorado River formed Lake Mead!

According to the Bureau of Reclamation website, the Hoover Dam is 726 feet high. There’s a power plant located at the base of the Hoover Dam, which provides electricity for both Nevada and Arizona, as well as California. This power plant generates enough power to serve 1.3 million people! You can’t go inside the 590-foot-deep dam, but you can marvel at it by walking or driving across it. At the dam, there’s a visitor’s center, as well as a café. There’s also a lookout point with binoculars that people can use to look out over the dam.

The Hoover Dam is around a 40-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, but there are many interesting stops along the way to make a trip to the dam even more interesting. For this reason, many people chose to take a guided tour to the Hoover Dam . Let’s take a look at what a Hoover Dam tour includes.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit Hoover Dam from Las Vegas.

Top Areas You’ll Visit During a Hoover Dam Tour

Seven Magic Mountains and Boulder City

There are several interesting stops between Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam. One of them is the Seven Magic Mountains, a desert art installation that’s a unique photo op! Another stop between Vegas and the Hoover Dam is Boulder City, a small town that was built specifically so that the construction workers building the dam would have somewhere to live during construction!

According to the tour guide, workers only made $1.83 a day building the dam! Today, Boulder City is home to 17,000 people, and is one of the very few cities in Nevada that doesn’t allow gambling.

The Desert Bighorn Sheep at Hemenway Park

Hemenway Park is a park in Boulder City where families used to camp out in the 1930s while waiting for members of their family to be admitted into the Hoover Dam project. They stayed here because if a family member received approval to work on the Hoover Dam, they would be given a place to live in Boulder City.

Today, Hemenway Park has a playground and is a fun place for kids to play. However, the best part of Hemenway Park is that it’s home to free-roaming bighorn sheep! The state animal of Nevada roam freely all over the park. They make for great photo subjects; however, be careful not to get too close, because they are wild animals!

Lake Mead Panoramic Lookout

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. To get there, you’ll drive on the same road the original builders used to get to the Hoover Dam! The panoramic lookout over Lake Mead was originally built for people to stand and watch the lake fill up. Unfortunately, it’s kind of the opposite these days, as the water level is low due to frequent drought.

The Colorado River is 195 feet lower than usual, but despite this, the view is still lovely and good for photos. If you look closely, you may be able to see the many tiny antelope ground squirrels that call the area home. In fact, your tour guide might even give them some water so you can see them up close!

Cross the Hoover Dam

Since you’re in a small group with a climate-controlled van, you’ll be able to drive right up to the dam. Big tour busses are not allowed near the dam so this is a huge perk on our small group tour! Once you’re there, you’re free to walk across the Hoover Dam and get to learn all about its history. And you might enjoy using the binoculars to get a better look at the vista.

Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge

Although the Hoover Dam was constructed in the 1930s, the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge was only recently built in 2010. The intention was so cars can drive to Arizona over Interstate 11 and alleviate the traffic over the dam. It also made it safer for pedestrians to explore the dam.

The cool thing about the overlook bridge is that pedestrians can also climb up the bridge by using the stairs or the ramp. Once on top of the bridge, there’s an amazing view of this desert country.

Benefits of a Guided Hoover Dam Tour

Okay, so now you may understand more about the Hoover Dam and why it’s important. But why should you take time out of your Las Vegas trip to go see the Hoover Dam? We have a few reasons!

It’s Close to Vegas

The Hoover Dam is a just short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. How often do you get to say that you’re less than an hour away from one of the greatest engineering feats in the country? The whole tour from pickup to drop-off takes around 4 hours. This means you can visit the Hoover Dam in just a half-day trip and still be back in time for your dinner reservations on the Strip!

It’s an Engineering Masterpiece 

Not only does this enormous dam supply the water and electricity for three different major U.S. states, but it also helps protect southern California and Arizona from floods. It was truly a feat of engineering when it was constructed in 1931, and it remains so today.

Tours Make It Easy to Visit

There are several ways to visit the Hoover Dam from the Las Vegas Strip. However, going with a guided tour is the easiest way to see the dam and learn all about it. Instead of having to navigate your way there and back, all you have to do is meet your friendly driver/guide at the designated pickup on the Strip! What’s more, going with a tour will ensure you learn all the intricate facts about the dam and surrounding areas you likely would not have discovered otherwise.

The View Is Better Than You Think

Both of the views from the Lake Mead Panoramic Lookout and from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge are quite impressive! They make for some amazing photo ops and are unlike anything you can see anywhere else.

It’s a Family-Friendly Activity 

While not every popular activity near Las Vegas is family-friendly, this one certainly is! If you’re planning on visiting Vegas with the kids in tow, visiting the Hoover Dam is interesting for the whole family. What’s more, it’s educational! If you’ll be in Vegas with the fam, and you’re unsure where to stay, check out our list of the best family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas .

Why Hoover Dam Tours Are Worth It

So now you’re convinced how cool the dam is, but is it worth taking a guided tour there? The answer is: Absolutely, yes ! There are several reasons why taking a guided tour to the Hoover Dam is much better than going on your own.

Hotel Pick-up Included

You don’t have to worry about getting to the Hoover Dam yourself or figuring out where to meet your guide. The Hoover Dam tour picks you up from any of the major hotels on the Strip. They’ll send you a text the day before so you know exactly where to meet them! They are very organized and make sure not to leave anyone behind! Your tour guide will drop you off at the end of the tour as well. What’s more, the luxury tour van has chargers for iPhones! The driver (who doubles as the tour guide) will also give you cold water bottles when you get on the bus. Make sure to bring a cash tip for the driver to give them at the end!

Two-for-One Experience

Not only does this tour take you to the Hoover Dam, it also takes you to the Seven Magic Mountains for some unusual photos. We actually think the tour is more of a four-for-one experience, because you also get to stop at Hemenway Park to see bighorn sheep, and stop at the beautiful Lake Mead Panoramic Lookout! It’s worth mentioning that the Seven Magic Mountains is free to visit as of the writing of this article. However, the state is thinking about making the Seven Magic Mountains a paid attraction. If they do this, they will start requiring tour companies to have a permit in order to visit. Therefore, if you’re considering taking this tour, you should make sure to do it soon!

See and Understand More 

When you’re with a knowledgeable driver and guide who knows so much about each of your stops (and also where the three bathrooms are on the tour), your trip is so much more stress free. Plus you learn much more about the Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and the other stops than you would if you went on your own. For example, the our tour guide’s grandfather had personally worked on the Hoover Dam and lived in Boulder City! This definitely gave a unique perspective to the tour.

Small Group Tour 

The tour van holds 14 people or fewer, so it’s not a massive 52-passenger bus of strangers. This means you’ll get the chance to interact with the guide more and learn more useful facts about the Hoover Dam and surrounding areas. You’ll be able to ask your guide questions about what you’re seeing and double-check about any factoids you missed.

Stories and History 

Not only do local tour experts know a lot of information about all of the stops on the tour, they are also a lot of fun! For example, at the Lake Mead Panoramic Lookout, our tour guide poured water from water bottles on the cliff so the antelope ground squirrels would come out to drink the water that’s so hard for them to find in the desert. We got an up-close view of these cute critters. That’s probably not something we would have thought to do otherwise!

With a guided tour, you don’t have to through the trouble of renting a car. You also won’t have to wonder what you’re looking at or why it’s significant. Perhaps most importantly, you won’t have to personally deal with the traffic heading back into Las Vegas. Let your driver handle it with ease. All in all, a Hoover Dam tour is more than worth it for the price!

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Discover some of the most iconic and best places to stay in Las Vegas to make this trip the most memorable of all your trips to the Strip

About Jessica Nemire

Jessica Nemire has been writing about about travel since 2011. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 2016 with a BA in journalism. She loves the ocean, Mission District burritos, and amazing sunsets.

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Best Hoover Dam Tours From Vegas Deconstructed | Day Trip Guide

Things to do in Las Vegas Hoover Dam Tour From Vegas

Standing strong amidst millennia old canyon, against the brute force of the Colorado River is the concrete mammoth – the Hoover Dam. The dam located along the border of the US states of Nevada and Arizona is an engineering marvel. One of the largest and earliest dams in the US, the Hoover Dam was built more than 80 years ago in 1936. A short distance of 40 miles away from Las Vegas and about 95 miles away from the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam is an ideal day-trip destination. More than 6 million tourists visit the dam each year and take Hoover Dam Tours to explore this iconic landmark.

Hoover Dam - In a Nutshell

Handy information.

Observation Deck Powerplant Lake Mead Visitor's Center Exhibit Area

Things to know

Number of visitors per year: 7 million Built in: 1931 Height: 726.4 ft Length: 1244 ft

Opening Hours And Address

Daily: 9 AM to 5 PM Address: Nevada 89005, United States Get Directions

Why go on a Hoover Dam tour from Vegas?

• The Hoover Dam is a symbol of America’s Pride and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its engineering innovations.
• The dam construction caused the creation of Lake Mead, the largest human-made reservoir in the USA and today you can cruise along the pristine blue waters of the lake in a traditional paddle wheeler.
• Right from the colossal proportions of the dam to its art deco style including the ‘Winged Figures of the Republic’, the dam has breathtaking aesthetics.
• A tour of the Hoover Dam provides a unique opportunity to learn about various aspects of hydroelectric power generation. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the inner workings of the dam, explaining how it harnesses the power of the Colorado River to generate electricity.
• The Hoover Dam Visitor Center features engaging and interactive exhibits that enhance your understanding of the dam's construction, operation, and impact on the region.

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Vegas

History of hoover dam.

It was the early 1900s, and the US Government was speculating on ways to build a dam near Boulder Canyon to control flooding of the Colorado River and produce hydroelectric power. It was only in 1931 that the site was identified and the construction awarded to Six Companies Inc. The Hoover Dam was to be a concrete arch-gravity dam, and was going to employ engineering and construction techniques that were unproven! In 1936, the Hoover Dam was completed ahead of its schedule. The dam created economic opportunities for thousands right after the Great Depression and also led to the growth of two bustling cities – Boulder City and Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam Highlights

1 observation deck.

The Hoover Dam Observation Deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the dam, the Colorado River, and the surrounding Black Canyon. From this elevated vantage point, visitors can appreciate the immense scale and engineering brilliance of the dam while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the canyon and river below.

2 Lake Mead Cruise

Some Hoover Dam tours offer the option of taking a relaxing cruise on Lake Mead, the reservoir created by the dam. This allows you to soak in the serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by desert cliffs, while learning about the area's history and geology from knowledgeable guides.

3 Powerplant Tour

One of the highlights of the Hoover Dam tour is the opportunity to take a guided tour inside the powerplant. You'll descend deep into the dam and witness the massive turbines that generate hydroelectric power. Learning about the dam's energy production process firsthand is an educational and fascinating experience.

4 Visitor's Center

The Hoover Dam Visitor's Center is a captivating hub of knowledge and exploration. With interactive exhibits, informative displays, and multimedia presentations, it offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the dam's construction, engineering, and significance. It serves as a gateway to the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam, inviting all to delve into its history and marvel at its grandeur.

5 Exhibit Area

The Hoover Dam Exhibit Area is a captivating space that showcases the remarkable achievements and history of the dam. With informative displays, engaging exhibits, and detailed models, it provides a comprehensive look into the engineering, power generation, and impact of this iconic structure.

Interesting Facts about Hoover Dam

• The dam was built two years ahead of schedule and at a cost of $49 million which is about $639 million in 2016 dollars.
• The Hoover Dam is a concrete gravity-arch dam which is thick at the bottom (660ft) and thin at the top (45ft).
• The electricity generated at the Hoover Dam supports three states – California, Nevada, and Arizona
• The dam used about 3,250,000 cubic yards of concrete in the dam or enough to build a highway from San Francisco to New York. They used special cooling techniques as otherwise, the cement wouldn’t have cooled off even 125 years later!
• Lake Mead is the largest manmade reservoir, caused due to damming of the Colorado River, and stretches across 248 square miles. Visitors can see a white ring all around the lake called the ‘bathtub ring’ when the water levels are low, this white ring is due to the leaching of minerals under water.
• Over 10,000 people worked on the Hoover Dam project and about 100 men died. Visitors can see the memorial for them at the Hoover Dam Tour which states ‘They died to make the desert bloom’.

Know Before You Go From Vegas To Hoover Dam

Distance from las vegas to hoover dam, duration for travel from vegas to hoover dam, getting from vegas to hoover dam.

The Hoover Dam can be accessed at these GPS Coordinates: N 36.016222, W -114.737245

The dam is located on the US Highway 93 and visitors can park their vehicles on the Nevada Side of the dam at a parking fee of $10.00.

There are no public transportation options from Vegas to Hoover Dam. You can choose a tour from here that offers complimentary pickup and drop facility.

Tips for Visiting Hoover Dam

Economy stays.

• Best Western
• Boulder Dam Hotel
• Sands Motel

Budget Stays

• Hoover Dam Lodge
• Lake Mead Inn
• El Rancho Boulder Motel
• Ensure you are carrying a water bottle with you all the time. The area around the dam be quite hot during the hot and can cause dehydration.
• Don’t carry any big luggage and any hazardous materials. You can follow the thumb rule of items that clear airport security, this is because the Hoover Dam is under intense security and there will be multiple checks throughout your time there.
• The Mike O’Callaghan- Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is right opposite the Hoover Dam and carries the U.S.Route 93. It is the best place to view the Hoover Dam in all its glory. There is a plaza where you can walk and stop to take pictures. It is also the widest concrete-steel arch bridge in the USA.
• You are not allowed to take food (even chewing gum) and beverages inside the Hoover Dam. You can fuel up at the visitor center where you can get affordable food. Or you can simply choose from the Hoover Dam Tours that offer complimentary meals.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved and carry protection from the sun including sunblock, hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun and wind.

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How do I get to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?

You can reach Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by taking a guided tour, driving your own vehicle, or using public transportation.

Are there guided tours available at Hoover Dam?

Yes, guided tours are available at Hoover Dam, offering informative and engaging experiences with knowledgeable guides.

Can I walk across the top of Hoover Dam?

Yes, visitors have the opportunity to walk across the top of Hoover Dam and admire the views of the Colorado River and surrounding area.

Are there admission fees to visit Hoover Dam?

While there are no fees to access the Hoover Dam itself, there may be fees for parking, guided tours, or visiting the Visitor Center or exhibit areas.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Hoover Dam?

A typical visit to Hoover Dam can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on your interests and the activities you choose to engage in.

Can I take photographs at Hoover Dam?

Yes, photography is allowed at Hoover Dam. Visitors can capture the impressive views, architecture, and surrounding landscapes.

Are there food and drink options available at Hoover Dam?

Yes, there are dining options available at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, including a café where you can grab a meal or snack.

Is there wheelchair accessibility at Hoover Dam?

Y es, Hoover Dam provides accessibility for visitors with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restroom facilities.

Can I visit Hoover Dam year-round?

Yes, Hoover Dam is open to visitors throughout the year. However, it is recommended to check for any seasonal closures or restrictions in advance.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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7 Highest Rated Hoover Dam Tour Options from Las Vegas in 2024 [Helicopter + Car]

INTERESTED IN TAKING A HOOVER DAM TOUR?

We’ve got all the details you need! We’ve been visiting Las Vegas since 2011 and know that a Hoover Dam Tour in Las Vegas is a must-do item on your Sin City bucket list. When you first look over the dam, it is incredible to actually see in person how large the dam really is. It’s a huge engineering masterpiece.

You can visit the dam in your own personal vehicle or spend a few hours on one of these highly-rated tours that will do all the work and driving for you.

We haven’t enjoyed all of these tours, but each has been thoroughly researched and we’ve also taken customer reviews into consideration when writing each tour summary. We typically have a wonderful experience on Las Vegas tours.

The best part about taking one of the tours from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam is you learn so much more about the dam than you would if going by yourself. You will learn more about the history of the dam, and you will be able to ask your guides questions.

If you are new to Las Vegas, make sure to ask them about recommendations and about the Las Vegas area because most of them have been around the area for many years and have a lot of good information to offer.

Best Hoover Dam Tours

1. small group 3-hour hoover dam mini tour.

▶ BOOK Small Group Mini Tour

⭐  RATING:  5 out of 5 | 🕑  TOUR LENGTH:  3.0 hours

This is one of the most popular and highly rated Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas, taking only three hours and not a full day like some of the others. It’s an express small group tour that offers stunning views of the dam from the outside.

On this tour, you’ll also get to stand on top of the dam itself to take in the views.

This is a great tour if you have checked out of your hotel and have a little bit of time before you need to be on your flight home or if you have 3 hours to quickly see one of the great wonders in the Hoover Dam.

We have visited the Hoover Dam many times, and each time it is fun to marvel at the size of this beautiful engineering marvel.

The Small Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour Includes:

✔ Hoover Dam Tour (outside)

✔ Stop at Seven Magic Mountains (if the option is selected)

✔ Professional Guide

✔ Hotel Pick up and Drop Off (select vegas strip hotels)

✔ Air-conditioned vehicle

Small Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour Reviews

Great way to see the Hoover Dam! – Krista ( Tour Review )

Our guide, Chris, was extremely knowledgeable on the history of the dam, Las Vegas, and Boulder City – and had great recommendations on things to do and see in the area. We had a great time and learned a lot. The best tour ever 👍🏾 – Linda B ( Tour Review )

The Hoover Dam tour was so beautiful! The tour guide Skip made the tour even better. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Las and The Hoover Dam!!! ( Tour Review )

2. Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch

▶ BOOK Hoover Dam Tour with Lunch

⭐  RATING:  5 out of 5 | 🕑  TOUR LENGTH: 6.5 hours

This Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch is another popular and highly rated tour. It’s a 6 to 7-hour adventure that starts with hotel pick-up in the morning, then takes you to the Hoover Dam for a guided tour. After the inside tour, you will be taken to the top of the dam for amazing views and photo opportunities.

You’ll also take a stop in Boulder City, where you will see the Dingbat houses that were built for those who were working on the dam. You will see the Hover Dam Hotel and it also stops at the Hoover Dam Museum.

If you are looking for an immersive and extensive tour, this is the tour for you. This truly is the Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour, with many great stops where you will get the best photo opportunities of the Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and an early visit to the Las Vegas Sign, avoiding the crowds.

The Hoover Dam Tour with Lunch Includes:

✔ Professional Step-On Tour Guide

✔ Inside The Power Plant Tour, Visitor Center and Exhibit Tour

✔ Exclusive 45-Minute Walk On The Top Tour of the Dam

✔ Lunch and bottled water

✔ Hotel Pick-Up and Drop Off (select hotels)

✔ Transport by air-conditioned luxury VIP modern vehicle with restrooms

✔ Photo stops at the Las Vegas Welcome Sign and Dam Memorial Bridge

✔ Complimentary Ticket for the LA Comedy Club at The Strat ($45 dollar value)

✔ Drive Through Boulder City to view the Dingbat Houses and Historic Boulder City Hotel

Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch Reviews

Exceptional driver and guide. Lala navigated the heavy traffic so smoothly like the pro she definitely is. Really impressed. We appreciated that she was able to slow down safely so we could have a better look at the longhorn sheep. Harrison was friendly, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. He was able to impart a tremendous amount of information without droning or sounding like he was reading from a script. Never felt rushed during our stops. Was pleasantly surprised at lunch. The food was good and Kathy and her helper served us immediately. – Lynda ( Tour Review )

A wonderful way to spend the day. Harrison was hilarious and informative. Thomas was an excellent driver. Highly recommend. Food was good too! -Stacey C ( Tour Review )

3. From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Half-Day Tour

▶ BOOK Hoover Dam Half-Day Tour

⭐  RATING:  5 out of 5 | 🕑  TOUR LENGTH:  4.5 hours

You will love getting to see the inside and out of the Las Vegas Hoover Dam on this Dam Tour . On your tour, you will see the inner workings of the dam and see the turbines inside the dam that supplies power to one million households.

Not all of the tours will take you down inside the dam, so if you want to see inside the dam, you will want to take this tour.

One thing to note is that the Hoover Dam Visitor Center is having some construction done. This means that while this construction is happening, there is a chance you are not allowed to tour the inside of the dam.

Please check with the tour operator or the Hoover Dam to ensure that on the day of your tour, you are able to get inside the dam. You will also need to pay a $5 per person fuel charge. This will be paid to the tour driver at the time of pick-up.

The Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas Includes:

✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off

✔ Round-trip transportation in a Tour Trekker

✔ Hoover Dam tour

✔ Tour guide

✔ Bottled water

From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Half-Day Tour Reviews

Glen was a knowledgeable, friendly guide who provided just the right amt of information. He was timely, trustworthy, and receptive to questions. Hoover Dam is a worthwhile visit for its breathtaking scenery and interesting look at the dynamics of dam construction and use. ( Get Your Guide Review )

A well organised tour. From pick up to arriving at the dam then having the tour inside the dam was very well orchestrated. I learn’t so much about Vegas and of course the Dam. John you were the perfect tour guide and the stop to the lake and park was lovely! ( Get Your Guide Review )

4. Hoover Dam Comedy Tour with Lunch

▶ BOOK Hoover Dam Comedy Tour with Lunch

⭐  RATING:  5 out of 5 | 🕑  TOUR LENGTH: 6.5 hours

Experience the Hoover Dam in a unique way with this 6-hour comedic tour ! During your fun filled day, you will take a guided tour of the dam and then enjoy lunch.

Your tour guide will make the day exciting and educational as they provide you with history lessons about the construction of Hoover Dam and a chance to experience it up close. You won’t forget this fun-filled experience!

The Hoover Dam Comedy Tour with Lunch Includes:

✔ Professional stand-up comedian tour guide

✔ Hoover Dam Powerplant tour inside the dam

✔ Our exclusive, fully guided “Walk on the Top” tour of the dam

✔ Stop at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Hoover dam bus tour from Las Vegas reviews

My husband and I loved this tour. There was a little hiccup and the power plant of the dam was closed so we could not tour it. Instead a pit stop was added in Boulder City and that was the highlight of our trip. I absolutely loved Boulder City. The little town is so cute and very pet friendly. If we ever come back to Vegas again we are going to rent a car and spend the day in Boulder City. Honestly they should add this city to their stop. Maybe as the place to stop at and have lunch at. We still got to tour the dam and do all the stuff that’s outside of it. Overall very good tour! – Amanda ( Tour Review )

Love seeing the Hoover Dam! And learning the history! Had a great comedian and bus driver! Need something to get older folks to get up to the bridge! – Tammy ( Tour Review )

5. Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk

▶ BOOK Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour

⭐  RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑  TOUR LENGTH: 10.5 hours

This Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk is a great tour that takes you from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam and then onto the Grand Canyon. The tour lasts for about 10.5 hours from pick-up to drop-off.

When you arrive at the Hoover Dam, you will get to enjoy an orientation tour and also get great photo opportunities of the dam and lake Mead.

On this tour, you will also have the option to add on a Skywalk pass if you wish. The Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped structure that looks out into the Grand Canyon and allows visitors to stand on a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. You will enjoy this full-day tour getting multiple photo ops of the great American southwest.

The tour ends with a drive along the Las Vegas Strip, where you can take in all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas!

The Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk Includes:

✔ Breakfast, lunch, and bottled water

✔ Professional step-on tour guide

✔ Designated bus driver

✔ Hotel pick up and drop off at major Las Vegas hotels

✔ Stop at the Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge for photos

✔ VIP bus access at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk Reviews

We Loved everything about this Tour. The tour guide and driver was excellent. We will definitely book another tour the next time we visit Vegas. – Demetra ( Tour Review )

Well organized. Great driver and guide, Mel and Johnny. Hoover Dam was magnificent. Grand Canyon even better than anticipated. – Beverly ( Tour Review )

Hoover Dam Helicopter Tours 

6. las vegas: grand canyon helicopter tour with champagne picnic.

▶ BOOK Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

⭐  RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑  TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours

If you are looking for a helicopter tour of the Hoover Dam departing Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne is a great option.

Fly by luxury air-conditioned helicopter to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead below you before soaring over the Grand Canyon. Enjoy incredible views of the majestic canyon walls, and land in the canyon for an exclusive champagne picnic lunch with VIP service over the Grand Canyon for spectacular views of the canyon walls and the Colorado River below.

Your tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch on the rim of the Grand Canyon, so you can relax with a glass of champagne as you take in your once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is truly a VIP tour and perfect for couples looking for something special to do while in Las Vegas.

The Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour Includes:

✔ Helicopter flight

✔ Grand Canyon landing

✔ Champagne and light snack

Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne Reviews

The best day in our life for sure!!! Matt the pilot was very profesional, so kind and all in all awsome, we felt like we had a royal treatment! Absolutely reccomended tour, the best way to see the Grand Canjon is from above and with Maverick helicopters!! ( Get Your Guide Review )

This trip was AMAZING! Tanner the pilot was very personable, knowledgeable, and helped me take a bunch of pics! We were able to take turns sitting in the front and had champagne and light snacks next to the Colorado River. It was peaceful and beautiful. Definitely worth it ❤️ ( Get Your Guide Review )

From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour

▶ BOOK Grand Canyon Skywalk Helicopter Tour

This is the ultimate tour for those looking for a unique experience in Las Vegas. This helicopter tour takes off from Las Vegas and flies over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon before landing on the canyon’s rim.

You will get to experience the world-famous Skywalk, a glass platform with incredible views of the Grand Canyon walls and the Colorado River below. There is even an exclusive champagne picnic lunch included!

During your 4.5-hour tour, you’ll also be able to take in breathtaking views from the air as you fly in one of their state-of-the-art Eco Star Helicopters while getting a professionally guided experience from a professional helicopter pilot.

The From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour Includes :

✔ Skywalk VIP admission

✔ Hotel pickup and drop off

✔ Local taxes, fees, and surcharges

From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour Reviews

Well worth the money! This was my first time seeing the Grand Canyon and first time flying in a helicopter. I will say, save your money on the Skywalk, bur do the other stops at the overlook area. Skywalk won’t let you take your own pictures, so it’s a long line waiting to get your picture took. ( Get Your Guide Review )

Where is the Dam

The Hoover Dam is located on the Colorado River, about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas. The dam lies between the states of Nevada and Arizona in the Black Canyon, a steep-sided gorge formed by erosion from the river over millions of years.

It was built to control floods, provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power, and to create jobs in the area. The Hoover Dam is 726 feet (221 m) tall and 1,244 feet (379 m) long, making it one of the largest man-made structures ever built.

It is an iconic landmark that draws millions of visitors every year who come to marvel at its impressive size and take in the stunning views of the Colorado River below.

Directions From Las Vegas

The Hoover Dam is located about 30 minutes from Las Vegas and can easily be reached on a day trip. There are several tour operators offering various packages to the dam, which range from guided bus tours to helicopter rides from Las Vegas . Many of these tours include round-trip transportation, as well as admission fees and other amenities.

You can also make the drive to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas yourself. To get to the dam, you will drive south on US 515 to I 11 to NV 172, and you will take exit 2 from I 11.

Once you get close to the dam, signs will direct you to the visitor’s center. From there, you can take a tour of the dam or explore the area on your own.

Regardless of how you choose to arrive at Hoover Dam, it is definitely worth making a stop during your visit to Las Vegas. The immense size and impressive architecture of the dam make it a sight to behold.

Directions from the Grand Canyon   

Hoover Dam is located about 250 miles (402 km) from the Grand Canyon, and it takes approximately 4 hours of driving to get there. The most direct route involves taking US 93 and I-40 to the AZ-64.

There are also several tour companies offering trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, which usually include stops at Hoover Dam and other points of interest along the way. These tours provide a convenient way to explore both the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon in one trip.

Here are a few good options if you are looking for a tour to take you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam.

• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains Small Group VIP Tour
• Grand Canyon, Skywalk, Hoover Dam Day Trip with Lunch from Las Vegas

Operational Hours

The Hoover Dam is open year-round, and regular visiting hours are from 5:00 am (PST) to 9:00 pm daily. The dam is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Visitors may also be impacted by maintenance or renovations that are taking place, so it is best to check in advance before planning your visit.

Hoover Dam Visitor Center and Tours

Phone Number: (702) 494-2517 or (702) 494-2546 Email:  [email protected]

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is located at the top of the dam and offers a variety of exhibits, displays, and a movie theater. It also houses an observation deck that overlooks both the Nevada and Arizona sides of the river. The visitor center is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm (except on major holidays).

Hoover Dam Fees

Admission to walk on the Hoover Dam is free. There are also a variety of tours offered that range in price from $10-$30 per person.

Accessibility

Hoover Dam provides wheelchair access throughout its entire facility, including paved pathways that lead down into Black Canyon for visitors with limited mobility.

Hoover Dam Parking

The general garage parking is open 8:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. and costs $10.00. Large vehicles like motorhomes and other high-clearance vehicles are not able to   park in the parking garage.

We have a Dodge Ram 3500 with dual wheels and could not park in the parking garage. For those like us, you will cross the dam and immediately turn left into the parking lot. This is easy to pass. It is called parking lot number 9.

If you want to park for free, you can park at the upper parking lots after you cross into the Arizona side of the dam. These are past parking lot number 9.

Check out this parking map if you want to get a better understanding.

Hoover Dam Tickets

Guided dam tour.

If you have your own transportation from Las Vegas or are interested in renting a car to get to the Hoover Dam, there are different types of tickets for purchase at the Hoover Dam. The Guided Hoover Dam Tour is 30 dollars, and these must be purchased on-site only. Getting to the dam early is preferred because these tickets do sell out.

➡️ BOOK a Rental Car

Guided Power Plant Tour

The Guided Power Plant Tours are 15 dollars, and you can buy those tickets online if you are not taking one of the recommended tour groups from Las Vegas. Once you get on-site, you can upgrade to a Guided Dam Tour if you would like.

Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour 

If you just want to check out the visitor center, you can purchase a Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour for 10 dollars. This ticket can be purchased online. This tour includes the exhibits at the visitor center and the outside viewing platform on the top floor of the visitor center.

Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge

If you have not visited the Hoover Dam before, you should be aware that you can walk along the Hoover Dam for free, but there is also a separate parking area before you get to the dam that takes you onto the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. This bridge is where you will get pictures above the dam, where you can see the entire dam.

This is a cool area to visit and can be done fairly quickly, but there is some walking once you park in the parking area. The parking for this bridge is free.

Nearby Hotels

There are lots of great places to stay near the Hoover Dam, or you can make a short drive from Las Vegas to visit the dam.

If you want to stay close to the action, you can stay in a hotel on the Vegas strip or you can stay in one of the hotels close to the Vegas airport . Hotels on Fremont Street are another great option too.

If you are looking to have a short drive from the hotel to the dam, here are some of the closest and highest-reviewed hotels.

Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino

The Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino is located only 8 minutes and 3 miles from Hoover Dam and is by far the closest hotel to the Hoover Dam. It is a well-put-together hotel that offers great food, a casino, and beautiful views. Has almost 5,000 reviews, with most giving it a 5-star rating.

This place exceeded our expectations! The rooms were clean, but the service was great! Diane in the General Store took such good care of us and made a good experience great. The General Store prices were also very good. We will be going back and were sad to leave. Shout out also to Jeanine at the front desk. She fussed over us, making sure we had everything we needed. Awesome staff! Thanks for a great visit! ( Guest Review )

➡️ Check Rates & Book: Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino

Boulder Dam Hotel

The Boulder Dam Hotel is an excellent hotel in Boulder City. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast that is cooked to order. It also includes passes to the Boulder-City Hoover Dam Museum.

Such a cute town to visit! I would live there!!! I took my 10 year old daughter on a trip to Vegas for a few days then stayed in Boulder City! We loved this hotel, the history and the room styles were so different and had so much character. The staff was more then accommodating and pleasant. – Ashley ( Guest Review )

➡️ Check Rates & Book: Boulder Dam Hotel

Why Visit the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is a world-renowned site that offers visitors incredible views and an educational experience. The dam has been called one of the engineering marvels of the modern world and is a must-see for travelers visiting Las Vegas.

Whether you are looking to learn more about this feat of engineering or simply admire its grand views, visiting the Hoover Dam is an unforgettable experience.

History 

The Hoover Dam is a massive concrete structure located on the Colorado River that was built in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It was constructed to create a reservoir that stores water for California, Arizona, and Nevada, as well as produces electricity.

The incredible engineering feat took just 5 years to complete and stands 726 feet tall and 1,244 feet long. It was the first dam built in the United States to take advantage of both gravity and arch designs, making it a true marvel. The dam is an important part of American history and continues to be admired today.

Other Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is filled with endless possibilities of fun activities, and it is why we return year after year to experience the mesmerizing attractions. There are so many fun things we don’t even realize all the fun adventures available.

A couple of trips ago, we discovered The Neon Museum and absolutely loved it! Flyover Las Vegas is another super fun place to visit. And nothing beats a classic Vegas bus tour . It just goes to show some of the most fun and exciting adventures may not be on a billboard. Here are some other amazing Las Vegas adventures you must see.

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is such a fun place close to Las Vegas, where you can get outside and explore. You can explore the area in a few different ways. You can explore the 13-mile loop by driving and seeing the sights from your car, or you can get more intimate by stopping and hiking on the various trails.

If you prefer to explore the canyon on horseback or by a guided tour, check out these fun Red Rock Canyon tours .

▶️ BOOK Small-Group Red Rock Canyon Tour

▶️ BOOK Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque

Seven Magic Mountain

Seven Magic Mountains is a very unique area in the Las Vegas desert. The site is a unique work of art that many people enjoy exploring throughout the year. In fact, it’s a great place to visit in Las Vegas during winter .

If you are looking for a short break to get out of the city, this is a great option. You can take a short drive to the area or go on a group tour to explore this work of art.

▶️ BOOK California Desert, Seven Magic Mountains and Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Valley of Fire 

The Valley of Fire is one of our favorite places to visit outside of Las Vegas. You can read about our adventures there in our guide to the Valley of Fire Hikes . The area is beautiful, with different colors and lots of family-friendly hikes that are great for families in Las Vegas .

The only downside about this area is that it is an hour to get there. However, if you have the time, it is worth it to explore. If you do not have a car or don’t want to go by yourself, there are some tours that will do all the work for you.

However, it will be much closer and not as much out of the way if you combine this with your trip to the Hoover Dam and nearby Lake Mead. These three stops make a great day trip from Las Vegas.

If you’re having a tough time making a decision on whether to visit Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon, you’re not alone. Our post, Visiting Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas will give you all the details of what to expect from each area.

▶️ BOOK Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas

Day Trip to Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the top most-taken day trips from Las Vegas . Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon where you will get some of the most beautiful pictures. You don’t need to be a professional to get gorgeous pictures of light beams and Navajo Sandstone Canyons.

One thing to know about Antelope Canyon is you cannot visit without a tour. The canyon is on Navajo land, and you can only go through the canyon with a guide. Below are some tour options. Make sure you book in advance because tours fill up quickly.

There are three different parts of the canyon you can tour. The most popular and famous is the Upper Antelope Canyon, followed by the Lower Antelope Canyon and Canyon X . Even if you are driving yourself to Antelope Canyon, you will still need to reserve a tour to go inside.

▶️ BOOK Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

▶️ BOOK Lower Antelope Canyon Ticket

▶️ BOOK Antelope Canyon X Admission Ticket

Keep in mind that Antelope Canyon is about 4.5 hours away from Las Vegas. If you’re concerned about the long day due to driving time, you can join a tour departing from Las Vegas that will take care of the reservations and driving for you. You are along for the ride and get to enjoy the beautiful sites along the way.

▶️ BOOK Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Small Group Tour from Las Vegas

If you do decide to drive yourself and would rather spend the night in nearby Page, Arizona, there are lots of great hotels by Antelope Canyon .

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world and is a breathtaking sight when you first see this wonder. We were amazed at how large the canyon is.

Many people like to visit the Grand Canyon when in Las Vegas because they are close enough to visit on a day trip. You can take a day trip by car, tour from Las Vegas by helicopter, or take a day tour that will do all the work for you.

▶️ BOOK Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas

▶️ BOOK Grand Canyon South Rim From Las Vegas

If you decide to visit the South Rim , you may want to consider getting a nearby hotel . It may be a little rushed driving there and back in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How far is the hoover dam from las vegas.

The Hoover Dam is 37 miles and 30 to 45 minutes from Las Vegas.

How far is the Hoover Dam from the Grand Canyon?

The Hoover Dam is about 250 miles from the Grand Canyon

Is it worth doing a Hoover Dam tour?

Yes, it is worth visiting if you have not been before. We have been multiple times. The first time there weren’t any tour times available, so we walked along the rim. On our second visit, we were sure to get tickets, so we got to go down inside the dam.

Both are great experiences and well worth it, but you learn a lot more about the history of the dam by going on a tour. Plus, it is really cool to see the generators and other parts inside the dam.

Which tour is best for Hoover Dam?

The best tour is the Guided Dam Tour, but the Guided Power Plant Tour is still good. I would do one of those and pass on the cheap Visitor Center Tour.

How much does it cost for a tour of the Hoover Dam?

The tickets to tour the Hoover Dam are either 15 or 30 dollars, depending on which tour you take.

Can you tour the Hoover Dam on your own?

You can walk along the top of the dam on your own, but you cannot tour the inner working of the dam on your own.

What’s the best way to experience Hoover Dam?

The best way to experience the dam is by taking a tour of the inside of the dam. however, if you do not want to take the time to do this, just visiting the dam is sweet.

How long is the Hoover Dam tour? 

The Hoover Dam tour is 45 minutes to 1 hour long.

The Hoover Dam in Las Vegas is a great place to visit. If you have the time and you have not spent a few hours taking one of the Hoover Dam Tours from Vegas, you should do it.

It does not take that long, and the Hoover Dam tour tickets are not overly expensive. If you want to save money and just want to see the dam, it is worth it.

Additional Las Vegas Travel Blogs

Las Vegas is such a great city to visit, whether you’re looking to spend time on the Las Vegas Strip or explore the beautiful national parks and hiking trails in this part of the United States. If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, check out these additional Las Vegas travel guides:

• 11 Best Las Vegas Bus Tour Options
• A Complete Guide to Flyover Las Vegas
• 11 Best Las Vegas Helicopter Tour Choices
• 7 Highest Rated Hoover Dam Tour Options from Las Vegas [Helicopter + Car]
• 11 Delicious Las Vegas Food Tours You Can’t Miss
• 28 Best Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas
• 11 Best Red Rock Canyon Tours
• 11 Best Fremont Street Hotels for Travelers
• 12 Closest Hotels Near the Las Vegas Airport for Travelers
• Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas: A Complete Visitor’s Guide
• Las Vegas to Moab: The Best Route & Stops Along the Way
• 6 Best Ways to Tour Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
• Visiting Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas
• A Complete Guide to the Valley of Fire Hikes in Las Vegas
• 29 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas During Winter
• What to Expect at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: A Complete Travel Guide
• 7 Best Las Vegas ATV Tours for Adventurers

Candice Steele is the owner of CS Ginger, a blog that helps travelers explore the United States in their RVs. Since 2017, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families. They love exploring the country in their RV and offer helpful insights to make RVing easy and family-friendly.

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Explore The Hoover Dam Visitor Center For An Unforgettable Experience

Learn all about the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, including its hours , ticket prices, exhibits, , gift shop, dining options, and accessibility information for a memorable visit.

Hoover Dam Visitor Center

Location and hours.

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is conveniently located on the Nevada side of the dam, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, allowing visitors plenty of time to explore all that it has to offer.

Ticket Prices

When it comes to visiting the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, there are a variety of ticket options available to suit every budget. From individual adult tickets to family packages, there is something for everyone. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Exhibits and Displays

One of the main attractions of the Hoover Dam Visitor Center is the incredible exhibits and displays that showcase the history and significance of the dam. From interactive displays to informative panels, visitors can learn all about the construction and impact of this engineering marvel.

Guided Tours

For those looking to enhance their experience at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, guided are available for an additional fee. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours provide in-depth information and behind-the-scenes access to areas not open to the general public.

Related: Explore The Benefits Of A 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

Gift Shop Offerings

No visit to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center would be complete without a stop at the gift shop. Here, visitors can find a wide range of souvenirs and gifts to commemorate their time at the dam. From t-shirts to postcards, there is something for everyone to take home.

Dining Options

After a day of exploring the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, visitors can refuel at one of the on-site dining options. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of choices to satisfy your hunger. Be sure to try the famous dam ice cream before you leave!

Accessibility Information

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. The center is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators available for those with mobility issues. If you have specific accessibility requirements, be sure to contact the center in advance so they can accommodate your needs.

In conclusion, the Hoover Dam Visitor Center offers a unique and informative experience for visitors of all ages. From the stunning views to the interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Hoover Dam Visitor Center is a must-see destination. So why wait? Plan your visit today and discover the wonder of the Hoover Dam for yourself!

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About author

• Helpful Tips for Visiting Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Hoover Dam. One of America’s greatest engineering achievements, born of necessity and sheer will and still faithfully serving the Southwest today.

Visiting Hoover Dam is a quintessential summer vacation stop in the United States, for good reason. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a former structural engineer who loved seeing this modern marvel in person!

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get there, where to park, what to do, and more!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Why You Should Care about Hoover Dam: Quick Fun Facts

• Built in the 1930s to control devasting flooding in California, Nevada, and Arizona
• 726ft tall ( taller than the Washington Monument ), 45ft thick at the top, and 660ft thick at the bottom ( that’s 2 football fields )
• Created Lake Mead , which holds enough water to cover the entire state of New York in a foot of water (when it’s not in a drought)
• Boulder City was started as a company town for workers building the dam
• Sometimes called Boulder Dam , it was officially named Hoover Dam by an Act of Congress after the Secretary of Commerce-turned-President of the United States Herbert Hoover who championed the Colorado River rights negotiations and subsequent dam construction
• Power generated by the dam’s hydroelectric power plant serves 1.3 million people every year
• Completely self-sufficient from tour fees (requires no government budget to operate)

How to Get to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

Hoover Dam is a straightforward 45 minute drive from the Las Vegas strip .

It’s a super easy day trip from Vegas, one we highly recommend for the cool factor.

Not just because I’m a civil engineer that’s obsessed with these types of things, but because it’s an engineering marvel built in the 1930s that forever changed the American Southwest.

If you don’t have a car available to drive yourself, then take a rideshare.

It’ll be a bit pricey, around $50 each way, but that’s still quite a bit cheaper than a taxi.

We don’t recommend a guided tour to just Hoover Dam from Las Vegas. There’s no point.

Everything you’re going to do at Hoover Dam is easy to do without paying for another guide to drive you there.

Tours do make sense if they include other places in addition to Hoover Dam and you don’t have transportation of your own.

Parking at Hoover Dam

You have two options for parking at Hoover Dam:

• Covered parking garage near the visitor center on the NV side (paid)
• Open parking lots on the AZ side (closer one is paid, further up the hill is free)

Can You Drive Across the Hoover Dam?

Personal vehicles, including RVs, are allowed to cross the Hoover Dam to use the parking lots on the Arizona side.

Security screenings are required well before you get anywhere near the dam.

The Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge was built a short way downstream specifically to get traffic off of the dam.

The new bridge accommodates two lanes in each direction at high speed, whereas the dam is one lane in each direction at ultra-low speed.

You are absolutely never allowed to stop a vehicle on top of the dam, even to take a quick picture. It’s a security issue.

However, you’re free to walk across the top of the dam at your leisure and get all the pictures you want!

What to Do at Hoover Dam

There are actually quite a few things to do at Hoover Dam. Several different views and tours will keep you busy for a full day or half day trip from Las Vegas.

Don’t miss these cool things to do at Hoover Dam!

Take an Epic Picture from the Bridge Overlook

The Pat Tillman Bridge has a protected pedestrian walkway for those that want to walk out onto the bridge and get a phenomenal view of Hoover Dam!

Pro Tip : This path has operating hours, meaning they close it at dusk. We saved this for last on our first visit to Hoover Dam but got there 5 minutes after the last entry to the parking lot…

Check out the Visitor Center Museum

The most comprehensive and informative visitor center we’ve seen in a while!

Take a self-guided tour through the gallery and learn how the massive dam was built and how the power plant works.

Take a Dam Tour

Arrive early in the day and secure a ticket for Hoover Dam’s most in-depth guided tour.

Visit the interior power plant as well as stroll through the inspection tunnels for up-close views of how this behemoth structure was built in the 1930s and is still structurally sound today, 90 years later!

This was the highlight of our visit! Don’t skip this!

Walk across Hoover Dam

Hold on to your phones, cameras, and kids, but enjoy that view!

Looking upstream is one leg of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Looking downstream is the Colorado River.

As you cross the dam, you’re also crossing the state line. There’s a marker so you can get a fun picture of you standing in two states at once! We definitely did.

Visit the Original Exhibit Building

Included in the Visitor Center ticket, this retro building across the street from the Visitor Center holds a 3D terrain map of the area and discusses how the landscape of the canyon has changed with the construction of Hoover Dam.

Workers’ Memorial at Monument Plaza

The Winged Figures are art deco brilliance and memorialize the workers lost during construction.

Contrary to popular rumor, nobody is buried in the concrete in the dam.

Find all the Informational Plaques

Scattered throughout the area around Hoover Dam, the informational plaques tell unique stories for those that haven’t purchased a tour ticket or visitor center pass.

Don’t miss the Dog Mascot plaque, near the stairs down to the tour lobby. He was a good boy!

Stock up on Souvenirs

Get all your dam shirts, dam magnets, dam shot glasses, and other kitschy souvenirs at the on-site gift shop.

There are many jokes to be made, so be prepared for some rude humor, but keep looking and you’ll find some nice souvenirs.

Which Hoover Dam Guided Tour Option is Best?

There are two guided tour options and one self-guided tour option at Hoover Dam. The Dam Tour is our hands down favorite guided tour at Hoover Dam!

It has the most access and information and is the only one that takes you into the dam itself, not just the observation deck for the power plant.

There’s a catch, though! Dam Tour tickets don’t have online reservations. (The other ticket options do.)

They sell Dam Tours on-site only, first come, first served. In peak season, Dam Tour tickets can sell out by mid-morning.

What Tours are Available at Hoover Dam?

There are three ticketed options for touring Hoover Dam, increasing in cost as more access is included with each tier:

• The Visitor Center Tour ($10, self-guided)
• The Power Plant Tour ($15, guided)
• The Dam Tour ($30, guided)

The Visitor Center Museum is super thorough with great visual exhibits.

It’s the best place to start, learn about the building of Hoover Dam, how the power plant works, and take in awesome views from the outdoor observation deck.

The Power Plant Tour is a good 2 nd best option if there aren’t any Dam Tour time slots left for the day. It still gets you inside the dam for a minute.

This tier includes a brief video presentation about the Hoover Dam before taking visitors down into the dam itself to see one of the penstock tunnels and the observation deck for the Nevada side of the power plant.

From here, the Power Plant Tour guests take an elevator back to the surface. The Dam Tour guests, though, continue further into the dam.

The Dam Tour continues through beautiful Art Deco tunnels, made for the first visitors, and then down another elevator to the inspection tunnels in the heart of the dam.

See up close how this behemoth concrete dam was built, learn how the structure is continuously monitored, and get amazing photos looking downstream at the Colorado River from one of the inspection ventilation shafts in the middle of the dam.

The Dam Tour is the whole dam package, for visitors that want to know and see it all!

Booking a Tour

As mentioned above, Dam Tour time slots are sold first come, first served on-site only and go fast in peak season.

Reserve spots ahead online for the first two tour options.

You can always upgrade them to a Dam Tour when you arrive on-site, if there are still Dam Tour time slots available.

Good to Know : National Park America the Beautiful Annual Passes are not accepted at Hoover Dam . The Bureau of Reclamation, which operates oversight for Hoover Dam and the tours, is one of the six agencies that participates in the pass, but the Hoover Dam site does not receive funding generated by pass sales because it’s completely self-sufficient from tour sales.

Is There a Self-Guided Tour of Hoover Dam?

Sort of. You can’t go inside the dam without a guide, but you can explore everything else at your own pace.

If you don’t particularly care for the history and just want to stop by to get some cool pictures, this can be a quick and free stop on a Southwest USA road trip .

The Visitor Center Museum requires a paid ticket but is self-guided and gives TONS of detailed information on both the construction of the dam and how the dam’s hydroelectric powerplant works.

If you take the time to read all the exhibits, you’ll learn just as much, possibly more, than if you took just a guided tour.

(But you get better anecdotes and random, interesting facts from the guided tours, in our opinion.)

Visitors are also free to explore the area above and around Hoover Dam during normal operating hours.

No ticket is required for any of the following:

• Memorial Bridge Walkway to the Bridge Overlook on Pat Tillman Bridge
• Walking across the top of Hoover Dam
• Admiring views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River
• See Monument Plaza and the Worker’s Memorial
• Find all 12 interpretive plaques around the area
• Shop at the gift shop

Can You Visit Hoover Dam for Free?

Yes, exploring the area around and atop of Hoover Dam is free.

You can even park in the furthest parking lot on the Arizona side of the dam for free.

(Read up on the rules for driving across Hoover Dam before you go.)

But you can’t go inside the dam or even the Visitor Center Museum without a paid ticket.

If you’re not into the history, you should be because this is an impressive engineering masterpiece even for non-engineers.

But if you just don’t have the time or patience for that, you can make a quick stop, take pictures, buy a souvenir, and be on your way.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Hoover Dam?

Visiting Hoover Dam can be FREE if you need it to be, but we recommend taking at least one of the paid tours. Parking may also incur a fee, depending where you park.

Here’s the full cost breakdown for visiting Hoover Dam:

• Access to gift shop, grounds, memorials, and atop the dam: FREE
• $10 for the garage on the NV side or for Parking Lot 9 (the lowest/closest one) on the AZ side
• FREE parking in the upper lots (Lots 13 and 14) on the AZ side
• The Visitor Center Tour ( $10 , self-guided)
• The Power Plant Tour ( $15 , guided)
• The Dam Tour ( $30 , guided)

Visiting Hoover Dam: Practical Info & FAQs

• Area Hours: 5AM to 9PM PST
• Tour & Visitor Center Hours: 9AM to 5PM PST, last tour at 3:45PM, visitor center last entry at 4:15PM
• Time Zone: The visitor center is on the Nevada side, so the entirety of Hoover Dam operates on Pacific Standard Time.

>> How Long Do You Need to Visit Hoover Dam?

Half a day, minimum, is recommended to explore everything at Hoover Dam , but as little as an hour or two is sufficient for a quick stop just for pictures.

If you take a tour, you’ll likely be here for at least a half day, assuming you don’t have to wait for an afternoon tour time.

>> Best Time of Year to Visit Hoover Dam?

Hoover Dam is in a desert climate, and in a canyon to boot, which basically makes it an oven. Winter temperatures are pleasant. Summer temperatures soar.

Summer is also peak tourist season, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be busy other times of year.

Is Visiting Hoover Dam Worth It?

Visiting Hoover Dam is 100% worth it.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love it. If you think impressive buildings are cool, you’ll love it.

It’s well-worth a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon or as a half day trip from Las Vegas.

Looking for other things to do in the area near Hoover Dam? Here’s some ideas.

More Southwest USA Ideas

• 35 Sober Things to Do in Las Vegas – no drinking or gambling needed!
• Epic 7 Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary
• Top 5 Awesome Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park – easy day trip from Vegas!
• Where to Stay Between Zion and Bryce Canyon
• How to See Everything in One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
• 17 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
• How to Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park: Easy 1 Day Itinerary

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > Nevada Road Trip Itineraries > Hoover Dam Tours: A Guide to Visiting the Most Famous Dam in America

Hoover Dam Tours: A Guide to Visiting the Most Famous Dam in America

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If you are in Las Vegas and you are looking for an alternative to gambling or swimming in the pool, in addition to visiting the Valley of Fire , you might also consider taking a tour of Hoover Dam , the imposing dam located in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, that was built between 1931 and 1935. Coming here gives you a chance to take a break from the hypnotic lights and gambling parlors of Las Vegas, and there is nothing better than a visit to an engineering marvel like this, right on the border between Nevada and Arizona .

You will have 2 possibilities: visit Hoover Dam on your own or choose an organized tour.

How to get to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

Visit hoover dam: useful information, where to stay, hoover dam tour by bus and jeep, hoover dam helicopter tour, combined tour of the hoover dam by bus and helicopter, visit hoover dam on your own: is it possible.

The answer is yes, but with some limitations. Here are directions to the Hoover Dam and some helpful tips for visiting the Hoover Dam on your own and for places to stay overnight near the dam.

Take US 93 South and continue on this road for about 20 miles to Boulder City. When you arrive in Boulder City, turn left at the second light and continue on US 93 for approximately 5 miles until you reach the junction with Nevada State Route 172, which leads to the Hoover Dam. After two miles, you will arrive at the dam, right on the border between Nevada and Arizona.

The dam is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. There are some restrictions for using a car when visiting the dam, which you can read in this guide . If you are driving, you will probably find lines, due to the rigorous police checks , since this is a high-risk area for terrorist attacks. Due to the torrid climate, it is advisable to leave your car in the parking garage before you start your visit. There are free parking lots, but they are very far from the visitor center. The entrance ticket ( Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour) and the Guided Dam Tour (the most complete) can only be purchased on-site, and you can only buy the Powerplant Tour online at a cost of $15 (you can purchase a ticket for the Power Plant Tour here ).

If you want to find accommodations close to Hoover Dam, you search nearby in Boulder City  (find a list of hotels on this page ). Otherwise, if you decide to return to Las Vegas , don’t forget to check out our article on where to stay in Las Vegas .

Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas

Although it is possible to visit the dam on your own, the best way to visit it is to take a tour of Hoover Dam . In this way, you can be guided on an in-depth tour of the dam and the powerplant and learn about how the Hoover Dam operated and the secrets of the impressive structure.

Here is our selection of the best tours in Hoover Dam by bus, Jeep, or helicopter.

Hoover Dam tour by bus

• Duration : 4.5 hours (1.5-2 at the dam)
• Price : Starting at $54

This tour of the Hoover Dam by bus begins with pick-up from your hotel in Las Vegas. After a quick registration process, a short trip through the Nevada desert to Lake Mead awaits you. When you arrive at the dam you will be greeted by a tour guide from the Bureau of Reclamation, who will take you along the top of the structure to finally see the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a major engineering feat.

The visit will continue inside the dam, where you will be shown how the huge power generators work, and the details of the Hoover Dam concrete structure. Afterwards, you will reach the visitor center and watch a documentary on the construction of the dam. Of course, you will also have time to walk along the dam and take pictures of the incredible panorama before returning to the hotel.

Book the tour

Platinum Tour of the Hoover Dam by Jeep

• Duration : 4 hours (2.5 at the dam)
• Price : Starting at $110 per person

This tour could be more interesting, which includes a visit to the Hoover Dam in a Jeep with a capacity for 10 people, so your tour will be as personalized as possible. Unlike the bus tour, before the visit of the dam, you will ride in the Jeep to some exclusive viewpoints, for example, in Boulder City where you can enjoy the view of the Colorado River and Lake Mead, not to mention you will cross the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, the highest observation point of the dam (helicopter excluded!).

The rest of the visit includes a guided tour of the power plant and a live presentation of the techniques of dam construction, in addition to the usual visit of the upper part, which is an excellent opportunity to take photos of the lake and the entire canyon. Of course, there is transportation to and from the hotel in Las Vegas, but, for safety reasons, children under 2 years of age are excluded from the tour.

Helicopter tour of the Hoover Dam

• Duration : About 3 hours (15 minutes in flight)
• Price : Starting from $69

This helicopter tour of the Hoover Dam is the best for those who want to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the dam and Lake Mead, but this tour does not give you the possibility to visit the structure inside. A shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in Las Vegas and take you to the Boulder City heliport, where you will board a deluxe helicopter that will fly low over the dam. You will have a magnificent view from above of this engineering masterpiece that crosses the border between Nevada and Arizona. After a flight that lasts about 15 minutes, you will return to the terminal to take the shuttle back to the hotel.

• Duration : 6 hours (approx. 3 at the dam, 18 minutes in flight)
• Price : Starting from $139

If you want to go on the guided tour inside the dam, but also want to get an aerial view, this is the tour for you. First, a shuttle will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Las Vegas or along the Las Vegas Strip. From here, the short bus ride to the Boulder City and Hoover Dam area will begin. You will walk to the top of the dam (one foot in Nevada and one in Arizona), visit the power plant, learn about the mechanisms and techniques of dam construction thanks to the guide’s explanations and informational videos.

You can also go to the visitor center. After that, you will be taken to the Boulder City heliport and enjoy the second part of the tour, this time from above. You will go on a 15-18 minute helicopter flight over the majestic dam and Lake Mead, before returning to Las Vegas by bus.

As you may have noticed, there are many choices, and your stay in Las Vegas can be enriched with a truly unusual visit. So are you ready for your unforgettable tour of the Hoover Dam ?

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Bernardo Pacini

I am an enthusiastic traveler. I have also published some poetry. Besides traveling, my interests include literature, prog music and good food,.

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3 tricks to visit Hoover Dam for free

by Dan Miller | Sep 24, 2023 | all , family travel | 13 comments

What to do when you visit Hoover Dam

Those of you who know me will know that I’m not big on paying for things in general, and when I decided I wanted to visit Hoover Dam, that was no exception.  Looking through the official US Government site , there are a few things that you can pay for (which you can choose to do if you want)

Costs at Hoover Dam

• 30 minute Powerplant Tour – $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $12 for kids 4-16
• 1 hour Hoover Dam Tour – $30 for everyone; kids 8 and under not allowed
• Visitor Center admission – $10 for everyone 4 and up
• Parking – $10 in the parking garage

Note too that similar to Mt. Rushmore, the Every Kid in a Park pass will NOT work here, as admission to the actual site (the dam) is free, and that’s the only thing that the Every Kid in a Park pass is good for – it doesn’t work on parking fees, tours and visitor center admission.

Visit Hoover Dam for free

Personally, when I decided to visit Hoover Dam, I was most just looking to drive on it, take some pictures and see the views.  I’m not sure there’s a ton of value in some of that stuff that you can’t get from reading online if you wanted to.  Here are my top 3 tricks to visit Hoover Dam for free

Trick 1: Pick your time to visit Hoover Dam carefully

This is something that may or may not be under your control, but just know that if you arrive during the middle of the day, during summer vacation, it is going to be super crowded.  We visited at about 7 a.m. / 8 a.m. (since Nevada and Arizona are in different time zones, technically the time changes when you cross over the dam!)

Trick 2: Know that there are other options for parking

There is not access from US 93 on the Arizona side – no matter which direction you’re coming from, you need to get off on Exit 2, Nevada state route 172 and wind your way down to the dam.  Here’s an annotated map I made

This shows a few things that I found helpful.  First, know that regardless of if you’re coming from Las Vegas or from Arizona, you must exit off of US 93 on the Nevada side.  There is no access to anything you’re able to see from the Arizona side – that has been closed down.

So as you’re coming along on Hoover Dam Road, after you go through a security check, the first thing you’ll see is the parking lot that takes you to the walkway up to the bypass bridge (more on that later).  As you wind your way down, the first big parking option is the parking garage, which costs $10

But if you continue on over the dam, there are a few places that you can (as far as I could tell) park for free.  I’m sure these fill up QUITE fast during popular times, but when we were there (early on a Monday morning in November), there was nobody there – here’s us at Parking Area 10

Also know that you CAN drive across the dam for free, but you can’t stop on the dam, and you’ll probably get in trouble if you try to pull over anywhere except the designated parking areas.  So if you just want to drive across the dam, you can do that, but then since there is no access to US 93 on the Arizona side, you’ll need to turn around and come back over the dam to the Nevada side.

Trick 3: Consider walking across the new Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman bypass bridge (just not on Monday mornings!)

As I mentioned before, one of the first parking areas is where you can park and walk up to the bypass bridge.  Our plan was to drive across the dam and back, park here, and then get some good views from the bypass bridge.

This parking area is only open from dawn to dusk.  We got there a little before official sunrise, and as you can see, the area was closed.

After 20 minutes or so of waiting, a police car came up and let us know that Monday mornings they clean this area, so it wouldn’t be open for another few hours.

So pro-tip, if you’re planning to visit Hoover Dam, don’t come early on Monday morning!

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Readers – any tips for visiting the Hoover Dam for free? Or is the visitor center or tours worth it? Leave your thoughts in the comments below

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User Generated Content Disclosure: Points With a Crew encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.

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More from points with a crew, 13 comments.

Thank you for doing this. It helped so much for our first time.

Great! I’m glad it was able to help!

Awesome! Planning a trip there in a week. Great help. Thx!

Isnt it basically just one trick and its only how to save on parking? I couldn’t find any info how to get a free tour or visitor center entrance. Basically, you write only about getting free stuff free 😉

The Pat Tilman walking bridge is a must see! It’s a terrific new bridge. As someone with a great fear of heights, I found it a challenge, but wouldn’t have missed it!

HELP ! I am having serial senior momens !

Where is the info on visiting Hoover Dam FREE ?

Or are just trying to do a bait & switch so we open the article ?

I can see charging for tours but charging to get into the Visitor’s Center seems a bit over the line to me. Charging for parking reminds me of Mount Rushmore where the fee is good for a year, as if anyone but a few locals are ever going to be back in a year to park there again. I see where the Power Plant Tour does include admission to the Visitor’s Center.

How far a walk is it from the parking lot to the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman bypass bridge? Are there stairs to be climbed? I’ll be visiting with my 78 yo Dad next month as we drive from Vegas to Phoenix. He isn’t interested in doing any tours but would like to see the dam from a good vantage point. This sounds like a good option as long as it isn’t too taxing to get from the lot to the bridge.

Rick – you can somewhat see the path from the parking lot to the bridge in one of the pictures. We didn’t get to do that because the lot was closed for cleaning when we were there (as described in the post). I don’t think it would be that long of a walk but I’m not 78 🙂

Its a lot of stairs Rick. There is a switchback WC ramp though. Inside the visitor center there a look out too. Its not as good as the bridge but it has an elevator!

Too bad you missed a great tour! Hoover Dam tours are the best value you will find in and around Las Vegas. Its a Federal facility but it finds itself. So money for tours helps things run at the dam.

Tour money help things at the dam dun? Federal facility? Seriously? What about my taxes they rip every single paycheck, huh? Charging to visit federal facility is like charging to visit the Library of Congress (which is free to visit, btw).

Very useful.

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Hoover Dam Discovery via Lake Mead Kayak Tour

• Bottled water
• Kayaks, paddles, and PFDs
• Entry/Admission - Hoover Dam
• Entry/Admission - Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
• Entry/Admission - Lake Mead National Recreation Area
• tips for guides
• Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino, 18000 US-93, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA the Hoover Dam lodge and Casino is at US 93 and Interstate 11.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino 18000 US-93, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA the Hoover Dam lodge and Casino is at US 93 and Interstate 11. See address & details
• 1 Hoover Dam Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Hoover Dam Stop: 40 minutes See details
• 4 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• nicolegV1012VO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Tour Company With Truly Amazing Guides! My sister and I decided we wanted to do something "unique" (i.e. not gamble or go to a show) while we were visiting Las Vegas - so we opted for an outdoor kayaking adventure. While it was overwhelming to choose from the myriad of companies offering this service, we finally landed on Evolution Expeditions, and boy, they did not disappoint! From our experienced guide and great conversationalist, Burton, to the amazing views and plethora of wildlife - this was an experience we will never forget. We also had the opportunity to meet another Evolution guide named Dylan, who seemed just as friendly and knowledgeable as Burton, so I have no doubt that no matter which guide you end up with for the day, you will thoroughly enjoy your time on the Colorado River (lunch was pretty good too). We even learned a new term from Dylan: "eco-tourist" and because of him and Burton, we will always book some kind of outdoor adventure wherever we travel...and if it's Las Vegas - we will also book with Evolution Expeditions! Read more Written April 15, 2024
• Nomad10618814929 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative guides. The 2 guides were great and so informative of the river and history. They kept us all moving but at comfortable pace. Evolution Expeditions is a keeper! I would recommend for any adult age. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• K6480CObeckyk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing time!! It was my first time kayaking and let me tell you, AMAZING!!! Our guides Burton and Chris are soo much fun and knowledgeable! Breathtaking views! Lunch was soo good! Just an extremely fun time! Read more Written April 14, 2024
• 4AHIKE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A BEAUTIFUL PADDLE WITH ABSOLUTELY AMAZING VIEWS AND GREAT STAFF AFTER A LOVELY DRIVE TO THE MARINA, THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS TRIP UP THE COLORADO RIVER. THE GUIDE LEADING THE EXPEDITION WAS DYLAN WHO WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO TRAVEL WITH. HE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE, PERSONABLE, HELPFUL AND MADE SURE WE WERE ALL SAFE. HE ANSWERED ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS. HE GAVE US HISTORY OF THE AREA, INFORMATION ON PLANTS, WILDLIFE AND PADDLING TIPS. DYLAN WAS ALSO TRAINING MALEK AND INFORMING HIM OF HISTORY ETC. HE AND MALEK HELPED THE LESS EXPERIENCED PADDLERS. WHETHER YOU ARE NEW TO KAYAKING OR HAVE DONE IT FOR YEARS THIS IS A GREAT TRIP. WE WENT UP TO AN AMAZING LOOKOUT AND HAD TIME FOR A QUICK DIP. SNACKS WERE PROVIDED AND DYLAN MADE SURE WE ALL STAYED HYDRATED. MALEK WAS NEWER BUT ALSO GOOD ABOUT HELPING AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS. Read more Written April 13, 2024
• Amanda D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day adventure This was fun! Dylan was very patient with us new kayaker’s. Good history lesson with the tour. We had a good time adventuring outside of the Las Vegas strip. Read more Written April 12, 2024
• nellydH5964PI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended! Excellent customer service! We hosted a Red Rock Canyon hike for the second time for a corporate group and our clients absolutely loved the experience, everything was executed perfectly: pickup, hike, lunch, return. We would most certainly work again with Evolution Expeditions! Read more Written April 10, 2024
• aaronbW9711PI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Unforgetable Experience ! Nothing can prepare you for the magic of this tour, the scenery is amazing, the photos just don’t do it justice, paddling down the Colorado River through black canyon should be on your bucket list !. Our guide Dylan was fantastic, so knowledgeable and passionate about the area and made our experience far more enjoyable with his banter and personalized approach. You don’t need to be a kayaking expert, you are taught all the basics and by the time you are coming back from emerald cave you will be flying ! .. I would highly recommend Evolution Expeditions as your tour guide of choice the whole process was seamless and highly organised. Read more Written April 10, 2024
• Culture743353 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing time on the Colorado! A trip with Burton the guide was amazing. Full of history and knowledge of all the surroundings was amazing. History of the Colorado knowledge of the local wildlife and horticulture was awesome. Lunch was actually deli sandwiches not a pre-box lunch. Tons of photos to be had. Very professional outfit. Will use again in the future. Thanks Burton for a wonderful day. Read more Written April 9, 2024
• Q9436XKpedroj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience Ares and Ryan were amazing guides. The hiking at Red Rock was medium intense, which is perfect and the view at the end it's amazing. Read more Written April 9, 2024
• 360beckya 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An adventure to remember!!! This was the best experience ever! Aaron called me a few days before and asked if I wanted to change from the 4 hour tour to the 7 ... and I'm so glad I did!!!! Thank you Aaron! Jared was our tour guide and he made the adventure fun and gave us really cool facts about the plants, knew where a bald eagles nest was (and we got to see 3 of them scaring ravens away!!!!) Big horn sheep sightings, multiple hot springs, waterfalls, hikes and just all around made it a good day to be a human! Such a fun... peaceful experience. Just what the soul needed. Thank you guys so very much for everything. I cannot wait to come back and share this experience with friends , and adventure more with you! 💙 Read more Written April 9, 2024
• saaberf2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend! What a fun day out on the water, scenery was beautiful and Ryan our instructor was lovely too. Highly recommend if you’re in vegas and want to escape the strip! Read more Written April 8, 2024
• G8731KKck 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great afternoon excursion with the best guides! Ryan and Ares took us to Red Rock Canyon on the Calico Tanks trail, we had a great time and the views and the rock formations were stunning! Read more Written April 8, 2024
• chantalmT7384VW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles We had a great time Amazing experience and views! Salvatore, our guide, is the best! He was very patient and knowlegeable and also speaks very clearly. Just a note : Beware if you book through Victor. They told us the hotel pickup was at Noon, when in fact it was at 10:20! Evolution Expedition sent me emails with the right time, but I didn't notice the time difference. Thankfully, Evolution called me to let me know. Read more Written April 8, 2024
• shawnas958 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 must do! Vegas locals here who wanted to get out and explore! Had the most amazing tour this past Sunday! My mom brother myself and my daughter (age 9) had a blast! Our tour guide Chris was amazing! He was funny, kind, understanding, & really made sure we all had the best time! Thanks Chris! Read more Written April 8, 2024
• Marroy71 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wow! Amazing experience. Our guide, Salvatore was perfect. Took a little longer than expected so don’t plan other things too close Read more Written April 7, 2024

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Hoover Dam Discovery via Lake Mead Kayak Tour provided by Evolution Expeditions