Visiting the Hoover Dam: The Complete Guide

hoover dam tourist

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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The 5 best hoover dam tours from las vegas (2024).

Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour.

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Best Hoover Dam Tours

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If you're planning what to see and do in Las Vegas , you may be considering a day trip to the Hoover Dam – the National Historic Landmark that diverts water from the Colorado River to various corners of the southwestern United States. Authorized by President Calvin Coolidge in 1928, the dam took around five years to build. At the time of its completion in 1935, dam workers used 6.6 million tons of concrete, more than 5 million barrels of cement and 45 million pounds of steel.

Tours of the facility are available on-site and include access to the power plant and the dam's tunnels. However, independent tour companies – many of which depart from Las Vegas – also make stops at the dam. Many of the Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas include additional experiences, such as a stop at the Las Vegas welcome sign or the Seven Magic Mountains public art installation.

Considering both traveler sentiment and expert input, U.S. News selected the best Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas.

Comedy on Deck Tours – Hoover Dam Ultimate VIP Tour

Price: Adults from $90; kids from $80 Duration: 7 hours

Guides double as stand-up comedians on this Hoover Dam bus tour. In addition to round-trip transportation from your Las Vegas Strip hotel and a dedicated driver, this full-day tour includes a 45-minute walk across the top of the dam, the chance to see interior generators and learn how they work, and a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant. Plus, you'll stop at the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign for a photo-op and drive through historic Boulder City, Nevada. Tourists call it a great way to spend a day thanks to the entertaining and talented guides and the manageable pace of the tour.

This tour departs daily between 7:25 and 8:20 a.m., depending on your hotel's location along the Strip. The company also offers a Grand Canyon West tour that departs from Las Vegas.

Check prices & availability on:

Gray Line Las Vegas – Half Day Hoover Dam from Las Vegas Tour

Price: From $72 Duration: 4.5 hours

An ideal option if you're short on time, this half-day Hoover Dam tour operated by Gray Line Las Vegas promises round-trip transportation from the Strip to the dam, plenty of photo opportunities and two hours to explore at the dam. During the excursion, you'll also enjoy access to the dam museum and visitor center, as well as a guided tour of the power plant. Plus, the tour includes time for a photo-op at the famous Las Vegas welcome sign. Reviewers rave about the views seen along the tour and the entertaining, informative guides. Travelers also say this is a convenient, affordable tour for visitors based in Las Vegas.

Two departures are available daily at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Gray Line also offers tours to see the Grand Canyon .

Back of the Hoover Dam

Pink Adventure Tours – Hoover Dam Tour

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $109 Duration: 4 hours

Take in views of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River on this small-group tour that's capped at 10 participants. You'll get picked up from your Las Vegas hotel in one of the company's air-conditioned "Tour Trekker" vehicles, which features oversized windows, leather captain's chairs and an onboard audio system so you can easily hear the commentary from your driver, who doubles as your guide. Along your drive to the dam, you'll learn about the Mojave Desert, as well as early mining in the area and housing for dam workers. Upon reaching the dam, you'll enjoy 360-degree views from the observation deck before descending to the Power Plant. Guides from the Bureau of Reclamation will take you through the inspection tunnels and the generator room. Most reviewers give this tour high marks, praising the knowledgeable, entertaining tour guides, the comfortable vehicles and the small group size. Travelers also said this is a good option for visitors who do not want to devote an entire day to seeing the Hoover Dam.

Take your pick between an 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. departure. Pink Adventure Tours also offers tours of Red Rock Canyon and the Strip.

MaxTour – Hoover Dam Walk On Top Tour with Seven Magic Mountains

Price: From $80 Duration: 5 hours

You'll see more than just the Hoover Dam on this jam-packed outing. After being picked up from your Las Vegas hotel, you'll stop at the Las Vegas welcome sign to snap some photos before heading to Seven Magic Mountains, a public art installation by Ugo Rondinone that features a collection of colorful stacked boulders. Next up is a walking tour across the Hoover Dam and the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Along the way, your guide will make bonus stops at some of their favorite "hidden gem" spots. Participants laud the knowledgeable guides, who reviewers say make the experience fun and memorable. Others appreciated the guides' willingness to take photos for them, and their many restaurant recommendations.

Tours, which are capped at 14 people, are offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8 a.m. The company also operates tours that combine a visit to the Hoover Dam with a stop at the Grand Canyon.

Mr. Las Vegas – Hoover Dam Mini Tour

Price: Adults from $70; kids from $65 Duration: 3 hours

If you don't want to devote an entire day to seeing the Hoover Dam, consider this "mini" small-group tour operated by Mr. Las Vegas. It includes round-trip transportation from the Strip in a 14-person vehicle, a drive through Boulder City, and stops at Lake Mead and Hemenway Park (known for its herds of wild big horn sheep). You'll also enjoy plenty of panoramic views and photo-ops at the Hoover Dam, including at the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge. Reviewers praise the length of the tour and applaud the guides for their informative, engaging delivery. They also admired the views to and from the dam.

Hoover Dam tours are available twice-daily at 8 a.m. and noon. Note that tour lengths may stretch to four hours based on where you are picked up or dropped off on the Strip. Mr. Las Vegas also operates tours that combine a visit to the Hoover Dam with a stop at Seven Magic Mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of a Hoover Dam tour depends on which one you select; the Bureau of Reclamation offers two. If you opt for the Guided Power Plant Tour, it takes about 30 minutes. The Guided Dam Tour lasts about one hour. A tour with an independent company – which provides round-trip transportation from Las Vegas and may stop at other locales – will likely last several hours.

Yes, you can see the Hoover Dam without a tour. The exterior of the dam is open to visitors daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can take a self-guided tour of the visitor center for $10, which includes access to the center's exhibits and access to the observation deck and Original Exhibit Building. You can also view parts of the Hoover Dam for free from the pedestrian plaza, which features panoramic views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead and the dam. However, if you'd like to see the historic construction tunnels, walk through the inspection tunnels or take a tour of the power plant, you'll need to purchase tickets for one of the guided tours.

To avoid crowds, plan your visit to the Hoover Dam on a weekday. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the least busy times for tours are 9 to 11 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

You may also be interested in:

  • The Best Las Vegas Tours
  • The Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
  • The Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Las Vegas
  • The Best Things To Do With Kids in Las Vegas

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The Dam Crew

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

hoover dam tourist

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 -.

hoover dam tourist

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.

hoover dam tourist

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.

hoover dam tourist

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.

hoover dam tourist

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!

hoover dam tourist

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.

hoover dam tourist

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.

hoover dam tourist

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.

hoover dam tourist

Map to all 7 Stops

hoover dam tourist

Lake Mead Activities

Explore Boulder City

The Town That Built Hoover Dam

Boulder City's Historic District

Historic Downtown

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Colorado River Activities

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Hiking & Biking Trails

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Grand Canyon Tours

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Desert Adventures

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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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Hoover Dam Tours

Explore one of America’s most spectacular feats of engineering on one of our Hoover Dam tours. Combine your Hoover Dam tour with a trip to the Grand Canyon's West Rim, a leisurely cruise down the Colorado River, a relaxing boat tour of Lake Mead, or experience this man-made wonder from the comfort of a luxury helicopter .

Grand Canyon West Rim & Hoover Dam SUV Tour

Mini hoover dam bus & helicopter tour, mini hoover dam tour, lake mead cruise & hoover dam tour, lake mead dinner cruise, hoover dam suv tour, why visit hoover dam.

Reaching more than 700 feet tall and stretching over 1,200 feet across Black Canyon, the Hoover Dam is one of the Southwest's most impressive man-made sights. Snap a pic of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, see the imposing concrete walls from two states, and learn about the history of the Dam as you venture deep inside to view the massive generators. Turn to the northeast for stunning vistas of picturesque Lake Mead—the nation's largest reservoiar, covering 248 square miles.

The Hoover Dam is located just a few miles southeast of Las Vegas. Stop for a photo op en route to the Grand Canyon, or hop on a guided Hoover Dam tour. With a number of tour options available, the Hoover Dam is both educational and entertaining, making it the perfect excursion for your family’s Vegas adventure. If you only have a few hours or even a full day, it's easy to find a Hoover Dam tour that fits into your schedule.

The Hoover Dam is a short 30 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Guided bus tours to the Grand Canyon will cross the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, and may include photo stops. Aerial Grand Canyon tours soar over the Dam, offering some of the most impressive views of this famous structure.

What You'll See at Hoover Dam

Bypass bridge.

The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is one of the longest single-span concrete arch bridges.

Feat of Engineering

Built using 6.6 million tons of concrete, the Hoover Dam was the tallest in world when it opened.

The nation's largest reservoir, covering 248 square miles and featuring a picturesque shoreline.

Winged Figures

Some of the largest bronze structures ever cast in the United States, containing over 4 tons of bronze.

State Line Marker

Stand in two states at once as you cross state lines (and change time zones) between Nevada and Arizona.

Massive Generators

Drop 530 feet into the Dam to view the hydroelectric generators and explore the interior passageways.

Hoover Dam Travel Guides

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From bus tours that traverse the Mojave desert and airplane tours that fly high above the Southwest, there are guided tour options to suit any adventurer.

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Las Vegas is home to exciting activities that appeal to everyone – not just gamblers or party-goers. Check out one of these alternative excursions.

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EXPLORE THE WORLD-FAMOUS HOOVER DAM

Hoover dam tours.

hoover dam tourist

The Hoover Dam is a world–famous concrete arch–gravity dam that is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on the border between Nevada and Arizona. It impounds the mighty Colorado River in the Black Canyon .

HooverDam

The dam was designated a National Historic Landmark by congress in 1985. More than 8 million people a year visit the dam and many take Hoover Dam tours.

A Hoover Dam tour is a great way to take in this architectural and engineering marvel. The dam is 726 feet tall and nearly a 1/4–mile long. It is 660 feet wide at its base and has enough concrete to build thousands of miles of interstate.

Dam History

The dam was built in a five–year period between 1931 and 1936. Building the dam was perilous. Nearly one hundred workers perished in the construction of the dam.

The dam created beautiful Lake Mead , which is a massive reservoir north of dam. Lake Mead is very popular for water sports. The Bureau of Reclamation of the United States Department of the Interior operates the dam.

There is much more than just the dam to explore at the Hoover Dam. The dam has interesting architecture, memorials, sculptures, and historical features. On the Nevada side, there is also a massive power generation station.

A great place to visit

a Great place to visit for all

Photo opportunities abound in every direction. To the north are the beautiful blue waters of Lake Mead. To the south, 726 feet below lies the scenic Black Canyon of the Colorado River , where rafting trips are offered.

To the south now also lies the Mike O'Callahan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, also known as the Hoover Dam Bypass .

On the the east side of the Hoover Dam is the state of Arizona and to the west is state of Nevada. Desert mountains flank both sides of the Colorado River near the dam.

The state line is in the middle of the dam and there are intake towers on each side with clocks on them indicating "Nevada time" and "Arizona time" as the time zone changes on the state line.

HooverDam Power Pant

Tour the Dam

If you are traveling to Las Vegas, one of the United States' most popular travel destinations, experiencing Hoover Dam tours is a must. It is one of the top sightseeing attractions in the Las Vegas area.

A variety of different types of Hoover Dam tours are offered. Most tour companies operate out of Las Vegas and will pick visitors up from their hotels. Visitors can take private tours, group tours, bus tours, helicopter tours, or airplane tours of the dam.

Tours can typically be either a half–day or full day, or just a few hours if you take a helicopter tour. If you would like to stay near the dam, the nearest town is Boulder City , Nevada, eight miles to the west.

Touring Hoover Dam is an experience that visitors will not soon forget!

hoover dam tourist

Touring Hoover Dam and the surrounding area by bus is a fun, flexible, lower cost way to take it all in.

HELICOPTER TOUR

Seeing the Dam with a 360 degree view by helicopter is an amazing spectacle that'll be a life-long memory.

With a Hoover Dam boat tour, you get a beautiful, relaxed, unique visitor experience.

AIRPLANE TOUR

Airplane tours are a great way to explore the dam and the Lake Mead area from above it all.

STAY & EXPLORE

Fantastic Boating, great views of desert landscapes, and the largest reservoir in the U.S. are just a few of the reasons to explore Lake Mead.

Dozens of high rise casinos-hotels, world-famous shows, restaurants and shopping, and sunny skies await in America's modern adult playground.

BOULDER CITY

Boulder City is up the hill eight miles, about 1400 feet higher than Hoover Dam. Find out what this appealing, slightly cooler, gateway city offers.

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7 Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas, Nevada

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Hoover Dam | 7 Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas, Nevada

While the Vegas Strip is lots of fun, taking a  Hoover Dam tour  is a breath of fresh air and one of the  best day trips from Las Vegas . The hydroelectric dam is almost 90 years old, and it’s still among the most impressive sights in the country. Plus, the dam is less than an hour from Sin City, so it’s one of the coolest  things to do outside Las Vegas .

If you’re looking for something different to do in Vegas, consider visiting the Hoover Dam as a family or with friends. The incredible man-made structure and the beautiful scenery around Lake Mead and the Colorado River will make the trip well worth it!

Hoover Dam, Hoover dam tours

The area is close enough to drive to, and a  shuttle to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas  is included in the  Las Vegas City Pass  (the best  CityPass in Las Vegas ). If you don’t want to drive and organize an itinerary, you can take one of the awesome  Hoover Dam day trips from Las Vegas .

There are bus and   helicopter tours from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam  for all budgets and schedules. Lots of tours include stops at other points of interest, like Boulder City, Route 66, and even the Grand Canyon. Whether you want a full-day package or you just have a couple of hours, I’ll help you find the  best tour of Hoover Dam from Las Vegas .

7 Best Las Vegas day trips to Hoover Dam

After reviewing the top-rated tours and analyzing the prices, durations, and highlights, I can recommend some great  Las Vegas day trips to Hoover Dam .

To sum up, these are the 7  best Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas :

  • Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas by helicopter
  • Hoover Dam bus tour
  • Hoover Dam small-group tour
  • Bus tour to Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon West
  • Small-group tour to Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon South
  • Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, & 7 Magic Mountains
  • Hoover Dam & Colorado River kayak tour

1. Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas by helicopter

This tour is just one of the  Las Vegas helicopter flights  available to the surrounding areas.  This tour  may be short, but you’ll get fantastic views of the dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River from 2,500 feet above sea level.

Hoover Dam, hoover dam from las vegas

Your  helicopter ride includes in-flight narration so you can learn about the history of the dam. Both sides of the helicopter provide excellent viewing and photo opportunities of the massive structure, the river, and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. If you want something different, check our guide on Hoover Dam helicopter tours for more options.

  • Highlights : Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River
  • Duration : 6 minutes
  • Number of participants : 6
  • Price : $69+
  • Description : Take a short  helicopter tour to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas , soaring over the Lake Mead area and catching views of the Colorado River .

2. Hoover Dam bus tour , a cheap Las Vegas day tour to the Hoover Dam

If you have a few hours, you might enjoy a  bus tour to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas .  This half-day tour   includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and a ride on an air-conditioned coach bus.

Your  Las Vegas shuttle to Hoover Dam  will take you to Boulder City, where the dam construction workers lived. An expert guide will share interesting facts about the city and the dam as you pass the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

Hoover Dam, tour of hoover dam from las vegas

When you arrive at the Spillway House, you can walk across the dam to get excellent photo opportunities of the hydroelectric engineering and Lake Mead. On the way back to Vegas, take in the scenery of the Nevada desert.

  • Highlights : Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead
  • Duration : 4.5 hours
  • Number of participants : 50
  • Price : $60+
  • Description : Take a  Hoover Dam day tour from Las Vegas by bus, stopping at historic Boulder City before walking around the dam’s Spillway and enjoying views of the intake towers and Lake Mead .

3. Hoover Dam 3-hour bus tour , the best small-group Hoover Dam tour

If you’re short on time, a small-group  Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas  is perfect.   This 3-hour tour  includes  transportation to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas  hotels on the Strip.

You’ll ride through the famous Boulder City, then make your way to the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. From here, you’ll continue on foot across the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Walkway, which overlooks the dam and the Colorado River.

Lake Mead, las vegas day trip to hoover dam

The group will then head to Lake Mead lookout, where you’ll be able to see the dam from different viewpoints. Your tour ends with a stop at Hemenway Park, where bighorn sheep like to graze.

  • Highlights : Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River, Boulder City, Hemenway Park
  • Duration : 3 hours
  • Number of participants : 14
  • Price : $70+
  • Description : Get picked up from your Vegas hotel and make your way through Boulder City to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Walkway. Then, enjoy the viewpoints from Lake Mead lookout and visit Hemenway Park before heading back to the Strip .

4. Bus tour to Hoover Dam & West Rim , a fun Hoover Dam tour

This  bus tour from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam  and the Grand Canyon is an exciting adventure.   The full-day tour  includes pick-up from a few Vegas hotels, as well as breakfast and lunch.

You’ll board a comfortable bus and ride to Grand Canyon West. Along the way, your driver will stop at two iconic sites: Route 66 and the Hoover Dam. This is your chance to get incredible photos of the dam and the Colorado River while an expert guide shares facts about the area.

Hoover Dam, las vegas day tour to hoover dam

Once you get to the Grand Canyon, you’ll board a shuttle to Eagle Point, a stunning viewpoint on the edge of the West Rim. Then, head to Guano Point for a different perspective before heading back to Vegas.

  • Highlights : Grand Canyon West, Route 66, Hoover Dam, Eagle & Guano Points
  • Duration : 12-15 hours
  • Number of participants : 25
  • Price : $89+
  • Description : Enjoy a tour from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam , Route 66, and Grand Canyon West, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views from Eagle and Guano Points .

5. Route 66 tour to Hoover Dam & South Rim , a complete Hoover Dam tour

There are many  Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas , but  this full-day tour  is one of the best. It starts with an early morning pick-up from your Vegas Strip hotel. You’ll board a bus and ride from  Las Vegas to Hoover Dam , where you’ll get time to take photos and enjoy the view. Then, continue along the famous Route 66, where you’ll stop for lunch in Seligman, Arizona (lunch and snacks are included).

Hoover Dam, hoover dam day tour from las vegas

By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, where you’ll have about 3.5 hours to explore. There, you can take the park shuttle to Hermit Road and the walking paths or check out attractions like the Yavapai Museum of Geology, the Hopi House, and the visitor’s center.

  • Highlights : Hoover Dam, Route 66, Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim
  • Duration : 14 hours
  • Price : $200+
  • Description : Take a full- day trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon National Park. On the way, you’ll stop at Hoover Dam and have lunch at Route 66, then have 3.5 hours to explore the Grand Canyon South Rim .

6. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, & 7 Magic Mountains , the best Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas

Here is another fun  Hoover Dam tour from the Las Vegas Strip .  This day tour  starts with a quick stop at the Fabulous Las Vegas sign before driving into the Mojave Desert. There, you’ll see the Seven Magic Mountains art installation, an interesting sculpture in the middle of the Nevada desert.

On the  shuttle from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam , you’ll pass through Boulder City, then stop at the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Walkway. Here, you can walk along the bridge and get a beautiful front view of the hydroelectric dam.

Hoover Dam, best tour of hoover dam from las vegas

The final stop is the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you’ll have 4 hours to explore. You can take a hike to the stunning lookouts at Eagle and Guano Points or pay a bit extra to go on the Skywalk.

  • Highlights : Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Seven Magic Mountains, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West Rim
  • Duration : 12 hours
  • Price : $199+
  • Description : This  Las Vegas day trip to Hoover Dam , Seven Magic Mountains, and Grand Canyon West Rim includes transportation and snacks. You’ll take a shuttle bus through the Mojave Desert to the art installation, the hydroelectric dam, and the West Rim, where you’ll have 4 hours to explore .

7. Hoover Dam & Colorado River kayak tour , the best full-day Hoover Day tour

If you want an adventure off the beaten track but still want to learn about the Hoover Dam, the best tour from Las Vegas  is  this 3-hour kayak trip . The package includes pick-up from several Vegas Strip hotels, transportation, and entry to Black Canyon. There, you’ll embark on a 4-hour kayaking adventure, starting at Willow Beach.

Black Canyon, tour to kayak hoover dam from las vegas

An expert guide will lead your group and share interesting facts about Hoover Dam and the surrounding area along the way. They’ll also point out wildlife viewing opportunities, so keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and bald eagles! About halfway through the tour, you’ll end up at a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River. Then you’ll kayak to Emerald Cave, a narrow channel with sparkling green water.

  • Highlights : Black Canyon, Emerald Cave, wildlife spotting
  • Number of participants : 12
  • Price : $139+
  • Description : Enjoy a unique day trip from Las Vegas to Black Canyon, where you’ll embark on a 4-hour kayak tour. See the Colorado River and paddle through Emerald Cave while learning about the surrounding area.

How much does a Hoover Dam tour cost?

The price of a  day trip to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas  depends on things like duration, the number of stops, and mode of transportation. Fortunately, there are different kinds of tours, and I’ve compared each of the top 7 below. Check out this chart to find the  best Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas  for your budget and schedule.

FAQs – Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

If you’re still unsure about visiting  Hoover Dam from Las Vegas , these answers to commonly asked questions may help!

How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?

The driving  distance between Hoover Dam and Las Vegas  is about 40 miles.

How long does it take to get to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by car?

It takes 45-50 minutes to arrive at Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by car .

How to get to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?

If you’re  driving to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas , take Tropicana Avenue to US 515 South, which becomes I-93. Follow the highway for about 20 miles until you get to Boulder City and see signs for Hoover Dam.

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can take a day  tour to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas .

What other things can you see during a Las Vegas road trip to Hoover Dam?

As you can see from these  Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas , there are some cool pitstops you can make along the way. Here are a few ideas:

  • Springs Preserve
  • Clark County Wetlands Park
  • Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
  • Hemenway Park
  • Arizona Hot Spring
  • Seven Magic Mountains
  • Colorado River
  • Boulder City
  • Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

How much does a Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas cost?

The price of a  Las Vegas day trip to Hoover Dam  varies depending on the duration, the number of participants, and where you go. In general, these tours can range from around $60 to over $200.

What is the cheapest Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas?

The price depends on the duration and any extra stops along the way, but you can do a half-day  Hoover Dam tour from Vegas  for as low as $60.

I hope you liked reading about the  best Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas ! There are so many options for  visiting the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas , so I hope you found a day trip that meets your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. Safe travels!

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Passport To Eden

7 Must-Know Tips For Visiting The Hoover Dam

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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

Visiting Hoover Dam photo, taken from the observation deck

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).

visiting the hoover dam - view from Memorial Bridge

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

memorial bridge (I wish I never walked here)

  • 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

top-down view seen while visiting 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.

lake mead

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

hoover dam takes a half-day to see (person filling up half the frame of hoover dam picture)

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

hoover dam tourist

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 tourist

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!

hoover dam tourist

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

what to bring when visiting the hoover dam featured image

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

Food & Gift shop hoover dam (yes, they sell dam t-shirts)

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…

some dam fries...don't judge

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 visiting the hoover dam worth it? view from the hoover dam between rails

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.

sincerely anshula

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!

Hotels Near Las Vegas (Nevada)

hoover dam tourist

Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn’s rooms are spacious , polished, and functional! Each room is enhanced by subtle luxurious details: floor-to-ceiling windows (with sprawling views of Vegas), smart shelving, and deep bathtubs .

hoover dam tourist

Caesars Palace

One of the oldest and most iconic hotels in Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, surprisingly, doesn’t feel dated (you may remember it from Friends). Check-in is easy and rooms have a standard level of comfort.

hoover dam tourist

If you opt to stay here, be sure to get a fountain view room ! You’ll be enviously positioned , and granted window-side access to The Bellagio’s dramatic, evening-to-midnight waterworks show.

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

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Editor-In-Chief

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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  18. 7 Must-Know Tips For Visiting The Hoover Dam

    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).

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