Hoover Dam
A monumental Depression-era engineering marvel offering tours and breathtaking views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Hoover Dam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Depression-era engineering marvel offering tours and breathtaking views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
"It's an engineering marvel that truly blows your mind with its sheer scale and history."
🚗 Parking Perks
Nevada side parking is paid; Arizona side offers free parking. Consider the drive across the dam!
🎟️ Book Tours Ahead
Full dam tours can sell out. Book online or arrive very early for on-site tickets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dam Itself
An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, marvel at its immense scale and the sheer power it harnesses.
Power Plant Tour
Descend into the heart of the dam to see the massive turbines and learn about its electricity generation.
Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
Walk across this impressive bridge for panoramic views of the dam and the Colorado River.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Tour Options & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Nevada side parking is paid; Arizona side offers free parking. Consider the drive across the dam!
🎟️ Book Tours Ahead
Full dam tours can sell out. Book online or arrive very early for on-site tickets. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, bring plenty of water. On-site drinks are pricey.
🚶♀️ Walk the Dam
Enjoy free access to walk across the top for stunning views and photos. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Nevada side parking is paid; Arizona side offers free parking. Consider the drive across the dam!
🎟️ Book Tours Ahead
Full dam tours can sell out. Book online or arrive very early for on-site tickets. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, bring plenty of water. On-site drinks are pricey.
🚶♀️ Walk the Dam
Enjoy free access to walk across the top for stunning views and photos. +1
🏙️ Explore Boulder City
Visit this charming nearby town for lunch and local shops after your dam visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hoover Dam as an awe-inspiring engineering feat and a must-see attraction. The scale and history are highlights, though some find the tours a bit pricey and wish for more open exhibits. Crowds can be a factor, especially on weekends.
"I had seen multiple pictures of this dam and thought it was big, but this thing is HUGE!!! We did the tour that took us down inside and that was very informative. It’s also very interesting looking around in the museum and seeing all things they used and how they built it. Definitely a cool place to visit!!"
Kendrick Strite
"DAM cool!!! It is consider one of the wonders of the world 🏰 and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
Absolutely massive once you are right there at the dam looking over.
DO THE EXTENDED TOUR!
I would recommend spending the extra money on the extended tour, where you can actually go into the dam itself and see the inner workings of the dam! 🙌😬"
Annabelle Veatch
"This place is really cool. I didn't get the scope and size until I went there. It's huge! There is plenty of free parking. You do have to pass a security checkpoint to make sure you don't have any fire arms or drones. There are trails that lead to all kinds of places. I just passed through and checked it out, but would have loved to hike the trails."
justin blackburn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hoover Dam is about a 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. You can rent a car for flexibility or opt for a tour bus that often includes stops at other attractions. +1
Yes, you can find free parking on the Arizona side of the dam. The Nevada side has a paid parking garage.
Many tour companies offer bus trips from Las Vegas, often combining the dam with other sights like the Seven Magic Mountains. This is a convenient option if you don't have a car.
The drive from the Las Vegas Strip to the Hoover Dam typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
The Hoover Dam is well-signposted and a popular destination, making it relatively easy to find using GPS or following road signs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Walking on top of the dam is free. However, tours that go inside the dam or to the power plant require paid tickets.
Tour ticket prices vary, but generally range from $20 to $45 for the Power Plant tour or the full dam tour. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets on-site, but popular tours, especially the full dam tour, can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended. +1
The dam grounds are generally open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, but tour availability and hours can vary, so check the official website before your visit.
The Visitor Center exhibits and observation deck have undergone renovations and may have limited access or be closed. Check the official website for the latest updates.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Capture stunning shots from the top of the dam, the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and various viewpoints along the access roads.
Absolutely! You can walk freely across the top of the dam, offering incredible perspectives of the structure and the Colorado River.
Yes, the Pat Tillman Bridge offers spectacular panoramic views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, making it a prime spot for photos.
Photography policies can vary within the dam's interior tours. It's best to check with your tour guide for specific restrictions.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more dramatic glow on the dam.
🎫 💡 Interesting Facts
The Hoover Dam was built using over 4 million cubic yards of concrete, a staggering amount for its time.
Even today, the Hoover Dam generates approximately 4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, powering millions of homes.
The 'slide to nowhere' is a spillway tunnel designed to release excess water. It's a fascinating, albeit slightly unnerving, feature to see.
Construction of the Hoover Dam began in 1931 and was completed in 1936, during the Great Depression.
The dam was originally known as Boulder Dam during its construction and for several years after. [^SEO]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as on-site options can be pricey. The nearby Boulder City offers a relaxed atmosphere for a family lunch after your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you want to go inside, the Power Plant tour is generally less expensive than the full dam tour.
🚗 Road Trippers
Make sure to factor in time for parking and walking across the dam itself. Consider driving across the Pat Tillman Bridge for a different perspective and great photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel
Engineers designed the dam with a unique arch-gravity structure, allowing it to withstand the immense water pressure. The dam's construction also led to the development of new techniques and technologies, forever changing the landscape of civil engineering. Today, it continues to generate a significant amount of electricity, powering millions of homes annually.
Visitors can explore this engineering marvel through various tours, offering insights into the complex processes and the human effort involved in its creation. The Hoover Dam tours provide a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history and technological advancement.
Experiencing the Dam: Tours and Access
For a more comprehensive understanding, the full dam tour includes access to the power plant and additional areas within the dam's structure, including historical tunnels. These tours are highly recommended by visitors for their educational value and unique perspectives.
Beyond the tours, visitors can also explore the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, offering a different vantage point of the dam and the surrounding landscape. This bridge provides excellent opportunities for photography and appreciating the dam's scale from a distance.
Beyond the Dam: Nearby Attractions
For those looking for natural beauty, Lake Mead National Recreation Area surrounds the dam, offering opportunities for boating, swimming, and hiking, though water levels can fluctuate. The Historic Railroad Tunnels also provide a scenic trail with beautiful views, perfect for a longer walk.
Many visitors combine a trip to the Hoover Dam with other Las Vegas area attractions, such as the Seven Magic Mountains art installation or a visit to the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign. This allows for a more varied and fulfilling day trip from the city.
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