lake mead hoover dam tour

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Lake Mead Cruise & Hoover Dam Tour

  bookings are closed until further notice , breathtaking views of lake mead & the hoover dam.

View the impressive Hoover Dam from two states and descend inside the Dam to see the massive generators on the Hoover Dam Discovery Tour before boarding the Desert Princess for a 90 minute cruise of Lake Mead.

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• Description
• Tour Features

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Tour Highlights

• Complimentary hotel pickup and hotel return
• Approximately 1.5 hours to explore the Hoover Dam
• Hoover Dam Discovery Tour included
• Breathtaking 90 minute paddlewheel boat cruise on Lake Mead
• Complimentary lunch served onboard the Desert Princess
• Visit Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory and Botanical Gardens
• Air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches with panoramic windows designed specially for sightseeing

Travel by motorcoach through Las Vegas towards Boulder City, Nevada en route to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Keep your eyes peeled for views of picturesque Lake Mead in the distance!

Your Lake Mead and Hoover Dam Experience

The  Hoover Dam will be your first stop. You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the Hoover Dam and take the Hoover Dam Discovery Tour (included in the price of your tour), which features a guided tour of Hoover Dam visitor center and the impressive generator room on the Nevada side of the Dam. After your tour, head outside for unsurpassed views of the Hoover Dam. You can even walk between Nevada and Arizona to view the Dam from two states!

Next, you’ll head to the Lake Mead Cruises landing and board the Desert Princess, a 300-passenger paddlewheel boat featuring two climate-controlled enclosed decks, as well as an open sun deck. Enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch on board and relax on a 90 minute cruise of the peaceful blue waters of spectacular Lake Mead, complete with a rare lake view of the Hoover Dam.

Upon your return to the Landing, you will re-board your luxury motorcoach for your return to Las Vegas, with a stop at famous Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory and Botanical Gardens on your way.

Please Note: This tour is seasonal and only operates February-November. Comfortable clothing and footwear is advised on all of our tours.

Hoover Dam Discovery Tour

Your Lake Mead Cruise and Hoover Dam Tour includes the Hoover Dam Discovery Tour. This tour gives you access to the Hoover Dam Visitor Centre, a movie featuring the history of Hoover Dam, scheduled presentations by professional guides, and balcony level view of power plant.

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Why book with us.

• Locally owned & operated
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• Open 7 days a week
• Tours operate 365 days a year
• Free pickup on the Vegas Strip
• Full-day or half-day tours

Tour Booking Form

Lake mead cruise & hoover dam tour, tour length: about 7.5 hours (hotel to hotel), tour departs: 10:00am - monday, wednesday and saturday, please note.

• Limited seats are available at these prices! Price includes tax and fees (fuel surcharge may apply).
• Tour reservations made less than 24 hours before pickup time cannot be guaranteed. If we are unable to fit your group in due to late booking, you will receive a full refund.
• This tour requires payment on the day of booking and has a 48-hour cancellation policy.
• Tour itinerary and its components are subject to change at any time without notice for reasons that may include inclement weather conditions, FAA restrictions, and/or any other unforeseen occurrences. 
• Refunds will not be granted due to delays.
• Children over age 2 pay adult rate (unless indicated). Children under age 2 are free!

* Tour Date

* passenger names.

• $109 per person – 10:00am

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Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Tours from Las Vegas

If you’re looking to switch up your Las Vegas experience with a quick day trip, the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are just a quick drive away from the city and offer a refreshing getaway from the activity on the Strip. Gray Line provides exciting guided tours to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead that will fit both your schedule and your budget.

Why Visit Hoover Dam?

Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive man-made engineering feats in the world. As one of the biggest and most successful government projects of its time, the project was actually completed on time and under budget during the Great Depression… something that seems unheard of by today’s standards!

To this day, Hoover Dam provides water and hydroelectric power to the entire southwest region of the United States. Our in-depth tours will bring Hoover Dam to life with engaging tour guides, stunning photo opportunities, and a comfortable ride to and from your Las Vegas hotel.

Why Visit Lake Mead?

Formed by Hoover Dam's taming effects on the Colorado River, Lake Mead is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. A shockingly beautiful body of fresh water right in the middle of the desert, Las Vegas locals and tourists alike visit this oasis for fun water sports, camping, and to escape the Las Vegas heat.

Check out our Lake Mead tours below for an exciting day trip away from the crowds. A relaxing cruise on the Desert Princess paddlewheel boat is one of our most popular tour requests!

Hoover Dam Express Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Looking for a quick half-day outing from las vegas enjoy an exciting tour of hoover dam with breathtaking photo opportunities.

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High and Mighty

The Hoover Dam was no simple undertaking. It took serious guts. You have to be brave to suggest building what was once the tallest dam in the world. You have to be brave to be the guy on site, every day, building it. And to this day, you have to be brave to peek over the edge, 900 feet above the earth.  

As a groundbreaking engineering project and the biggest dam of its time, the Hoover Dam is a modern wonder that can’t be missed. The Hoover Dam Tour Center is open every day of the year, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets sold until 4:15 p.m. Recommend visitors arrive by 3 p.m.

The Hoover Dam has limited access at this time. For the most up to date information, please visit  https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/ .

More than Just a Lake

You may be familiar with Lake Mohave or Lake Mead. You may have even fished, floated, swam or boated in one of these incredible lakes. But that’s just 13 percent of Lake Mead National Recreation Area . The rest is a land of trails, scenic drives and campsites, waiting to be uncovered. 

The recreation area is open 24/7, year-round. The Lake Mead Visitors Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 

For more information please visit: www.nps.gov/lake

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Hoover Dam Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

What to See and Do

How to visit, getting there, tips for visitors, lake mead national recreation area.

It is difficult to overstate just how close Las Vegas is to both glitz and the wilds of Mother Nature. One such example is the watery wonderland that is Lake Mead National Recreation Area (America’s first and largest, by the way). Straddling the Nevada-Arizona border, Lake Mead has 1.5 million acres of land that includes both Lake Mead and the connected Lake Mohave. The short, 40-minute drive makes this camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking paradise a local favorite, and an easy trip for visitors. With so much space available for so many activities, the 7.5 million annual visitors don’t crowd the place at all. Read on for the ultimate trip planning guide.

There are only 40 protected areas designated as national recreation areas (NRA) in the United States, established by Congress to preserve places with scenic and natural resources. The first of these was the Boulder Dam Recreation Area, created by a 1936 agreement between the US Bureau of Reclamation (builders of Hoover Dam) and the National Park Service (NPS). The massive reservoir and dam had (obviously) disturbed the environment, so the new designation gave the National Park Service a new way to conserve land while allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors. As the Bureau of Reclamation began constructing more dams near urban areas, the NRA system grew.

The damming of the Colorado River to create what was then called Boulder Dam formed the 115-mile Lake Mead, and in 1953, the Davis Dam was constructed to form Lake Mohave, both to provide hydroelectric power and water to Arizona, Nevada, and California. Both lakes and nine surrounding wilderness areas became the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 1964. This landscape joins the varied ecosystems of the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin Desert, and the Sonoran Desert, and is protected by the National Parks Service. Most visitors are avowed water-lovers, who come for jet skiing, lazy days on houseboats, and kayak tours of the lakes' little inlets and 500 miles of shoreline.

If you have plenty of time out here (say, you’re spending a few days on a houseboat, camping, or staying in town in Boulder), you’ll want to book a few experiences around Lake Mead.

Hoover Dam: Naturally, if you’ve never visited, you’ll want to spend at least a half-day at Hoover Dam , taking a tour, marveling in the vertiginous drop from the top of the dam (and enjoying the view from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that now looks over the entire dam).

Kayaking/Canoeing: For those who love to see it all from the water, you can take an incredible tour that includes Hoover Dam and Black Canyon from Willow Springs Marina, where you can sign up for rafting tours that launch below the dam and end at Willow Beach.  You can rent a canoe or a kayak at the marina and take a shuttle to the dam. One of the most magical experiences you can have is kayaking Emerald Cave, located 2 miles upstream from Willow Beach (in Arizona). In the afternoon light, the small cave—which fits only two or three kayaks at a time—glows emerald green. A number of outfitters rent kayaks and do kayak tours; Kayak Lake Mead offers trips in the Black Canyon, to the Crane’s Nest Rapids (not actually rapids), into Arizona Hot Springs, and a 22-mile round-trip in the Black Canyon all the way to Hoover Dam for experienced paddlers.  

Boat Rentals: If you come with your own boat (or want to rent one), there are multiple marinas at Boulder Basin, East Lake Mead, Overton Arm, and Lake Mohave. You can rent motorboats, fishing boats, houseboats, jet skis, and other watercraft at most of the marinas. Boating Lake Mead , Callville Bay Marina , and Willow Beach Marina are just a few good sources for rates, rentals, and requirements.

Hiking: There are a lot of hiking opportunities around the park; the Mojave Desert ecosystem makes up the vast majority of the park and 900 plant species and 500 animal species live here. You’ll see rainbow-colored rock formations, and if you’re lucky, see some of its unique wildlife, like Desert bighorn sheep and the famous desert tortoise (Nevada’s state reptile. Yes, we have one!).

 Some of the most popular hikes around the 185,000 acres of the Lake Mead NRA include the Historic Railroad Trail, an easy 7.5-mile round trip walk that goes through the old railroad tunnels near the Alan Bible Visitor Center (near the Lake Mead Visitor Center). You’ll find a not-too-strenuous cycling road along the River Mountain Loop Trail, a 35-mile paved trail that loops around River Mountain and connects with the Lake Mead NRA, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and the Las Vegas Valley. Do as much or as little as you’d like; there’s even an equestrian trail.

Fishing: Anglers can fish for largemouth and striped bass, although the fish you’ll see most frequently are the carp that feed fearlessly on junk food around the marina docks. You’ll need to make sure you’re checking the licensing requirements for the state you’re fishing in (since the lakes are divided between the Arizona and Nevada state lines). You can check the requirements at the NPS website . There are also great campsites and surprisingly good beaches, including Cottonwood Cove Beach in its Lake Mohave section.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open year-round, 24/7. The Lake Mead Visitor Center, located in Boulder City, is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. There are entrance and lake use fees , which you can pay for online or at the entrance stations.

One of the best ways to get your bearings in this massive recreation area is to visit the visitor center, where rangers will give you the lay of the land and even help you do some additional planning. (Kids will love the junior ranger program.) Don’t miss the exhibit with the relief map of the park, learn about the animals that live there, and watch the park’s film all about life in the desert.

It’s an easy drive from Las Vegas to the nine main access points at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. To get to the Lake Mead Visitor Center, just follow US-93, 4 miles southeast of Boulder City. The drive shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes from the Strip. There’s actually a Mississippi-style riverboat that cruises Lake Mead—the Desert Princess —and the National Park Express operates a round-trip shuttle to the cruise area. There’s no public transportation to Lake Mead, but most of the tour operators send shuttles to resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

• Make sure you check all fees for motorized boats if you’re bringing your own. They have to be licensed. And remember that licenses for fishing differ depending on which state you’re fishing in since the area straddles the Arizona/Nevada state line.
• Hikers should stay on protected trails, which are marked with yellow signs that remind you the area can be explored by “human power only.” As fun as the NRA is, it’s also a protected area with fragile natural biological habitats.
• The weather in this part of Nevada and Arizona can be punishing in the summer, reaching 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) in the shade. The best time for hiking is in the spring and fall. If you have questions about hiking, or want a ranger-led hike, call ahead to the visitor center. Ranger-guided hikes do take place in the hot months in the evening.

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Hoover Dam Boat Tours

Begins here, experience the dam by boat.

Nothing beats being out on the water. And with a Hoover Dam boat tour, you get the best of both worlds.

You get to be out on the majestic, blue waters of Lake Mead with breathtaking views and then tour Hoover Dam with a guided walking tour.

There are a couple of different options for Hoover Dam boat tours. You could board a paddlewheel boat on the Nevada side for a cruise on the calm, tranquil waters of Lake Mead .

You can then have a guided tour of Hoover Dam on foot or vice versa. This is a great way to experience Hoover Dam.

This is a great way to experience Hoover Dam.

These tours typically originate from Las Vegas hotels transporting via motorcoach taking you to the dam and to the Lake Mead marina launch site.

Boat tours include snacks and water and may also include lunch, brunch, or dinner depending on the tour and date/time of departure.

Guided Hoover Dam Walking Tours

At the Hoover Dam, you’ll get a guided walking tour where you can learn about the dam’s construction and history , and venture down to the power plant to view the massive generators.

You’ll also get time to walk through the exhibit galleries, the picturesque observation deck, and walk between the Nevada and Arizona sides to view the dam from sides of the lake.

Float Tours

Some Hoover Dam boat tours also have a rafting tour or float tour on a pontoon boat in the Colorado River below the dam.

The road to the boat tour below the dam also allows you to see the old de-silting tank, gauging station, and dynamite storage bunkers that were used in the construction of the dam in the 1930s.

Being below the dam affords majestic views looking up the 725-foot tall dam from down in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River.

The float tours also allow great views of the power plants, diversion tunnels, and sheer cliffs above the river.

And they also travel below the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge , a nearly half-mile-long suspension bridge spanning over 900 feet above the river.

As you’ll travel in the mighty Colorado River below the dam, float tours are not suitable for pregnant women.

GET OUT ON THE WATER

Some Hoover Dam boat tour operators may not run during the cooler winter months.

If traveling in the late spring or summer, be prepared for the heat, and bring comfortable clothing and footwear.

If you love being out on the water, then you really don’t want to miss experiencing a Hoover dam boat tour!

EXPLORE MORE

Hoover dam tours, helicopter tours, airplane tours.

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• Facts About the Dam

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• Lake Mead Cruise Experience
• Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise

Champagne Brunch Cruise

Dinner cruise, desert princess.

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Breathtaking Views for Everyone

Every tour with Lake Mead Cruises offers passengers spectacular views of Lake Mead and the breathtaking scenery surrounding it. Photographers will love the colorful landscapes, ever-changing skies, and unrivaled panoramic views. The breathtaking landmarks include Fortification Hill (an extinct volcano), the Arizona Paint Pots and their wonderland of color, and the magnificent Hoover Dam. An unforgettable sight and marvel of engineering, Hoover Dam stands a majestic 726 feet high and is an incredible 660 feet wide at its base.

Lake Mead Cruises’ professional photographers are ready to take your picture just prior to your excursion. The photos are available at the conclusion of your tour at no obligation. If you choose to purchase the photo, for $20 you receive: one 6 x 8 print in a Lake Mead Cruises photo folder and one 4 x 6 print in a keepsake glass photo frame. There’s no better way to remember your special tour.

For groups of 20 or more or private cruises, please email [email protected] .

For further questions regarding Lake Mead Cruises, please call 866.292.9191 or Contact Us .

Desert Princess is a three-level paddle-wheeler certified by the U.S. Coast Guard with ample outdoor deck space to take photographs and videos and a smooth ride, the Desert Princess makes for an unforgettable Lake Mead experience.

Mid-Day Sightseeing Cruise

Plenty of sunshine and refreshing breezes are yours to enjoy while you take in the breathtaking sights.

Join us on beautiful Lake Mead for a charming combination of cruising, sightseeing and a traditional American style buffet breakfast.

Dine under the stars on Lake Mead. The Dinner Cruise offers delightfully cooler temperatures and calm, glassy waters.

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• Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour

Single Tour

About The Tour

From Las Vegas to Lake Mead, this tour gives you a bit of everything – iconic spots in the city, a visit to Hoover Dam, a walk along the incredible bridge that towers over it mixed with some scenic drives, overlooks, and hikes. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour! • Take a selfie at the “Welcome to Las Vegas Sign” • Walk across The Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge • Hike the Historic Railroad Trail • Visit Boulder Beach at Lake Mead • Check out the Little White Wedding Chapel KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Recommended Start Time: Before 8:00 a.m. Tour Direction(s): Counterclockwise Loop Tour Starting Point(s): Las Vegas Time to complete: 8-12 hours All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

The iconic welcome to fabulous las vegas sign, boulder city hoover dam museum, hemenway park, preview audio.

Waterhole Canyon

Hoover Dam Lookout

Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Lakeview Overlook

Lake Mead Visitor Center and Park Store/Entrance Fee

HIstoric Railroad Trail

Boulder Beach

Sunset View Scenic Overlook

Owl Canyon Trail and 33 Hole

Northshore Road Scenic Drive

E. Lake Mead Blvd. Scenic Drive

Skyline View from E. Lake Mead Blvd.

A Little White Chapel

The Strat Skypod Observation Deck

Water Holes consists of several beautiful slot canyons that cut through vibrant reddish-pink Navajo sandstone. It is only a few miles from Page and various narrow passageways run both west and east of Highway 89. All of Water Hole Canyon lies on Navajo land. Therefore, the upper part of East Waterholes is accessible by guided tours only. The lower part of East Waterhole requires a backcountry permit to access this area from Navajo Nation. The trailhead is located just off Highway 89 at milepost 542. Waterhole Canyon Experince offers three different tours including a hiking tour, a photography tour, and a specialty tour. The minimum age is 8, and prices start at $81 per-person.

An excellent, easy-to-navigate, free museum packed with displays as good as the exhibits at Hoover Dam. That's because all of the workers who built Hoover Dam lived in Boulder City, where Hoover Dam is officially located. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

This picturesque, public park with green grass overlooking Lake Mead in the desert is often grazed upon by wild bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside. Most definitely worth a stop for the view and the wildlife sightings!

A complete view of the entirety of Hoover Dam from the Arizona side. Worth driving over the rim to take in this perspective. You can't get this view from the Nevada side.

This landmark has been named one of America's greatest engineering feats and is a piece of history as well as a gargantuan functioning dam. A must-see in your lifetime. You can walk the premises free of charge, or pay to take guided tours.

Locals call this the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge. One of the tallest bridges in the world, it towers over Hoover Dam and, if you're brave enough to walk across, gives you a birds-eye view of Hoover Dam from almost 900 feet in the sky! Posterboards along the switchback ramps to get to the top show you photos and descriptions of how this bridge was built. Worth a stop! There is no admission charge and the parking is free.

The Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook off of Rt. 172, along the Historic Railroad Trail, gives you a panoramic view of Lake Mead from above the marina.

The Lake Mead Visitor Center is a large, very nice combination of exhibits, crafts and gift shop, and information center with volunteers and park rangers who will offer you specific maps and hiking guidance and recommendations.

Excellent, highly recommended hike through the historic railroad tunnels used to take supplies to Hoover Dam during construction. Easy and flat, but long since it goes all the way to Hoover Dam (7.5 miles round trip.) But at least worth doing 2 miles round trip to get through the first couple of tunnels before turning around. And no shade, so do NOT do this hike during the hot, sunny days from May through Sept. except for perhaps the early morning hours before 10 a.m. Trailheads from the Visitor Center and also from an adjacent parking lot right next to the Visitor Center.

Boulder Beach is a mile of shoreline along Lake Mead. Swim, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, sail, or just take in the views of the lake and mountains while collecting shells.

Shaka Guide Hoover Dam Tour!

Moderate hike with a bit of a challenging scramble at the beginning to get down into the canyon, is 2.2 miles round trip. See dramatic, winding canyons below the Lake Mead high water line as water levels have dropped. Owls occasionally roost in the slot canyon. To get to the trailhead, follow signs for 33 Hole Overlook off Lakeshore Road. The trailhead is in the first parking lot on the left. The un-signed trailhead for Owl Canyon is next to the second picnic shelter. Even if you're not hiking, stop at this overlook for the view, then continue up to the 33 Hole Overlook for an equally beautiful view.

A stunning landscape for driving, full of volcanic lava-topped and red rock mountains, as well as stunning desert views. Drive at least a little of this road if you have the time.

This Scenic Drive runs between Northshore Road inside Lake Mead to Downtown Las Vegas. Gorgeous mountain views and a jaw-dropping view of the Stratosphere and Las Vegas skyline as you leave the desert and re-enter the city limits.

E. Lake Mead Blvd on approach to the city limits, coming from Lake Mead National Recreation Area, gives you a skyline view of the Strat and The Strip.

When in Vegas, this is something so much fun to see! The famous (or infamous) Little White Chapel, where so many stars have eloped. Along the equally famous Las Vegas Boulevard and minutes away from the also-famous Stratosphere, this is a cool piece of Downtown Vegas history to see. Parking is free and you can walk in to take a peek free of charge during the hours they're open.

Voted "Best Place to View the City" year after year, The Strat is an 1,149 foot tall tower (at the tippy top) with expansive views of Las Vegas from both indoor and outdoor observation decks, with 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and valley. Level 112 is your official 'selfie spot' -- the highest spot in Vegas for viewing the city, at 909 feet. Level 109 is the outdoor observation deck, at 866 feet. Level 108 is the indoor observation deck, at 855 feet. Level 103 has a wedding "chapel in the clouds," at 785 feet. Tickets for the SkyPod Observation Deck Experience, for the observation decks only (without any of the rides), are $30 per person, sometimes less, prices vary***, and include both the indoor and outdoor observation decks. And there are viewfinders on the outdoor deck to zoom in on the city. You can get your tickets in advance online. **Prices are subject to change. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. daily. For parking, The Strat has a free, self-park parking garage, although you can pay if you want to park in the closer, more convenient "plus" spots, like on Level 3 which has the pedestrian walkway into the casino. From Las Vegas Boulevard, turn onto W. Bob Stupak Ave for the Self-Park Parking Garage.

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Add to cart & checkout, create account during checkout, download app & login, excellent guide on maui.

• 18 hours ago

This tour was an incredible aid for our drive down the Road to Hana on Maui. I really liked the very precise turn directions- with plenty of info given to help us decide to stop or not. The whole family loved the backstories and the flow of the tour the app gave us. While we didn’t get to complete the other tours, we did play the West Maui loop en route to a luau. We wished there were more random spot factoids throughout the island. The only reason I couldn’t give this 5 stars was that occasionally the app would not “turn back on” after a stop; and would get stuck at the “loading tours” screen. I would have hoped that downloading the tour would have avoided constant purchase validation in poor data service areas. Other than that, it was perfect.

• Joseph Shaw

excellent, excellent, excellent! Well done!

• Miralys Gonzalez

Amazing tour. Funny and educational.

What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:

• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
• Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.

Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.

Where does the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour go?

This tour has 15 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go !

What should I pack for the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour?

• Car Charger/ phone mount - very important!
• Layered Clothing - easy on and off layers are a must for changing desert temperatures.
• Water bottle(s)
• Hiking boots/ sneakers
• Sunscreen protection - sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, long pants
• Hand sanitizer/ wet wipes

What should I budget for the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour?

• Hoover Dam Parking: $10 (but you do have the option of free parking)
• Hoover Dam Guided Tour Tickets: $15 - $30 (or you can choose to walk around the dam free of charge without taking a tour)
• Hoover Dam Exhibits: $10 (it is not mandatory to pay an entrance fee unless you want to see the exhibits.)
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area: $25 per vehicle (good for 7 consecutive days), or, your National Park Annual Pass is accepted
• The Strat SkyPod Observation Deck: $30 (or less – this price varies, but parking is free.)

What are the hours for Hoover Dam and Lake Mead?

• Hoover Dam is open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Tours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour departing at 3:45 p.m.
• Lake Mead is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Some beaches and other facilities are open dawn until dusk. Check in advance here . 

Can I join the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour en route?

Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from.  If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.

Can I take the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour in the opposite direction?

No, this tour is only available in a counterclockwise loop. You’ll end the tour on the Las Vegas strip where you began! 

Other Questions? Contact Us!

Do you have other questions that we didn’t list here? 

Feel free to message us through the in-app chat box,  Facebook Messenger , our  email ,  or give us a call at (808) 201-8138. We will be glad to help and answer your questions as soon as possible!

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How to see Hoover Dam — from the ground, water or sky

If you’re hoping to make a stop at Southern Nevada’s own engineering marvel, here are a few options to get the most bang for your buck.

Every day of the week, from dawn until dusk, throngs of tourists travel more than 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip to marvel at what’s been called the country’s most impressive engineering feat — Hoover Dam.

Open to the public since 1936, the dam is the biggest in the country. It tamed the wild Colorado River, making life possible in the arid West. The reservoir attached to it, Lake Mead, is the reason Southern Nevadans can drink and irrigate their lawns, providing more than 90 percent of the region’s water, according to the regional water authority.

Admission to the dam is free. But if you don’t want to be your own tour guide, here are a few options.

Official Reclamation tours range from $15 to $30

The agency that manages water and dams in the West, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, offers tours for as low as $15 a person. If you take this route, you’ll get a close, inside look at the operations.

The $15 option will only get you a tour of the power plant, where you can walk through the original construction tunnels and feel the rush of water through the plant’s pipes. For $30, you get to tour the inner workings of the dam in addition to the power plant, including an elevator ride to the top of the dam.

The power plant tour is available for purchase online, but tickets for the extended tour of the dam are only available to buy on-site. For more information, visit Reclamation’s website .

Set sail on the Desert Princess

Though it won’t show you the dam’s insides, some of the best views of Hoover Dam are by boat.

Aboard the Desert Princess, you’ll get great views of the dam while maintaining some distance. The Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise , priced at $42 for adults and $22 for children ages 2 to 11, comes with a full-service snack bar and an on-boat restaurant.

There are other options to ride a boat on Lake Mead, too, at different price points and times of day. To book online and get more details, look at the company’s website .

Brave the skies

Buzzing across the sky is another option for the more adventurous.

Maverick Helicopters offers a look at Hoover Dam during its Grand Canyon Wind Dancer Tour , which takes people from the Strip to Hualapai Indian Territory near the canyon. Champagne and snacks are included, too.

Additionally, Papillon Helicopters offers several tours by air . The company claims to have clearance to fly “closer to the Hoover Dam than any other tour operator.”

These tours can be on the pricier end, running people a couple hundred dollars depending on length.

Raft to see directly below the dam

It’s a longer time commitment and more physically intensive, but a more natural experience might be with a rafting tour.

Depending on which one you choose, the tour led by Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures takes anywhere from four to six hours, including transportation to and from the Strip.

The “Postcard Tour” is shorter and costs $69 for those 16 and older and $49 for children ages 5 to 15. The longer, six-hour experience is $125 for those 16 and older and $110 for children.

Both will take you down the Colorado River and help you learn all you’d ever want to know about Hoover Dam.

Contact Alan at [email protected]. Follow @AlanHalaly on X.

The woman was a passenger in a 1990 Lexus ES 250 that was rear-ended in a four-car crash on May 23 on South Pecos Road south of East Tropicana Avenue.

Electric and natural gas customers will see some relief from utility bills in coming months.

A man sent to death row nearly eight years ago for the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl inside her Las Vegas home has died.

Giovanni Ruiz had faced the death penalty and was set to go to trial later this month in the 2019 killing of 19-year-old Paula Davis.

A car passenger injured in a central valley crash last month died on Sunday, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

A cat and two dogs were found dead after a house fire Tuesday morning in the east Las Vegas Valley.

A Las Vegas homeowner filed a new appeal of a $180,000 fine for allegedly renting his home through Airbnb, citing violations of his constitutional rights.

While federal and Nevada lawmakers only recognized June 19 as an official holiday in recent years, Las Vegas Valley residents have honored the historic occasion for much longer.

A statement posted to the Prince Law Group’s website said the firm is closing, two months after Dennis Prince and his wife were killed in a shooting at the office.

The heat wave may set a record for the earliest 110-degree reading at the Las Vegas airport. Area cooling centers will be open Wednesday through Friday.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Lake Mead, Hoover Dam tours start at $15

Posted: May 28, 2024 | Last updated: May 28, 2024

If you’re hoping to make a stop at Southern Nevada’s own engineering marvel, here are a few options to get the most bang for your buck.

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Discovering Hidden Gems

5 Fun Day Trips To Take From Las Vegas (2024)

Want to know the best day trips from Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

Fun Day Trips To Take From Las Vegas

Las Vegas, the dazzling city of lights and non-stop entertainment , offers an array of attractions to its visitors.

However, beyond the glitz and glamour of the Strip are plenty of exciting day trip opportunities for nature fans.

For nature lovers looking to escape into the wilderness, keep reading for a look at five nature-filled day trips a stone’s throw away from Las Vegas.

1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is located only 20 miles west of the Las Vegas strip.

This National Conservation Area offers a stunning escape into the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert.

It is known for having majestic red sandstone formations and picture-perfect hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Take a scenic drive along the 13-mile loop, stopping at various viewpoints to capture the breathtaking vistas with your camera.

For a more immersive experience, set out on one of the numerous hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, like the Calico Tanks or the Ice Box Canyon trail.

If you bring binoculars, it’s possible to see diverse wildlife including desert bighorn sheep and golden eagles.

?? Click Here To Book Your Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour Today!

2. Valley of Fire State Park

Venture northeast of Las Vegas to discover the mesmerizing Valley of Fire State Park.

It’s a geological wonderland that boasts vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and unique rock sculptures.

Located 50 miles from the Las Vegas strip, it takes about an hour to reach the park’s entrance.

Valley of Fire’s name comes from the fiery red rocks that appear to be burning when hit by the sun’s rays.

Hike through Fire Canyon, Rainbow Vista, or White Domes to witness the brilliant colors and distinct rock formations up close.

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped upon another planet as you explore this exotic terrain.

Don’t pass up the chance to witness ancient Native American petroglyphs stretching back thousands of years at Atlatl Rock.

There are plenty of other focal points in the park, including Elephant Rock, Arch Rock, and the Fire Wave.

If hiking and walking aren’t of interest, there are still plenty of activities for you to do here.

You can take a scenic drive or stop by the visitor center to walk through exhibits on the local wildlife and geology.

?? Click Here To Book Your Valley Of Fire State Park Hiking Tour Today!

3. Hoover Dam

A short 40-mile drive southeast of Las Vegas will lead you to one of America’s most iconic engineering marvels, the Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam straddles the border between Nevada and Arizona.

This massive concrete arch-gravity dam spans the mighty Colorado River and forms the beautiful Lake Mead.

Take a guided tour inside the dam to learn about its history and impressive construction process.

?? Click Here To Book Your Hoover Dam Tour Today!

Marvel at the colossal turbines and generators, and gain insight into the dam’s role in providing electricity and water to the region.

After the tour, walk along the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of the dam, Lake Mead , and the rugged surrounding landscape.

With any remaining time, you can rent watercrafts and head out on Lake Mead, or chill on one of the lake’s beaches. 

4. Grand Canyon National Park

Set your sights on the Grand Canyon for a memorable day trip from Las Vegas.

This would be the furthest drive on the list at 4.5 hours but is a life-changing view for first-timers.

The South Rim, which is the most accessible part of the Grand Canyon, offers spectacular viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station.

Here you can witness the breathtaking expanse of the canyon’s layers and colors.

For a more adventurous experience, consider taking a helicopter or small plane tour that will provide a unique aerial perspective of this vast geological wonder.

?? Click Here To Book Your Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Today!

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while admiring the breathtaking views from the Grand Canyon’s rim.

5. Death Valley National Park

Embark on a journey to the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States—Death Valley.

This diverse landscape is about a two-hour drive west of Las Vegas.

Death Valley comprises salt flats, sand dunes, and mesmerizingly colored canyons.

Witness the stunning vistas of Zabriskie Point, hike the unique Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and explore the vast Badwater Basin.

Badwater Basin sits at the lowest elevation point in North America.

Death Valley’s extreme temperatures make it a particularly unique experience , so be sure to visit during the cooler months to enjoy the park safely and comfortably.

Due to the extreme temperatures, it’s also a good idea to leave early in the morning and finish your park excursion by the hottest part of the day. 

?? Click Here To Book Your Self Guided Audio Driving Tour Of Death Valley National Park Today!

Supplies to Bring On Your Day Trip From Las Vegas

Because you’ll be visiting rural areas, it’s critical to stock your car with essentials for the journey as well as emergency supplies.

The most important thing to bring is water.

Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert heat, so bring plenty of water with you.

Snacks like granola bars, bananas, and sandwiches will keep you energized.

Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Dressing appropriately for the weather, along with sturdy hiking shoes, is a must for exploring trails.

For navigation, have a reliable map or GPS device at hand, allowing you to wander confidently without losing your way.

Safety is important in remote locations, so pack a basic first aid kit, insect repellent, and any personal medications you need.

Make sure your backpack is sturdy and can hold whatever you plan on bringing.

Everyone should be able to enjoy nature, but we also need to protect it.

Remove all of your trash and leave the areas as you found them.

In case of emergencies, carry a portable phone charger and have a list of emergency contacts readily available.

As the weather can be unpredictable , tuck a lightweight windbreaker or poncho into your backpack.

Lastly, don’t forget your wallet and any necessary permits required for entry. 

Conclusion: Fun Day Trips To Take From Las Vegas

Las Vegas is not only a hub of entertainment but also an ideal base for exploring the captivating natural wonders that surround the city.

Each day trip offers a new and amazing encounter, from the brilliant colors of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park to the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam and the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

Take some time the next time you’re in Las Vegas to explore some of the natural beauty in the surrounding areas.

These five day adventures will undoubtedly leave you with lifelong memories and a greater respect for the American Southwest’s majesty.

Eva is the founder and writer behind Discovering Hidden Gems. She spent a decade working in and studying the hospitality and tourism industry with experience in theme parks, hotels, guided vacation sales, and special events. In addition to sharing her expertise about traveling in the US, she offers mini courses on saving money on travel and traveling more for less.

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