grayline hoover dam tour

Your Guide to Visiting the Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is an impressive piece of modern engineering right on the border of Nevada and Arizona, about 35 miles from Las Vegas. Visited by millions of people every year, tourists come from all over the world to marvel at this massive concrete landmark that provides water and hydroelectric power to multiple states in the southwest since 1936.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a  day trip to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas .

Why Visit Hoover Dam From Las Vegas?

To start, Hoover Dam is less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas! It’s the ideal distance to get away from the Sin City lights for a few hours, but close to enough to easily make it back in time for an epic Las Vegas night on the town.

Hoover Dam is registered as a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark, so there’s so much to see and learn. Hoover Dam offers insightful exhibits and immersive behind-the-scenes looks at the innovation used to create and operate the dam.

Also, along with Hoover Dam comes Lake Mead, the man-made reservoir created by the dam and a sparkling oasis right in the middle of the desert.

How Far is Lake Mead From Hoover Dam?

Lake Mead is formed as a direct result of Hoover Dam’s effects on the Colorado River. It is the largest reservoir in the United States and sits just north of Hoover Dam. You can get to Lake Mead National Recreation Area from Hoover Dam in less than 20 minutes to enjoy water activities such as swimming, jet-skiing, and boating.

Check out more  reasons you should take a trip to Lake Mead  while visiting Hoover Dam.

Must-See Attractions at Hoover Dam

There’s so much to see and explore at Hoover Dam. Here are some of the things you’ll want to check off your list while you’re there:

• “ How the West Was Won” Presentation.  While at the Hoover Dam Visitor’s Center, make sure you check out the video presentation on how Hoover Dam allowed for the settling of the western United States by providing a reliable source of water and power.
• The Hoover Dam Power Plant Generators.  Guests can access special elevators that will take them down 500 feet into the tunnels of Black Canyon. This is where you’ll find the Nevada side of the power plant complete with eight giant generators fueled by the flow of the Colorado River.
• The Exhibit Gallery.  This part of the Visitor’s Center features immersive exhibits, stunning artwork, and educational displays that highlight the history of Hoover Dam and the region, as well as how the dam and power plant operate.
• The Nevada Intake Tower.  This section of Hoover Dam is where the water from the Colorado River enters the massive pipes in order to generate electricity by operating the turbines. There’s also some impressive artwork by the tower elevators.
• Penstock Viewing Platform.  Witness one of the huge pipes that carry almost 90,000 gallons of water per second from Lake Mead to the power plant. Each pipe has a diameter of 30 feet!
• Walk Across Hoover Dam.  There is no fee to walk across Hoover Dam itself, but you will need to pay to park your car.

Photo Opportunities at Hoover Dam

Get your cameras ready! Hoover Dam offers some excellent photo opportunities, including:

• The Winged Figures of the Republic.  These bronze statues are a classic example of the stunning Art Deco design you’ll find throughout the Visitor’s Center and Hoover Dam. You definitely want to capture a shot of these as they juxtapose the surrounding rocky terrain.
• The Hoover Dam Overlook.  Take in the most stunning views of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from the breathtaking observation deck. This is a great location to get a panoramic shot.
• The Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.  Although this bridge is not located at the Hoover Dam itself, it’s the best place to get a complete view of the dam from a short distance away. There is an area on the bridge where you can stop and walk around to take pictures.
• Nevada and Arizona Look-Out Points.  On the way to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, there are several look-out points where you can stop to capture some great images of the surrounding desert and water.

Is Hoover Dam a Good Day Trip Idea for Families?

Hoover Dam is a family-friendly stop and offers exciting and interactive exhibits that kids will appreciate. The Visitor’s Center includes a museum with authentic historical artifacts from when the dam was being built and fun displays on how the dam works to help kids understand the purpose and impact of Hoover Dam.

There will be a fair amount of walking if you plan to tour Hoover Dam, so make sure your kids are wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. It could also be quite hot outside depending on the time of year, so make sure your family stays hydrated!

It’s also worth mentioning that Hoover Dam is a working hydroelectric plant. For this reason, please use caution when visiting with small children. Visitors will be with a trained tour guide and don’t have access to working areas that could be hazardous, but it’s still important to keep an eye on your children while touring the dam.

Are There Any Restrictions at Hoover Dam?

Because Hoover Dam is a functioning power plant, you can expect relatively tight security throughout the facility. Some items are strictly prohibited, including:

• Outside food
• Outside beverages
• Chewing gum
• Large bags or luggage
• Weapons of any kind
• Smoking or vaping inside the facilities

In addition, the Hoover Dam tour is not for everybody. The underground dam and power plant tour should be avoided if you or anybody in your group happens to:

• Suffer from claustrophobia
• Have a pacemaker or defibrillator

The underground tunnels can trigger anxiety in those who are sensitive to closed spaces. Also, the turbines and generators create electromagnetic frequencies that could affect those with electronic heart devices.

Parking at Hoover Dam

There is a parking garage located on the Nevada side of the dam close to the Visitor’s Center where you can park for a fee. However, oversized vehicles and those with trailers must park in the open lot on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam.

During the busiest tourist season from June through August, you may struggle to secure parking in the covered garage due to larger crowds. January and February generally have less traffic and parking won’t be as difficult.

Historical Facts About Hoover Dam

If you don’t know much about Hoover Dam but are considering it as a day trip destination, here are some interesting historical facts that might help you make your decision:

• Hoover Dam was completed well ahead of schedule and under budget during the Great Depression! It also played a significant role in history by providing jobs in southern Nevada during this time.
• Massive diversion tunnels were constructed to redirect the Colorado River so the dam could be built on the dry riverbed.
• Current day Boulder City was the original “Ragtown” home of the Hoover Dam workers and their families. It is one of only two cities in Nevada in which gambling is illegal.
• The dam was called “Boulder Dam” until 1947 when the name was officially changed to “Hoover Dam” to honor President Herbert Hoover.
• Hoover Dam contains enough concrete to build a highway that can stretch across the country.
• Record heat during the first year of construction forced workers to operate under the scorching conditions of 119 degrees Fahrenheit in the sun, and sometimes even hotter conditions in the tunnels.

Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas

With Hoover Dam so close to Las Vegas, Gray Line Las Vegas offers a wide selection of tours to choose from that will pick you up directly from your Las Vegas hotel.

If you’d like to learn more about visiting Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, contact the Gray Line Las Vegas team today. We’ll walk you through our tour options and help you decide which  Hoover Dam tour  works best for you and your group. We look forward to connecting with you for an exciting and immersive Hoover Dam experience!

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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

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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 .

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

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Nevada Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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