Considered one of the greatest engineering feats in modern history, the Hoover Dam is much more than a concrete wall. Did you know it created Lake Mead, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, or that an entire city was built just to house its workers? For those looking to take a day trip to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, this iconic destination offers breathtaking photo opportunities and a deep dive into American history. Keep reading to learn everything you need to plan your adventure to this incredible landmark.
Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post in your browser along with our guide to Las Vegas for more planning resources, our top Vegas tours for a memorable trip, and how to spend three days in Las Vegas.
What & Where is the Hoover Dam?
Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam is a massive concrete dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, just under 40 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. This engineering marvel is not only a crucial source of hydroelectric power but also a major tourist destination.
Key Facts about the Hoover Dam:
- Location: The dam sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona, creating a natural divide in the Colorado River.
- Creation of Lake Mead: The construction of the dam led to the formation of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume.
- Power Production: According to the National Park Service, the dam is capable of producing electrical power for 1.3 million people every year.
- Historical Significance: Construction began in 1931 and required a staggering 45 million pounds of steel and 5 million barrels of cement. The project also led to the creation of Boulder City, initially built to house the thousands of dam workers.
Today, visitors flock to the Hoover Dam to take guided tours of the dam and its power plant or to explore the surrounding area. You can also explore the museums in Boulder City or enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking at the nearby Lake Mead. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know for your day trip to this iconic location
Getting to the Hoover Dam From Las Vegas
You have a few options to get to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas. You can drive or take a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. Alternatively, you can arrive there by helicopter, or book a guided tour with a hotel pickup.
Here are the best ways to get from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam.
Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by Car or Rideshare:
The Hoover Dam is around a 35 to 45-minute drive from the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. However, it may take a little longer during the summer when there is heavy traffic. While the Hoover Dam does not have an exact address, if you type ‘Hoover Dam Visitors Center‘ into your GPS, you’ll be brought to the right spot.
If you are taking a Lyft or other rideshare service, it will likely cost around $60 one way, depending on the time of day.
If you are taking your own car, there is a parking garage located on the Nevada side of the Hoover Dam. The parking garage costs $10 in cash, but oversized or recreational vehicles must use the garages on the Arizona side after crossing the memorial bridge. These are a longer walk from the garage to the visitors center.
Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by Helicopter:
See the Hoover Dam from another angle by taking a helicopter tour! Especially for thrill-seekers, this option allows you excellent vantage points for taking photos of the famous dam. You can book a helicopter tour online or at one of the many kiosks on the Strip.
Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by Guided Tour:
Don’t have that much time in Vegas or you don’t want to rent a car? Book a tour that allows you to explore both the power plant and the dam in one day. Many dam tours offer an additional attractions beyond the dam. For instance, most tours start with a hotel pickup, a visit to Hemenway Park, and a Lake Mead lookout for views of the famous lake.
Some tours, like this one, also check out Seven Magic Mountains, a famous art installation that’s just 19 miles from the south end of the Strip and only 50 miles from the Hoover Dam. Or for the ultimate value, book a tour to the Grand Canyon that also stops at the Hoover Dam! You might not have as much time to spend here, but it’s still an amazing chance to see this incredible engineering marvel.
Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Hoover Dam tour is worth it.
What To Do at the Hoover Dam
There are many things that you and your group can do when visiting the Hoover Dam! Get inspiration from our list below. You can pick just one activity or do several as your time permits.
Kayak at the Hoover Dam:
Kayaking around the dam’s waterways is a popular way to explore the dam. You can rent a kayak and peacefully paddle through the Colorado River. This is a great activity if you want to get away from the inevitable crowds who are also visiting the Hoover Dam.
Tour the dam:
Dam tours are offered daily and are a great option if you want to learn more information about the Hoover Dam! Start at the Hoover Dam Visitors Center and walk with a docent to learn all about the Hoover Dam’s history and snap photos from the observation deck.
Take a power plant tour:
Tour the power plant itself and see where the power is created that serves 1.3 million people every year! You will tour with a docent who can tell you all about the power plant and answer all your questions. You can purchase tickets for this tour as well as the dam tour at the Hoover Dam Visitors Center or online. We suggest getting them online ahead of time, as this is a popular activity.
Cross the iconic Memorial Bridge:
The Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is considered another engineering feat. It was only recently built in 2010, so it’s a newer feature of the Hoover Dam. Spanning the Colorado River, the bridge makes for a great photo op. Just pose on top of it and say cheese!
Explore Lake Mead:
Lake Mead is just a 10-minute drive from the Hoover Dam Visitors Center. Once on the lake, you can rent wakeboards, kayaks, and jet skis, as well as go swimming or fishing! There are also hiking trails around the lake.
Spot sheep at Hemenway Park:
Located about a 12-minute drive from the Hoover Dam Visitors Center, Hemenway Park offers scenic views of Lake Mead with a picnic area. There is also a playground if your little ones are in tow. The best part of Hemenway Park, however, is the chance to spot bighorn sheep! These wild animals roam freely through the park during the spring, summer and early fall. Keep your distance, but bring your camera to take photos!
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Hoover Dam tour is worth it.
Visiting the Hoover Dam FAQs
The Hoover Dam is located approximately 35-40 miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. The driving time typically takes about 45 minutes without heavy traffic.
The most popular transportation options are driving your own car, taking a guided bus tour, or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Guided tours often provide convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
There is no direct public bus from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam. Your best public transportation option would be a combination of a bus and a taxi, but this is a much slower and less direct route.
Most guided Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas are half-day trips, typically lasting around 4 to 6 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. This duration includes travel time and exploring the dam itself.
A one-way rideshare trip from the Las Vegas Strip to the Hoover Dam typically costs between $60 and $80. Be aware that finding a return rideshare from the dam can sometimes be difficult due to its remote location.
Taking a tour is an excellent choice if you want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking, as it provides a comfortable, guided experience. Driving yourself offers more flexibility to explore at your own pace and visit nearby attractions.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Discover some of the most iconic and best places to stay in Las Vegas to make this trip the most memorable of all your trips to the Strip
