travel tips: hoover dam, nv
The Hoover Dam stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Completed in 1936, this colossal concrete arch-gravity dam spans the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona. More than just a hydroelectric power source, it's a vital water supplier for millions and a fascinating historic landmark. Visitors flock here to marvel at its immense scale, learn about its challenging construction, and enjoy breathtaking views of the dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River below.
history of hoover dam
The Hoover Dam, a monumental concrete arch-gravity dam, was constructed between 1931 and 1936 in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, during the Great Depression. This ambitious project, a collaboration between the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and thousands of workers, aimed to control floods, provide irrigation water, and generate hydroelectric power for the growing Southwestern United States. Its completion was a remarkable feat of engineering, transforming the region and creating Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. Today, it stands as a vital infrastructure marvel and a testament to early 20th-century American ingenuity.
know before you go
best time to visit
Go Early or Late in the Day (and Avoid Weekends/Holidays)
- Crowds: The dam gets incredibly crowded, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. Arriving right when it opens (usually 9 AM) or in the late afternoon (after 3 PM) will give you a much more pleasant experience with fewer people and better photo opportunities.
- Heat: During warmer months (April-October), the Black Canyon heat can be intense. Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures.
- Weekends & Holidays: Avoid these times if possible, as traffic and crowds will be at their peak.
tour options
guided dam tour
The Guided Dam Tour costs $40 per person (children 3 and under are free). Tickets for this tour can only be purchased on-site. This extended package includes visiting historic tour tunnels, riding the original elevator to the top of the Hoover Dam, walking through inspection tunnels at the dam's center, viewing the Colorado River through a ventilation shaft, and a Guided Powerplant Tour.
guided power plant tour
The Guided Power Plant Tour costs $25 for adults, $15 for ages 4-16, and is free for children 3 and under. Tickets for this tour can be purchased online or upgraded on-site. This tour includes walking through original construction tunnels, visiting a viewing platform overlooking a 30-foot diameter penstock (where you can feel water vibrations), and seeing 8 commercial generators in the Nevada Powerhouse.
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour! It was exceptionally interesting and informative – definitely a must-do.
self-guided visitor centre tour
The Self-Guided Visitor Centre Tour costs $15 per person (children 3 and under are free). Tickets for this tour can be purchased online or upgraded on-site. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the dam's history through narrated exhibits, enjoy a 360-degree view from the Observation Deck (overlooking the Dam, Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Hoover Bypass Bridge), and visit the Original Exhibit Building which features a narrated 3D model of the region's dams and power systems.
helpful considerations
- Footwear: You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the bridge, the memorial, and take a tour.
- Layers: Even if it's hot during the day, the air can cool down in the morning/evening. Inside the dam, it's generally cooler.
- Sun Protection: Always bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, regardless of the season. The desert sun is intense.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water. There are places to buy drinks, but having your own ensures you stay hydrated, especially when walking around the exterior in the heat.
exploration of hoover dam
Explore Both Sides (Arizona and Nevada)
- The dam spans the border, and each side offers different perspectives and memorials. Walk across the top of the dam to see both states.
- The Arizona side typically has more available parking if the Nevada side is full.
Walk the Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
This spectacular bridge offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River below. It's a short, easy walk from the Nevada side's parking areas. Don't skip this photo opportunity!
Visitor Centre Access
There is a fee to enter the Visitor Centre (separate from tour tickets). This fee allows access to exhibits, restrooms, and observation decks.
Parking & travel time to hoover dam
Nevada Side (closest): There's a multi-story parking garage near the Visitor Centre. It's the most convenient but fills up quickly and charges a fee.
Arizona Side: Free, open-air parking lots are available on the Arizona side (often called "overflow" parking). You can then walk across the top of the dam to the Visitor Centre. This is a good option if the Nevada garage is full or if you want to save on parking fees.
Hoover Dam is about a 40-minute to 1-hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip, depending on traffic. Allow extra time for travel and potential parking.
If you're self-driving, be mindful of speed limits and road signs.
accessibility @ hoover dam
Hoover Dam offers significant accessibility for wheelchair users. Visitors with disabled placards can get free parking near an elevator that goes to the Hoover Dam promenade.
The Powerplant Tour is highlighted as the only wheelchair-friendly tour, lasting about 30 minutes and including an accessible movie screening with subtitles. Tour guides assist with elevator access to view the generators.
The Visitors Center has an accessible exhibit level and observation deck. Accessible restrooms are available both inside the Visitor Center and outside the parking structure. While one side of the dam's paved walkway is not wheelchair-friendly, the opposite side is accessible with shaded areas and viewing balconies. A ramp near the "Winged Figures of the Republic" statues allows for closer viewing. Visitors should be prepared for intense desert heat.
Last Updated: 2 July '25