Hoover Dam: Day Trips and Tours from Las Vegas

Plan a getaway from the gambling, glitz, and glamour of the stunning Las Vegas to witness the grandeur of the Hoover Dam — the colossus of concrete and a marvelous engineering feat!

Constructed between 1931 and 1936 by thousands of workers, this concrete arch-gravity dam on Lake Mead boasts an imposing presence of art deco architecture. Known for rerouting water and providing power to Nevada, California and Arizona, the iconic landmark is also an ideal destination to decompress yourself as you enjoy the lake cruise on the Desert Princess.

With the power plant room and the small museum in the vicinity, a Hoover Dam day tour from Las Vegas will astound you with the history of how this gigantic modern marvel came into existence.

Here's our complete guide on visiting the Hoover Dam, one of the most impressive day trips from Las Vegas.

How can you travel to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?

The Hoover Dam is about 40 kilometers southeast of downtown Las Vegas and is easily reached by car, bus and aircraft.

From Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam by car

It takes less than an hour to cover the 60 kilometers of road from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam by car.  The ride is enjoyable and scenic, as long as there isn't too much traffic leaving Las Vegas and Henderson. If leaving from the Vegas Strip, you can take I-515 South toward I-11.

From there, you follow signs until you reach the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge on the Nevada side of the Hoover Dam. There are other turn-offs for the Lake Mead Recreation Area before that point. The Arizona side of Hoover Dam offers more parking options.

From Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam by helicopter or plane

Hoover Dam helicopter tours and airplane tours offer the quickest route to the landmark. It is a good way to combine Hoover Dam sightseeing with other attractions in the area, like the Grand Canyon.

Guided tour to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

Hoover Dam guided tours by bus or private vehicle provide quick access to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Recreation area without having to worry about dealing with any traffic yourself for a more relaxed travel experience.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Hoover Dam cost?

If you only want to walk along the top of the Hoover Dam and appreciate the view, it's completely free. However, if you drive yourself there, parking will costs you US$10.

If you're interested in taking a tour of the Hoover Dam, you have three options:

• Self-guided visitor center tour: US$10
• Guided power plant tour: US$15
• Guided dam tour: US$30

Please note that the guided dam tour isn't accessible for electric mobility scooters or strollers. However, all three tours are wheelchair friendly.

Some of the Hoover Dam day trips include a tour of the dam and/or power plant, but many of the tours only stop to let you get out and walk along the top of the dam, so make sure to confirm this on the tour itinerary before booking.

What are the most popular Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas?

Whether you prefer to travel by land or air, in groups big or small, you have many options to choose from when it comes to scheduling a Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam bus tours

The preferred way for many travelers to avoid having to get off the Vegas Strip and deal with traffic. Let the shuttle do the navigation as you sit back and enjoy the sights during your guided tour to the Hoover Dam.

Small-group private tours to the Hoover Dam

Small group and private tours from Las Vegas are another excellent way to see the Hoover Dam. Small group tours limit the crowds to a handful of people for a more intimate experience. Ask your guide all the questions you want and customize the tour to fit your schedule.

Helicopter tours

Hoover Dam helicopter tours are a terrific way to get an edge over the competition. See the sights from a rare vantage point and reach the Hoover Dam in a shorter amount of time from Vegas.

Airplane tours

If you're looking to cover more ground in a shorter span of time, consider taking an airplane tour to not only get a bird's eye view of the Hoover Dam but also appreciate the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Hoover Dam tours & Lake Mead cruises

Spend time at the engineering achievement and tour the grounds before spending time on Lake Mead. The relaxing and peaceful boat tour is a terrific way to conclude a day trip to the recreation area.

Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon tours

Why not combine these two iconic landmarks into a single trip? Make the most of your time by adding a stop to the Grand Canyon. Spend an entire day visiting both a man-made and natural wonder of the world.

What should you expect to pay for a Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas?

The most affordable day trips to the Hoover Dam are bus tours, which typically cost about US$70 for a seat.

Private and small group tours are a bit more expensive and can cost upwards of US$100 per person, depending on group size, itinerary and additional stops.

Prices for combo day trips to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas that visit Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon begin at about US$120.

Helicopter tours to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas are priced between US$400 and US$600 per person, depending on itinerary, group size and activities.

Most airplane tours are in the US$400 to US$500 range, although you can find some bargain prices for as low as US$180.

What will I see at and around the Hoover Dam?

The Hoover Dam is among the finest engineering achievements in the world. Considering the dam was built in the 1930s, and that it continues to serve power to Las Vegas, makes it even more impressive.

Your Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas is an exciting way to spend a day in the Lake Mead Recreation Area. Affordable tour prices offer transportation and plenty of time to enjoy the architectural marvel.

The concrete dam divides Lake Mead and the Colorado River in the Black Canyon. Situated at the border between Nevada and Arizona, there are dazzling views on both sides of the dam to snap the best photos.

While you can explore Hoover Dam for free, the best way to get an in-depth experience is through a dam tour.

Are there any other places to visit on the way from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam?

A Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas offers many detours along the way. If you have the time, you’ll want to make a pit stop:

Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

The arch bridge sits in Black Canyon opposite of the Hoover Dam. It often gets overshadowed by the Hoover Dam, yet it is a fantastic engineering achievement in its own regard. In fact, it is the widest concrete arch in the Western Hemisphere.

Lake Mead Recreation Area

Lake Mead Recreation Area was created along with the Hoover Dam. The largest human-made lake in the United States based on volume attracts millions of visitors each year. Water sports, hiking, fishing, and camping are the most popular activities.

Boulder City

Boulder City is a popular tourist city. It was created during the Great Depression as a housing site for all the workers of the Hoover Dam. The historic downtown is worth visiting during your trip to the area.

Grand Canyon National Park

Visitors often combine Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon National Park on the same day from Vegas. While it makes for a very long day, it is worth seeing two of the biggest monuments in the western United States.

What are the opening hours for the Hoover Dam?

The exterior of the Hoover Dam is open to the public from 5 AM to 9 PM. However, the Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM with the last tour departing at 3:45 PM.

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

When should you visit the Hoover Dam?

The Hoover Dam is the most visited dam in the world. It attracts seven million people a year. Therefore, you can expect to encounter many people regardless of when you reach the landmark.

The smallest crowds are usually between January and February, while the weather is the coolest. The summer peak season (May to August) is the busiest. If you plan to schedule a Hoover Dam tour, we encourage you to book early and try for an early morning tour before crowds begin to gather at the dam.

Are there any day trips from Las Vegas to other nearby attractions?

Yes, there are plenty more day trips besides the ones described above. Here are a few other great options to escape the chaos of the Strip and appreciate the great outdoors of Nevada.

• Day trips to Grand Canyon Skywalk from Las Vegas
• Day trips to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
• Day trips to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas
• Day trips to Zion National Park from Las Vegas
• Day trips to Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas

Travel Tips

• Consider a small group or private tour. The Hoover Dam receives an extraordinary number of visitors each year. It’s the best way to see the landmark in a more intimate setting and ask more questions.
• Schedule tours well in advance. The Hoover Dam is the most visited dam in the world. During peak travel season, the tours of the dam sellout fast. We recommend that you book a tour for several weeks in advance and aim for an early morning tour to avoid bad traffic.
• Prepare for plenty of walking during your trip. It is free to walk on top of the dam for sightseeing purposes. Everything on the dam is concrete, so if you also enjoy a tour, make sure you have appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing.