Hoover Dam

The Basics

The dam is a popular day-trip destination from Las Vegas and transportation options range from comedy buses to mountain bikes. Learn about hydroelectric power from a tour guide, see how the dam generates and distributes electricity, and take in beautiful views of the surrounding riverways, canyons, and valleys.

You won’t need to buy Hoover Dam tickets as the attraction is free, but you may wish to join a guided tour from Las Vegas, particularly if you don’t have a car. Some tours include a Hoover Dam visit with excursions to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim or a cruise on Lake Mead. Want a bird’s-eye view? Opt for a helicopter tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are a variety of ways to see the Hoover Dam, from helicopter tours to mountain bike and boat rides.

• Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.

• A concession stand at the base of the dam’s parking garage offers a variety of food and drink options.

• The Visitor Center and the powerplant tour are wheelchair accessible, but the dam tour is not accessible. Wheelchair users get free parking.

How to Get There

The Hoover Dam is near the border of Arizona and Nevada. To get there from Las Vegas, drive southeast for about 30 miles (48 kilometers). The journey usually takes around 45 minutes. The nearest airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

When to Get There

Because of the stifling desert heat in summer, spring and fall are the best times to visit the Hoover Dam. Expect long lines and heavy traffic on summer weekends or opt for an early-morning visit to avoid crowds.

Inside Hoover Dam

A Hoover Dam tour features much more than just a view of the 726-foot (221-meter) wall. See the power plant and explore tunnels that workers bored directly into the mountainside and hear the harrowing tales of the people who carved them out by hand. The Hoover Dam Visitor Center offers even more information about America’s most famous dam.

How much time do you need at Hoover Dam?

To properly visit the Hoover Dam, you’ll need to give yourself at least an hour so you can see both the Hoover Dam itself and the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. If you want to explore the powerplant and the passageways inside the dam, allow two hours or more.

Can you visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon in one day?

Yes, you can visit the Hoover Dam and theGrand Canyon in one day as these big attractions are only about a 40-minute car ride from each other. Plus, many tours—like those on Viator—offer day trips to both attractions so you don’t have to do the drive yourself.

How far is it to walk across the Hoover Dam?

If you’re thinking about walking across the Hoover Dam, keep in mind that it’s about a half-a-mile walk round-trip, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. The walk gives you views of the Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, and Lake Mead, but you can only access the area during daylight hours.

Can you still drive across Hoover Dam?

Yes (and no), you can still drive across the Hoover Dam to visit the viewpoints on the Arizona side, but anyone driving from US Highway 93 can’t cross the dam anymore. If you’re crossing to see the Arizona viewpoints, you’ll have to turn your car around and re-enter Nevada to get to US Highway 93.

Ways to explore

The dam is a popular day trip destination from Las Vegas, and transportation options range from comedy buses to mountain bikes. Upon arrival, learn about hydroelectric power from a tour guide, see how the dam generates and distributes electricity, and take in beautiful views of the surrounding riverways, canyons, and valleys. You may wish to join a guided tour from Las Vegas, particularly if you don’t have a car. Some tours include a Hoover Dam visit with excursions to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim or a cruise on Lake Mead.

Set aside three or four hours minimum to visit the Hoover Dam, with round-trip transit from Las Vegas factored in. For a bird’s-eye view of the larger-than-life landmark—and to see how it has shaped the surrounding landscape—book a helicopter tour.

Accessibility

The Visitor Center and the Power Plant tour are wheelchair-accessible, but the dam tour is not accessible.

Age limits

Guided tours of the Hoover Dam are available for kids 8 and up.

What to pack

Sun protection, plenty of water, bathing suit (for rafting tours)

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing; comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Pets, luggage and strollers, drones

Amenities

Restrooms, refreshments, exhibitions

Address

The Hoover Dam is located on the Colorado River along the Nevada–Arizona border, near the small city of Boulder City, Nevada. It is about 40 minutes southeast of Las Vegas by car. Public transportation options aren’t available, but guided tours with included transit make getting there easy.

Driving

If you’re driving from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam, follow I-11 S for around 40 miles (64 kilometers). After exiting the highway, take the Hoover Dam Access Road to the landmark. Paid parking is offered on-site.

Public transportation

The Hoover Dam is not reachable by public transportation. You can book a guided tour—most of which depart from nearby Las Vegas—to reach the landmark.

Best times to visit

To avoid the largest crowds, visit between 9–10:30am or 2:30–3:45pm (the last Hoover Dam tours depart at 3:45pm).

Best days to visit

Weekends, particularly during the summer months, can be very crowded, with long lines of vehicles to navigate. Aim for weekdays instead.

Best months to visit

Because of the stifling desert heat in summer (not to mention the crowds), spring and fall are the best times to visit the Hoover Dam.

Special events

Time your visit for Memorial Day weekend in late May, when the annual Flags Over Hoover Dam event—which sees hundreds of motorcyclists parade across the top of the dam to honor veterans—is held.