Hoover Dam Tickets and Tours in Las Vegas
The Hoover Dam, on the Colorado River, separates the states of Nevada and Arizona and is a true engineering marvel. Here's how to visit it from Las Vegas
Hoover Dam | ©Ryan Thorpe
Considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, the Hoover Dam is a huge structure on the course of the Colorado River that created Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States. Visiting it is one of the best excursions to do during a trip to Las Vegas. I'll tell you how!
1. Cheap tours to visit the Hoover Dam by bus
Las Vegas is not just a city full of casinos, neon lights and big shows. Being close to several natural monuments, many travelers take advantage of their stay here to take a tour to stunning places such as the Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire or Lake Mead.
If you are on a tight budget but would like to do some sightseeing outside of Las Vegas, a good option might be to visit the Hoover Dam. There are several bus tours that cover the 48 kilometers that separate this place from Las Vegas from only 43 euros.
Normally these economic tours to the Hoover Dam have an approximate duration of between 4 and 6 hours, in which you visit the exterior and the interior of this power plant that supplies electricity to Nevada, Arizona and Southern California.
It is a very interesting option to learn in a short time and for a reasonable price not only the history of this national historic monument but to enjoy spectacular views and to take some of the best pictures of your trip to Las Vegas.
2. Premium tours to visit Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon
If you have more time in your schedule for excursions outside of Las Vegas and a more comfortable budget, you can take advantage of your stay in the city to see several important sites such as the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon in one sitting and in just one day.
There are premium tours that for a little more money offer you a personalized experience traveling with a guide and a small group in a luxury vehicle equipped with all the amenities. In addition, some of them include lunch. The experience is very complete and costs less than 200 euros.
Along with the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead you will also visit the west side of the Grand Canyon (West Rim) which is the most popular among tourists visiting Las Vegas as it is the closest area to the city (about 180 kilometers away). Here lives the Hualapai Indian tribe and this part stands out for its deep cliffs.
It is also the site of a stunning viewpoint with a glass floor known as Skywalk on a cliff with a depth of 1,300 meters. The name comes as a ring to the finger because crossing it is like walking through the sky and allows you to enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
How to book a Hoover Dam tour?
To visit the Hoover Dam, I recommend joining an organized tour because you don't have to worry about travel or how to get tickets there, which makes things much simpler.
Also, I like these tours because they combine the visit to the Hoover Dam with other very entertaining activities such as the entrance to the Ethel M. chocolate factory and the botanical cactus garden, a paddleboat cruise on Lake Mead or an exclusive tour over the reservoir with a guide, among others.
In Hellotickets you can compare prices, routes and duration of the tours. All you have to do is check availability, choose the date and the number of travelers, it's that easy!
How far is the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
Hoover Dam is 30 miles from Las Vegas.
How long does it take to get to Hoover Dam by bus from Las Vegas?
By road it takes about 50 minutes.
And if I want to go to the Grand Canyon afterwards, how long does it take in total?
Between the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon there are about 400 kilometers of distance that can be covered in almost 4 hours. Combined with the time it takes to get from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam, the entire trip would be about 5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to visit the Hoover Dam?
The cheapest way to see the Hoover Dam is to include it in your tour if you plan to do a roadtrip from Las Vegas and rent a car. In that case, it won't cost you much time to get there, stop, take pictures, etc. But if you have to rent a car just to get here, it won't be worth the expense.
The most economical way would be to join a guided tour that will take you to the dam and bring you back to Las Vegas in the same day and allow you to enjoy the place, its views and learn a bit about its importance, its construction, etc.
What will I see on the Hoover Dam tour?
Depending on the tour you choose you will be able to see the Hoover Dam and different tourist attractions related to the reservoir such as its power plant and visitors center, Lake Mead, Boulder City, the Arizona overlook or the dam bypass bridge from where there are magnificent views of the landscape. Get your camera ready because you are going to take some amazing pictures!
What is the lake I will see at Hoover Dam?
The construction of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River created Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States with an area of 640 square kilometers. Here you can enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, boating, jet skiing and scuba diving.
Frequently asked questions
Can the interior of the Hoover Dam be accessed?
Yes, you can visit the inside of Hoover Dam by paying an additional fee at the entrance or by selecting the Poweplant and Black Canyon tour. Whichever you choose, you can visit the exhibits in the Visitor Center where you will learn about the mechanisms and tasks performed inside the dam.
Is it possible to drive across the Hoover Dam?
Yes, you can drive across the dam to the parking lot in Arizona and walk back. In fact, many Grand Canyon experiences include this as part of their itinerary.
How long are the Lake Mead cruises?
Cruises usually last 90 minutes or 2 hours, depending on the experience of your choice.