From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Lisa Burgess
GB

Lisa

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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What an amazing trip this was. Our guide Gia was sooooo knowledgeable and such good fun. The Canyon itself was simply WOW. We did the sky walk and decided to add the helicopter and boat to our day and I can honestly say it was worth every penny. We will absolutely be back to Vegas and will use this company again.
Terri L Cunkle
US

Terri

United States
Sep 2025
5/5

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review-image
#It was incredible, we did the VIP tour to go underground along with up top. We were on a tour bus group, could have used at least another 1/2 hour there. But overall loved it. We have been to Vegas several times and this is the first time we've done the Dam tour. A must do.
Sandra Ellington
US

Sandra

United States
Dec 2025
5/5
Trading up to the front two seats is a must. Our first time in a helicopter, and we were amazed at the speed or lack there of. I asked the Pilot what our speed was, thinking it might be around 25 MPH. 155 MPH! Amazing. I never knew this ride could be so smooth, so quiet (Head phones included) so much fun. Smooth landings, not a hint of a bonce. The Hoover Dam is a Master piece. The majestry of the Grand Cayon will take your breath away. Folks, this is a must do thing. A bucket list thing, a once in a life time . DO IT!
Bassha McIntyre
US

Bassha

United States
Dec 2025
5/5
This was amazing! We paid to upgrade to front seats and all I can say is WOW!! The pilot was awesome and we had very little turbulence. He was knowledgeable and had a great playlist! The view is spectacular and I was never afraid or got motion sickness. Landing in the canyon was a lot of fun! We loved the whole experience!

The Hoover Dam is one of the most significant engineering projects in U.S. history, spanning the Nevada–Arizona border and holding back Lake Mead, the country’s largest reservoir.

Overview:

  • Distance from Las Vegas: 32.8 miles (~53 km)
  • Travel time: 34 minutes
  • On-site duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Best time to visit: October to April for pleasant temperatures.
  • Meeting/drop-off points: Excalibur Hotel, Horseshoe Hotel, and Treasure Island
  • Key highlights: Visitor Center exhibits, Lake Mead overlooks, Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Walk, and views of the Black Canyon & Colorado River.
  • Most booked tours: From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam VIP Inside Exploration Tour

Top things to do in Las Vegas

Things to know before booking your tour

  1. All Hoover Dam tours include round-trip transportation from Las Vegas, which is a 45-minute drive. But due to the popularity of the destination, parking fills up quickly. Opting for a tour with transportation means you skip the stress of renting a car, navigating the desert highways, and finding parking. 
  2. Pickup points from Las Vegas are largely from select hotels along the Strip and Downtown. Check your ticket voucher for details.
  3. The Hoover Dam can be experience in different ways—walk outside, step inside, or float underneath it. The Highlights Tour covers the essentials–a walk across the dam and scenic views from vantage points, without stepping inside. To delve deeper, beyond the views, there is the VIP Exploration Tour , a guided tour of the dam’s interiors, including the generator room and power plant room with the active turbines.
  4. Exteriors & interiors sound too mainstream? Glide underneath the Hoover Dam on a raft , looking up at close-up details of the dam’s construction, including the old catwalk and gauging station.
  5. The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is a 900-foot viewpoint, overlooking the Hoover Dam, that is included in all the tours. What if you can climb higher? The Helicopter Tour covers the entire Las Vegas Strip, including the Hoover Dam, Bellagio Fountains, and Downtown.
  6. Combine your Hoover Dam tour with another popular tourist attraction, the Grand Canyon West Rim, located 92.6 miles away. Choose a bus or helicopter tour for a full-day adventure.

Hoover Dam tours explained

Visitor overlooking Hoover Dam reservoir during exploration tour.

In-depth exploration

  • Best for visitors who want to go inside Hoover Dam and understand how it works. Walk construction tunnels, stand over a massive penstock overlooking turbines, and explore the powerhouse with eight functional generators.
  • Offers the most engineering detail and behind-the-scenes access, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy history, structural engineering, or immersive guided tours.

Recommended experience:
From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam VIP Inside Exploration Tour

Guests lining up to board rafts for Hoover Dam sightseeing tour.

Outdoor highlights tour

  • Great for first-time visitors who want classic views and learn essential dam history. Walk across Hoover Dam and the Memorial Bridge while taking in its Art Deco designs from the 1930s.
  • It's a great choice if you prefer open-air sightseeing and want the signature photo spots without going inside deep tunnels or the power plant/generator rooms.

Recommended experience:
From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Highlights Tour

Red Papillon helicopter flying over Lake Mead near the Grand Canyon.

Raft tour

  • Ideal for visitors seeking an adventure. Float through Black Canyon, glide beneath the Hoover Dam, and view construction details only visible from water level.
  • A relaxed, scenic experience focused on geology, wildlife, and close-ups of the dam's technical details which are unavailable on any land-based tour.

Recommended experience:
From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Raft Float Tour

Skywalk glass bridge over Grand Canyon West Rim, Arizona, USA.

Helicopter tour

  • Designed for visitors who want a fast but dramatic overview. Fly above Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the desert for panoramic aerial views you can’t get from the ground.
  • The most time-efficient option, capturing all major highlights in around 40 minutes including motorcoach transfer—ideal for tight schedules or pairing with other Las Vegas activities.

Recommended experience:
40-min Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour

Highlights of your tour

Hoover Dam towers and reservoir view from a scenic overlook.

Hoover Dam Overlook

Stand atop the dam for stunning views of the Colorado River, Black Canyon, and surrounding desert landscapes.

Aerial view of Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Nevada.
Hoover Dam turbine generators inside the power plant during exploration tour.
Hoover Dam worker mural and historical photo exhibit at Boulder City and Hoover Dam Museum.
Lake Mead marina with boats and docks viewed from a high vantage point.

Plan your visit

Hoover Dam with surrounding desert landscape in Boulder City, Nevada.

Open daily from 5am–9pm (PST)

  • The Visitor Center and Tours are open daily from 9am–5pm.
  • Early closure on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas at 4:15pm .
  • The last tour departs at 4:10pm; the dam is open for self-exploration till 9pm.

All Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas start at 10am; the helicopter tours has two time slots–7am and 9:30am.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summer (June–August) afternoons can be very hot, so early mornings (the first tour starts at 9am) year-round are ideal for comfortable exploring and sightseeing.

Address: 2786+CW Boulder City, Nevada, USA | Find on Maps
Hoover Dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, on the Nevada-Arizona border.

Getting there:

  • Guided tours: Most visitors opt for tours with round-trip transportation from Las Vegas, saving time and the hassle of parking.
  • By car: Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas via US-93, with parking available on both the Nevada and Arizona sides.
  • By bus/shuttle: Several operators run daily departures from the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown hotels, with a fixed schedule.
Wheelchair accessible path with sign, USA.
  • Accessibility varies across the dam, depending on the tour you are on: While the Inside Exploration Tour and Highlights Tour are wheelchair and stroller-accessible, the Half-Day Raft Tour is not.
  • Service animals, which are trained to assist a person with a disability, are allowed on site.
Security officer conducting bag check at public event.
  • All vehicles are inspected at the Nevada Security Checkpoint; refusal means no entry beyond the checkpoint.
  • No stopping on top of the dam; use designated parking areas for pick-up and drop-off.
  • Weapons, firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, marijuana, and drones are prohibited on Hoover Dam property.
  • Visitor Center screening is required—all personal items are checked, and metal objects must be removed before entering.
  • Service animals only; pets and comfort animals are not allowed on the dam or inside buildings.
  • Parking is limited; use the Nevada garage ($10) or Arizona lots for oversized vehicles, RVs, and trailers.
  • Dress appropriately; shirts and shoes are required in buildings, and attire with offensive graphics or unsafe fit may be denied.
  • Prepare for outdoor conditions—much of the tour is outside, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for desert weather.
  • Hoover Dam Café: A casual stop right by the Dam, serving burgers, sandwiches, and quick, affordable fare in an outdoor setting with a gift shop. 
    Must-try: “Dam” cheeseburger
  • Bighorn Café: Located inside Hoover Dam Lodge, this full-service café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
    Must-try: Omelet and pancakes
  • Southwest Diner: A longtime Boulder City favorite, this diner offers homestyle eats—think meatloaf, tacos, and hearty breakfast fare, in a relaxed, friendly setting. 
    Must-try: Fish tacos and “Dam Beer”
  • Boulder Dam Restaurant: At the Boulder Dam Hotel, this spot serves breakfast and lunch classics with a salad bar, burgers, and brunch-style fare.
    Must-try: Monte Cristo sandwich and fresh-baked biscuit
Woman drinking water while hiking with mountain view in background.
  • The major part of your tour takes place outdoors; wear protective clothing.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle; water sold onsite is pricey.
  • Tip your guide for their services; it’s not included in the ticket.
  • If you’re afraid of heights, skip the Memorial Bridge walkway (stands at 900 feet above the Colorado River); even those comfortable with heights say it’s a dizzying experience, but the views are unmatched.
  • If you have the time, bike or hike the Historic Railroad Trail for a scenic and active way to approach the dam.

Beyond Hoover Dam

Grand Canyon National Park canyon and cliffs at sunset.

Grand Canyon National Park

Just a few hours from Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking viewpoints, rim walks, and hiking trails. Its layered rock formations reveal millions of years of Earth’s history, while sunset and sunrise views create unforgettable moments.

Person exploring narrow sandstone walls in Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona.

Antelope Canyon

Located in Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is famous for its narrow sandstone passageways, swirling patterns, and beams of sunlight that illuminate the canyon walls. This slot canyon is best explored with a guided tour, making it one of the most photographed natural landmarks near Hoover Dam.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area entrance sign near Hoover Dam.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Created by Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States and a hub for outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking while surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, making it a perfect complement to a Hoover Dam day trip.

Frequently asked questions about Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas

How long do Hoover Dam tours usually last?

Most tours last between 4–6 hours when departing from Las Vegas, including travel time. If you’re just visiting the dam itself, expect to spend 1–2 hours exploring.

Do I need to book my tours in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended for most Hoover Dam tours, especially those departing from Las Vegas, as they often sell out. However, the official Guided Dam Tour cannot be booked online; tickets are only sold on-site, in person, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I visit the Hoover Dam without a guide?

Yes, you can drive yourself to the dam and explore on your own. However, guided tours provide deeper insights, easy transport, and time-saving convenience.

Is a guided tour worth it?

Absolutely. A guided tour not only covers the history and engineering marvels but also removes the stress of planning, parking, and navigating.

What are the different ways to experience Hoover Dam?

Hoover Dam can be experienced in four distinctive ways—step inside for a guided VIP tour , walk outside on a highlights tour, glide underneath on a raft tour , or capture the Hoover Dam on an aerial tour .

Are hotel pick-ups available for Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas?

Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off from major hotels along Las Vegas Strip, making the experience seamless and hassle-free.

Do tours include access inside the dam?

There is an exclusive Hoover Dam VIP Inside Exploration Tour , which includes access to the Hoover Dam Powerplant and interior tunnels.

Are meals included on Hoover Dam tours?

Meals are not usually included, though some may offer bottled drinking water. Most itineraries allow time to purchase food nearby.

Are children allowed on Hoover Dam tours?

Yes, children are welcome. Families often enjoy the experience, though really young kids (aged 3 and below) may not be able to appreciate the tour.