Set against the arid expanse of the Nevada desert, Hoover Dam is a monument to human ingenuity and ambition. Tours from Las Vegas allow visitors to explore its massive Power Plant, observation decks, and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, as well as historic Boulder City and the Hoover Dam Museum.
Whether you choose to explore the dam on foot, by raft, or step inside the dam itself, every perspective reveals the scale, engineering, and history of this iconic landmark.
Hoover Dam was constructed during the Great Depression (1931–1936) to control flooding, provide water, and generate hydroelectric power for the southwestern United States. Built by Six Companies, Inc., and executed by thousands of workers, the project overcame extreme desert heat, deep canyon excavation, and engineering challenges previously considered impossible.
The project’s engineering was groundbreaking at the time: the dam’s arch-gravity design distributes the immense weight of water against the canyon walls, while innovative cooling techniques prevented the concrete from cracking during the curing process. The power plant’s turbines and generators converted the Colorado River’s flow into hydroelectricity, supplying power to millions across the American Southwest.
Yes, day trips from Las Vegas often combine a visit to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West. The tour includes guided stops, key viewpoints, and round-trip transportation, making it possible to experience both landmarks in a single day.
The Hoover Dam is largely accessible, including parking, elevators, and restrooms. The Visitor Center, Plant Room, Generator Room, and Memorial Bridge are wheelchair-accessible; some sections within have steep stairs which inaccessible.
During construction (1931–1936), Hoover Dam employed approximately 5,000 workers, providing vital jobs during the Great Depression.
No, Hoover Dam is not the largest dam globally, although it was, in 1936. Today, it remains iconic for its engineering, historical significance, and scale.
Yes, you can access the exterior viewpoints for free. Paid tours are required to go inside the dam or access the Visitor’s Center.
Hoover Dam controls flooding, provides irrigation for 1.5 million acres of farmland, and generates hydroelectric power for over 500,000 homes.
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Lifeguards may not be present, so exercise caution.
Yes, the dam is family-friendly, though some interior tours have age restrictions. Kids can enjoy the visitor center, observation decks, and scenic viewpoints.
The Colorado River flows through Hoover Dam, forming Lake Mead upstream and supporting the dam’s hydroelectric and irrigation functions.
Hoover Dam VIP Inside Exploration Tour
From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Highlights Tour
From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Raft Float Half-Day Tour
40-min Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West & Hoover Dam Bus Tour with Optional Skywalk Entry
Grand Canyon West Rim Entry Tickets with Skywalk Access
From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour plus Canyon Floor Landing with Champagne
TICKETS
From $65