Las Vegas to Hoover Dam Day Trip: Ultimate Guide (2024)
On my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I had kept a day free in my itinerary to visit Hoover Dam. I have visited Vegas more than 10 times by now, but in the past, I never got around to visiting the iconic Hoover Dam!
Before this, I had only seen Hoover Dam once by air when I took a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon. The dam looked massive from the sky, and I was very excited to see it in person.
So, my husband and I took a break from the neon buzz of Las Vegas and visited Hoover Dam. Let me say that it was an experience worth every minute!
In this guide, I’ll share how you can make the most of your day trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam, how to get there, and what to not miss seeing at the dam.
Whether you love history, engineering, or nature or just need a change of scenery, this Hoover Dam trip from Vegas is for you.
In a hurry, and looking for a tour recommendation to Hoover Dam from Vegas?
➡ Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch – includes transportation, Hoover Dam tour tickets, lunch at a restaurant, and photo-op at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign.’
How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
Hoover Dam is surprisingly closer to Las Vegas than you may think, just around 40 miles southeast of the city. This short distance makes it an ideal day trip or even a half-day trip getaway from Vegas.
- Distance from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam – 40 miles
- Travel time from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam – around 50 minutes by car
Hitting the road from the Vegas Strip, the drive took us roughly 50 minutes, a swift mid-morning escape from the neon lights to an engineering marvel nestled in the desert.
We had a rental car and followed Google Maps for directions. We took the I-215 E and I-11 S, finally taking the NV-172 and Hoover Dam Access Rd and reaching the Hoover Dam parking lot.
Visiting Hoover Dam is one of the best Las Vegas attractions besides gambling.
Ways to travel from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam
Exploring your options for traveling from Vegas to Hoover Dam? The most popular options are to drive yourself or take a tour from Las Vegas. But there are some other less popular options as well, like taking a rideshare or taxi.
Drive yourself
We had a rental car for this particular Vegas trip, so we drove to Hoover Dam. Usually, we don’t rent a car in Vegas as we hardly venture out of the Strip.
But on this particular Vegas trip, we visited with family and planned to explore National and State Parks around Vegas.
Take a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas
Most tourists to the Vegas Strip area prefer not to rent a car as the parking fees can be very high at the resorts. On our previous Vegas trips, we never rented a car!
If you are not planning to rent a car, taking a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas is the most popular way to see the dam.
These tours will pick you up from your Vegas Strip hotel, and many even include lunch at Hoover Dam. You can even book a tour that includes both Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West as a single day trip from Vegas.
Rideshare services like Uber/Lyft
This is the least recommended option to reach Hoover Dam because it might be easy to find an Uber or taxi from Vegas to Hoover Dam, but you might have a hard time getting a return ride from Hoover Dam to Las Vegas.
Even if you pre-book a return ride, they can always cancel, leaving you stranded.
If you are not planning to rent a car and drive yourself, I recommend you take a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas, which includes transportation to and from Vegas Strip hotels.
Security Procedures and Parking at Hoover Dam
Just before we reached the Hoover Dam parking lot on Nevada’s side, there was a security checkpoint for routine inspection. Just note that all vehicles are subject to security inspection here.
Before the Security checkpoint, there was signage for Lake Mead Overlook, a small road to the left. We took that and saw an amazing view of the Lake Mead recreation area! More on this below.
There is a huge multi-level parking lot on the Nevada side of Hoover Dam. We paid $10 for parking when we entered. There are elevators and stairs here.
The Nevada side parking lot structure also had a cafe, gift shop, and restrooms. I always collect magnets as souvenirs, and I got a Hoover Dam magnet for my collection from the gift shop.
There are some smaller free parking lots on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam, and to get there, you would have to drive across the Hoover Dam, which is very crowded with pedestrians. Also, the Arizona side free lots are further away from the dam, so we chose to park on the Nevada side paid lot.
Hoover Dam Entrance fees and various ticket options
It was a little confusing at first for me to understand the various ticketing fees at Hoover Dam, so I have broken it down for you:
- Parking in the Nevada side lot – $10 per car
- Visitor Center Entrance Ticket – $10 per person, includes Exhibit Building.
- Guided Powerplant Tour Ticket – $15 per person, 30-minute guided tour, includes Visitor Center entrance.
- Guided Dam Tour Ticket – $30 per person, 1-hour guided tour, which includes everything the Powerplant Tour has and more. It also includes the Visitor Center Entrance.
We only paid the $10 for car parking and didn’t take the paid tours. You can still walk on the top of the dam and the Memorial Bridge without paying for the tour, just like we did.
If you have more time than we did, definitely take the Dam tour, as it provides the best value.
What to do at Hoover Dam?
Below are some of the top things to do and see at Hoover Dam. My favorites were walking on top of the Dam and walking on the Memorial Bridge. They are two separate things!
Walk on the Top of Hoover Dam
One of the most popular things to do in Hoover Dam, and my favorite, was to walk on top of the dam. It was a short walk on a flat paved surface from the Nevada side parking building to the road on top of Hoover Dam.
As we strolled across the dam, we saw the vast Lake Mead on one side and the Colorado River’s deep canyon on the other.
On the Lake Mead side, we saw the massive intake towers and spillways, key parts of the dam’s design, towering above the water.
On the Colorado side, we could see a panoramic view of the Mike O’Callagan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
It was awesome to stand on the state line marker with one foot in Nevada and one foot in Arizona! The two clock towers in each state were cool, showing Nevada and Arizona time.
Hoover Dam Visitor Center
The Visitor Center has exhibits on the history and construction of the dam and its impact on the region. It also has an observation deck for views of the dam and the Colorado River.
This might be the first place I have seen where you have to pay to visit the Visitor Center! Visitor Center Admission was $10 per person, so we decided not to go inside.
There were nice views from pretty much everywhere, and there was a lot of information to read outside on the dam as well, so we didn’t want to pay to just check out the visitor center.
Tour the Hoover Dam
There are two types of tours you can take at the Hoover Dam:
Guided Power Plant Tour – This 30-minute tour is $15 per person and can be reserved online at the Hoover Dam website.
Guided Dam Tour – The 1-hour Guided Dam Tour includes everything that the Power Plant Tour has, plus two extra stops in the Dam. This tour is $30 per person and is only sold at the Hoover Dam (not online). You can upgrade your Power Plant tour to the Guided Dam Tour during your visit if tickets are available.
Check Out the Exhibits Building
The Exihibts building is on the Nevada side and houses historical exhibits about the dam’s construction.
The Exhibit building entrance is included as part of the Visitor Center Ticket, Power Plant Tour, and Dam Tour.
Walk on the Mike O’Callagan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
While walking on top of the dam was cool and something I highly recommend, the best views of Hoover Dam we experienced were from the Tillman Memorial Bridge.
To reach this bridge, we had to drive to the smaller parking lot on the Nevada side. This Memorial Bridge parking lot is free, and there is a paved ramp that takes you up to the bridge. You can also take the stairs if you wish.
There were displays and plagues throughout the walkway, which were really nice to get information about the construction of the bridge.
Once we reached the top, we walked on the bridge and saw amazing panoramic views of Hoover Dam (that we had been walking on just before), Lake Mead, and the Colorado River.
We were in constant awe of the massive size of the dam and all the amazing hard work that went into the construction of the Hoover Dam and the Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Stop at the Lake Mead – Lakeview Overlook
While coming from Las Vegas, just before you reach the security checkpoint, you will see a sign for Lake Mead – Lakeview Overlook and a small road to the left.
We took this little road that took us to the overlook area at the top with a small parking lot. The car turnaround was quick, and we were able to get parking.
From the overlook area, we saw an amazing panoramic view of Lake Mead Recreation Area and Boulder Basin from here.
We saw some tour vans stop here as well, so it seems like a popular stop in a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas.
Best Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas
If you are not planning to rent a car while in Vegas, the best way to see Hoover Dam is by taking a tour from Las Vegas. I recommend the tour below because of the value it offers:
➡ Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch – This highly-rated Hoover Dam half-day morning tour includes pickup from select Vegas Hotels, transportation, Hoover Dam Powerplant tour tickets, and lunch at a restaurant. It also includes a photo stop at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign.’
Extending your day trip to Grand Canyon West
If you start early enough in the day from Vegas, you can extend your adventure to Grand Canyon West, which is around 94 miles and a 2-hour drive (one way) from Hoover Dam.
Note that you will need around 2-3 hours at Grand Canyon West to explore the glass Skywalk and other vista points like Guano Point and Eagle Point.
You can also take a full-day tour from Vegas to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West.
➡ Check rates and availability for
Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk
Visiting Hoover Dam is often part of Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.
FAQs about visiting Hoover Dam from Vegas
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about visiting Hoover Dam, which will help you plan your trip:
Is Hoover Dam worth visiting?
After visiting Hoover Dam, I can say that it is worth visiting just to walk on top of the dam, which is free. But it has so many other attractions beyond that, like the paid dam tours, the scenic vistas of Lake Mead and Colorado River, and the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Learning about the history and construction of such a massive structure is a humbling experience.
What is there to see between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam?
The drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam was scenic, featuring desert landscapes, historical sites, and views of Lake Mead. Highlights included the historic town of Boulder City, Lake Mead Lakeview Overlooks, and the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for stunning views of Hoover Dam.
Is there a shuttle from Vegas to Hoover Dam?
Yes, there are guided tours available from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam. These options provide transportation convenience and informative commentary about the dam and surrounding areas. Some also include lunch. I recommend this Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch as its a great value.
Which is closer to Vegas, Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon?
Hoover Dam is closer to Las Vegas, approximately 40 miles away, making it an ideal day trip. The Grand Canyon, specifically the West Rim, is about 130 miles from Vegas, requiring a longer trip.
What to wear while visiting Hoover Dam?
We visited in January, and it was cold. So I had a jacket and even a beanie. Opt for comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. The area can be hot in summer, so light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. In cooler months, bring layers as temperatures can vary.
You can shop for winter or summer wear at one of the many shopping malls in Vegas.
When is the best time to visit Hoover Dam?
The best time to visit is during the spring, winter, and fall seasons when the weather is mild. Also, early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and the intense midday heat, especially in summer.
Can you walk on the Hoover Dam?
Yes, you can walk on the top of Hoover Dam for free. During our visit, we walked on and across the top of Hoover Dam, and the only thing we paid for was the parking. It’s a great way to experience the magnitude of the structure up close and enjoy panoramic views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Are there facilities at Hoover Dam?
The Nevada side paid parking structure at Hoover Dam has restrooms, a gift shop, and a café. We paid $10 for parking. The Hoover Dam Visitor Center has a $10 entrance ticket and offers exhibits on the dam’s history and construction and an observation deck.
Is Hoover Dam kid-friendly?
I think a visit to Hoover Dam is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids. Older kids will like the dam tours, educational exhibits, and ample opportunities to learn about engineering and history. Teens like mine would love taking photos with the epic scenery, and younger kids will have a lot of outdoor space to move around. There are restrooms, a cafe, and a gift store here as well, ideal for families.
Hoover Dam should definitely be part of any Vegas family vacation!
Where to stay for Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is only a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, so it is very easy to do a day trip from Vegas like we did.
We stayed at Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort, which I thought was one of the best Las Vegas hotels off the strip, but still just a block from the Strip.
I would also consider it one of the best family resorts in Las Vegas, with its spacious two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and living room. It was great for our family of four with lots of room.
Final Takeaways: Visiting Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
I hope my Las Vegas to Hoover Dam day trip experience has walked you through everything from the scenic drive from Vegas to Hoover Dam and what to do there.
I believe if you are in Vegas, you should definitely spend a morning at Hoover Dam. It’s also a great outdoor thing to do on a Vegas girls trip with friends!
Whether you choose to drive yourself, join a guided tour, or extend your journey to Grand Canyon West, there’s no doubt that the trip from the bustling Vegas Strip to the awe-inspiring structure of Hoover Dam is a journey worth taking; it was definitely for us!
Up next, check out more amazing day trips and day tours from Las Vegas to add to your trip! Some of my favorites are:
- Visiting Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, which is only 20 minutes from Vegas.
- Exploring the fiery red scenery at Valley of Fire State Park, which is an hour away from Vegas, and hiking the unique Fire Wave Trail.
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