My visit to Hoover Dam was an unforgettable experience.
I had the privilege of walking atop this impressive engineering marvel and it was truly amazing.
Walking along the mighty spillway and feeling the power of this massive structure was incredibly awe-inspiring.
The Winged Figures of the RepublicI also had the opportunity to admire the incredible sculptures known as the Winged Figures of the Republic. These towering works of art stand 30 feet high!
One of the highlights of my trip was heading up to the Observation Deck. From there, I was treated to breathtaking views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead from every angle.
If you've got the time, there are other more in-depth tours you can do while on-site with the Bureau of Reclamation. You can go through the old tunnels and learn about the inner workings of the power plant. It's like entering a secret underground world as you explore the maze of tunnels. They even take you into the generator room and explain how it all works, it's very cool.
Let's go through few a basics about the Hoover Dam and how you can visit.
Where is the Hoover Dam?
Hoover Dam is found right on the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona in the United States. It's roughly 48 kilometres southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, and approximately 39 kilometres southwest of Kingman, Arizona. This massive dam sits in a desert area with stunningly rugged terrain.
Why is it famous?
Hoover Dam is as tall as a 60-story building! It was the highest dam in the world when it was completed in 1935. Its base is as thick as two football fields long. I remember learning that each spillway, designed to let floodwaters pass without harming the dam itself, can handle the volume of water that flows over Niagara Falls! Absolutely crazy!
The incredible engineering feat that is Hoover Dam.
What are the different ways you can get to Hoover Dam?
You have lots of options, depending on your starting point and preferences:
- By Car:
This is the most common way to reach Hoover Dam. You can drive there from Las Vegas; take U.S. Route 93 from Vegas and it will lead you directly to the dam. There are well-marked signs along the way.
- Tour Buses:
Most tour companies in Las Vegas offer guided tours to Hoover Dam. These tours usually include transportation from Las Vegas to the dam, and a guided tour of the dam and the surrounding areas. Some will also include additional attractions. I normally recommend doing a guided tour - you'll get so much more out of the experience by having an expert explain the history behind what you are seeing.
- Helicopter Tours:
If you want a unique and scenic experience, consider taking a helicopter tour from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam. These tours offer stunning aerial views of the dam and the surrounding landscape and are an iconic experience you'll never forget! It's also the quickest way if you're time-poor. Usually offered as part of a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Experience, where you'll fly over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and see the spectacular views of the canyon and the Colorado River below.
- Boat Tours:
Some tour operators offer boat tours on Lake Mead, which is created by the dam. These tours may include a visit to Hoover Dam as part of the experience.
- Hiking and Biking:
For the more adventurous traveller, you can reach Hoover Dam by hiking or biking on the Historic Railroad Trail, which starts at the Lake Mead Visitor Center. It's a scenic and relatively easy route if you are an active traveller.
- Public Transportation:
There are limited public transportation options to Hoover Dam. The Regional Transportation Commission in Las Vegas operates a bus route that goes to the dam, but schedules may be limited. We do not recommend relying on public transport in this region.
A visit to Hoover Dam is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity - it is certainly something you can't experience anywhere else, being the most iconic dam in the world.
Find out more about travelling in Nevada here, or reach out if I can assist with your Nevada and USA trip planning.
Visiting the Hoover Dam is an iconic US experience you won't want to miss!
