- Admission
- Walking across the dam is free; Visitor Center admission is $10; Guided Powerplant Tour is $15; Guided Dam Tour is $30.
- Hours
- Visitor Center and Tours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Dam access road open 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM.
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- Paid parking is available in the parking garage on the Nevada side for $10. Some free open-air parking lots are available further up on the Arizona side.
- Access
- The visitor center, parking garage, and power plant tour are wheelchair accessible. The full Dam Tour is not fully accessible due to historic tunnels.
Spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam is a colossal masterpiece of 1930s engineering. This Art Deco marvel not only tamed the mighty river to create Lake Mead but also stands as a stunning monument to American ingenuity. A surprising highlight is the intricate terrazzo tile floor inside the power plant, inspired by Navajo and Pueblo sand paintings.
Read more
Constructed during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam stands as a monumental feat of 20th-century engineering. Thousands of workers braved extreme heat and hazardous conditions to build what was then the world's largest hydroelectric facility. Today, it remains an active power plant and a symbol of national resilience.
Visitors can marvel at the massive concrete structure from the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view. Inside, guided tours lead deep into the canyon walls to view the massive generators and learn about the dam's intricate Art Deco architectural details.
The surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with the deep blue waters of Lake Mead contrasting against the rugged desert canyon. It is an essential stop for anyone traveling between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, offering a profound appreciation for human capability.
Ratings
landmark◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Buy your tour tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly.
- ◆ Walk across the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for the best panoramic photos.
- ◆ Arrive early in the morning to beat both the crowds and the intense midday desert heat.
- ◆ Check out the Winged Figures of the Republic statues and rub their feet for good luck.
Heads Up
- ◆ Security screening is required for all vehicles and visitors entering the site.
- ◆ Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (38°C), so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
- ◆ Drone flying is strictly prohibited anywhere near the dam or surrounding canyon.
Common questions
Can you walk across the Hoover Dam for free?
Yes, walking across the top of the dam is free and open to the public during daylight hours. However, you will have to pay for parking at the main garage on the Nevada side, though some free parking lots are available further up on the Arizona side.
Can you still drive across Hoover Dam?
Yes, you can drive across the dam to travel between Nevada and Arizona, but it is no longer the main highway route. All vehicles must pass through a security screening checkpoint before reaching the dam, and certain large vehicles or trailers may be inspected or prohibited.
Can you walk on the bypass bridge to see the dam?
Yes, the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge has a dedicated pedestrian walkway that offers panoramic views of the dam. Access to the walkway is free, and there is a parking lot on the Nevada side with a paved path and stairs leading up to the bridge.
Are bags allowed on the Hoover Dam tour?
No, backpacks, large bags, and luggage are not permitted past the security checkpoint or on the tours. Visitors are only allowed to bring pocket-sized items, small purses, and cameras, all of which must go through security screening.