About Hoover Dam
Things to do at Hoover Dam
If you are seeking a peaceful getaway from all the chaos of the city, take a kayaking tour of the Hoover Dam. Taking you on a postcard-perfect tour down river Colorado and letting you soak in spectacular views of the dam, kayaking is one of the best things to do at Hoover Dam for nature lovers.
A power plant tour is one of the most sought-after things to do at Hoover Dam for visitors, who want to learn about the construction history of the dam. The tour begins with an introductory video about the history of the dam, which is followed by a guided walk to the observation deck. Next, the visitors are taken to the Nevada wing, which is followed by an impressive presentation at the 1940 Original Exhibit Building.
If you are interested in learning about the history and construction of the dam in detail then take a guided tour of the dam. The tour begins with an introductory video about the history of the dam, which is followed by a guided walk to the observation deck that overlooks the power plant. The tour also includes a journey to the inspection tunnel along with an immersive presentation at the Original Exhibit Building.
One of the most amazing things to do around Hoover Dam is paying a visit to the picturesque Lake Mead. Formed by the dam, this lake happens to be the first and largest amusement destination of the country. Lake Mead is also popularly known for facilitating a plethora of exciting water activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. You can also enjoy camping along the lake or take a short hiking tour near it. If you are not into adventure sports, you can just relax and soak in the incredible views of the mountains, canyons, and azure blue waters
Crossing the iconic Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is one of the essential things to do around Hoover Dam, especially for photographers and couples. So, while crossing the bridge, do halt at the “Welcome to Nevada” sign and click an Insta-worthy picture to carry home as an excellent souvenir.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, the good news for you is that the area around the Hoover Dam offers some excellent wildlife sighting opportunities, with the Bighorn Sheep being the star attraction. You can spot resident Bighorn sheep from the Memorial Bridge, while kayaking the dam, or while hiking around Lake Mead.
Tips to Visit Hoover Dam
Enjoy the amazing things to see at Hoover Dam without the regular crowd, by planning your trip early in the morning between 9 AM and 10:30 AM or during the evening hours, from 3 PM to 4:45 PM.
If you are seeking free parking space at the dam, you can find some on the Arizona side of the dam or further up the hill.
Remember to carry a water bottle and wear your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses as you won’t find much shade around the dam and it's pretty hot at the spot.
If you are looking for good photo opportunities at the dam, cross the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and you will find the “Welcome to Nevada” sign, which is considered to be one of the best photo points at the dam.
FAQs
Is Hoover Dam worth seeing?
Yes, the postcard-perfect Hoover Dam is totally worth seeing, thanks to its stunning sloping architecture and sparkling blue waters that make for an impressive scenic contrast. There are also a myriad of amazing things to do at Hoover Dam that keep you engaged throughout your visit to this place.
What are the best things to do at Hoover Dam?
Kayaking the Hoover Dam
Taking a guided tour of the power plant
Going for a swim in Lake Mead
Capturing some Instagrammable pictures on the memorial bridge"
Spotting the resident bighorn sheep
How long do you spend at Hoover Dam?
You are recommended to spend at least 2 hours, if you want to engage in all the fun and thrilling things to do at Hoover Dam. During your 2-hour trip, you can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its history, take a hiking tour around the dam, go swimming in the sparkling waters of Lake Mead, and experience crossing the iconic Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
What is the best time of day to visit the Hoover Dam?
The best time of day to visit Hoover Dam is during the morning hours, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM and during the evening hours, from 3 PM to 4:45 PM. During these times of the day, it is less crowded at the dam and you can enjoy all the things to see at Hoover Dam and have a peaceful tour.
How long does it take to walk across the Hoover Dam?
The Hoover Dam bypass trail is around half a mile long round trip. So, it generally takes around 30 minutes to walk across it.
What's inside the Hoover Dam?
Inside the dam there is a huge generator room packed with gigantic turbines. To reach those you will be taking the elevator and descending 500 feet to the ground floor of the dam. This generator room is known to produce more than 2 million watts of energy every year. Below the dam lies the inner workings of a power plant with its gigantic structures for pumping and circulating water in and out of the turbines.
Visitor's Information