Hoover Dam
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Hoover Dam is worth a visit if you are traveling between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Plan to spend about half a day here, ideally in March, April, October, or November to avoid extreme summer heat. A typical day trip costs around 160 USD.
Parking on the Arizona side is free, but Nevada side costs ten dollars.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
Allow three to four hours to park, walk the dam, and take a tour.
Most visitors drive a rental car or take a tour bus from Las Vegas, which is about 45 minutes away.
Walking the dam is free. Power plant and visitor center tickets can be purchased on site.
The free parking lots are on the Arizona side, but they require a steep walk back up the hill.
What it is actually like
The site is a massive concrete wall spanning the Colorado River. You can walk across the top of the dam for free to look down at the drop and the reservoir. It is often windy, and the sheer scale can feel dizzying.
The visitor center and power plant tours require paid tickets. Inside, you will see the massive generators and learn how the river is controlled. Expect security checkpoints similar to airport screening before you enter the area.
The best time to visit
Summer temperatures at the canyon regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There is very little shade on the dam, making July and August uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
March, April, October, and November offer mild weather. You can walk the outdoor areas comfortably during these months. Winter is also pleasant, though daylight hours are shorter.
The parking trap
Driving across the dam is allowed, but parking rules differ by state. The parking garage on the Nevada side charges ten dollars.
If you drive across to the Arizona side, you will find several outdoor parking lots. The first few lots on the Arizona side charge a fee, but the lots further up the hill are free. Be prepared to walk downhill to the dam.
The background
The Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the boundary between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. Constructed between 1931 and 1936, during the Great Depression, it was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over 100 lives. Bills passed by Congress during its construction referred to it as Hoover Dam (after President Herbert Hoover), but the Roosevelt administration named it Boulder Dam. In 1947, Congress reinstated the name Hoover Dam. Since about 1900, the Black Canyon and nearby Boulder Canyon had been investigated for their potential to support a dam that would control floods, provide irrigation water, and produce hydroelectric power. In 1928, Congress authorized the project. The winning bid to build the dam was submitted by a consortium named Six Companies, Inc., which began construction in early 1931. Such a large concrete structure had never been built before, and some of the techniques used were unproven. The torrid summer weather and lack of facilities near the site also presented difficulties. Neve
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Questions people ask
How much does it cost to visit Hoover Dam?
Walking across the dam is free. A typical day trip, including transport from Las Vegas, food, and a guided tour, costs about 160 USD. Parking is ten dollars on the Nevada side but free in certain Arizona lots.
Can you drive across the Hoover Dam?
Yes, you can drive across the dam to cross between Nevada and Arizona. However, you cannot use it as a through-route to bypass the main highway. Security guards will inspect your vehicle before you enter the dam area.
When is the best time of year to visit?
March, April, October, and November are the best months to visit. Summer temperatures are extremely hot, often making outdoor walking difficult. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures for exploring.
Is there food available at the dam?
There is a small cafe on the Nevada side that sells basic sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Options are limited, so many visitors prefer to eat in nearby Boulder City. Bringing your own water is highly recommended.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Basic visitor center tickets can be bought on site. The full guided dam tour, which takes you deep inside the tunnels, is sold in person on the morning of your visit. Arrive early to secure these tickets.