Fall in LOVE with The Hoover Dam

Are you ready for an adventure? Do you have an entire day to spare? If your answer is yes, then buckle up and get ready to journey to the Hoover Dam.

View of Hoover Dam from O’Callaghan-Tillman Bridge

Buckle up for this amazing roadtrip!

The Hoover Dam is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Las Vegas, and since we had been to Las Vegas many times, we knew we had to experience this adventure at least once for ourselves. From the scenic route through the Mojave Desert, to the breathtaking views from the top of the dam, this one-day trip did not disappoint. It’s a short 45 minute drive from the Las Vegas strip, and you can see everything the dam has to offer in one day.

View of the backside of the dam from the parking lot.

Breathtaking views everywhere you look!

As we approached the Hoover Dam, we couldn’t help but notice the sheer size and grandeur of the structure. The Hoover Dam is an architectural masterpiece that was built in the 1930s to control the Colorado River’s flow. It is one of the largest dams in the world and attracts millions of tourists every year. We parked our car in the designated lot and had to walk down a long roadway to get to the top of the dam. The views were breathtaking of Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains.

View of O’Callaghan-Tillman Bridge from the top of the Hoover Dam.

The O’Callaghan-Tillman Bridge is a bridge that spans the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada in the United States. It was completed in 2010 and replaces the old Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. The bridge is named after two prominent figures in the region’s history: Pat Tillman, an NFL player and Army Ranger who was killed in Afghanistan, and Mike O’Callaghan, a former governor of Nevada. The bridge is 1,900 feet long and 890 feet above the river, making it the second-highest bridge in the United States. It has become a popular tourist attraction, offering spectacular views of Hoover Dam and the surrounding area.

View of The Hoover Dam from the middle of the O’Callaghan/Tillman Bridge

We took a short drive out of the Dam area and up to another parking lot where we could access the bridge. This was my favorite part of our visit. I wish I had taken more photos walking up to the entrance of the bridge, but I was so nervous I wouldn’t be able to venture out onto the bridge due to my insane fear of heights. I’m happy to report I actually DID get out onto the bridge and that experience for me was INCREDIBLE! I was so proud of myself when we left and now, I cannot wait to go back and do it all over again, lol!

Our journey ends as we head back to Las Vegas after a long and exciting day.

I hope you enjoyed our one day adventure to the Hoover Dam. Remember to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and lots of water. The journey to the Hoover Dam is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss! Here are a few more photos of things to see.

Hoover Damn Tours

Although we did not book a tour when we were there, there are several tour options available to explore the dam and learn about its history, engineering, and operation.

1. Hoover Dam Visitor Center Tour: This is a self-guided tour that includes access to the visitor center museum, exhibits, and observation deck. The tour ticket also includes a 10-minute film about the dam’s history and construction. The tour costs $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, military, and children ages 4 to 16.

2. Hoover Dam Powerplant Tour: This guided tour takes visitors inside the dam to see the massive generators in action. The tour includes a visit to the original inspection tunnels and the observation deck. The tour costs $30 for adults and $25 for seniors, military, and children ages 4 to 16.

3. Hoover Dam Combo Tour: This tour combines the visitor center and powerplant tours for a comprehensive experience. This guided tour also includes a trip to the observation deck and a walk across the dam. The tour costs $45 for adults and $40 for seniors, military, and children ages 4 to 16.

4. Hoover Dam Rafting Tours: For more adventurous visitors, rafting tours are available on the Colorado River below the dam. These tours typically last a half or full day and offer stunning views of the dam and the surrounding landscape. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and the length of the tour.

These are just a few of the Hoover Dam tours available. It’s recommended to book your tour in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.