Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is a key project in the United States' comprehensive development of the Colorado River's water resources. Located in Black Canyon, on the border of Nevada and Arizona, it is the largest dam in the United States and is often called the Diamond of the Desert. Resembling a giant dragon coiling across the earth, the dam exudes a majestic presence. It is also thanks to this dam that the ever-lit neon signs of the desert city of Las Vegas are visible today.
The dam is packed with visitors every year, and traffic is often congested, so it's recommended to avoid peak hours. For a better experience, it's recommended to arrive before 2 p.m., as otherwise you won't be able to reach the top of the dam.
In addition, the Hoover Dam is located in a dry desert area and is very hot in the summer. It is recommended to wear light clothes, a hat and sunglasses, and be sure to bring enough drinking water.

Attractions Location: 2785+G7, 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005 America

Opening hours:
09:00-16:15 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
+1 702-494-2517

Transportation:
Self-driving

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Hoover Dam tours

1-Day Itinerary: Hoover Dam Essentials

Spend a day exploring the impressive Hoover Dam, one of America’s engineering marvels, and nearby Lake Mead.

  • Morning: Arrive at Hoover Dam Visitor Center. Take the guided dam tour (about 1 hour).
  • Afternoon: Walk across the dam for stunning views. Visit the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge viewpoint.
  • Late afternoon: Explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area nearby. Optional short boat tour on Lake Mead.

Transportation: From Las Vegas (35 miles), take a rental car or book a guided shuttle/tour (1 hr drive). No public transit available directly to Hoover Dam.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Las Vegas for a wide range of options. For food near Hoover Dam, there are limited cafes; better to dine in Las Vegas or bring snacks.

Souvenirs: Hoover Dam branded merchandise, postcards, books on dam history, Lake Mead souvenirs.


2-Day Itinerary: Hoover Dam & Boulder City

Combine the Hoover Dam visit with the charming nearby town of Boulder City for a relaxed experience.

  • Day 1: Follow 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2: Explore Boulder City — visit the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum, stroll the historic downtown, and enjoy local cafes.

Transportation: Rental car or taxi between Hoover Dam and Boulder City (about 10-15 min, 6 miles).

Accommodation/Food: Stay overnight in Boulder City for a quieter setting. Recommended dining: The Dillinger, Boulder Dam Brewing Co.

Souvenirs: Local crafts, vintage-style souvenirs, Boulder City memorabilia.


3-Day Itinerary: Hoover Dam, Boulder City & Lake Mead

Extend your visit to include more outdoor activities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and nearby attractions.

  • Days 1-2: Follow 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Spend the day hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour on Lake Mead. Visit the Alan Bible Visitor Center for park info.

Transportation: Rental car recommended for flexibility around Lake Mead (15-20 min drive from Boulder City).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Boulder City or Las Vegas. Pack picnic food for Lake Mead or dine at marina restaurants.

Souvenirs: Outdoor gear, Lake Mead apparel, nature-themed gifts.


4-Day Itinerary: Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Lake Mead & Valley of Fire

Combine Hoover Dam with a visit to the stunning Valley of Fire State Park for a diverse nature experience.

  • Days 1-3: Follow 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4: Day trip to Valley of Fire State Park (about 1 hr 15 min drive from Boulder City). Explore hiking trails, rock formations, and visitor center.

Transportation: Rental car or guided tour recommended for Valley of Fire.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Boulder City or Las Vegas. Dining options near Valley of Fire are limited, bring snacks or eat in nearby towns.

Souvenirs: Native American crafts, Valley of Fire-themed items, hiking accessories.


5-Day Itinerary: Hoover Dam & Greater Las Vegas Region

Enjoy Hoover Dam and Boulder City, then explore some of the best attractions Las Vegas has to offer.

  • Days 1-4: Follow 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5: Return to Las Vegas to visit The Strip, Fremont Street Experience, and possibly a show or casino.

Transportation: Rental car or rideshare between Boulder City and Las Vegas (about 30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Stay on The Strip for easy access to attractions and dining ranging from casual to luxury.

Souvenirs: Vegas-themed memorabilia, casino merchandise, luxury gifts.


6-Day Itinerary: Hoover Dam & Southwest Nature Loop

Include Hoover Dam and extend into other natural highlights around Nevada and Arizona for a scenic adventure.

  • Days 1-5: Follow 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6: Drive to Lake Havasu City (about 2.5 hrs) to see the London Bridge and enjoy the Colorado River.

Transportation: Rental car required for road trip.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lake Havasu City for a night. Try local steakhouses or waterfront dining.

Souvenirs: London Bridge souvenirs, river-themed gifts, local crafts.


7-Day Itinerary: Complete Hoover Dam & Southwest Highlights

Spend a week exploring Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, Las Vegas, and nearby iconic natural and urban landmarks.

  • Days 1-6: Follow 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Day trip to Grand Canyon West Rim (about 2.5 hrs drive) including Skywalk experience and scenic views.

Transportation: Rental car or guided tour from Las Vegas.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Las Vegas or Boulder City. Grand Canyon West has food facilities; consider packed snacks for day trips.

Souvenirs: Grand Canyon-themed gifts, Native American jewelry, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead memorabilia.


User Reviews

By Lonely Planet |

When traveling to the Grand Canyon, you must pass by the Hoover Dam.

It's the power source of Las Vegas; without it, there would be no Las Vegas.

Here I want to remind everyone that it is free to park here. You can drive across the bridge and park in the parking lot on the other side. But you need to walk back to visit the dam.

In addition, there is a viewing point before entering the dam branch road, where you can have a panoramic view of the dam from a distance.

No guns are allowed on the dam.

Subject to police inspection.

By Wu Qingyun |

Hoover Dam & Mead Lake

Hoover Dam is a key project in the United States' comprehensive development of the Colorado River's water resources. Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, due to the one-hour time difference between the two states, clocks are located at each end of the dam to facilitate timekeeping. Lake Mead, also known as Lake Mead, is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the United States. Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, it was formed by the famous Hoover Dam that blocked the Colorado River and is the 16th largest artificial lake in the world.

By Timothy Tianshuo |

This towering site is brimming with the wisdom of human engineering. Known as the Diamond of the Desert, its dramatic elevation difference creates a powerful visual impact. It evokes countless cinematic narratives and the toil of its builders. We passed by and walked the dam from beginning to end. Hoover Dam, an iconic landmark of the American West, was filmed here for the famous movie "Transformers." As the largest dam in the United States, it holds a significant place in the history of global water conservancy construction.



For those who want to go, the current (during the epidemic) opening status of Hoover Dam is here (there may be many updates and changes as the epidemic situation changes, so the website is put here for everyone to check in real time). The Visitor Center and exhibition hall are closed, but the outdoor landscape and parking building are open (viewed on February 22, 2021).

By I'm not an editor |

I'm not one of those Anglophile young people who's well-versed in American history, so I wasn't familiar with the story of former US President Hoover. Shortly after driving out of Las Vegas, we arrived at the dam east of the city. My biggest impression of the place was its desolateness: the bare hills devoid of any vegetation. Looking at the map, the area near Hoover Dam is Nevada, a place often mentioned in American films. The dam's uniqueness is difficult to discern with the naked eye, and it's hard to imagine anyone coming here specifically for this attraction, unless they're passionate about water conservancy and history.

By Metasequoia |

A key project in the United States for the comprehensive development of Colorado River water resources, the Black Canyon, located at the border of Nevada and Arizona, provides comprehensive benefits for flood control, irrigation, power generation, shipping, and water supply. Hoover Dam, overlooking the area, is located in northwestern Arizona, on Interstate 93, at the northwestern border of Nevada and Arizona. Due to the one-hour time difference between Arizona and Nevada, clocks are located at each end of the dam to facilitate timekeeping. It's approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Las Vegas.

By frozen rice |

It's just a super big dam. You will pass by it when you return to LV.

By ShannonXu |

In fact, the rise of Las Vegas is also related to the construction of this dam. However, the construction workers who built the dam spent their leisure time in Las Vegas all year round. After the dam was completed, a large number of workers left Vegas. In order to maintain the economic source of Vegas, the locals decided to further develop and expand the gambling entertainment industry to form a large-scale tourism industry and attract tourists. Obviously, they did it.

By McDull's Holiday |

Built in 1935, the dam was a world wonder of hydraulic engineering at the time. Even today, it still retains its grandeur and impressive presence, making it a popular film location for blockbusters like "San Andreas" and "2012."

By Lin Xiaoqiu |

Interested visitors can park their car and purchase a ticket for an in-depth tour of the dam's base. For someone who's already visited the Three Gorges Dam, this is a bonus attraction. Parking is free on the rear side of the dam. The best viewing point is on the viaduct opposite, and the parking lot is located just off the highway. Climbing the viaduct reveals the full frontal view of the dam. While I'm not particularly impressed by dams, I do pay tribute to the American technology that achieved the feat of building a dam in the desert 80 years ago.

By Perfume is poisonous |

The magnificent momentum and huge engineering have created a generation of legends

By celery seedlings |

The Hoover Dam was a miracle of water conservancy engineering in the world at that time. After its completion, it generated 135 kilowatts (KW) of electricity. Now after expansion and renovation, it generates 208KW of electricity, supplying the electricity consumption of the entire Las Vegas and some other cities in Nevada. It is because of the Hoover Dam that the famous Las Vegas came into being, so the Hoover Dam is called the Mother of Las Vegas.

By Fuzzy |

It is still very majestic. Many movies have been filmed here and it is worth seeing.

By Sky traces flowing clouds |

The dam is only 50 kilometers from the city, less than an hour's drive. There are two ways to explore Hoover Dam. One is to climb the dam and explore it up close. Navigate directly to the Hoover Dam parking lot, then walk 600 to 700 meters to the dam. This location has been the setting for blockbusters like "Transformers" and "San Andreas." The other is to climb the bridge and admire it from afar. Navigate to the Boulder Dam Bridge parking lot, then walk 600 to 700 meters to the highway bridge across from the dam. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the dam from afar, making it a great place for photos. However, be aware that during certain periods, the winds on the bridge can be extremely strong! Many portraits will end up looking disheveled in the wind.

By tin_tin |

Because it was the weekend, there were so many people that I couldn't find a parking space. I stopped temporarily and took a few photos to mark my visit. In fact, you can see a more spectacular view on the opposite bridge.

By Kimi is undeterred by wind and rain |

The two ends of the dam separate the lake with a huge drop and the extremely low water level. Interestingly, the two ends of the dam walking section are located in Nevada and Arizona respectively. Arizona does not have daylight saving time, which means that there is a one-hour difference between the two places in winter.

By Yu Laobei |

Because "Transformers" was filmed there, it's back in the spotlight. Las Vegas is incredibly hot, especially in the desert. So, when we visited Hoover Dam, there weren't even any trees. It was practically melting.

1. If you're driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you'll pass by here first, so you can visit both attractions together. Parking is $10 inside the building. If you drive a little further ahead, you can park for free, but it's too far and too sunny, and I'm worried my car will explode.

2. "Tragic Hero" Hoover led its construction. The dam, named after President Hoover, built in 1935, is a global benchmark for water conservancy projects. As Roosevelt's predecessor, Hoover was often blamed for Roosevelt's actions. During Hoover's four years as president, the United States began implementing work-for-relief programs. The federal government built 37,000 miles of roads and the Hoover Dam in Arizona. Unfortunately, the Great Depression shattered the American Dream, and Americans unfairly blamed Hoover for the financial crisis, forgetting that Hoover had successfully provided relief to 150 million people in Europe more than a decade earlier. Calling Hoover a tragic hero isn't an exaggeration, given Roosevelt's unwavering luck. However, Hoover Dam continues to benefit the people of this desert, providing electricity to three continents, including California. It's the "Diamond of the Desert" and the largest dam in the United States.

3. The Hoover Dam is really huge. It took five years to build and is 221 meters high. 112 people died during its construction. There is a memorial stone at the entrance to commemorate these workers.

4. Because the dam is located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, there's a one-hour time difference. Therefore, there are clocks at both ends of the dam that display the time in each state. So, walking across this bridge takes an hour instead of a few minutes. Hahahaha, interesting.

5 What impressed me most was that there was a commemorative plaque on the outer wall for a dog, and some old photos. Americans are really interesting, funny, cheerful and fun.

6 You can buy drinks and ice cream near the elevator. Many foreigners bought ice cream because it was really hot.

By Dolphin |

It was really hot by noon, it felt like over 40 degrees Celsius, as if we were in the desert.

You can buy a ticket to enter the Hoover Dam to see the working machines, and finally you can go to the platform to see the dam in person.

By Fairy tales of stars |

I think it was in junior high history textbooks, during the Great Depression, that I learned about this president's notoriety. Various items were named "Hoover" to mock his failed actions during the Great Depression. It felt like a stepping stone to later learning about Roosevelt's achievements. So when I first heard about Hoover Dam, I thought it was also a form of irony.



Standing on the memorial bridge and looking at the dam, I felt that no matter how history and politics judge this president, this dam is still benefiting the residents of this desert nearly 100 years later, supplying power to three continents, including California. It is also the largest dam in the United States and is known as the Diamond of the Desert.

By Kiki's Holiday |

If you go to Las Vegas, you must go. No need to explain too much. Parking in the parking lot next to the visitor center is charged, and the parking lot further up is free.

By PETER |

The Hoover Dam has a visitor center and is a tourist attraction. Ten years ago, due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, tour buses were unable to visit the dam.

However, due to time constraints, we did not go deep into the dam to visit the interior. Standing on the dam, you can see the Hoover Bridge opposite at a glance.

To prevent overflowing, the Hoover Dam has released water twice: once as a test and once as a full-scale release. Because the Hoover Reservoir's capacity already exceeds the annual flow of the Colorado River, it rarely needs to release water. The dam has no floodgates and no navigation channel.

The Hoover Dam was a massive project, and 112 workers lost their lives in various accidents during its construction.

Hoover Dam is built on the border of Arizona and Nevada. Nevada belongs to the Mountain Time Zone of the United States, while Arizona belongs to the Pacific Time Zone of the United States. There is a one-hour time difference between the two time zones. There is a clock at each end of the dam, and the two clocks have a one-hour time difference.

By Jessi |

There were quite a few people who came here to see the attraction. There's an indoor parking lot near the dam, and it's $10 for unlimited parking. Another parking spot is at least a 15-20 minute walk from the dam, and it's open-air! Open-air! For our car's safety, we also paid $10.

The temperature of 45℃ was still very uncomfortable. So I left without doing much exploring. I just considered it a visit and $10 was the entrance fee.

By Leung A Lun |

On the way from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you must pass the Hoover Dam. It is a very classic scene. Megatron is hiding underneath. It is a great engineering project from more than 70 years ago. I admire it sincerely.

By Watermelon Milk |

This dam carries a very important mission, providing electricity to residents of LV and surrounding areas. It is also a transportation hub.

By Photographer YING_Z |

In itself, the Hoover Dam was indeed a major project at the time, but compared with various Chinese miracles, the Chinese have become a little accustomed to it.

There's a small, free parking lot at the Hoover Dam, and you can walk up to the bridge to take photos. The wind was so strong, we snapped two quick photos and then left.

By Wang Wang 77 Big Mouth Ding |

There is free parking in the dam area, and you can walk up to see the front of the dam. This is also the border between Nevada and Arizona.

By Xiao Si is not obviously thin |

Hoover Dam, though located deep in the dry and hot desert, is visited by many tourists. Since the dam is located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, there is a one-hour time difference between the two states. Therefore, there are clocks at each end of the dam, showing the time in each state. It is very interesting. It is quite shocking to see the dam up close. Hoover Dam has made a great contribution to making Las Vegas a city that never sleeps in the vast desert.

By Mr. Tamagoyaki |

Here, you can admire the meticulously designed great buildings, and the guide's explanation will give you a deeper understanding of this place where human power is embodied to the fullest.

Tips: Touring the dam can be incredibly hot in the summer, so stay hydrated. After the parking garage, drive directly across the dam and park in the open-air parking lot on the other side. It seems free, saving you the $10 parking fee inside the garage. Also, don't forget to visit the Mead Lookout on your way out, and bring some peanuts, as you'll see chipmunks everywhere!

By Meow |

The scenery is nice. Come in the morning for direct light and in the afternoon for backlight.

By c_h_flower |

Built during the Great Depression in the 1930s, it feels like the last glimpse of tranquility before entering Las Vegas. Along the way, you'll encounter barren, rocky mountains, winding mountain roads, and tunnels, before suddenly discovering this breathtaking aerial highway bridge. The azure blue of the sky and lake blends seamlessly into one, a breathtaking sight.

By Wheat Lost |

Visit Hoover Dam to witness the achievements of human ingenuity and natural beauty.

The unique geographical environment and man-made structures have made this area a popular filming location for many films, including "Transformers" and "Incredibles." Many Transformers fans even make special trips here to worship, hoping to see Megatron suddenly leap from the water. Unfortunately, this majestic dam has been repeatedly destroyed in numerous film and television productions.

The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge at the dam spans the Colorado River, connecting Arizona and Nevada.

The dam marks the border between Nevada and Arizona, and is in two different time zones, with clocks on both sides. So, when you walk from one side of the bridge to the other, it takes more than an hour instead of a few minutes.

By Luo Lei |

Leaving Vegas and heading to the Grand Canyon, we will see the famous Hoover Dam, located at the border of Arizona and Nevada.

The bird's-eye view of the dam from the Continental Boundary Bridge was quite stunning. We drove down for a short drive. Since we stayed there for quite a while, we arrived at the Grand Canyon at 1 a.m. It was a true "one-road, one-way drive" experience. The steering wheel barely turned, my foot on the accelerator constantly on the road. The American West is truly a magical place.

By Hao Ningning Nicole |

The dam spans the border between Nevada and Arizona. Construction began in 1931 and was completed in 1935, taking five years. It is currently the largest dam in the United States. In order to build this dam, many workers sacrificed their lives in an era when machinery was not well developed. To this day, there is a stone tablet at the entrance of the Hoover Dam to commemorate the workers who gave their lives to build this dam.

When I actually stood on this dam, as someone with an engineering background, I couldn't help but sigh that this is truly a miracle of mankind. Under the towering cliffs is the rushing Colorado River. This river and the dam have benefited countless lives in the Colorado River basin, and the electricity they provide is supplied to California, Nevada, and Arizona. Standing on the observation deck, you can take in the entire view of the dam, and you can reach Arizona from Nevada by crossing the bridge on the dam.

This dam has appeared in many American blockbusters. The dam was blown up in Doomsday and War. In short, it is a dam that appears frequently in movies, but is always blown up.

My friend was very interested in the dam and the bridge. He kept telling me about the working principle of the dam and the differences between this dam and other dam structures. Maybe the technology at that time was not up to standard, etc. But when he thought about the hundreds of kilometers of walking ahead, he hurriedly urged him to finish taking pictures and hurry on. Only then did his friend leave reluctantly.

It took about an hour to visit the dam. When we set out from the dam, it was already 12:30 noon. There is a plank road for pedestrians on the bridge, but to go to Arizona from here, you must drive across the bridge.

By Carina |

If you don't want to join the tour, the dam itself isn't very interesting; you just have to walk across the river and back, and parking at the dam itself costs $10. However, it's worth the trip, as walking along the iconic Hoover Dam is quite an achievement. For a pure dam experience, the bridge upstream is recommended. Just before reaching the dam, turn right into the parking lot and climb a short flight of steps to the bridge. The bridge faces the dam, offering a panoramic view. Parking is free.

By Tang An |

I personally think it doesn't matter whether you go or not. There is still traffic jam when entering the scenic area.

By Sheng means blooming |

This somewhat tragic dam has been blown up countless times by Americans in various disaster movies. But that's it. The clichés have tortured me thousands of times, and I love clichés like first love.

Without the Hoover Dam, there would be no Las Vegas's glamour and extravagance.

There is no entrance fee to the Hoover Dam. When you enter the dam, staff will ask you to lower your car window and ask a few simple questions such as "Where are you from?" and "Where are you going?"

Parking fee is $10, please prepare cash.

It was still chilly in Kingman that morning, but by the time we arrived at Hoover Dam, Dasheng and I were practically parched. It wasn't just hot, the wind was strong. What was that like? It was like being sweaty, and the wind blew my hair, which had been sunburned like straw, all over my face.

By My name is Zao Zao |

It is an enlarged version of Glen Dam, very spectacular. It blocks the Colorado River and forms the artificial Lake Mead behind it. There are so many tourists visiting the Hoover Dam that the parking lot was a bit crowded at one point and the fee is $10 per car. The dam is located right in the middle of Arizona and Nevada, so Arizona time is used on the left end of the dam and Nevada time is used on the right end of the dam. There are two large clocks on both sections of the dam to make it easier for tourists to check the time and don't make a mistake. The dam is famous on the one hand for the huge economic and social benefits it brings to the local area, and on the other hand for its huge engineering volume. I believe it is also a miracle in the history of human engineering. Of course, the Hoover Dam is also famous because it is the filming location for many disaster blockbusters.

By small stone |

Before entering the Hoover Dam, there will be a checkpoint for a simple parking security check.

The Hoover Dam should be the last large-scale water conservancy project built in the United States. It is said that large-scale water conservancy projects have an impact on the local climate, so they were no longer built after that.

The dam is also the place where Megatron appears in the movie "Transformers".

Las Vegas is built on the desert wilderness. The reason why this city that never sleeps can party every night is because of the construction of the world-class Hoover Dam, which provides Las Vegas with a steady supply of electricity.

Hoover Dam parking tips: Before you reach the dam, there will be signs pointing you to the parking lot, but this parking lot has a $10 fee. You can also drive all the way to the dam, pass the road around the dam, and then go uphill. There is free parking halfway up the mountain.

By Mockingjay |

Hoover Dam is less than an hour from Las Vegas. Park your car in the designated visitor parking lot and you'll be greeted by the majestic dam. Admission to the top is free, but only inside is charged. The dam, completed in 1936, stands 221 meters tall. The fact that such a dam could be built just over 80 years ago speaks volumes about the power of the United States back then.

By Maomao's Little Life |

The huge drainage tunnel... The entrance is so huge that I can't capture its size with my phone. Seeing it in person is truly astonishing...

By MM |

Hoover Dam is the largest dam in the United States and is known as the "Diamond in the Desert".

The driver said that the construction of the dam took a huge amount of manpower and material resources, and a total of about 112 people died during the construction process.

Does this scene remind you of the place where Megatron was imprisoned in Transformers?

On the way back, I looked back at the Hoover Dam and saw the huge height difference.

By Cats and Tigers Travel the World |

The ticket is $15 per person. You can watch a documentary to learn about the history of the Hoover Dam, then take the elevator to the bottom of the dam to visit the large drainage pipes. This series of activities will give you a close look at this famous dam, and you can also take photos with the dam in different positions. If you like, you can buy them as souvenirs. There are also commemorative coins that can be stamped. In short, it is well worth a visit.

By Dreams |

I learned a lot about the dam at the visitor center and watched a few short documentaries. I was amazed at the environmental awareness, safety consciousness, and engineering skills of Americans in the last century! I was even more impressed by the power of nature!

By Fiona_Xiao Haohao |

The dam is a filming location for Transformers. It's said to be crucial for the electricity supply of Vegas, a city that never sleeps. As you approach, you'll see all sorts of high-voltage transmission lines and base stations. The crisscrossing wires are truly impressive.

By Guangzhou-Falling Flowers |

Hoover Dam is very close to Las Vegas, less than an hour's drive away. Tours heading to the Grand Canyon often pass through the dam. While entry is free, vehicles entering the area undergo security checks. However, upon noticing our Asian appearance, the staff simply waved us through. The dam was packed with visitors, and the several parking lots were completely packed. We drove halfway up the mountain and found a spot. While Hoover Dam might seem like a small dam compared to the Three Gorges Dam in China, its frequent appearances in Hollywood blockbusters like Transformers, 2012, and Doomsday have earned it widespread recognition. Plus, the experience of actually stepping into a movie set is truly remarkable. A ticket to the interior of the dam is $20 per person, which seemed a bit pricey, so we opted not to go inside.

By oscar |

I am not interested in this attraction, but the security check when entering the scenic area is quite strict. Luggage that cannot be placed in the luggage rack is not allowed to be brought in, and staff will also get on the bus to check.

By lele-wow wow |

The messy wires break the beauty of the whole place, but it is still worth seeing.

By Ziqian |

Regarding parking at the Khufu Dam: There are a lot of cars coming here, so there will be a queue of cars when you first come in. There is a parking lot right at the entrance. We didn't turn in at the time. We just followed the car in front of us and drove forward. We will pass the bridge and drive up the mountain. There will be several small parking lots along the way. You can park wherever you see a parking space. This is free, but parking spaces are hard to find. When we went out, we found out that the parking lot at the entrance just mentioned charges $10 per car. You can see the dam up close there. We drove up the mountain and looked down.

By Susanhxs |

It was still early, so before heading to LV, we stopped by to see the Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam is the largest dam in the United States, and its reservoir is also the largest artificial lake in the country. Since I was just visiting on the way, I didn't do much research. Only then did I realize the dam has a history of nearly 100 years. It tamed the unruly Colorado River, harnessing its water for the benefit of the people. It's the reason the desert city of Las Vegas is a perpetual neon sign. The dam is 223 meters high, with a base approximately 200 meters thick at its thickest point. It's 14 meters wide and 380 meters long. My son also recognized it; it was the filming location for the famous "Transformers" movie.

The top floor is free to visit, and you can take the elevator to the bottom of the dam to visit the power plant with 17 hydroelectric generators. We left without visiting the bottom.

By elephant |

It doesn't have any special features, so it's not recommended unless you have interest and professional background knowledge in this area.

By ZQ |

The scenery is amazing, the dam is not covered, it is definitely worth a visit!

By shanwei55 |

Hoover Dam is a key project in the United States' comprehensive development of the Colorado River's water resources. Located in the Black Canyon at the junction of Nevada and Arizona, it has comprehensive benefits such as flood control, irrigation, power generation, shipping, and water supply.

The dam is a concrete gravity arch dam with a height of 221.4 meters. The reservoir formed by the dam is called Lake Mead, with a total storage capacity of 34.85 billion cubic meters. The installed capacity of the hydropower station was originally 1.34 million kW, but has now been expanded to 2.08 million kW, and is planned to reach 2.452 million kW. Construction began in April 1931, was completed in March 1936, and the first unit officially generated electricity in October 1936. [1] Looking down at Hoover Dam, it is located in the northwest of Arizona, on Interstate 93, at the northwest junction of Nevada and Arizona. Because there is a one-hour time difference between Arizona and Nevada, a clock is installed at each end of the dam to facilitate time adjustment for passers-by. It is about 40 kilometers southeast of Las Vegas. The project is huge and will play a huge role in the development of industry and agriculture after its completion. Therefore, it occupies an important position in the ranks of world water conservancy projects. The construction of the Hoover Dam cost a huge amount of money and mobilized a large number of manpower. It was completed and put into use in 1936. It is an arch-type gravity man-made concrete dam. The dam is 220 meters high, 200 meters wide at the bottom, 14 meters wide at the top, and 377 meters long. Such a huge dam is rare in the world. [2] The Hoover Dam is an arch-type gravity man-made concrete dam, a world-famous water conservancy project. The Colorado River below the dam was once the deepest and most turbulent river in the United States, but now it flows slowly, like a tamed beast.

By Heart from the mountains and rivers |

The Hoover Dam itself isn't particularly impressive, but you can take an elevator to the deeper parts of the dam to see how it works and learn about the creatures that live there. It's only a 1935 masterpiece, but I felt so proud to be here. I really wanted to use a megaphone to promote our Three Gorges Dam. [jump] [spin]

By Jusaka |

The bus was already waiting at the stop. The famous Hoover Dam is incomparable to the Three Gorges Dam. China is proud of it. Las Vegas is a desert area. All the water comes from here. The tour guide said the water level has been dropping rapidly recently. The white exposed area next to the canyon is the water level. The dam will be empty soon.

By bingbing |

After a little over half an hour's drive, we arrived at Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Formed by Hoover Dam, which cuts the Colorado River in half, Lake Mead is said to be the world's largest artificial lake. We took a couple of quick photos and then headed towards Hoover Dam. Hoover Dam is one of America's seven modern wonders of civil engineering and is truly spectacular. Hoover Dam marks the border between Nevada and Arizona, and with a one-hour time difference between the two states, the time difference is a constant source of confusion every day.

By Brandon and Rita |

We also visited the Hoover Dam on the way. It takes about 35 minutes to drive from Vegas, and about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get from Hoover Dam to Tusayan.

By Dongfang Min |

The place where we were walking was still dozens of miles away from the city.

By iMrs. Nai and Xiaofeng |

We're two-thirds through our US trip. Yesterday, we didn't rush to see the Hoover Dam, as the last group of visitors was at 3:30 p.m. The dam is 33 miles from Las Vegas, so we canceled our plans to visit Las Vegas and went to see the dam instead.

Hoover Dam is guarded by the US military, and soldiers check vehicles upon entering the dam. President Hoover's decision to build a dam in such a dry and hot region is truly admirable. The dam took four years to build, 16 years to store water, and only a few years after its completion was it officially named Hoover Dam. Without the Hoover Dam power plant, Las Vegas wouldn't even have much light.

By Restless Samantha |

I saw it on the way back to Las Vegas from the Grand Canyon. It was the infrastructure built during the Great Depression in the United States. It was quite spectacular.

By Lily\LY |

When I took a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas in 2008, I saw the Michael & Pat Memorial Bridge, which hadn't been repaired yet. In 2016, I made a detour to Hoover Dam, about an hour from Vegas. Following local advice, we didn't park at the dam's parking lot, which charges $10. Instead, we parked in the free parking lot just ahead of the Michael & Pat Memorial Bridge. From the Michael & Pat Memorial Bridge, I had a breathtaking view of the dam and the Nevada-Arizona state line.

If you have limited time and aren't particularly interested in the dam, you don't need to pay to enter. The scenery from the bridge is absolutely stunning. The bridge can be windy, so be careful not to get your hat or scarf blown away.

By wood75 |

Today's itinerary is to drive 400 kilometers from Las Vegas to check in in the small town of Williams. The original plan was to rent an RV starting from LV, but I feel a little regretful that I didn't do so.

We stopped by the Hoover Dam for a visit. The temperature outside was over 40 degrees Celsius, and the walk from the parking lot to the attraction took about 10 minutes. None of my teammates wanted to go, and only after my repeated insistence did they painfully go and take photos to commemorate our visit. We walked along, wearing headscarves, hats, and umbrellas, drawing surprised glances from foreigners. But it was truly too hot...

This is the kind of attraction you only take a quick look at. We have plenty of time anyway, so we just stop when we pass by and spend half an hour to take a look around.

By hyacinth! |

The Hoover Dam is 221.4 meters high and its embankment is 377 meters long.

By Rice sauce |

This was quite a feat back then! It's worth mentioning that the Hoover Dam marks the boundary between the Nevada and Arizona time zones.

By Keep a sample |

The legendary Hoover Dam, when I visited in late July, felt like it was about to evaporate from the heat. The sun was shining brightly, and the lake was incredibly blue, making it a beautiful place for photos. It's definitely a worthwhile little attraction to visit.

By CC saves money and goes out to play |

After coming down from the Lake Mead Observation Deck, follow the signs to the Hoover Dam and stop at the parking lot of the Mike O'Callaghanpat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Walk up the viewing bridge to overlook the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam is very deep and impressive.

By China-TravelNote users |

I learned about the Khufu Dam in my textbooks when I was a child. It is worth seeing when you go to the United States! The dam is really spectacular!

By Baileys |

It looked so majestic in the movie "Transformers," but it wasn't as impressive in real life. However, the fact that a dam of this size was built in the 1930s is still quite impressive.

By Mars User |

People who are afraid of heat should not go there in the summer. This huge project built in the 1930s is still worth a visit. Remember to take heatstroke prevention measures if you go there in the summer!

By Zhuang and Orange |

In the 1930s, Hoover Dam was built 47 kilometers southeast of Las Vegas. Lake Mead, one of the world's largest artificial lakes, is now home to the Hoover Dam. Its abundant hydropower supply has fueled the city's development. You can drive over the dam, but you can't stop. After the dam, there are several roadside parking lots with excellent views. Take a photo here and hurry to your next stop.

By everestyuan0801 |

Hoover Dam is a must-see attraction on the way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, the dam forms a reservoir called Lake Mead, generating electricity that lights up the neon lights of Las Vegas. It's one of America's seven modern wonders of civil engineering. It's also where Megatron from the Transformers movie hides, which was the main reason for our visit.

By I am the nose and you are the snot |

This majestic landmark, often bombed on television, lies on the border of Nevada and Arizona. It provides comprehensive services for flood control, irrigation, power generation, shipping, and water supply. Due to the one-hour time difference between Arizona and Nevada, clocks are located at each end of the dam to facilitate timekeeping. Admission to the top of the dam is free. An elevator descends 520 feet to the base of the dam, where you can visit the powerhouse with 17 hydroelectric generators (tickets are required).

By janet777 |

There is an observation deck, few people, and the scenery is breathtaking. It is less than an hour away from Las and is worth a visit.

By d8-gadds |

We went to the Hoover Dam on the way. We went there in the afternoon and took photos against the light. Later we went to see the lake view, which was pretty good.

By Have some fun |

It is very worth seeing and very shocking, and it allows us to have a deeper understanding of my country's XX Dam.

By Laoshan Stone |

On our way back from Grand Canyon West, we passed Hoover Dam and stopped briefly for photos. Hoover Dam, located on the northwestern border of Nevada and Arizona, straddles the Colorado River and is the largest dam in the United States. Also known as the "Diamond of the Desert," the dam, built during the Great Depression, has provided 5,000 jobs and is a milestone in the history of water conservancy. It marked the beginning of the glorious history of the development of the American West and contributed to the rise of Las Vegas.

To get a closer look at Hoover Dam, you need to walk across the towering Mike O' Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, an arch bridge spanning the Colorado River, connecting Arizona and Nevada.

The Mac O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is named after Nevada Governor Mac O'Callaghan and local American football player Pat Tillman, who enlisted in the Army from the Arizona Cardinals and later died in Afghanistan.

This memorial bridge is high and steep (260 meters above the river surface). It was very windy that day and standing on the bridge, I felt like I was being blown away by the wind.

By what |

It was okay, though not speaking Chinese would be a bit of a hassle. After paying, the tour inside the dam was quite boring if you didn't speak English. He explained the dam's operation (roughly). The tour cost $15 for adults, $12 for ages 6 to 16 (approximately), and $12 for adults who didn't go inside. I can't quite remember the price for the young ones.


The attractions mentioned in the above itinerary