How long to allow for Hoover Dam tour?

Question

We will be heading to Vegas over President's Day weekend in mid-Feb. We are looking at half day Emerald Cave kayak tours that start at Willow Beach at 10:45. If we were at Hoover Dam right when the tours started at 9:00 would we have time to do one of the tours before our kayak tour? It looks like about a 30 min drive from the dam to Willow Beach.

The alternate is a dam tour after our kayak tour, but it would be cutting it close to make the last tour of the day at 3:45.

It looks like the Visitor Center is closed until sometime in February for construction so not sure if that part of the tour would even be available when we visit.

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting plan for your President's Day weekend! As for timing, here are a few things to consider for your Hoover Dam visit in relation to the kayak tour at Willow Beach:

1. Timing for Hoover Dam Tour:

Hoover Dam tours generally take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of tour you select. The main tours are:

Powerplant Tour: This is the shortest, lasting about 30 minutes. It covers the basics of the dam and how it generates power.
Dam Tour (Classic Tour): This is a more thorough tour, lasting around 1 hour to 1.5 hours. It includes a visit to the inner workings of the dam and an observation deck.

If you plan to be at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center right when the first tour starts at 9:00 AM, you could potentially complete a Powerplant Tour (if you opt for the shorter version) and then head to Willow Beach. However, it might be tight timing if you are doing the more extensive Dam Tour, as this would likely put you over 1.5 hours and could make the 30-minute drive to Willow Beach a little rushed.

2. Will You Have Time Before Your Kayak Tour?

If you’re aiming to make the kayak tour at 10:45 AM, you’ll need to be finished with Hoover Dam and on your way to Willow Beach by around 10:00 AM to give yourself enough time. If you do the shorter Powerplant Tour, you might have time to wrap it up by 9:45 AM, but anything longer will make it tight. The drive from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach is about 30 minutes, which leaves little room for any delays.

3. Alternative Plan (After the Kayak Tour):

If you prefer to visit Hoover Dam after your kayak tour, the last tour typically starts around 3:45 PM. This gives you ample time to enjoy your kayak adventure without rushing. However, this option still depends on how long you want to spend at the dam. If you’re not too concerned about time, this can be a great option for a more relaxed experience at the dam.

4. The Visitor Center:

As you mentioned, the Hoover Dam Visitor Center will be closed for construction during your visit, so you may not have access to all of the exhibits and interactive displays. However, the dam itself will still be open, and you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoor areas and tours. The lack of the Visitor Center won’t impact the guided tours, as the tours will still be running from the exterior areas of the dam.

5. Suggestions:

If you want a quick tour and more time for kayaking, opt for the Powerplant Tour at Hoover Dam to minimize time spent there.
If you're concerned about timing, consider doing the Hoover Dam tour after your kayak trip, giving yourself more flexibility to enjoy both activities without rushing.
Alternatively, you could skip the formal tour and take a self-guided walk along the dam, which could save some time if you just want to see the sights quickly before heading to Willow Beach.

In summary, if you really want to stick with your morning schedule, I recommend going for the Powerplant Tour and trying to wrap it up by 9:30-9:45 AM to give yourself time to drive to Willow Beach. However, if you're more flexible, doing the Hoover Dam tour after your kayak tour seems like a less rushed and more relaxed option. Enjoy your trip!

How long to allow for Hoover Dam tour?

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