So you’re spending some time in Las Vegas and hoping to take a quick excursion to take some Hoover Dam photos. But how far is the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas? Do you have time to make the trip happen?
The distance from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam is about 30 miles. That’s about a 45-minute drive under normal conditions, but keep in mind that the area around the dam can get congested with tourists and construction in the summertime. Let’s discuss some of the best ways to get from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam and why this iconic historic landmark is worth the trip.
Where is the Hoover Dam?
The Hoover Dam is located on the Arizona-Nevada border and sits within the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It’s a short drive from Las Vegas, making it a popular tourist destination for anyone looking to explore the area.
This area is a great spot for sightseeing, taking photos, and learning about the history of this engineering marvel.
When was the Hoover Dam built?
The dam was built between 1930 and 1937 as an ambitious project designed to control flooding along the Colorado River and generate hydroelectric power.
It was the largest public works project ever undertaken by the United States government at that time, and construction of the Hoover Dam took more than 5,000 workers to complete.
Why was the Hoover Dam built?
Constructed to prevent flooding, distribute water through areas along the Colorado River, and produce hydroelectric power, Hoover Dam is a multi-functional masterpiece. Upon completion and the hydroelectric generators going online in 1937, this spectacular feat of engineering continued to supply hydropower to millions of people living in southwestern America and beyond.
Since its construction, Hoover Dam has been a resounding success — preventing flooding of the Colorado River while also providing nearby residents with an unwavering source of electricity. Over 100 years later, it continues to satisfy each and every one of its original objectives.
If you’re interested in learning about Hoover Dam’s history, the Visitor Center offers several exhibits that explore its construction process, as well as its impact on the region’s environment.
How long did it take?
How long did it take to build the Hoover Dam? Seven years, to be exact!
The Hoover Dam construction began in 1930 and completed in 1937, making it one of the most ambitious public works projects ever undertaken by the United States federal government. Construction of the dam took more than 5,000 workers to complete, and its presence has benefited not only southwestern America but also many other parts of the world as well.
How to get to the Hoover Dam
Since the distance from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam is so close, there are different options when it comes to accessing this important landmark.
The easiest way to get from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam is by car. You can use your own car, but if you want to ride in something more comfortable or safe for rugged regions, consider renting a vehicle. There are plenty of options in the Las Vegas area, whether you want to ride out in style or with a sporting vehicle.
Since the Hoover Dam is so close to an urban area, it’s possible to take rideshare services or buses to get there. Services like Uber or Lyft will take you directly from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam, and they can often be more affordable than renting a car.
Adventurers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience can take a helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam. This is an unforgettable journey that can offer some of the best views of this man-made engineering wonder. You can find private vendors selling this experience along the Vegas strip.
Hoover Dam tours
If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of the Hoover Dam, consider taking one of the many guided tours. These tours will give you an up-close and personal look at this impressive structure and its history, as well as provide insight into the importance of the dam and its impact on the region.
Some benefits of taking tours include exclusive access to certain areas of the dam, as well as learning about its construction, history, and operations from experienced guides.
You don’t have to worry about driving or navigating the area when taking a tour, and you can often find discounts for larger groups or those booking ahead of time.
Don’t miss out on an amazing Gray Line Hoover Dam Express Bus Tour. Explore the Hoover Dam for two hours, get amazing photo opportunities from the Nevada and Arizona look-out points, go on a VIP Government Guided Power Plant Tour included, witness the breathtaking spillway, admire the majesty of the Hoover Dam from the newly built bypass bridge, and explore Lake Mead. Book your tour today!
What will you see at the Hoover Dam, and what should you do?
Once you’ve arrived at the Hoover Dam, there are a few things to do and see:
1. Take a guided tour
Tours of the Hoover Dam are offered daily and typically last around an hour. During the tour, you’ll learn all about the dam’s construction history and its impact on southwestern America.
2. Check out the Visitor Center
The Visitor Center offers several exhibits that explore the construction process behind building this incredible structure, as well as its impact on the environment.
3. Photograph the dam
The Hoover Dam has become an iconic symbol, so don’t forget to take some photos of it! You can come at certain times of the day when the sun will hit the dam and create a beautiful backlit silhouette.
4. Take a walk across the bridge
One way to get a better look at the dam is to take a walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which provides a spectacular view of the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mead.
5. Take a kayak tour
For an up-close and personal immersive experience, you can take a kayak tour of the area. This is a great way to get an even better view of the dam from below.
Whether you’re interested in learning about its history or just want to get some amazing photographs, the Hoover Dam offers something for everyone. So make sure to add this destination to your Las Vegas plans!
The bottom line: how far is the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
The Hoover Dam is located about 30 miles away from Las Vegas, making it an easy day trip for visitors to the city. Whether you decide to drive, take a tour bus, or join an organized day trip from Las Vegas, you can be sure that your visit to Hoover Dam will be worth the effort.