Taking a Hoover Dam trip from Vegas is an excellent idea since Boulder City is less than 45 minutes away. The Hoover Dam is just one attraction to see; there’s also Lake Mead, the Colorado River, Hemenway Park, and the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, to name a few.
It’s no wonder why this is considered one of the coolest day trips from Las Vegas, and you don’t even have to drive yourself. While it’s an easy ride, there are shuttles from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam that take care of transportation for you.
Best Hoover Dam tours from Vegas
Better yet, you can find organized tours from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam that provide transportation and an expert guide. This way, you maximize your visit, save time, and gain more knowledge about this historic hydroelectric structure.
A variety of excursions are available, and some are even included in Las Vegas’ tourist cards (for example, the GoCity Las Vegas Pass). To help you decide which one to take, I’m sharing the 7 best Las Vegas – Hoover Dam tours you should check out.
7 Best Hoover Dam tours from Vegas
There are all kinds of ways to visit the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, from bus tours and full-day trips to helicopter flights and river adventures. These are the top 7 Las Vegas tours to Hoover Dam:
- Half-day Hoover Dam bus tour
- Small-group Hoover Dam VIP tour
- Hoover Dam & Vegas Strip air tour
- Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon West tour
- Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon & 7 Magic Mountains tour
- Hoover Dam kayaking tour
- Hoover Dam rafting tour
1. Half-day bus tour, the cheapest Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas
Only have a few hours and a limited budget? In that case, I recommend this half-day tour with a knowledgeable guide who will help you make the most of your short visit to the Hoover Dam.
You’ll travel by coach bus from the Vegas Strip to Boulder City. Your driver will take you to some of the best photo spots in the area, including an overlook at Lake Mead. Then, you’ll walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to get a feel for the magnitude and immensity of the dam.
1. Half-day bus tour, the cheapest Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas
This excursion also gives you the option to take a tour down to the dam’s generator room. It costs an extra $15, but I think it’s worth it!
After visiting the dam, you’ll have a brief stop in the town’s Historic District to see the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum and antique shops from the 1930s. As you can see, this Hoover Dam bus trip from Las Vegas packs a lot into a little bit of time.
2. Small-group VIP tour, the best Hoover Dam tour from Vegas
This small-group excursion is the perfect option if you’re short on time. It has the added benefit of being limited to 14 participants, so you can move around quickly and see as much as possible.
Enjoy pick-up service from several hotels on the Strip and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. The tour guides on this trip are awesome, so you’ll get insights into the history and construction of the dam, as well as learn about the surrounding desert plants and animals.
2. Small-group VIP tour, the best Hoover Dam tour from Vegas
This bus tour from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam takes you through the scenic and historic Boulder City and to a lookout point over Lake Mead. Then, you’ll pull up to the dam and walk over the Memorial Bridge to get a different perspective of the structure.
Follow your guide to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Walkway, where you’ll be amazed by the birds-eye view of the dam and the Colorado River. This tour doesn’t go inside the visitor center, but it’s a suitable choice for those with only a few hours to spare.
3. Hoover Dam helicopter tour from Las Vegas
For something completely different, consider a Hoover Dam helicopter tour like this one.
The air terminal is right by Las Vegas Boulevard, so it couldn’t be easier. Plus, the helicopter has oversized panoramic windows so you can see as much as possible. Take in the sweeping views of the desert scenery, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River as you approach Boulder City.
3. Hoover Dam helicopter tour from Las Vegas
Then, enjoy an incredible vantage point of the Hoover Dam that people rarely see. As you return to Vegas, you’ll soar over the Strip and see famous landmarks like the Luxor Pyramid, High Roller, and Bellagio Fountains from above. You’ll want your camera for this!
This Hoover Dam helicopter tour from Las Vegas is one of the top-rated Vegas heli-tours, so I highly recommend it, especially if you’re short on time.
- Price from: $209
- Duration: 35-40 minutes
- Participants: 6
- Highlights: Air tour of Hoover Dam, Las Vegas Strip
4. Bus tour to Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon West Rim
If you have more time and don’t mind traveling by bus, check out this full-day excursion. It begins with a convenient pick-up service from Treasure Island Resort.
You’ll travel for about 2 hours through the desert and Joshua trees to the Grand Canyon West Rim. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the viewpoints and historic Native American heritage exhibits. There’s also an upgrade option to visit the Skywalk.
4. Bus tour to Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon West Rim
As this is a full-day trip from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, you have the option to have lunch provided for an extra fee, or you can buy lunch at the West Rim.
On the way back to Nevada, you’ll stop at the Hoover Dam to take pictures and admire the power of this massive structure. Then, you’ll stop at Boulder City and visit Hemenway Park (keep an eye out for bighorn sheep!) before returning to Vegas.
This is one of the most popular Grand Canyon tours from Vegas. Not only is it affordable, but it also covers a lot of ground and is led by an active guide who will help you get the best photos and learn a ton along the way.
- Price from: $84
- Duration: 10.5 hours
- Participants: 20+
- Highlights: Bus tour to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, Skywalk (optional), Hemenway Park
5. Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon & 7 Magic Mountains tour
Another option is this day trip which, in addition to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, visits 7 Magic Mountains.
The adventure starts on the Strip, where a bus will pick you up and take you to the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign for a photo op. Then, you’ll take a short ride to the Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful art installation in the middle of the desert.
Grab a quick bite for breakfast, then continue your ride to the Hoover Dam. Your guide will take you up the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Walkway for an unforgettable panorama of the dam.
5. Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon & 7 Magic Mountains tour
The next leg of the tour is a 1.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you’ll get to visit the famous Guano Point and Eagle Point lookouts. You can buy a ticket for the Skywalk or stay at Eagle Point and get some lunch.
After a couple of hours at the West Rim, it’s time to head back to Sin City. Fewer tours from Las Vegas go to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, two of the best places outside Vegas, so this trip is a great deal.
- Price from: $180
- Duration: 12 hours
- Participants: 14
- Highlights: Bus tour to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, Skywalk (optional), Seven Magic Mountains
6. Hoover Dam kayaking tour from Las Vegas
This kayaking tour is another unique Hoover Dam trip from Las Vegas. If a day on the water sounds good to you, I highly recommend it!
You’ll embark right by the Memorial Bridge and follow your guide down the winding Colorado River while marveling at the gorgeous scenery all around. There’s a place to buy breakfast near the dam, or you can opt to bring your own. The trip is 12 miles, so it’s a lot of work, but there are stops along the way.
6. Hoover Dam kayaking tour from Las Vegas
For example, you’ll pass by interesting formations like the Goldstrike Hot Spring and White Rock Canyon. Don’t worry; your guide will provide background history for each stop, as well as point out any nearby wildlife. There’s also a refreshing stop at the Arizona Hot Springs for some relaxation. As you get near Willow Beach, you’ll check out the aptly named Emerald Cave.
While this tour is suitable for all skill levels, you should be physically fit. This excursion isn’t recommended for people with heart conditions, back or shoulder problems, or any medical/physical limitations.
- Price from: $199
- Duration: 7 hours
- Participants: 10
- Highlights: Kayaking at the Hoover Dam, Black Canyon, hot springs
7. Hoover Dam rafting tour from Las Vegas
Lastly, this rafting excursion is a shorter and more leisurely alternative to kayaking. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking for a Hoover Dam boat tour from Las Vegas with just the right amount of adventure!
It starts with a pick-up service from Treasure Island Resort, where you’ll board the bus and ride through the Mojave Desert to Hoover Dam Lodge in Boulder City. There, you’ll get special access down to the base of the dam along the Colorado River.
7. Hoover Dam rafting tour from Las Vegas
This is where you’ll board the raft and set off on a peaceful float down the river and alongside the canyon walls. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as your guide shares facts about the native fauna and the history of the Hoover Dam.
In addition to the beautiful environment, you’ll see the Bypass Bridge, the Old Catwalk, the Gauging Station, and the huge concrete slabs that make up the dam, so it’s quite an experience!
- Price from: $119
- Duration: 4 hours
- Participants: 15
- Highlights: Rafting tour at Hoover Dam
How much is a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas?
As you can see, there are all types of tours of Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, so you can find an option for every budget. The price of an excursion depends on multiple factors, such as duration, number of stops, and mode of transportation.
To give you a better idea, and to help you quickly compare all the options I mentioned at a glance, here is a comparison chart of each tour’s price, duration, and highlights:
TOUR | PRICE | DURATION | TRANSPORT | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$65 | 4 hours | 🚐 | • Hoover Dam |
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$70 | 3 hours | 🚌 | • Hoover Dam (small group) |
|
$209 | 35-40 minutes | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$84 | 10.5 hours | 🚐 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$180 | 12 hours | 🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$199 | 7 hours | 🛶 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$119 | 4 hours | 🚣🏻 | • Hoover Dam |
|
BEST HOOVER DAM TOURS FROM VEGAS |
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If you’re looking for a cheap Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas, stick to half-day tours. Bus trips are the most affordable and often have pick-up/drop-off service right from the Vegas Strip.
FAQs – Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas
To finish up and clear up any doubts you have, here are some frequently asked questions about Hoover Dam tours out of Vegas:
How far is the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
The Hoover Dam is approximately 36 miles from Las Vegas.
How long does it take to get to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas by car?
The driving time from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam is about 40 minutes.
What’s the best way to get to Hoover Dam from Vegas?
The best option is to drive, but if you don’t have a car, I recommend taking a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas.
How much does a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas cost?
Tours to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas vary in price, but they’re typically between $60 and $200 per person.
What is the cheapest Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas?
The cheapest Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas that I recommend is this one, which costs $65 per person.
What is the best Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas?
This excursion is the best Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas if you’re short on time.
What other things can you see during a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas?
In addition to the Hoover Dam, you can also see Historic Boulder City, the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, Hemenway Park, and Lake Mead.
If you have more time, you can make some cool pitstops like the Springs Preserve, Clark County Wetlands Park, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, and Seven Magic Mountains.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect Hoover Dam tour from Vegas! You can’t go wrong with any of the excursions I mentioned, but if you still have questions, leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help!
Also, tell me if you’ve taken a trip to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas. I want to hear about your experience.
Stay safe and have a wonderful trip!
