Stunning to behold, Hoover Dam opened in 1935 and at the time was the largest dam in the world. While it may have lost that title over the years, it is still colossal; its sheer size and scale is impressive to gaze upon. Straddling the Colorado River, the dam’s distinctive walls merge beautifully with the arid and desolate landscape around it and the dark blue waters of Lake Mead add some color to the scene.
Now a popular tourist attraction, there is lots to see and do here, with the bypass in front of it offering spectacular views of the dam itself as well as the Black Canyon in which it is located. The surrounding area is home to some amazing sights, such as Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon. As such, many visitors choose a package tour when visiting the dam. To give you an idea of what is available, here are some of the best tours out there.
1. Hoover Dam from Las Vegas: Express Shuttle or Deluxe Tour
Source: superjoseph / shutterstockStarting off in Las Vegas, this tour will educate and entertain you in equal measure and you’ll come away having learned everything there is to know about the Hoover Dam.
The guided tour around the dam’s interior is fascinating and will teach you how it was built. There is a short movie about the dam for you to watch and you can also stop by a viewpoint to look out over Lake Mead.
If you want to explore a bit more of the local area, select the Deluxe option, which takes you to the famous Ethel M Candy Factory as well as to the world’s most expansive botanical cactus garden.
2. Hoover Dam Top to Bottom Small Group Tour
Source: Oscity / shutterstockIf you are looking for an intimate and personal tour around the Hoover Dam, this tour is the one for you, as you avoid the crowds and really get an idea of what the dam is all about.
While the Discovery Tour is illuminating for all the light it sheds on the engineering involved and how it works, it is the boat tour on the Colorado River that is the most memorable part, as the canyon walls and the dam itself tower over you.
With great views of the Bypass and Lake Mead on offer, as well as a stop off at Boulder City, this tour certainly packs a punch.
3. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Bus Tour
Source: getyourguide.comFor visitors who are pressed for time when visiting this part of the States, this tour will take you to the main sights of the Grand Canyon while also stopping off at Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity.
After being picked up from Las Vegas, sit back, relax, and enjoy the delightful scenery as you pass through the Southwest Desert before continuing to the imposing Hoover Dam, which is marvelous to behold.
The tour then takes you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which offers spectacular views of one of the earth’s natural wonders. Simply magical.
4. Hoover Dam Trike Tour
Source: getyourguide.comA unique way to explore the sights of Hoover Dam, this fun trike tour will have you speeding across the dam in no time at all. You’ll love the stunning scenery that passes you by on either side.
Starting off in Historic Boulder City, you’ll ride over the dam, stopping to enjoy the fabulous views of Lake Mead and the Memorial Bridge.
An exhilarating way to experience one of the most incredible feats of engineering in the States, this tour will surely leave you with long lasting memories of a great day.
5. Grand Canyon Multi-Stop Guided Tour from Las Vegas
Source: prochasson frederic / shutterstockIf driving along the iconic Route 66 wasn’t enough, this tour also takes you to the Grand Canyon and through the Southwest Desert before stopping off at the Hoover Dam.
The landscapes are utterly breathtaking and it will be hard to tear your eyes away from the views of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge.
Walking along the trail that hugs the rim is an unforgettable experience, and the stop at Hoover Dam on the way back is the perfect end to a wonderful trip.
6. Ultimate Hoover Dam
Source: Kunal Mehta / shutterstockStarting off in Las Vegas, this tour will fascinate and astound you and you’ll come away knowing everything there is to know about the fabulous Hoover Dam.
Wandering around the power plant is very interesting and the Visitor’s Center will tell you all about the history and mechanics of the dam as well as the architecture involved.
In addition to this, there is a great walk along the top of the dam, so you can enjoy marvelous views of Lake Mead and the Black Canyon below.
7. Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam Tour Trekker with Lunch
Source: Hayk_Shalunts / shutterstockCombining both the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam into one trip is a time effective way to see as much of this part of the States as possible, and this tour will certainly not disappoint with what it has to offer.
Visiting the observation deck of the dam is a captivating experience; see how one of the nation’s historic landmarks works in practice – the views from the top are equally special.
After that, it is off to the Grand Canyon to gaze in wonder at one of the natural wonders of the world. Simply breathtaking.
8. Hoover Dam Tour with Lake Mead Cruise
Source: viator.comOne of the largest man-made lakes in the world, cruising upon the tranquil waters of Lake Mead is a lovely way to pass the time and the scenery on show is beautiful to behold.
A great package deal, this tour also visits the spectacular Hoover Dam, where you learn about its history and how it was built.
With a trip to the famous Ethel M Chocolate Factory included, it’s the perfect combination of food, history and incredible nature.
9. 4-Hour Hoover Dam Express Tour from Las Vegas
Source: Jason Patrick Ross / shutterstockPerfect for travelers who are pressed for time, this efficient and well-organized tour will take you to the Hoover Dam and back. In no time at all, you will have seen one of the most incredible engineering feats in the US.
After having been picked up, sit back and enjoy the lovely landscapes drift by the window before you step off the bus and see Hoover Dam before you.
The guided tour is both entertaining and educational. For a four-hour excursion, you’ll come away feeling like you’ve seen a remarkable amount.
10. Super Hoover Dam Tour and Clark County Museum
Source: Yulia Mayorova / shutterstockFor those who are interested in learning a bit more about the Hoover Dam and the history of the surrounding area, this trip is the perfect choice.
Included in the deal is a lovely walk across the top of the dam, where you can gaze out over the wonderful Lake Mead; your guide will certainly tell you all there is to know about this famous landmark.
The day ends with a stop at the Clark County Museum, where there are loads of fascinating restored historic buildings for you to explore.
11. Grand Canyon in a Day: Hummer Tour from Las Vegas
Source: getyourguide.comTravel in style from Las Vegas to this incredible natural wonder and make the most of your trip by stopping off at Hoover Dam to take yet more stunning photos.
If gazing out over the wonders of the Grand Canyon wasn’t enough, you’ll also drive through the mesmerizing Joshua Tree Forest and learn more about the Hualapai Indian culture.
In addition to all this, the drive to and from these spectacular places is just as impressive, as you trawl along the famous Route 66 in your Hummer.
12. Hoover Dam National Historic Landmark
Source: Steve Heap / shutterstockOne of the most magnificent feats of engineering on the face of the Earth, a tour to Hoover Dam is a great way to learn more about it; this tour certainly delivers.
Together, the guided tour and the educational film will teach you all about how it was built and the exhibition in the Visitor’s Center is both interesting and informative.
With amazing views from its summit, Hoover Dam will never disappoint.
13. Grand Canyon: Bus Tour with Walking Tour Guide
Source: getyourguide.comA very well run tour, this combo deal sees you stop off at Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity before carrying on to the Grand Canyon.
There, you’ll get to gaze out over the incredible scenery and learn about the local fauna and flora.
While a visit to a Native American Indian village is also included, it is the views at Eagle Point and Guano Point that will set your heart racing.
14. Hoover Dam Mountain Bike Tour
Source: viator.comA great way to see this national historic landmark in all its glory is to take to your bike and enjoy the dam from different angles as you ride around the surrounding terrain.
After stopping off to go around the dam and learn about its history and mechanics, cycling around Lake Mead is a wonderfully liberating experience and the nature on show is beautiful in its desolation.
This tour helps you experience the dam from a whole new perspective; exploring the trails surrounding it will be an experience that stays with you forever.
15. Antelope & Grand Canyon Sunrise Tour
Source: Enea Kelo / shutterstockStarting off from Las Vegas, this two-day tour will take you to some of the most memorable sights in this part of the States.
Seeing the sunrise over the Grand Canyon is an absolutely incredible experience and is certainly up there with the best views on Earth.
The spectacular Antelope Canyon is equally mesmerizing to explore. This wonderful tour ends with a visit to the towering Hoover Dam.