Hoover Dam is both the largest and most famous dam in the United States, located on the border between Arizona and Nevada near Las Vegas. The dam was constructed in the 1930s, and the construction took a total of 5 years.
The dam is enormous and an impressive sight in the canyon. It stands as a true testament to the engineering expertise of its time, with a height of 221 meters and a width of nearly 400 meters. What may not be apparent from the outside is the thickness of the dam at the base, which is over 200 meters. The dam is entirely made of concrete, requiring several concrete mixers to produce.
Hoover Dam is a popular destination from Las Vegas, and many visitors combine a visit to the dam with a trip to Vegas. The drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam is just under an hour each way. The dam attracts a large number of tourists, with around one million visitors annually.
We had read that there might be vehicle security checks in the area, which could cause long queues, so we were prepared for potential delays. The checkpoint is located on the Las Vegas side of the road leading to the dam, about 1.5 kilometers before reaching the dam. However, during our visit, there wasn’t much traffic, and we were able to drive through without significant delays. Beyond the checkpoint, there are a few parking lots before the dam, but you can also drive across the dam, and there are more parking areas on the other side.
It’s worthwhile to park and explore the dam on foot to admire the views. There are walkways on both sides of the dam where you can peacefully take in the scenery of the canyon and the lake. From the dam, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Black Canyon carved by the Colorado River and the highway bridge spanning it.
The state border actually runs through the middle of the dam, so you can cross from Nevada into Arizona by walking from one end of the dam to the other.
There are viewing platforms along the canyon’s edges that offer panoramic views of the entire canyon and the impressive dam. There’s also a walkway on the bridge spanning the canyon, where you can enjoy views from another perspective. Note that when driving across the bridge, the walls are quite high, so you won’t see the scenery from your car. If you want to see the impressive dam and canyon, stopping and exploring on foot is necessary.
Guided tours are also available at the dam, providing more detailed information about the site’s history and construction, but we explored the area independently.
Hoover Dam is definitely worth a visit, whether as a standalone attraction from Las Vegas or as a stopover on the way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.
