Leave the Strip for a half-day that pairs iconic photo stops with a guided descent into Hoover Dam’s tunnels and generator room. Learn how New Deal engineering still moves water and powers the Southwest.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The convoy pulls away from the neon of the Strip and the desert opens: broad, sun-bleached slopes give way to the concrete curve of Hoover Dam rising like a man-made cliff. Visitors feel the wind off Lake Mead and the faint vibration of the road as the group pauses at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, then climbs to the Lakeview Overlook for a panoramic read on the Boulder Basin.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers of average fitness who can manage staircases and short walks; not strenuous.
Wildlife
History
Hoover Dam was constructed 1931–1936 as a New Deal project that employed thousands and transformed water management in the Southwest.
Conservation
Lake Mead’s water levels fluctuate with long-term drought; visitors are encouraged to stay on marked paths, carry out waste, and limit water use to support conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the Hoover Dam Tunnels & Power Plant Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Bottled water is provided, but a durable refillable bottle keeps you hydrated through stair climbs and overlooks.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Expect multiple flights of stairs and concrete walkways in the power plant and nearby viewpoints.
Carry light layers
Temperatures change rapidly between the exposed overlooks and cooler subterranean tunnels; a light jacket helps.
Allow extra travel time
Traffic off the Strip and security lines at Hoover Dam can add delays—schedule flexibility avoids stress.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Provides traction and comfort on concrete steps and in the generator rooms.
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects from strong desert sun at overlooks and while moving between stops.
summer
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the half-day tour; bottled water is usually provided but having your own is handy.
Compact camera or smartphone
For panoramic shots at Lakeview Overlook and detailed photos of dam architecture (follow any photography restrictions).