hoover dam
Nevada

Day Trip to Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is a day trip from Las Vegas or a stop on the way from northern Arizona to Nevada. If you are in the area it is worth the trip to see. You can view the the dam from several different vantage points.


This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


Visitors can drive across, park and walk around, and take an inside tour of Hoover Dam. The bypass allows  visitors to walk across the bridge and to view the dam from hundreds of feet above.

Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge or as I shorten it to the Hoover Dam Bypass saves visitors many hours of driving time. The bridge  is an incredible construction feat. It is the second highest bridge in the United States next to the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Over 800 feet above the Colorado River a person has incredible views from the walkway of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. The construction of the bridge started in early 2005. It was completed in October of 2010.

Bridge Over Hoover Dam in April 2010 (a few months before completion)

You will have incredible views from the walkway of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. The construction started in early 2005, and was completed in October of 2010.

Bridge in 2014

Things to Do at Hoover Dam

  • Walk across the bridge walkway to see the Dam from above
  • Take a Tour of the Dam
  • Walk across the Dam


From Arizona take the first exit after you cross the bridge, there will be a parking lot on your right. From here there is a paved path to the bypass bridge.

View of Parking from the walking to the bridge

A pull out area offers different vantage points of Lake Mead and the Dam. The bypass bridge has such a high barrier on either side that it is possible a person who was not paying attention wouldn’t notice they were driving over Lake Mead.

The construction of this massive dam is impressive. If possible take the forty minute guided tours. You get a better understanding of the history of the dam and the people who made it possible.

It is fascinating to see the dam from the inside and learn about the people who built it.