Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Self-Guided Audio Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas'' sign is pretty cool to pose in front of for a photo.

   10 min

2. An excellent, easy-to-navigate, free museum packed with displays as good as the exhibits at Hoover Dam. That's because all of the workers who built Hoover Dam lived in Boulder City, where Hoover Dam is officially located. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

   45 min

3. This picturesque, public park with green grass overlooking Lake Mead in the desert is often grazed upon by wild bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside. Most definitely worth a stop for the view and the wildlife sightings!

   15 min

4. A complete view of the entirety of Hoover Dam from the Arizona side. Worth driving over the rim to take in this perspective. You can't get this view from the Nevada side.

   10 min

5. This landmark has been named one of America's greatest engineering feats and is a piece of history as well as a gargantuan functioning dam. A must-see in your lifetime. You can walk the premises free of charge, or pay to take guided tours. Parking Fee $10 (but you do have the option of free parking)

   2 h

6. Locals call this the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge. One of the tallest bridges in the world, it towers over Hoover Dam and, if you're brave enough to walk across, gives you a birds-eye view of Hoover Dam from almost 900 feet in the sky! Poster boards along the switchback ramps to get to the top show you photos and descriptions of how this bridge was built. Worth a stop! There is no admission charge and the parking is free.

   45 min

7. The Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook off of Rt. 172, along the Historic Railroad Trail, gives you a panoramic view of Lake Mead from above the marina.

   10 min

8. Excellent, highly recommended hike through the historic railroad tunnels used to take supplies to Hoover Dam during construction. Easy and flat, but long since it goes all the way to Hoover Dam (7.5 miles round trip.) But at least worth doing 2 miles round trip to get through the first couple of tunnels before turning around. And no shade, so do NOT do this hike during the hot, sunny days from May through Sept. except for perhaps the early morning hours before 10 a.m. Trailheads from the Visitor Center and also from an adjacent parking lot right next to the Visitor Center.

   1.5 h

9. Boulder Beach is a mile of shoreline along Lake Mead. Swim, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, sail, or just take in the views of the lake and mountains while collecting shells.

   20 min

10. As we meander Lakeshore Road and take in the beauty of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, head up to Sunset Overlook and just take it all in – the view of the lake and mountains that surround you are astounding.

    10 min

11. Moderate hike with a bit of a challenging scramble at the beginning to get down into the canyon, is 2.2 miles round trip. See dramatic, winding canyons below the Lake Mead high water line as water levels have dropped. Owls occasionally roost in the slot canyon. To get to the trailhead, follow signs for 33 Hole Overlook off Lakeshore Road. The trailhead is in the first parking lot on the left. The un-signed trailhead for Owl Canyon is next to the second picnic shelter. Even if you're not hiking, stop at this overlook for the view, then continue up to the 33 Hole Overlook for an equally beautiful view.

    15 min

12. A stunning landscape for driving, full of volcanic lava-topped and red rock mountains, as well as stunning desert views. Drive at least a little of this road if you have the time.

    10 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Las Vegas

• Its from-price is 95% below the median of the 261 day trips we list in Las Vegas.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 146 of 261.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Las Vegas

A neon oasis in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is famous for themed resorts, shows and nightlife, with canyons and national parks within reach.

The Strip, a long boulevard of resorts, is the heart of the action, with replicas of Paris, Venice and ancient Egypt, dancing fountains, and observation decks and thrill rides high above the street. Shows range from acrobatic circus spectaculars and magic to concert residencies, and restaurants run by star chefs sit beside lavish buffets.

Top-ranked sights in Las Vegas: Colorado River, Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam.

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