Plizio Visual Lab

Hoover Dam

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, situated on the border between Arizona and Nevada. Constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, it was the largest concrete structure in the world at the time of its completion. The dam stands 221 meters (726 feet) high and was primarily built for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. Its construction created Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The project required groundbreaking engineering techniques, including the use of cooling pipes within concrete blocks to prevent structural cracking. Today, it is a major tourist destination and a National Historic Landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year. It remains an enduring symbol of American industrial might and economic recovery.

Location: United States
Top sights: Hatchery Saddle Point · Hatchery Cove · Saddle Cove
Nearby: Henderson (32 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	8	10	14	18	24	30	33	32	28	20	13	7
Rain mm	21	26	15	10	5	2	22	19	12	16	16	20

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Hoover Dam is open to visitors; you can walk across the concrete arch-gravity dam and tour the power plant. The visitor center features exhibits on the dam's history and engineering.

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Typical hours

The visitor center typically operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the dam walkway accessible during daylight hours. Hours can vary seasonally, so checking online beforehand is advisable.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the property, including viewpoints on the dam. Inside the power plant, flash photography may be prohibited for safety reasons.

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Time needed

Allow about one and a half to two hours for the visitor center and a walk on the dam. If taking a guided tour of the power plant, budget an extra 30-45 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge also gives spectacular views of the dam.

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Getting there

Hoover Dam is on the Nevada-Arizona border, accessible via US Highway 93. Parking is available on both sides of the dam, though a parking fee is charged.

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Insider tip

Visit the dam early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Book tickets for the power plant tour in advance online, as they often sell out.

Geography

Coordinates

36.01620, -114.73770

Facts

Over 3.3 million cubic yards of concrete were used in construction.
Up to 5,000 workers were employed on the project at any one time.
The dam was originally known as Boulder Dam.
The power plant provides electricity for about 1.3 million people.
The dam's base is 660 feet (201 meters) thick.
A total of 96 industrial fatalities were officially recorded during construction.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Henderson32 km · SExplore →

Las Vegas Tourism Industry40 km · SExplore →

Las Vegas45 km · SExplore →

Las Vegas Strip49 km · SExplore →

Lake Havasu City84 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hoover Dam (10)

Hatchery Saddle Point 🌿 nature

A scenic saddle point overlooking Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.

Hatchery Cove📍 landmark

A cove on Lake Mead near Hoover Dam, possibly near a fish hatchery.

Saddle Cove📍 landmark

A cove on Lake Mead, shaped like a saddle.

Boulder Harbor📍 landmark

A harbor on Lake Mead near Hoover Dam.

Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum 🏛 museum

A museum in Boulder City detailing the construction of the Hoover Dam and the town's history.

🌐 bcmha.org

Black Canyon Overlook🌿 nature

An overlook above the Black Canyon below the Hoover Dam.

Colorado Overlook 🌿 nature

A viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River downstream from the Hoover Dam.

Boulder Beach 🎡 recreation

A popular beach on Lake Mead near Hoover Dam.

South Beach 🎡 recreation

A beach on the southern shore of Lake Mead.

Boulder Beach South 🎡 recreation

A sandy beach on Lake Mead south of the Hoover Dam for swimming and sunbathing.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How far is it from Las Vegas?

The drive takes about 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Do I pay for the dam?

Access to the bridge is free; parking requires a fee.

Are there interior tours?

Yes, guided tours into the power plant are available for booking.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, it is impressive for all ages.

What is the best time?

Avoid the hot summer months or arrive very early.

Hoover Dam: where is it located?

Hoover Dam is located in United States.

Hoover Dam: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hatchery Saddle Point, Hatchery Cove, Saddle Cove.

Hoover Dam: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

Hoover Dam: why is it worth visiting?

Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, situated on the border between Arizona and Nevada.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Hoover Dam

Best time to visit & climate