Top 12 Hoover Dam Tours for a Weekend Getaway from Vegas
There are so many options out there. Struggling to find the perfect Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas?
The Hoover Dam, a towering concrete arch-gravity dam straddling the border of Nevada and Arizona, irrigates over 1.5 million acres of land and quenches the thirst of over 16 million people! I’ve been to Vegas countless times, but it wasn’t until my last trip that I finally made it to the Hoover Dam. And it is genuinely as enormous as they say it is.
With options to visit by bus, helicopter, kayak, raft, trike, bike, or as a combo Grand Canyon trip, which should you pick?
Want to book the best (and most popular)? That would be this Ultimate Hoover Dam Bus Tour, a 5 star experience rated by thousands!
If you’re up for exploring in different ways, we’ve handpicked 12 of the coolest Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas. We’ll dive into their features, pros, and cons and see how they compare to each other.
Quick Picks: Top 3 Hoover Dam Tours from Vegas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ultimate Hoover Dam Bus Tour
Most Comprehensive Option
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight with Colorado River Raft/Kayak Trip
Most Unique Excursion
Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip
Best Water Adventure
12 Best Las Vegas Hoover Dam Tours
After careful analysis, these are the city’s most exciting dam trips, separated into the following categories. The below all start or have pickup options from Las Vegas.
- Bus Tours
- Combination Tours
- Boat & Water Tours
- Alternative Transportation Tours (Trike/Bike)
Don’t Bring This! I’d hope you wouldn’t bring this on a tour, but since the attraction is on federal land, they do a thorough check of your car for marijuana or guns – both of which are a no-go.
Best Hoover Dam Bus Tours
1. Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour With Lunch
Most Comprehensive Tour
⌛ Length: 6 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Ready to be impressed by the unimaginable scale of the Hoover Dam on this Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas? Be a part of the group that receives early access before the mainstream crowds arrive.
This VIP trip includes the exclusive “Walk on the Top,” a guided 45-minute stroll over the top followed by a look inside the interior on the Powerplant Tour. Descend 524 feet into the Black Canyon to see the generators and the enormous pipe inside one of the diversion tunnels.
Up in the Visitor Center, learn about the history and daily operation through interactive exhibits. This way, you see the architectural ingenuity from above and below.
Driver was spectacular, a true professional! We enjoyed the humorous antics of our host as well!
– Melissa (read more reviews)
The experience is made even more special with a delicious hot lunch at the Omelet House, a photo session at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, and tickets to the LA Comedy Club at the Strat.
2. Small-Group Hoover Dam VIP Tour
Best Small Group or Private Hoover Dam Trip
⌛ Length: 5 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Intimately discover Hoover Dam on this small group VIP trip from Vegas. Board a customized luxury vehicle to access panoramas of the Colorado River Gorge and Lake Mead.
Admire the newly constructed bridge and walk across into Arizona. You’ll get to go inside the power plant and all around outside. After a fun-filled day, journey back to Las Vegas, stopping at a local park where herds of bighorn sheep typically graze.
I had no idea Hoover dam was as exciting as Jim made it to be. I knew I wanted to see it, and I am glad Jim was our guide.
– Karen (read more reviews)
You can choose between a small-group adventure capped at 14 participants or a private excursion. Either way, each includes entrance fees, snacks, and bottled water.
3. Hoover Dam Comedy Tour with Lunch
Most Entertaining Big Bus Tour
⌛ Length: 6.5 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Are you ready to add a touch of humor to your experience? Hop on board this Hoover Dam Comedy Tour! What sets this apart from the rest is the presence of a professional comedian as your guide.
Board a bus with an initial photo stop at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. Your hilarious guide will then provide the whole history of this engineering wonder with a comedic twist.
Join a 30-minute guided tour of the Powerplant and the “Walk on Top,” complete with amusing commentary.
Wolf down a satisfying lunch before hopping back onto the bus, dropping you off at your hotel on the strip.
This tour was well worth the money! Trevor, was very knowledgeable and it was like we had our own comedy show while driving to and from the dam.
– Rose (read more reviews)
You’ll receive a complimentary ticket for the LA Comedy Club at the Strat (valued at $40 per person!) for more laughter afterward.
4. Small Group Hoover Dam Mini Tour
Best Half-Day Hoover Dam Trip
⌛ Length: 3 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Designed for travelers short on time, this Hoover Dam Mini Tour from Vegas won’t take up your whole day, just 3 hours.
But, that doesn’t mean you’re missing out! Pass Boulder City to see the grazing Big Horn Sheep before scenes of Lake Mead National Recreation Area appear.
Then, head to the Bypass Bridge (Mike O’Callagham – Pat Tillmam Bridge) before a drive over the top for different angles of Lake Mead.
Limited on time? This is the perfect tour! Hassan was a great guide full of history and facts about the area of Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and the Hoover Dam!
– Sullivans (read more reviews)
You can upgrade to include a stop at the Seven Magic Mountains, a colossal desert art installation made up of colorful stacked rocks. It’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Las Vegas!
Best Combination Hoover Dam Tours
5. Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight with Colorado River Raft/Kayak Trip
Most Unique Combination Tour
⌛ Length: 11 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Maximize your experience with this Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight & Raft/Kayak Tour that combines air and water travel.
This full-day sightseeing trip includes a 1-hour round-trip helicopter flight over Vegas’s famous Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Fortification Hill to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon.
After the aerial views, descend to the base of the Hoover Dam to board a raft on the Colorado River. Meander between the sandstone shores looking for wildlife, ending with a picnic lunch at Willow Beach.
My older teenaged daughters and I did it and it was amazing. So well run and organized. The kayaking was great!
– Melissa(read more reviews)
Experience a modern helicopter ride with stunning 180-degree views of the Mojave Desert. Then, enjoy a comfortable raft ride down the Colorado River. Please note that kayakers won’t have bottom views of the Dam.
6. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains Small Group VIP Tour
⌛ Length: 12-13 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
With this combo destination small group tour, dodge the crowds and go forth into some of Vegas’s most popular natural and man-made wonders.
Snap the perfect early-morning photo at the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, then the Seven Magic Mountains, a contemporary desert art piece. Now, what you came for, you’ll get a guided walk across the Hoover Dam.
Grand Canyon combo tours usually focus less on the Hoover Dam, mainly only stopping for a picture. But this option stops for up to one hour, so that’s plenty of time to take great shots and chill.
Then, it’s time for the main event – a bus tour to the Grand Canyon West Rim. With over two hours to spare, hang out at Eagle Point & Guano Point or opt in for an adrenaline-inducing experience on the Skywalk, an observation deck suspended 4000 feet above the ground.
Awesome Adventure. Amazing day, saw so much on our day trip! Our guide was very helpful, provided snacks and bottled water throughout the day. Would highly recommend.
– Ryan (read more reviews)
Capped at 14 people, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. Plus, they’ll pick you up and drop you off at selected Vegas Strip hotels.
7. El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town, 7 Magic Mountains & Hoover Dam Tour
⌛ Length: 6-7 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
From the Seven Magic Mountains to the historic Nelson Ghost Town and the Techatticup Mine, this full-day Hoover Dam & Ghost Town Tour takes you far from the slot machine jingles of Sin City.
Transport to the late 1800’s Nelson’s Ghost Town, a time when lawlessness was rampant in the old western frontier. Walk among the remains of the Techatticup Mine, once a major source of valuable minerals worth millions of dollars.
Next, see one of the largest man-made concrete structures in the world. Tread on the second tallest bridge in the USA with overlooks of Lake Mead.
The Other World outside The Strip. This was an excellent trip with an eclectic mix of wonderful destinations. Our tour guide, Viktor, was superb.
– Susan (read more reviews)
Limited to 14 people, this excursion also provides snacks, water, and hotel pickup and drop-off from the strip.
Best Hoover Dam Boat Tour from Las Vegas
8. Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip
Best Hoover Dam Boat Tour from Las Vegas
⌛ Length: 12 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Glide across the calm waters on this Kayak Tour. With a maximum of only 10 travelers, you will paddle through several miles of water near the dam, catching the mammoth scale of the architecture.
With all necessary equipment and permits provided, descend to the dam’s base for the launching point. After a short safety instruction, paddle to hidden inlets, local wildlife, and historical sites.
At Sauna Cave, take two short hikes through a beautiful slot canyon or a hot springs. After lunch, paddle to Emerald Cave. Depending on your group, you might also be able to go on another hike.
This was a beautiful river adventure with a personal and humorous guide named “Gabriel”! Fantastic memories like that emerald water were my wife’s favorite part of our trip to Nevada.
– Philip (read more reviews)
9. 3-Hour Black Canyon Tour by Motorized Raft
⌛ Length: 6 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Forget the neon lights of Las Vegas for a day and move on to this Motorized Raft Black Canyon Tour. With all the equipment provided, glide smoothly down the Colorado River on the Black Canyon National Water Trail.
Board a motorized raft at the bottom of the Hoover Dam and take a 12-mile ride through the Black Canyon. An experienced guide will pilot the raft and point out breathtaking scenery.
Take this one instead of the kayak, your arms will thank me later!! Misty was super awesome!! Money well spent!!
– Leslie (read more reviews)
10. 2 Day/1 Night Kayaking Trip on Black Canyon below Hoover Dam
⌛ Length: 2 Days | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Take your adventure to the next level with this Overnight Kayaking Expedition. Descend to the base of Hoover Dam into the Black Canyon. Kayak down broad and peaceful stretches of the Colorado River on a journey deep into the wilderness.
This ride on the colorado river was so fun and it brought everyone together. The food was delicious and our guide was so sweet. It’s a very chill ride if the group feels tired you take breaks.
– Sandra (read more reviews)
On the first day, you’ll paddle and hike to caves, crevices, slot canyons, and beautiful Mojave rock art. You can also try this area’s world-class striped bass fishing. After the sun sets, tent camp by the river as a cackling campfire lulls you to sleep.
Wake up to the smell of coffee and breakfast before hiking or relaxing in the hot springs. Continue downstream before kayaking into Emerald Cave. Then, hike at Willow Beach Marina before returning to the city.
Your guide will handle all the arrangements, including meals, transportation, kayaks, camping equipment, and the National Parks Launch Permit.
Best Alternative Transportation Hoover Dam Tours
11. Hoover Dam Trike Tour
Best Alternative Adventure
⌛ Length: 4 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
This isn’t your typical ride – on this Hoover Dam Trike Tour, you’ll drive your own three wheeled motorized machine.
Once picked up off the Las Vegas Strip, you have a safety briefing and practice session before taking control of your very own trike motorcycle.
Feel the wind blowing your hair as you pass by the dazzling lights of Las Vegas and the energy of the Nevada Dessert. Once you get closer, you’ll even get to trike across the dam to several photo spots.
THE DRIVE IS AWESOME. Everyone followed the instructions. We weren’t rushed or shorted time. Money worthy.
– Alysha (read more reviews)
Not a motorbiker? Don’t worry; no motorcycle license is needed – all trikes are fully automatic. All safety equipment and gear are included.
The minimum driving age is 21 years old or 8 to ride with a guardian.
12. Mountain Bike Historical Tunnel Trail to Hoover Dam
⌛ Length: 7 Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🏜️ Book now
Earn your ‘Dam’ view as you pump your hammies on this Mountain Bike Historical Tunnel Trail. Bike through the desert landscapes of the southwest’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead on a full-day guided eco-tour.
After a brief safety talk, hop on a bike and head down an easy, beginner-friendly trailhead. If the weather is warm, dip in Lake Mead’s clear waters for a refreshing swim.
Ride through a series of tunnels previously used for transporting concrete during the dam’s construction. Spend time at the Visitors Center or opt for the Discovery Tour (at your own cost) to explore inside.
I highly recommend taking this mountain bike tour. The majority of the ride was down hill with just a few difficult up hill climbs.
– Julie (read more reviews)
You’ll have everything you need for your mountain biking adventure, including equipment, bottled water, and lunch. This bike trip can accommodate up to 10 people, but children must be at least 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Powerplant and Dam Tour are the most popular options at the Hoover Dam. The Powerplant Tour looks at the inner workings, while the latter takes visitors to the top for amazing views of Lake Mead and the surrounding area.
Budget your tour to range from $70 for a half-day trip to $200 for a full day, depending on the type, group size, and company. The price will increase if you want to add additional activities or destinations.
Definitely! If you can’t go on your own or want to do more than just go to the viewing platforms, taking a tour of The Hoover Dam is worth it. I’ts an ideal way to fully understand this extraordinary landmark’s importance and capture amazing photo spots.
Some people just stop for a 15 minute photo, and some want an in-depth history lesson. If you came to learn, expect to spend at least two hours going to various overlooks and joining one of their guided dam sessions.
Yes, you can drive over the dam and take in the scenery from your car. There are plenty of parking areas to stop and get out for a closer look.
Final Thoughts: Las Vegas Tours to Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is one of America’s top day trip destinations. Choose to see the dam’s inner workings, from the generator room to the observation tower, or just go for the sights of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.
In case you’ve just scrolled to the end:
- For the coolest outing that includes a helicopter ride, the Grand Canyon, and kayaking the Hoover Dam, join this tour here!
- For the most comprehensive full-day option, book this tour.
- For the best water adventure to Emerald Cave, paddle your own kayak around the dam here.
Where to Next?
No matter which you choose, if you’re in Vegas, you may as well see what the Hoover Dam’s all about. And if you’ve got more time in Sin City, check out these other awesome related posts that start from Vegas!
- 7 Best Antelope Canyon Tour From Las Vegas
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- 12 Epic Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Las Vegas
- What Is Las Vegas Famous For? 25 Things Sin City Is Known For
- 7 Best Death Valley Tours From Las Vegas
- 6 Best Zion National Park Tours From Las Vegas
- 12 Sensational Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas
- 22 Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas Off The Strip Besides Gamble
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.