The 4 Best Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas

If you're planning things to do in Las Vegas, you may be considering a day trip to the Hoover Dam – the National Historic Landmark that diverts water from the Colorado River to various corners of the southwestern United States.

Tours of the facility are available on-site and include access to the power plant and the dam's tunnels. However, independent tour companies – many of which depart from Las Vegas – also make stops at the dam. These tour companies often include additional experiences as well, such as a stop at the Las Vegas welcome sign or the Seven Magic Mountains public art installation.

Considering both traveler sentiment and expert input, U.S. News selected the following as the best Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas.

Price: Adults from $90; kids from $80
Duration: 7 hours

Guides double as stand-up comedians on this Hoover Dam bus tour. In addition to round-trip transportation from your Las Vegas hotel and a dedicated driver, this full-day tour includes a 45-minute walk across the top of the dam, the chance to see interior generators and learn how they work, and a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant. Plus, you'll stop at the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign for a photo-op and drive through historic Boulder City, Nevada. Tourists call it a great way to spend a day thanks to the entertaining and talented guides and the manageable pace of the tour.

This tour departs daily around 8 a.m., depending on your hotel's location along the Strip. The company also offers a popular Grand Canyon West tour that departs from Las Vegas.

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Price: Adults from $119; kids from $109
Duration: 4 hours

Take in views of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River on this small-group tour that's capped at 10 participants. You'll get picked up from your Las Vegas hotel in one of the company's air-conditioned "Tour Trekker" vehicles, which features oversized windows, leather captain's chairs and an onboard audio system so you can easily hear the commentary from your driver, who doubles as a guide.

Along your drive to the dam, you'll learn about the Mojave Desert, as well as early mining in the area and housing for dam workers. Upon reaching the dam, you'll enjoy 360-degree views from the observation deck before descending to the Power Plant. Guides from the Bureau of Reclamation will take you through the inspection tunnels and the generator room.

Most reviewers give this tour high marks, praising the knowledgeable, entertaining tour guides, the comfortable vehicles and the small group size. Travelers also say this is a good option for visitors who do not want to devote an entire day to seeing the Hoover Dam.

Take your pick between an 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. departure. Pink Adventure Tours also offers tours of Red Rock Canyon and the Strip.

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Price: From $59 per person
Duration: 3 hours

If you don't want to devote an entire day to seeing the Hoover Dam, consider this "mini" small-group tour operated by Mr. Las Vegas. It includes round-trip transportation from the Strip in a 14-person vehicle, a drive through Boulder City, and stops at Lake Mead and Hemenway Park (known for its herds of wild big horn sheep). You'll also enjoy plenty of panoramic views and photo-ops at the Hoover Dam, including at the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge.

Reviewers praise the length of the tour and applaud the guides for their informative, engaging delivery. They also say the views are incredible.

Hoover Dam tours are available twice-daily at 8 a.m. and noon. Note that tour lengths may stretch to four hours based on where you are picked up or dropped off on the Strip. Mr. Las Vegas also operates tours that combine a visit to the Hoover Dam with a stop at Seven Magic Mountains.

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Price: From $179 per person
Duration: 12 hours

You'll see more than just the Hoover Dam on this jam-packed outing. After being picked up from your Las Vegas hotel, you'll stop at the Las Vegas welcome sign to snap some photos before heading to Seven Magic Mountains.

Next up is a walking tour across the Hoover Dam and the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Then it's on to the Grand Canyon.

Along the way, your guide will make bonus stops at some of their favorite "hidden gem" spots. Participants laud the knowledgeable guides, who reviewers say make the experience fun and memorable. Others appreciated the guides' willingness to take photos for them, and their many restaurant recommendations.

Tours, which are capped at 14 people, are offered daily and depart around 7 a.m. Note that children must be at least 5 years old to participate (but use your best discretion as this tour, while memorable, makes for a long day). The company also offers shorter tours that omit the Grand Canyon.

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