Can You Visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon on the Same Day?

You are on vacation in Las Vegas and want to ensure you get to everything on your list. You realize you only have one day of sightseeing on your itinerary but you have two of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world still on your list.

You may ask yourself, “Can I do both destinations in one day?” Not only can you do the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon in one day, but also you should see them both in one day! Let us explain.

Short Answer: Yes, it is very easy to visit the Hoover Dam on the same day that you visit the Grand Canyon. This is best done on a trip to the Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas.

Long Answer: Seeing both in one day is for time-strapped travelers. You owe yourself a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park, which is hard to see on the same day as Hoover Dam

Las Vegas is a destination that has something for everyone. It is also a place that you could visit for a month and still not get to everything there is to do.

Why Should I See Both the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in One Day?

On your trip to Las Vegas, we highly recommend getting outside the casino and seeing what natural attractions we have to offer.

Las Vegas has more national parks that are just a day or less drive than any other city in the United States. This proximity makes it possible to visit multiple attractions in a short time frame.

Related Reading: The Ultimate List of Las Vegas Natural Attractions

For those that decide to get adventurous on their trip and want to leave all the planning to someone else, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon are by far the most popular touring destinations. So hitting the two most popular touring destinations in only one day from Las Vega? Yes please!

Las Vegas To Hoover Dam To Grand Canyon

The best part about this is that if you are willing to spend a whole day exploring, almost all tours to the Grand Canyon will include a stop at the Hoover Dam. And if you are driving your own car or a rental car? All you have to do is stop at the Hoover Dam on your way to the Grand Canyon. That is because...

The Hoover Dam Is On the Way to The Grand Canyon

The trip to the Grand Canyon from the Vegas Strip is a four-hour drive unless you visit the West Rim of the canyon, and which is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive.  On the way, just 40 miles outside of Vegas is The Hoover Dam. These two destinations are perfect for a day away from Las Vegas and a perfect opportunity to check both off your bucket list.

There are Different Ways for You to Visit Both from Las Vegas.

There are many options for visiting both on the same day from Las Vegas. In fact, all of our small group Grand Canyon tours make a stop at the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon.

The majority of people spending one day on their trip will end up at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. For those with more time or those wanting to have the classic Grand Canyon experience, you need to make sure to end up at the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.

The South Rim is more than 4 hours from Las Vegas, so if you are trying to see it in one day together with the Hoover Dam, we highly recommend taking a tour so you don't have to do the driving. An even better plan is to hit the Hoover Dam on the way out to the South Rim, then spend a few days out there exploring. There is a lot to see at the South Rim and a few hours will only give you a brief overview.

Why Should I Visit the Hoover Dam?

The Hoover Dam is one of America’s greatest engineering achievements. The dam was considered the largest man-made structures in the world as well as one of the largest hydroelectric power producers in 1936 when it was built. That in itself is impressive but the fact that it was completed in the Depression Era makes it undeniably remarkable. 

This landmark gives credence to the determination of the American people. Towering at 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long, you can only appreciate its size by seeing it in person. Whether you are on a family vacation or need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip, this attraction is both educational and entertaining. Another reason to visit the dam, and a good enough reason in and of itself, is Lake Mead, the nation’s largest and most picturesque reservoir that covers 248 square miles. It can hold 28.9 million acre-feet of water!

What Options are There for Visits to the Grand Canyon?

The closest option to the Vegas Strip to see the Grand Canyon is to visit the West Rim. It is the closest rim and is located approximately 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive is about two and a half hours. The West Rim of the canyon is known for:

• Eagle Point: Named for the eagle-shaped rock formation you will want to see as well as an amphitheater, art and gift store, and the Skywalk, a glass bridge that was built by Hualapai Indians. 
• Guano Point: This is one of the best places to view the canyon with its 360-degree vantage point from Highpoint HIke. You can also see remnants of a historical tram that once stretched 8,800 feet into a guano mine, 
• Hualapai Ranch: If you want to spend the night, you can find lodging here and traditional cowboy entertainment.

The South Rim, home to the most iconic attractions of the Grand Canyon, is 275 miles from the Vegas Strip, or about a 4 hour drive. Here, you will see the most well-known and beautiful views of the canyon:

• Grand Canyon Village: Mather Point is the best-known viewpoint on the South Rim. Because the South Rim is already the most popular part of the canyon, you will see large crowds here. 
• Desert View Drive: Here you will find fewer crowds but equally spectacular views. You may have to do a short hike but places like Desert View Point offer a 360-degree view of the canyon.
• Hermit Road: Take a bike tour of Hermit Road and stop to see the view of the canyon from Powell Point which has gorgeous outcroppings giving you breathtaking photo ops.

Bottom Line

Whether you are on a family vacation, honeymoon, or a gambling trip with friends, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. Because of their close proximity to the Strip, take the opportunity to go from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam to the Grand Canyon in one day. You may not get another chance to see the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon, and now you have the opportunity to take a break from the high life of Vegas and explore nature and man-made marvels all in one trip.