A guided tour of the Hoover Dam typically lasts an average of forty-five minutes; however, it can take longer if you prefer to take a full tour of the facility. While people interested in engineering should absolutely visit the plant, the dam provides a variety of opportunities for anyone looking for a spectacular destination.
The tour of the Hoover Dam appeals to the old and young as there are sights and activities for everyone. The kids may not be as excited about taking the engineering tour, but they will surely have a blast as they walk the vastness of dam and look down at the water.
How Much Time Should You Spend Touring?
If you’ve been wondering how long the Hoover dam tour should last, it all comes down to preference. For example, if you decide to skip the engineering section, it shouldn't take you more than an hour to complete the tour. The timing of your tour also matters–for example, there is less likelihood of crowding in the fall, which means you'll be in and out within a couple of minutes. It's important to note that visitors wishing to tour the visitor's center are required to pay $40 as an entrance fee.
Once you’ve had your fill and you’re wondering what to do in Vegas for a week, be sure to check out our article on how to spend your time to the fullest.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Hoover Dam?
The amount you pay is determined by the type of trip you prefer:
Self-Guided Visitor's Tour
The tickets are available at the entrance and will set you back $10. You should consider visiting the tourist center to get a different perspective of the dam courtesy of the observation deck, which allows you to view Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the Hoover bypass bridge. The visitor’s tour center lasts about thirty minutes.
Guided Power Plant Tour
This particular tour may not necessarily appeal to younger folks, but will capture the attention of those interested in engineering. It lasts around two hours, and tickets are sold online up to ninety days in advance, costing $12 for children and seniors and $15 for adults.
There are plenty of activities on this tour, including watching presentations about the dam, touring old tunnels, and viewing some of the most powerful generators.
Guided Dam Tour
The guided tour of the dam lasts around two hours, but those who want to take in the entire experience should consider setting aside at least three hours. This tour includes the visitor's center and the power plant and will cost $30. The guided tour gives you the unique experience of riding the original elevator to the top of the dam, and the minimum entry age allowed is eight years old.
A Hoover Dam tour is definitely worth visiting–just be sure you have adequate time to tour the facility. We would recommend visiting during the less busy months and to call in advance if you'd like to visit the visitor's center during a holiday.
If you’re planning on taking a trip that the dam is only a small part of, read our latest post on what there is to see between Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam.
