Black Canyon on the Nevada and Arizona border (Lake Mead National Recreation Area), United States
Hoover Dam, Nevada
A concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon, on the Nevada and Arizona border
- 30 milesFrom Las Vegas, to the southeast
- 3,250,000 cubic yardsConcrete in the dam itself
- 1931 to 1936Construction period
Overview
It lies about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, near Boulder City.
The nearest town to the dam is Boulder City, which was originally constructed for workers on the dam construction project. The site is described as extremely hot.
Why visit
Scenic aerial tours and skydiving trips covering Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon are hosted at Boulder City Municipal Airport.
Among its activities, boating, hiking and fishing are listed.
The recreation area also offers over 900 camping and RV sites, with desert and lakeside views.
Tours and visits
For-profit entities need a commercial use authorization to conduct commercial activities and provide visitor services at Hoover Dam.
Tours and activities at Hoover Dam
Self-guided movement through the site is limited to the visitor center, the single option of that kind listed for the dam.
Dam design and size
The planned wedge-shaped design was 660 feet (200 m) thick at the bottom. The dam's intakes provide a maximum hydraulic head of 590 feet (180 m).
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Base thickness of the planned wedge-shaped design | 660 ft (200 m) |
| Maximum hydraulic head at the intakes | 590 ft (180 m) |
| Concrete in the dam itself | 3,250,000 cubic yards (2,480,000 cubic meters) |
Construction history
Construction ran from 1931 to 1936, during the Great Depression.
Four diversion tunnels, each 56 feet in diameter, were driven through the canyon walls to divert the Colorado River.
Lake Mead, wildlife and the river
Lake Mead reached a record low elevation of 1,071.55 feet (326.61 m) on June 10, 2021.
Between 2007 and 2015, Lake Mead recorded 317 deaths, mostly drownings, the most of any national park.
The dam's construction has been implicated in a decline of the Colorado River Delta's estuarine ecosystem.
In an emergency, dial 911.
Crossing the dam
Through traffic has not been allowed across the dam since the bypass opened. Visitors approach from the Nevada side and can cross to parking lots and facilities on the Arizona side.
Not every vehicle may cross, and visitors are advised to review the traveler's guide first to avoid being turned back.
When to go
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is listed as year-round, and the dam site is described as extremely hot.
During the summer of 1931 at the site, the daytime high averaged 119.9 °F (48.8 °C).
| Period | What the facts state |
|---|---|
| Easter | Special event activities may be limited for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after Easter Sunday. |
| First 2 weeks of August | Special event activities typically face limits during this window. |
| After Thanksgiving | Special event activities may be limited or restricted at this time. |
| Christmas to New Year | Limits may apply from the week after Christmas through the first Monday of the new year. |
Visitors should contact the dam to verify availability on those dates.
Timing
Best time to visitHow to get there
The drive from Kingman, Arizona to Boulder City is 78 miles, with limited gas and services apart from a station in Dolan Springs.
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) is served by most major domestic carriers and many international carriers.
Routes
Getting thereWhere to stay
Downtown Boulder City, including its hotels, is served by RTC Transit Route 221, which connects the town with Las Vegas.
Gambling is not allowed in Boulder City itself, but two casinos sit at the edges of town, just outside the city limits.
Over 900 sites for camping and RVs are available in the recreation area, and they have desert and lakeside views.
RTC service does not reach the dam itself.
Lodging
Where to stayGuides
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
The dam is about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of the city.
Is Boulder City the town nearest the dam?
Yes. Boulder City was originally constructed for workers on the dam construction project.
Is the dam open to self-guided visits?
Only at the visitor center, which is the single self-guided option listed for the dam.
Is through traffic allowed across the dam?
No. Since the bypass opened, through traffic is no longer allowed across the dam.
Can every vehicle cross the dam?
Not all vehicles may cross, so the traveler's guide should be checked before driving.
When was the dam listed on the National Register?
The listing took place in 1981.
Is Lake Mead recreation available all year?
The recreation area is listed as year-round and spans 1.5 million acres.
How many deaths were recorded at Lake Mead between 2007 and 2015?
Lake Mead recorded 317 deaths in that period, mostly drownings, the most of any national park.
Book a tour
Tours at Hoover Dam
See the tours page