Hoover Dam Bypass
Hoover Dam Bypass
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The 2,000-foot-long bridge spans the Colorado River canyon. As the world's highest concrete arch bridge, it shows off spectacular views of Hoover Dam.
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8 within 3 miles
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22 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Bonnie MGrand Rapids, Michigan213 contributionsCool way to see the Hoover Dam!We visited Hoover Dam 16 years ago and the bypass was being built then. We were excited to come back to discover that we could walk across the bypass and see spectacular views of Hoover Dam! Great job on the walkway up to the bypass and all the information about the construction of it. We would recommend checking it out when you are visiting the Dam!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2024
- Have Camera, Will TravelSouth Bend, Indiana3,714 contributionsThis is where you will get one of the most iconic photos in Nevada.You will need to get off the highway and walk out onto the bridge if you want a view. Heading from Nevada into Arizona, you couldn't see anything because of the wall dividing the east/west lanes. That's probably a good thing since people will gawk at it. If you do head to the parking area, be aware that it can fill up quickly. It is a tour bust stop, wo people show up in droves. The picture is pretty epic though. It's definitely worth the time.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- Raena NScottsdale, Arizona63 contributionsA Windy Adventure with Historical Marvels: Hoover Dam Visit ReviewMy family and I recently embarked on an excursion to the iconic Hoover Dam, and despite some unexpected twists, it was a memorable experience worth recounting. The weather was windy, adding an extra element of adventure to our journey. Despite the gusts, we had a blast exploring the area together. However, we encountered a slight hiccup when we realized, albeit too late, that only service animals are permitted on the premises. Nevertheless, our husky seemed to relish his scenic walk, adding a touch of charm to our visit. We made our way to one of the many lookout options, eager to immerse ourselves in the rich history and breathtaking views that awaited us. Pausing at the lookout, we took a moment to absorb a brief overview of the dam's history, marveling at the sheer magnitude of human ingenuity and hard work that went into its construction. The panoramic vistas stretched before us, offering a glimpse into the past and reminding us of the remarkable feats achieved by those who came before us. From the towering structure of the dam itself to the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape, every aspect of the vista was a testament to human perseverance and determination. Despite the minor setback with our furry companion, our visit to Hoover Dam was an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring sights and cherished family moments. It served as a poignant reminder of the importance of both historical preservation and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature's beauty.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2024
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota5,970 contributionsThe Best View of the Hoover DamThis is the Highway 93 bridge that spans the Colorado River, but it has a pedestrian path that provides an excellent bird's eye view of the Hoover Dam, and it is probably the best view of this engineering marvel. It is also now known as the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You can walk to the bridge by parking in the lot off the Hoover Dam Access Road after passing through the security check. It does require quite a tough climb up steps from the plaza area to the bridge, but the effort is well worth it.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten April 18, 2024
- greconjNew Jersey372 contributionsSo much historyA must-see when in the area. Really interesting history and great views. There is not much in the way of facilities around so make sure you pack water and snacks before you head there. You can cross the border between Arizona and Nevada and also at the right time of the year you cross time zones.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 17, 2024
- 1stserveMidlothian, Virginia59 contributionsHoover Dam - May 2024We visited Hoover Dam through Gray Line Bus Tours on a Thursday morning in May 2024. Our tour guide, Michael, was the best, with non-stop jokes about Las Vegas, current events, and the tour we were about to embark on. Michael was informative about what we were seeing as we passed by each stop, with exciting tips and facts along the way. He made sure that each person was given photo opportunities at each stop and that we were greeted back to the bus with a warm smile and a cold drink (water.) We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in seeing the man-made wonders of the US.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
- Rachel & Andy393 contributionsGreat place to stop and view the DamDon't miss the Hoover Dam on your road trip to or from the Grand Canyon. This awe-inspiring structure is a testament to human engineering. A great place to stop for a good view is the Mike O'Callagan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Plaza. Lots of parking spaces here, though there's a separate toll to enter the area. Stretch your legs on the short 10min walk to the middle of the viewing bridge overlooking the Dam, snap some photos, and soak up the birds eye views before continuing your adventure. The bridge is even accessible with a huge ramp up to the top, just be prepared that it may be too much for those unsteady on their feet or for those afriad of heights. But we think it's a perfect stop on your journey!Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
11,590 reviews
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Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,512 contributions
Jun 2020
This is the vehicular bridge spanning the dam, now Interstate 11. Has an exit for the dam proper, where your vehicle will have to pass a security check. There will be a couple of parking areas before getting to the towered parking adjoining the dam site. The second parking area offers a short uphill walkway where you can walk across the I-11 bridge. From here you get really great views of the dam structure, geology, and the lake. I would opt for this if you have the energy. Once you drive down to the dam and park (there is a fee) you can walk around and explore the exterior surroundings as well as enter the facility and take a guided tour. However, I must caution old timers that you can no longer exit the dam by vehicle into Arizona via the access road. You must use I-11 now.
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ray
Las Vegas, NV93 contributions
Feb 2020
The Hoover Dam is located about 45 minutes drive away from downtown Las Vegas. So you'll decide if you want to rent a car or book a tour. When you drive your car across the Hoover Dam Bypass, you cannot see the dam or the water below. The cross winds are sometimes frisky. There is a one hour time change when traveling across this bypass because Nevada is in the Pacific time zone and Arizona is in the Mountain time zone. From the bypass, which is I-11, follow the signs to the dam. You can drive your car across the dam between Arizona and Nevada or you can park your car and walk across the dam using the pedestrian walkways. There is a gift shop, cafe, and restrooms as well as a monument with recorded dictation and bronze inscriptions. All of this is free. If you wish to take a tour inside, you can stop into the tourist information center or ask for directions at the gift shop. This site is well worth the visit for school age kids, young people as well as seniors. Keep in mind that if you're visiting in the summer, it is hot, hot, hot outside. And in the winter, the cold winds can be biting. So dress accordingly. Take lots of pictures and when you leave Hoover Dam, you can query the internet for additional information.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda M
13 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The Hoover Dam has always been a favorite tourist stop in Las Vegas. While you are there, take the time to walk the Pat Tillman bypass bridge. It is accessible by wheelchair via a switchback ramp, or you can take the stairs. Once on the bridge, there are bronze plaques describing the step by step bridge construction time line. The views from the bridge are jaw-dropping. If you are lucky, you might see some big horned sheep grazing on the hills nearby. It is a leisurely walk taking about an hour to cross the bridge and return.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne C
Palo Alto, CA82 contributions
Jun 2021
thought it was not worth the $10 admission no tours so just walk around would take a pass next time and just walk around myself .
He also asked if we were over 61 but then charged us the full fare I asked him so no discount for over 61 and he said no only on the tours and they are not operating at the moment.
So why ask I asked him he said just habit...
He also asked if we were over 61 but then charged us the full fare I asked him so no discount for over 61 and he said no only on the tours and they are not operating at the moment.
So why ask I asked him he said just habit...
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheldon L
Dubai, United Arab Emirates7 contributions
Feb 2020
Hoover Dam has been seen by me 3 times and it never grows old.
The vision that it holds in the valley of rocks is truly amazing. The history of the people who died and lived while building this Hoover Dam. Our tour guide Adam Klasfeld was well informed and very dramatic in telling us the stories. I definately would take Grand Canyon Tours again as their vehicle was exceptional for comfort and getting in and out of the vehicle at our stops.
The vision that it holds in the valley of rocks is truly amazing. The history of the people who died and lived while building this Hoover Dam. Our tour guide Adam Klasfeld was well informed and very dramatic in telling us the stories. I definately would take Grand Canyon Tours again as their vehicle was exceptional for comfort and getting in and out of the vehicle at our stops.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tami S
Skagway, AK136 contributions
Jan 2020
We drove our rental car from Vegas to the Hoover Dam on Jan 2, the busiest week of the year to visit, according to an employee there. The drive was pretty easy and close enough for a half day trip. There was sooooo much traffic and we had to go farther and farther and farther away. Ready to throw in the towel, they had opened the parking garage for additional vehicles just as were going to leave. You can walk around on your own or pay for tours. There were a few different options based on your budget and what you wanted to see. We just did the visitor center and exhibits as we had lost a lot of time driving around the area. Great exhibit on the construction of the dam and amazing views. Glad we were able to get in there to get a little more out of our visit.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bee80204
Denver, CO5,039 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It’s cool to walk over this bridge. The architecture is amazing. The way they built the memorial bridge roadway. There is a switchback to walk up or stairs. Makes it easier if you can’t climb stairs easily. Strollers and wheelchairs fit as well. There are informational boards along the way so you can learn all about the build and also the two men the bridge is named after. I knew all about Pat Tillman but not about Mike O’Callaghan so it was nice to read about his accomplishments. The railing along the bridge is high enough that I didn’t feel weird about being so high. I felt safe and secure. The views are amazing. The mountains are beautiful and surreal. It wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t go all the way into Arizona as we didn’t feel like it. But it was a nice walk after learning about the Hoover Dam.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
101_TravelMom
Hanover, Canada88 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Checked out Hoover Dam on our way to Grand Canyon. I don't think the $10 parking fee at the entrance is the only place to park, we saw a number of vehicles proceed over the dam and park on the far side. Also another fee to enter the visitor centre under the dam, then another fee to do the tour under the dam.. a lot of $$ collection points. We walked along the top of the dam, both sides and found that to be enough for no additional fees. Amazing engineering! Sad to see the receding water level, it would have been awesome to see things running at top capacity back in the day!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scigris
Las Vegas, NV525 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I remember when this was first being built. Having to go through Boulder city and go over the dam with all the traffic has always been time-consuming. Thankfully the bypass allows us to just sell on through and get to Phoenix or headed east a lot quicker. It probably save me at least an hour.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin B
Calgary, Canada15 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a must see if you are in Vegas. Just as the "Strip" this Dam is an icon in itself & a man made marvel. The sheer size of it makes you wonder how it was even possible to contemplate the construction at that time. I am glad I didn't miss it.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
Ames, Iowa
I read an old blog post that said the bypass bridge is closed for cleaning on Monday mornings. Is this correct? And if so, for how many hours?
Written October 25, 2021
We will be visiting this Labor Day weekend....please let me know are tours are running? Is it worthwhile to go into the visitors center? Is that the tour?
Ty for your help!
Written August 21, 2021
last time we were there they were running
Written October 29, 2021
Has anyone visited the Hoover Dam since 06/2021 to know what to expect? I visited the official site and see tours are not up and running yet. Planning on a visit late August. Wondering about crowds and such...
Written June 21, 2021
We highly recommend the GYPSY Guided tour of the Hoover dam and drive from Las Vegas via Hoover Dam to the Grand Canyon. It entertains you with facts on the dam, where to park, where to view all for a $6 app on your smartphone. The "Gypsy" app tour is like having an expert tour guide that tells you where to turn, what to see and fills you in on history, geology and funny tid bits. It is the right amt of information and silence. definitly check it out when visiting Hoover Dam and get the history.
Written December 6, 2021
We are going to Las Vegas for work and have one full day. We want to see Hoover Dam, which I understand is an easy day trip. After the conference, we are driving from Vegas to Flagstaff. I want to make sure we will not be doubling back - i.e. driving past the Hoover Dam on the way to Flagstaff! Does anyone know? Thanks!
Written April 26, 2021
The Hoover dam is opposite the Grand Canyon direction
Written June 2, 2021
Guide583163
San Diego, California
We are renting a 25' RV and visiting Lake Mead and the Hoover dam in late September. Where on the Dam Bypass would we be able to park to see the dam? Also, are there any RV parks in the area you'd recommend? And any marina you would recommend for renting a small powerboat. Thanks!
Written September 13, 2020
No you will not be able to see it
Written September 27, 2020
Is the parking area open and are people allowed to walk across the bridge during the pandemic? Will be there in 2 weeks and cannot find a definitive answer.
Written July 1, 2020
Best to check directly with them as things could have changed.
Written July 2, 2020
How and where did you book the tour for the power plant. I would love to do this, and about how long would you say this could take of your day? Is there some good things to stop and do on the way from Vegas and any good food locations?
Written May 24, 2020
We live in Vegas so it is easy for us to take the 45-min drive from our home. After you leave the security checkpoint, watch for a small parking lot on the right with lots of stairs leading up to the bypass bridge. A long walk, but the view of the dam is spectacular. Return to the parking lot and drive down to the dam's on-site parking facility that is favorable if you have difficulty walking. I recommend you bypass the parking facility and drive across to the Arizona side where parking is free but hard to find. Then you take the pedestrian walkway back to the Nevada side and purchase your tickets at the Visitor Center. You can judge the walking distance, in 100-120 degree sunshine, and decide if you should drive back over to the Nevada side and park in the multi-level parking lot for $10. There is plenty to see outside of the Visitor Center. The guides inside the Visitor Center will describe the available tours. Take a wide brim hat, social mask, and plenty of water when you are walking outside. On your return trip, follow the signs from the dam to Boulder City for an ice cream cone and a glimpse of history in a charming small town. On the way back to Las Vegas, you can stop in Henderson for fast food or Walmart shopping.
Written May 25, 2020
Do the tour companies offer discount coupons
Written October 6, 2019
I have seen discount tickets on groupon.
Written December 11, 2019
alishajane
Winnipeg, Canada
We are taking a day trip from Vegas to Hover Dam any suggestions on best roads to take with scenery? Also any places to stop and shop or eat along the way. Thank you
Written March 16, 2019
hello alishjan,
re hover dam... first time out there? it was mine and let me tell ya, there really is not many choices on roads or scenery, lol. once you leave vegas heading toward Hoover Dam, not much except Boulder, which would have places to eat. We didn't stop but the little town did leave an impression as "quaint", think we passed a "train ride" passing thru and 1 grocery store. the scenery is everywhere, the expanse with nothing, the mountain tops looming near and far.... then suddenly you spot a lake (or is that a mirage?) and there it is.... Grand, man made and inspiring, the dam and the surrounding infrastructure show what extreme measures it took to harness nature, for better or worse as you will see by the visual water lines, +100's of feet above the current water level which our driver states is as much or perhaps even more a result of poor water management as any natural event. Be that as it may, seeing that line does give a dramatic perspective, especially in photos.
Written March 16, 2019
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