Enjoy a Marvel of Engineering on a Variety of Hoover Dam Tours
Hoover Dam tours are fascinating and educational.
Fun Facts About the Dam
Truly one of the modern marvels of the world, the construction of the magnificent Hoover Dam began in 1931.
With six construction companies at the helm, the work force was made up of thousands of men who, during these years of Depressions, traveled from far and wide to take advantage of the work offered them in building the dam.
When the last block was constructed nearly four years later, the Hoover Dam was the largest in the world. Approximately 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete were used in building the dam, enough to pave a 16-foot-wide road from New York City to San Francisco!
Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior oversees the Hoover Dam project which encompasses Colorado River flood control, water for irrigation, electricity generation, recreation and wildlife habitation.
Touring the Dam
Most Hoover Dam tours happen via motorcoach. Many companies throughout Las Vegas offer these tours and usually arrange to pick up guests at their hotel.
The Dam is just a 50-minute drive from most Las Vegas hotels and travelers will enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of a luxury motorcoach.
Mini tours take you directly to Hoover Dam, with enough time to sneak a peak from the top, enjoy the visitor's center, and learn about the history of this marvel, courtesy of your "Dam Guide," before heading back to Las Vegas.
You'll hear plenty of "dam jokes" as you learn about the process that led to the establishment of this dam project, the building of the dam, and its importance to the people of the Desert West.
Coach tours of Hoover Dam can also include stops at other area sites of interest including Lake Mead, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and Ethel M's Chocolate Factory.
Motorcoach tours feature knowledgeable guides who are well versed in the history of the Hoover Dam area and are eager to point out sites of cultural and historical significance.
Some bus companies even offer "Comedy Tours," with guides who tell funny stories and silly jokes, keeping passengers in stitches all the way to the Hoover Dam and back.
Off-Road Trips
For those who desire a bit more adventure than a motorcoach may provide, consider a Hummer tour. These rugged vehicles take passengers safely across the exciting terrain of the Mojave Desert on this off-road route to the Hoover Dam.
These Hoover Dam tours allow passengers to see parts of the Mojave Desert that are usually missed by those traveling in automobiles or buses.
Highly-experienced drivers make sure guests are safe and informative guides talk about desert life and other interesting topics on the way to the Dam, where you'll have plenty of time to explore.
Helicopter Tours
Most helicopter tours of Hoover Dam are combined with tours of the Grand Canyon and/or Lake Mead. The view of the dam from the air is awe-inspiring and, when combined with a sweep over the Grand Canyon, the experience is like none other.
Hoover Dam Rafting Tours
Fly to the base of the dam for a relaxing yet invigorating rafting tour on the Colorado River along the 11-mile downstream run that begins at the Hoover Dam.
Don't worry! There are no rapids here. Only bubbling hot springs, interesting wildlife, and a guide who's eager to fill you in on the history and secrets of the mighty Colorado River. Most rafting trips stop for a picnic box lunch along the shore.
Glider Tours
For the ultimate high-flying adventure, hop aboard a glider or sailplane and soar like a bird over the expansive Hoover Dam and its surrounding areas. This amazing trip is best experienced by those who seek adventure and is certainly not for the faint-of-heart.
Planning Your Hoover Dam Tour
While it's usually not difficult to book a motorcoach tour once you've arrived in Las Vegas, specialty trips fill up a little faster. It you hope to go rafting or ride a glider, plan your itinerary well in advance of your trip and be sure to secure reservations for one of these enticing Hoover Dam tours.
Posted by Pat on Friday, August 19, 2005