Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.2 (5 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

4.2

Hoover Dam — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Introducing the ultimate way to explore the iconic Hoover Dam and stunning Lake Mead - our self-guided audio driving tour!

This immersive tour is designed to guide you through the history and landmarks of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead with the convenience and flexibility of your own vehicle. You'll gain insight into the fascinating history and engineering of the Hoover Dam, as well as the natural beauty and wildlife of Lake Mead.

Throughout your drive, you'll have the freedom to stop and explore at your own pace, taking in the stunning scenery and snapping photos of the unforgettable views. And with our detailed directions and insider tips, you'll be sure to see all the must-see spots and hidden gems along the way.

So if you're looking for an unforgettable way to experience the wonder and beauty of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead turn your phone into a personal guide and take our self-guided driving tour!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Day Trips Hiking Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours

At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

Included: Views from the Bypass Bridge
Included: Tours NEVER expire
Included: Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Included: Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
Included: Walk on Top of the Hoover Dam
Included: Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
Included: Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Included: Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Included: Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Included: Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included

Not included: Private transportation
Not included: Meals and Refreshments
Not included: Hoover Dam Power Plant Tour Not Included

Itinerary

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

10 min

The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas'' sign is pretty cool to pose in front of for a photo.
Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum

45 min

An excellent, easy-to-navigate, free museum packed with displays as good as the exhibits at Hoover Dam. That's because all of the workers who built Hoover Dam lived in Boulder City, where Hoover Dam is officially located. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Hemenway Park

15 min

This picturesque, public park with green grass overlooking Lake Mead in the desert is often grazed upon by wild bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside. Most definitely worth a stop for the view and the wildlife sightings!
Stop 4

10 min

A complete view of the entirety of Hoover Dam from the Arizona side. Worth driving over the rim to take in this perspective. You can't get this view from the Nevada side.
Hoover Dam

2 hours Admission not included

This landmark has been named one of America's greatest engineering feats and is a piece of history as well as a gargantuan functioning dam. A must-see in your lifetime. You can walk the premises free of charge, or pay to take guided tours.

Parking Fee $10 (but you do have the option of free parking)
Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

45 min

Locals call this the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge. One of the tallest bridges in the world, it towers over Hoover Dam and, if you're brave enough to walk across, gives you a birds-eye view of Hoover Dam from almost 900 feet in the sky! Poster boards along the switchback ramps to get to the top show you photos and descriptions of how this bridge was built. Worth a stop! There is no admission charge and the parking is free.
Stop 7

10 min

The Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook off of Rt. 172, along the Historic Railroad Trail, gives you a panoramic view of Lake Mead from above the marina.
Stop 8

1 h 30 min

Excellent, highly recommended hike through the historic railroad tunnels used to take supplies to Hoover Dam during construction. Easy and flat, but long since it goes all the way to Hoover Dam (7.5 miles round trip.) But at least worth doing 2 miles round trip to get through the first couple of tunnels before turning around. And no shade, so do NOT do this hike during the hot, sunny days from May through Sept. except for perhaps the early morning hours before 10 a.m. Trailheads from the Visitor Center and also from an adjacent parking lot right next to the Visitor Center.
Stop 9

20 min

Boulder Beach is a mile of shoreline along Lake Mead. Swim, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, sail, or just take in the views of the lake and mountains while collecting shells.
Stop 10

10 min

As we meander Lakeshore Road and take in the beauty of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, head up to Sunset Overlook and just take it all in – the view of the lake and mountains that surround you are astounding.
Stop 11

15 min

Moderate hike with a bit of a challenging scramble at the beginning to get down into the canyon, is 2.2 miles round trip. See dramatic, winding canyons below the Lake Mead high water line as water levels have dropped. Owls occasionally roost in the slot canyon. To get to the trailhead, follow signs for 33 Hole Overlook off Lakeshore Road. The trailhead is in the first parking lot on the left. The un-signed trailhead for Owl Canyon is next to the second picnic shelter. Even if you're not hiking, stop at this overlook for the view, then continue up to the 33 Hole Overlook for an equally beautiful view.
Stop 12

10 min

A stunning landscape for driving, full of volcanic lava-topped and red rock mountains, as well as stunning desert views. Drive at least a little of this road if you have the time.
Stop 13

15 min

When in Vegas, this is something so much fun to see! The famous (or infamous) Little White Chapel, where so many stars have eloped. Along the equally famous Las Vegas Boulevard and minutes away from the also-famous Stratosphere, this is a cool piece of Downtown Vegas history to see. Parking is free and you can walk in to take a peek free of charge during the hours they're open.
Stop 14

45 min

The Strat Observation Tower has been voted "Best Place to View the City" year after year. At the tippy-top, The Strat (aka Stratosphere) is 1,149-feet-tall with expansive, 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and valley from both indoor and outdoor observation decks.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Recommended Start Time: Before 8:00 a.m.

End point

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Hoover Dam Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
Start early — the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign parking lot fills fast, and Las Vegas traffic gets heavy quickly
Stock up in Boulder City before Hoover Dam — grocery store, gas, and snacks available there; no supplies available inside Lake Mead or on the way back to Las Vegas
Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum is free, open daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m., located inside the Boulder Dam Hotel lobby — free parking in the town plaza next door
Last chance for gas is on the same street as Hemenway Park in Boulder City
All vehicles go through a Nevada Security Checkpoint before reaching Hoover Dam — expect inspection
Hoover Dam is a major attraction — expect crowds ••••••