The Hoover Dam is a symbol of American engineering, spanning the Arizona-Nevada border about 56 kms (35 miles) southeast of Las Vegas.
It was built during the Great Depression in the 1930s and back then was the world’s largest Dam.
More than seven million travelers visit Hoover Dam every year, making it the world’s most-visited dam.
From the dam, visitors can see picturesque views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.
Many millions see the Hoover Dam from their helicopter or airplane on their way to the Grand Canyon.
In this article, we explain everything you must know before about Hoover Dam helicopter tours.
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Best Hoover Dam helicopter tours
Hoover Dam is about 56 kms (35 miles) southeast of Las Vegas, and by road, it takes about 40 minutes to reach.
We recommend one of the two ways of exploring the dam –
Option 1: Book a helicopter tour to Grand Canyon West, and on the way, explore Hoover Dam from above. The helicopter flight from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon lasts around 40 minutes, and you can see views of the Hoover Dam for 4 to 5 minutes. The best part is that you get to see the Dam’s aerial views twice – while going to the Canyon and coming back to Vegas.
Option 2: Book a helicopter or an airplane tour that includes a visit to Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. On such trips, you get an opportunity to get inside the Dam and explore.
We share both the types of heli tours around Hoover Dam –
Helicopter tour over Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon
This four-hour tour of Grand Canyon West Rim starts with a hotel pickup and a drive to the heliport in Boulder City.
After the 30 minutes drive from Las Vegas to Boulder City, you will board a chopper for a 70-minute flight to the Grand Canyon.
On the way, you will see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River from above.
As part of this tour, you will fly 30 miles (48 kilometers) over the Grand Canyon – the longest available flight above and below the Rim.
Once you have explored the majestic and yet rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon, you fly back to Boulder City.
And on the way, see Hoover Dam from above once again.
Tip: If you opt for the Early Bird departure, you can save US$50 per person.
Departure: Pick up facility from your hotel in Las Vegas is available. Alternatively, you can head directly to the meeting point.
5596 Haven St, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA. Get directions
Note: Flights depart from Las Vegas, Nevada
Tour timings:
Extended Grand Canyon Flight: 9 am to 6.15 pm
Early Bird Departure: 7 am and 8 am
Duration in the air: 150+ minutes
Tour Operator: 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Cost of the tour:
Extended Grand Canyon Flight: US$549 per person
Early Bird Departure: US$499 per person
Here are few more exciting helicopter tours that help you see Hoover Dam from above –
Luxury: If you are short on time, check out this 3-hour tour of the Grand Canyon on board the luxurious A-Star helicopter. All passengers sit in forward-facing seats with 180-degree views.
River float or Kayak trip: This is an 11-hour tour which includes a fly past over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West, and a raft ride or a kayak trip down the Colorado River.
Most affordable: At US$429 per person, this is the cheapest helicopter tour over Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West.
Hoover Dam visit: Things to know
Also known as the Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam is open from 5 am to 9 pm.
Hoover Dam tours start at 9 am and close at 5 pm every day, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The last entry is at 3:45 pm, and the last tour departs at 4 pm.
A good portion of the Hoover Dam experience is outdoors, so it is better to dress for all weather types.
The best time to visit Hoover Dam is from 9 am until 10:30 am because after that the queues start getting longer. The next best time is 3 to 3.45 pm.
To enjoy everything there is to see at Hoover Dam, it is best to arrive before 2 pm. Download Hoover Dam’s map
Best Hoover Dam tours
If you aren’t keen on helicopter tours, here are some excellent road tours from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam.
>> Small-Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour With Strip Pickup
>> Grand Canyon West Rim with Optional Skywalk Ticket and Hoover Dam Photo Stop
>> Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas
>> Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas
>> Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Small Group Day Tour
>> Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas
>> Hoover Dam Top to Bottom by Luxury SUV with Colorado River Float