Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is located on the border of Arizona and Nevada and was constructed on the Colorado River in Black Canyon between years1930 and 1936. It is famous for being the highest concrete arch dam in the United States at 726 feet high (221 meters) and 1,244 feet long (379 meters) at the crest, and is famous for supplying water and power to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and other rapidly growing cities in the Southwest.

Lake Mead is created by the dam, which extends for 115 miles (185 km) upstream and is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. The dam is used for flood and silt control, hydroelectric power, agricultural irrigation, and domestic water supply. It is also a major sightseeing destination, with some seven million visitors a year, almost one million of whom go on tours through the dam.

History of Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is named after the former U.S. president Herbert Hoover who was in office during the years that construction began on the dam (1929–1933). His work as commerce secretary in the 1920s secured agreements necessary for the project to proceed. The dam was built during the Great Depression and was able to create jobs for over 21,000 workers. It had become a symbol of economic progress and hope during these difficult times. The original name of the dam was Boulder Dam, but in 1947 Truman signed a congressional resolution restoring the structure’s formal name to Hoover Dam for official use.

Current Water Issues in the Southwest

85+ years after its completion in 1935, the infrastructure at Hoover Dam continues to retain water and generate electricity for nearby states. But the rules for managing the river and dividing up its water were created in the 1922 Colorado River Compact, which has been modified over the years and is now facing the greatest strains since the dam was built.

The effects of years of severe drought and temperatures pushed higher by climate change are strikingly visible along Lake Mead’s retreating shorelines and waters are at a historic low. Since 2000, the water level in the reservoir, which is the largest in the country, has dropped almost 150 feet. Lake Mead is now less than 35% full and is headed for a first-ever official shortage since it was filled. Increased drought conditions combined with the river's severe overuse threaten the water supplies of cities and farmlands, also revealing how the system of managing and use of water in the desert Southwest is unsustainable.

RECOMMENDED HOOVER DAM TOURS

Grand Canyon Oasis

We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair. We have been busy painting, cleaning and improving the grounds to become a comfortable oasis for your family. Our location on US Hwy 89 is only a few miles from the breathtaking aspens of Lockett Meadow, the ruins of Wupatki National Monument and the lava flows at Sunset Crater. The park is a short drive to downtown Flagstaff, and on the way to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Moab and Durango. Stay the night or as long as you like! Drink in the hibiscus sunrises above the Painted Desert and relax into the long shadows of the San Francisco Peaks. Let us know if you want to borrow a telescope to explore the darkest night sky you have ever seen. We are so excited to share our home with you!

Spacious pull-through spaces
Full hook-ups
30 and 50 amp available
Tiny home rentals
Free WiFi (Starlink)
45 minutes to Grand Canyon
Monthly sites available
Kid friendly
Pet friendly
Trail access to Coconino National Forest
Community fire pits
Covered patios
Community outdoor kitchen (May-October)
Complimentary morning coffee
Basketball court
Horseshoes, ladderball, games

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Pet-Friendly

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Best Western PREMIER Grand Canyon Squire Inn

As the Grand Canyon South Rim's only resort hotel, it is hard to pass up the luxuries you will find when you stay with Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Our full service hotel offers two restaurants, a sports bar, lounge, barber and beauty shop, fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi, b … More

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7.8
2061 reviews

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Ex … More

Fully Guided Personal Tours

Professionally Narrated Stories

Tour Valid Forever

Works Offline

Fun Facts

Tour At Your Own Pace

Location Aware, Plays Automatically

Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points

No Groups. No Tips

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Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Additional Tour Options Available

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Canyon Dave Tours

Here is the essence: we specialize in good times, splendid viewpoints, and entertaining education. You get an in-depth look into the natural science behind the scenes. You take home a thorough knowledge of where you've been and what it looked like. You won't forget your viewpoints and ours … More

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Best Grand Canyon Day Tour

Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.

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Wildland Trekking

Join The Wildland Trekking Co. on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.

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9.5

Arizona Private Tours

Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

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Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Leaves from Flagstaff

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Small-Group 3 Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour With Las Vegas Strip Pickup

Visit Hoover Dam on a Las Vegas "mini" tour that doesn't take up a whole day so you don't waste your precious vacation time. Or, perhaps you have a late flight and want to do something fun after hotel check-out. After departing the Strip, head to the dam, where you visit lookout points … More

Visit Hoover Dam on a tour designed for those short on time
Round-trip transport provided from the Las Vegas Strip
Travel by small-group vehicle
See the dam, Colorado River, and Lake Mead from different angles

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Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas

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Grand Canyon West Rim Bus or Private Tour with Hoover Dam

Marvel at the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim thanks to this 12-hour flexible sightseeing trip from Las Vegas. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour along the edge of the canyon, stopping at highlights like Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Cowboy Ranch. Optional trip upgra … More

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Small-Group Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk

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Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Professionally Guided | Leaves from Las Vegas

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Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with optional Skywalk

This Grand Canyon day tour has it all! Avoid the crowds at the canyon as this tour picks up from select hotels in a luxury modern bus with restrooms on board, giving you more time to enjoy your destination! Enroute to the West Rim and exclusive to this particular tour, you'll enjoy a hot, sit-down breakfast at a restaurant. This tour also includes a bonus stop at the Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge where you can capture incredible photos of the Dam! Continuing onto the Grand Canyon, your tour guide will tell you all about the Canyon and the Hualapai Indians. Included is admission to the West Rim, VIP bus access at the Canyon (an exclusive benefit for this tour only), Breakfast, BBQ lunch on the canyon rim and two bottles of water. Return to Las Vegas at approximately 5pm.

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Leaves from Las Vegas | Breakfast Included | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours

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Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Small Group Day Tour

Experience the world-famous Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in style during this luxury small-group day trip from Las Vegas. Travel aboard a vehicle with leather seats, USB ports, and outlets as you make stops at the Hoover Dam, Dolan Springs, and Grand Canyon West Rim (site of the Skywalk). R … More