The journey from the serene waters of Lake Tahoe to the majestic Hoover Dam is a captivating adventure that combines natural beauty with engineering marvels. As a lakes touring enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to explore the diverse landscapes and landmarks along this 560-mile (901 km) route.
Distance and Travel Time
The distance from Lake Tahoe to Hoover Dam is approximately 560 miles (901 km), which can take around 8-9 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the vast Nevada desert, and the iconic Hoover Dam.
Best Way to Travel
The best way to travel from Lake Tahoe to Hoover Dam depends on your preferences and budget. Here are some options:
- Train, Bus, and Plane: This option takes around 4½ hours and costs $322. You can take a train from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento, then a bus to Las Vegas, and finally a plane to Boulder City, which is close to Hoover Dam.
- Driving: If you prefer to drive, you can take U.S. Highway 50 East and then U.S. Highway 93 South to reach Hoover Dam. This journey takes around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Critical Details
Security Checkpoints
All vehicles entering the dam site are subject to inspection by officers at the security checkpoint located in Nevada, approximately one mile from the dam. Be prepared to have your vehicle and belongings checked for security purposes.
Parking
A 459-space parking garage is located on the Nevada side of the dam, charging a fee. Oversized vehicles, recreational vehicles, and vehicles with trailers must use the parking lots on the Arizona side.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. seven days a week, with tours running every half-hour from 9:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission costs $30 for adults, seniors, juniors, and military members.
Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
This bridge is not visible from the road and cannot be crossed by vehicles. Pedestrians can access the bridge from a Pedestrian Plaza inside the Hoover Dam security zone.
Additional Tips
Plan Ahead
Ensure you have a confirmed transportation plan for getting to and from Hoover Dam, as rideshare and taxi services may not be readily available.
Helicopter Tours
For a bird’s-eye view of the dam, consider taking one of the daily helicopter tours.
References
- Rome2rio. (n.d.). Lake Tahoe to Hoover Dam – 6 ways to travel via train, bus, plane. Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Lake-Tahoe/Hoover-Dam
- Tours4fun. (n.d.). Find Cheap Lake Tahoe Tours including Hoover Dam. Retrieved from https://www.tours4fun.com/tours/lake-tahoe/visit-hoover-dam/
- Bureau of Reclamation. (n.d.). Visiting Hoover Dam: A Traveler’s Guide. Retrieved from https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/crossingguide.pdf
- Rome2rio. (n.d.). South Lake Tahoe to Hoover Dam – 6 ways to travel via train, bus. Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/s/South-Lake-Tahoe/Hoover-Dam
- Travel Nevada. (n.d.). Hoover Dam Information. Retrieved from https://travelnevada.com/hoover-dam/.