Hoover Dam | Las Vegas

Hoover Dam, a monumental feat of engineering, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, it was the tallest dam in the world at the time of its completion, measuring 726 feet (221 meters) in height. The dam's base is as thick as two football fields are long, and each spillway can handle the volume of water that flows over Niagara Falls. The amount of concrete used in building it was enough to pave a road stretching from San Francisco to New York City.

Purpose and Impact

Hoover Dam was built for three primary reasons: flood control, to provide irrigation water, and to produce hydroelectric power. Flood control was the main reason the Bureau of Reclamation decided to take on the project. Today, tourism is another significant benefit of the dam. Over 7 million people visit the dam every year, making it a major attraction in the southwestern United States.

Construction Details

Before construction could commence, the Colorado River had to be diverted. Four diversion tunnels were driven through the canyon walls-two on the Nevada side and two on the Arizona side. These tunnels, each 56 feet in diameter, were nearly 16,000 feet long in total. The river was diverted into the two Arizona tunnels on November 13, 1932, allowing construction to proceed.

The first concrete for the dam was placed on June 6, 1933, and the last on May 29, 1935. Approximately 160,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured into the dam each month, with a peak of over 275,000 cubic yards in one month. To prevent cracking due to heat, the concrete was poured in five-foot sections and cooled with a special system of cold-water pipes.

The construction of Hoover Dam was not without its challenges. There were 112 deaths reported as associated with the construction of the dam. The first was a Bureau of Reclamation employee who died in 1921, and the final death occurred in 1935. Many of these fatalities were due to accidents, heatstroke, and other causes.

Tours and Visitor Information

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Doors close at 4:15 p.m., and the last tour departs at 4:10 p.m. Visitors can explore the dam through various tour options:

Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour: Offers exhibits and panoramic views of the dam and surrounding areas.

Guided Power Plant Tour: A 40-minute tour that takes visitors inside the dam to see the massive turbines generating hydroelectric power.

Guided Dam Tour: A 1-hour tour that provides an in-depth look at the dam's history and operations.

Tickets for the self-guided Visitor Center Tour are $15, while the Guided Power Plant Tour costs $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 4-16. The Guided Dam Tour is priced at $40 for adults. Children ages 3 and under are free for all tours. Parking at the Hoover Dam garage costs $10 per vehicle.

The Hoover Dam is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Boulder City, Nevada. Visitors can reach the dam by taking U.S. Highway 93 to Nevada State Route 172. The dam straddles the Nevada-Arizona border, offering unique views of both states.

Additional Attractions

While visiting Hoover Dam, guests can also explore the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, which provides stunning views of the dam and the Colorado River. The bridge is the world's tallest concrete arch span and offers a unique perspective of the dam's architecture.

Nearby, the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum offers interactive exhibits that tell the story of the dam's construction and the lives of the workers who built it. The museum is located in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel, built in 1933 to house workers and visitors.

For those interested in outdoor activities, the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The lake provides a variety of water-based activities, including boating and fishing.

A visit to Hoover Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into one of America's most significant engineering achievements. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking breathtaking views, the dam provides an unforgettable experience.