Where is Hoover Dam Located?
At 726 feet high and 1,200 feet wide, Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive manmade structures in the nation. It’s just our luck that this marvel of modern engineering is also an easily accessible—and incredibly popular—attraction.
Fortunately for visitors to Las Vegas or Boulder City (which is actually the closest community to the dam), Hoover Dam is just a short drive away. Located about 36 miles southeast of Las Vegas and situated in the Colorado River’s Black Canyon on the Nevada-Arizona border, this iconic landmark offers the perfect southern Nevada day trip.
Hoover Dam at a Glance
- Location: Black Canyon
- River: Colorado River
- State: Nevada and Arizona
- Closest City: Boulder City
- Distance from Las Vegas: Approximately 30-36 miles
- Drive Time: About 40-45 minutes
- Recreation Area: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Directions to Hoover Dam
Whether you’re traveling from Las Vegas, Boulder City, Arizona, or southern California, Hoover Dam is easily accessible via major highways, including U.S. Route 93 and Interstate 11.
Most visitors arrive by car and should plan for a brief stop at a security checkpoint upon arrival. Use the directions below to plan your route and make the most of your visit to one of Nevada’s most famous destinations.
Directions to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas or Boulder City
From Las Vegas, follow Interstate 11 for 32 miles (40 minutes) until you reach the site.
Alternatively, we recommend you take a slight detour through Boulder City on U.S. Route 93, which only adds about 3 miles to the drive. As the community that built the dam, Boulder City and its historic downtown is a must-see for a day spent at the dam.
From Boulder City, the drive to the dam on U.S. Route 93 takes about 6.5 miles (or around 15 minutes).
Directions to Hoover Dam from Arizona
Travelers from Arizona typically reach Hoover Dam via U.S. Route 93, which crosses the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. From Kingman, travel north on U.S. Route 93 toward Hoover Dam and Boulder City. The 74-mile drive takes just over an hour.
Directions to Hoover Dam from Southern California
Hoover Dam is a must-see on many southwestern U.S. or southern Nevada roadtrips, and travelers arriving from southern California often stay the night in Boulder City or Las Vegas. While travel time varies depending on departure city and traffic conditions, these visitors usually arrive via Interstate 15 and Interstate 11.
Hoover Dam Parking Garage & Parking Information
Hoover Dam’s parking garage is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and the parking fee is $10 per vehicle. The garage is on the Nevada side near the visitor center, and all visitors are subject to thorough security checks.
RVs, cars and trucks with trailers, and oversized vehicles can park on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam. Lot #9 is $10 per vehicle, and Lots #13 and #14 are no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is Hoover Dam in?
Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River, which forms part of the Nevada-Arizona border. While it’s in both states, most visitor services (including Hoover Dam tours and parking) are accessed from the Nevada side.
What address should I use for Hoover Dam?
When using your navigation service, simply use Hoover Dam or Hoover Dam Visitor Center for accurate, step-by-step directions.
Where is Hoover Dam bridge?
The iconic bridge overlooking Hoover Dam is the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which was completed in 2010. This towering concrete arch bridge is about 1,700 feet southwest of the dam and carries traffic for both U.S. 93 and Interstate 11.
Note that you won’t get a good view of the dam while driving over the bridge. Head for the parking lot just off Hoover Dam Access Road to walk the bridge’s pedestrian path and take in unrivaled sights.
Explore Beyond Hoover Dam
Before you head out on the highway, check out the Neon to Nature road trip and discover all the anything-but-ordinary things to see and do on your way to and from Hoover Dam.
