Hoover Dam: Powerplant Tour, Dam Walk & Colorado River Float

4.55

(154 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel small standing on top of Hoover Dam. It’s not just the height or that weird echo when you lean over the edge—it’s something about how quiet everyone gets, even with all the tourists shuffling around. Our guide, Mike (he grew up in Boulder City), pointed out these art-deco statues with wings—Winged Figures of the Republic—said they’re good luck if you rub their feet. So yeah, I did. Maybe that’s why my sandwich later tasted extra good.

The powerplant tunnels are colder than I thought they’d be. There’s this hum from the generators, deep and steady, almost like it vibrates in your chest. Mike told us stories about workers who carved out these tunnels in crazy heat back in the 1930s—made me look at those smooth concrete walls differently. And then suddenly we’re outside again, sun bouncing off Lake Mead so bright I had to squint.

But floating on the Colorado River below was honestly my favorite part of this Hoover Dam tour. The raft barely made a sound except for little splashes against the rocks. You look up and see that wall of concrete towering above—way more massive from down there than up top. Our river guide handed out apples and cookies; I remember the apple was cold from the cooler and tasted sweet after all that desert air. Someone spotted a hawk circling overhead—I missed it because I was staring at reflections on the water. Funny what sticks with you.