A Drive to Hoover Dam: An Engineering Wonder

In my last trip of 2015, during Christmas Holidays to Las Vegas, Nevada, we went out of Vegas for a very special road trip to one of the seven modern civil engineering wonders of the United States – Hoover Dam. It is just 35 miles away from Vegas strip and drive of around 45 minutes. However you need to allot an extra 30 to 45 minutes to arrival time at the Hoover Dam due to the security check point. The line of vehicles easily spanned over two miles, but it’s completely worth it.

Before I start describing about it, check out this breathtaking view of scenic beauty around Hoover Dam and get the feel of it!

We reached Hoover Dam bright and early.  Built in the 1930s, Hoover Dam straddles the mighty Colorado River, which forms the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona. Originally called Boulder Dam, the structure changed the face of a multistate desert region in the West. The dam harnessed the power of the Colorado River to generate electricity and stored water in Lake Mead, creating a popular recreation area, supplying domestic and agricultural water to millions and controlling flooding downstream.

Hoover Dam 13

Hoover Dam is named after Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States of America. It is 726 feet high, 45 feet thick at the top and 660 feet at the bottom, and is larger than the Great Pyramid of Cheops. One of the interesting fact about this dam is that it is filled with 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete, enough to pave a strip 16 feet wide and 8 inches thick from San Francisco to New York City.

An elegant structure of concrete and steel, Hoover Dam sits wedged between the high, dark cliffs of Black Canyon. Contrasted against the blue-green water, its light-colored face dazzling in the desert sun, the beautiful dam appears frail despite its massive size.

Damming the Colorado River created Lake Mead, a National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service. The lake offers boating, fishing, camping, house-boating, water-skiing and swimming.

These are two of four 338 foot high Intake Towers that stand in the deep waters of Lake Mead behind Hoover Dam. They siphon water to the power plant. Two towers are on the Nevada side and two on the Arizona side.

Half of Hoover Dam is on the Pacific Time Zone and the other half is in Mountain Time Zone. Arizona is one of the exceptions to the rule when it comes to observing daylight saving time in the United States.

The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, is a spectacular four-lane highway bridge arching across the Colorado River. This bridge opened in late 2010 and carries traffic between Nevada and Arizona. An impressive feat of engineering, the supporting twin-rib arch span echoes the elegant curves of the dam itself.

This bronze statue on a rock formation is called High Scaler and it sits outside the High Scaler Cafe. High scalers were the daring workers who hung from ropes on the canyon walls as they drilled with jackhammers and packed dynamite.

Hoover Dam also offers tour well worth to go down to see the generators. Crawl out a ventilation shaft and look downstream from the dam and see the incredibly steep maintenance stairs. Lots of story and knowledge from the guides if you want it. The new dam-bypass bridge offers a great view of the area, so even if you’ve been before be sure to visit again now as the bridge is open! For more details on available tours, schedule timings and entire excursion cost, you can check here.

The scenic beauty around Hoover Dam is breathtaking. You simply can’t stop yourself clicking endless pictures. 

I love selfies and never forget to miss it when there is such a spectacular view. 😉

A must see man made wonder if you’re visiting Las Vegas. A modern marvel constructed without the use of computers or high tech equipment’s. You have no idea how massive a structure it is until you actually see it. 

Do share your experience if you have visited Hoover Dam or planning to visit in the comments below?

Happy Traveling.
Ana

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35 Comments

    1. Allie

      January 21, 2016

      I haven’t been to the Hoover Dam in YEARS! But it is a definite must see. Such an amazing engineering feat! Looks like you guys had a great time.

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    1. Kaylene Chadwell

      January 21, 2016

      Love your photos! I’ve never been to Hoover Dam, but putting it on my list for my next trip to Las Vegas with my mom!

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    1. Shann Eva

      January 21, 2016

      I’ve driven through twice, but we’ve never stopped for very long, as we were trying to get to our destination. Your pictures are absolutely amazing!

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    1. Rachel

      January 21, 2016

      My brother is an electrician for CAP. He works inside the dam several times a year, he said the inside is crazy impressive too. I guess there are tours where you can go inside the damn. I want to take my family.

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      1. Ana

        January 21, 2016

        Wow that’s incredible that your brother works inside the dam several times a year. You must visit along with your family and am sure they will love it.

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    1. Nicole

      January 20, 2016

      My husband’s company inspects the new bridge! They hang off of the side of the bridge and make sure it’s still in tiptop shape. He wasn’t a certified climber when the inspected it last, but I figure it’s only a matter of time before he does…My poor heart.

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      1. Ana

        January 20, 2016

        Hey Hi Nicole,

        Hats off to your husband and his colleagues for maintaining such a beautiful piece of man’s made wonder. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

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