Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Tour

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign - The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’’ sign is pretty cool to pose in front of for a photo.

Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum - An excellent, easy-to-navigate, free museum packed with displays as good as the exhibits at Hoover Dam. That’s because all of the workers who built Hoover Dam lived in Boulder City, where Hoover Dam is officially located. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Hemenway Park - This picturesque, public park with green grass overlooking Lake Mead in the desert is often grazed upon by wild bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside. Most definitely worth a stop for the view and the wildlife sightings!

Hoover Dam Lookout - A complete view of the entirety of Hoover Dam from the Arizona side. Worth driving over the rim to take in this perspective. You can’t get this view from the Nevada side.

Hoover Dam - This landmark has been named one of America’s greatest engineering feats and is a piece of history as well as a gargantuan functioning dam. A must-see in your lifetime. You can walk the premises free of charge, or pay to take guided tours.

Parking Fee $10 (but you do have the option of free parking)

Mike O’Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge - Locals call this the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge. One of the tallest bridges in the world, it towers over Hoover Dam and, if you’re brave enough to walk across, gives you a birds-eye view of Hoover Dam from almost 900 feet in the sky! Posterboards along the switchback ramps to get to the top show you photos and descriptions of how this bridge was built. Worth a stop! There is no admission charge and the parking is free.

Lake Mead - Lakeview Overlook - The Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook off of Rt. 172, along the Historic Railroad Trail, gives you a panoramic view of Lake Mead from above the marina.

Lake Mead Visitor Center - The Lake Mead Visitor Center is a large, very nice combination of exhibits, crafts and gift shop, and information center with volunteers and park rangers who will offer you specific maps and hiking guidance and recommendations.

Historic Railroad Trail - Excellent, highly recommended hike through the historic railroad tunnels used to take supplies to Hoover Dam during construction. Easy and flat, but long since it goes all the way to Hoover Dam (7.5 miles round trip.) But at least worth doing 2 miles round trip to get through the first couple of tunnels before turning around. And no shade, so do NOT do this hike during the hot, sunny days from May through Sept. except for perhaps the early morning hours before 10 a.m. Trailheads from the Visitor Center and also from an adjacent parking lot right next to the Visitor Center.

Boulder Beach - Boulder Beach is a mile of shoreline along Lake Mead. Swim, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, sail, or just take in the views of the lake and mountains while collecting shells.

Sunset View Scenic Overlook - As we meander Lakeshore Road and take in the beauty of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, head up to Sunset Overlook and just take it all in – the view of the lake and mountains that surround you are astounding.

33 Hole Overlook - Moderate hike with a bit of a challenging scramble at the beginning to get down into the canyon, is 2.2 miles round trip. See dramatic, winding canyons below the Lake Mead high water line as water levels have dropped. Owls occasionally roost in the slot canyon. To get to the trailhead, follow signs for 33 Hole Overlook off Lakeshore Road. The trailhead is in the first parking lot on the left. The un-signed trailhead for Owl Canyon is next to the second picnic shelter. Even if you’re not hiking, stop at this overlook for the view, then continue up to the 33 Hole Overlook for an equally beautiful view.

Northshore Road - A stunning landscape for driving, full of volcanic lava-topped and red rock mountains, as well as stunning desert views. Drive at least a little of this road if you have the time.

Little White Wedding Chapel - When in Vegas, this is something so much fun to see! The famous (or infamous) Little White Chapel, where so many stars have eloped. Along the equally famous Las Vegas Boulevard and minutes away from the also-famous Stratosphere, this is a cool piece of Downtown Vegas history to see. Parking is free and you can walk in to take a peek free of charge during the hours they’re open.

The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod - The Strat Observation Tower has been voted “Best Place to View the City” year after year. At the tippy-top, The Strat (aka Stratosphere) is 1,149-feet-tall with expansive, 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and valley from both indoor and outdoor observation decks.

Red Rock Canyon Tour

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center - Entering Red Rock Canyon for the Scenic Drive is your only opportunity to enter the Visitor Center and, since the loop is one-way, you only pass the Visitor Center at the beginning of the Scenic Drive. This is the only place that has restrooms with running water and a water filling station, plus an Information Booth with trail maps, Gift Shop, and outdoor exhibits worth a walk-through, plus a chance to see live desert tortoises.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Almost everything worth seeing and doing at Red Rock Canyon is along this Scenic Drive, including the Visitor Center. This is the number one way, and best way, to experience Red Rock Canyon. Much of the year, a reservation is required for the Scenic Drive.

Calico 1 - It would be hard to pass this first stop in the Calico Hills without at least stepping foot on some of the vivid red rock. Although you could just park, get out of the car and take a few moments to enjoy the mind-blowing view and take some photos, you probably won’t be able to resist hiking at least a little of this moderate trail. It runs 2 - 6 miles from different start/end points, but just a taste of it will allow you to experience the beauty and shapes of these gorgeous rock formations up close.

Calico Hills - Pull up and feast your eyes on this view! You’ll want to take even more photos of the Calico Hills from this angle, and you’ll find yourself seeing all kinds of different things in these intricate rock formations. If you’re lucky enough to get a parking spot in this small lot, you could also hike part of the same Calico Hills trail from here that you can access from Calico I, but with different vantage points of the glorious red rocks.

Sandstone Quarry Overlook - The most popular hiking trail in all of Red Rock Canyon begins from this location, which is the site of an old quarry operation. You can see the cuts in the mountain sandstone and a few of the slabs remain on-site. Look for rock climbers way up high (they are so far up that they almost blend in!) But the real reason this stop is so popular is because it’s the starting point of the Calico Tanks Trail. You may have to drive around the parking lot a few times until a space opens up, but it’s worth it to take at least part of this . moderate trail for the magnificent views.

High Point Overlook - Park and take in the view from this spot along the Scenic Drive.

White Rock Trailhead - This is one of only a few truly sweeping overlooks of Red Rock Canyon, and this one’s at the highest elevation point in all of Red Rock Canyon at 4,771 feet above sea level. Pull in, get out of the car, and immerse yourself in the view as you slowly turn full-circle to see all of the mountain majesty surrounding you.

Willow Spring - Just a quick turn off the Scenic Drive will bring you to a place you don’t want to miss: Willow Spring. There are two highly recommended hikes from this beautiful picnic area dwarfed by mountains. The Petroglyph Wall Trail is a short, easy .15 mile hike to a cliff side full of ancient art dating back over 800 years that only takes about 30 minutes round trip. The Willow Springs Loop is another easy trail (1.5 miles round-trip) that’s really great to take at least part of the way (it runs parallel to the parking lot, starting from the picnic tables) because often there are bighorn sheep watching you from the mountain ledges above! They blend in, though, so keep your eyes peeled! You’ll also pass by the largest of the ancient agave roasting pits. And, if you brought a picnic lunch and are hungry, enjoy this incredible view while you take a break.

Lost Creek Canyon - In the same area as Willow Spring, enjoy the mountains from this vantage point as you try to spot the bighorn sheep. They love to hang out on the rocky cliffs but are good at blending in with the scenery! A popular hike from this location is The Children’s Discovery Trail – rated easy, with some rocky terrain and a boardwalk, plus a hidden seasonal waterfall that usually flows between December and April. There’s a variety of desert plant life to see here, too.

Red Rock Canyon Overlook - This is a sweeping and serene overlook. Take it in. Breathe in the fresh air. Relax for a couple of minutes immersed in nature, as you listen to the wind blowing through the mountains or the unusual birds, including the western tanager, chirping in the Joshua Trees.

Pine Creek Canyon - Stop here for views of the open desert and monolithic canyon walls, along with some diverse plant life. If you get here later in the day, this side of the Scenic Drive is shrouded in silhouette with the sun coming from behind the mountains. There is a moderate hike from here that leads past an old homestead site and into a meadow.

Oak Creek Canyon - You’ll be driving down a short gravel road to get here, but you don’t need a truck – regular cars can handle the bumpy road as long as you drive slowly. The mule deer like to romp around this area and will sometimes run right past your car! The view is just beautiful where the canyon cuts into the Red Rock Escarpment, and it’s just a short detour off the Scenic Drive.

Red Rock Canyon Overlook - This is arguably the best overlook in all of Red Rock Canyon. Be sure to walk the paved trail that begins at the helipad on the far end of the parking lot. You’ll stroll past the Joshua Trees to the benches at the tip of the overlook and see most of the giant mountains along the Scenic loop that you just finished driving around. You can also have a wonderful picnic with a view from here if you like. Be sure and grab a selfie with this backdrop!

Death Valley

Journigan’s Mill - This is the first stop on Emigrant Canyon Rd, the optional detour toward the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. There’s not much left of this former processing plant from the early 20th century, but the foundations, empty tanks, and other relics may interest photographers and history buffs.

Wildrose Campground - The second stop on Emigrant Canyon Rd, this former campground for the Civilian Conservation Corps is a good place to stretch your legs as you make the long drive toward the charcoal kilns. Walk through the remaining campground buildings, located right off the road.

Charcoal Kilns - Ten unusual, beehive-shaped charcoal kilns are lined up in a row thousands of feet up in the Panamint Range. Step inside one and you may still get a whiff of that charcoal!

Stovepipe Wells Village - If you plan to eat a meal or buy gasoline within the park, we recommend doing it in Stovepipe Wells, a wayside with visitor services and accommodation.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - The only sand dunes you’ll see on the tour! You can view the dunes from the parking lot, but it’s more fun to explore the dunes on foot and wander among the mesquite trees for some social media-worthy pictures. This is a top pick for sunsets and stargazing, too.

Devils Cornfield - There’s a peculiar patch of Arrowweed near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes that appears like bunches of corn in a field. There’s not much to look at, but a small parking area allows visitors to safely park and get a closer look.

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail - A 0.5-mile boardwalk runs along the Salt Creek wetland, a critical watering hole for critters and home to the endangered Salt Creek Pupfish. The easy trail is down a dirt road.

Harmony Borax Works - Explore what’s left of the earliest mining operation in Death Valley. Placards throughout the short path interpret the various buildings and mechanisms required to process borax. You’ll also see one of the wagons pulled by the famed 20-mule teams.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center - A must-stop for information, flush toilets, a water refill station, and a museum with excellent displays on the natural and human history of Death Valley.

The Ranch at Death Valley - Furnace Creek is the only place to eat a meal and get gas within the park. Prices are higher here, but you’ll find an ice cream parlor, buffet-style restaurant, and Wild West-themed saloon. There’s also an excellent General Store with souvenirs and a small grocery section. And if you want to know more about the area’s mining history, you can visit the Borax Museum.

Devil’s Golf Course - Enjoy the otherworldly shapes of Death Valley’s salt flat, down a short dirt road from Badwater Road. There’s no trail, and you’ll want to make sure you have sturdy shoes if you wander into the ‘golf course.’ That salt can hurt!

Badwater Basin - The lowest point in North America, and the highlight of a trip to Death Valley. There’s a boardwalk by the parking lot, but you’re welcome to wander into the valley on the Badwater Basin trail. Go as far as you’d like into the interior of Death Valley’s famed salt flats, but it’s about 1 mile in to reach the cool geometric shapes in the salt, making this a 2-mile round trip hike.

Natural Bridge Trail - The trail to the natural bridge rock formation is flat, but rocky. It’s about 1 mile round-trip from the parking lot to the bridge and back.

Artist’s Drive - Artists Drive is a one-way road that ascends up toward the Black Mountains into a twisty canyon. The drive itself is fun, as you maneuver through a tight desert landscape. But the highlight is a stop along the road called Artists Palette, where minerals in the rock create a colorful cliff. You can explore on foot for a closer look.

Golden Canyon - This is one of the most popular hikes in the park, taking hikers through a lifeless canyon. It’s about 3 miles, or 5 kilometers round-trip to the Red Cathedral cliff formation.

Zabriskie Point - One of the most iconic views in the park, overlooking rock formations Red Cathedral and Manly Beacon. This spot is also noted for its film history and its role as the album cover for U2’s Joshua Tree. The walk from the parking lot to the overlook is short and paved, but steep.

Twenty Mule Team Canyon - Like Mustard Canyon, this is a dirt road adventure into a tightly curving canyon. And there’s no specific stop, but it’s about a 15-minute detour from the main tour route. Before driving this road, check with the park for the road’s current conditions. In normal circumstances, this dirt road is reasonably well-maintained but still bumpy, and not advisable for vehicles with low clearance.

Dante’s View - A truly stunning sight to behold. Ascend over 5,000 feet to this overlook directly above Badwater Basin. From here, you’ll see the lowest point in North America with the dramatic Panamint Range looming over it on the other side of the valley. And on clear days, you can see the Sierra Nevada beyond, including Mt. Whitney–the highest point in the lower 48 states. This is a popular sunset and stargazing spot.

• Tours NEVER expire
• Offline Audio Guided Tour with hours of narration, stories, and music
• Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
• Tour at your convenience - download and select your preferred day
• Includes tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn GPS navigation
• Explore at your own pace - choose desired stops
• Automatic audio narration as you drive

• Private transportation
• Meals and Refreshment
• Parking and Attraction Entrance Fees