Hoover Dam Tour Itinerary
8:20 am; Temp: 71° F Our tour was scheduled for 7:40 am pickup at Green Valley Ranch and Scott was waiting for us as we arrived five minutes early. We headed out on U.S. Highway 93 South, Scott offered free access to a cooler of soda, Gatorade or water.
9:00 am; Temp: 68° F After what seemed like a very short ride, we reached Boulder City and Scott pointed out many of the landmarks as they pertained to the dam's construction era. Not more than 10 minutes later we enter the Hoover Dam National Monument and crossed the dam to our first overlook of the giant spillway.
These tunnels were first used to divert the Colorado river while building the dam, and now as overflow control if Lake Mead reaches a critical level. I saw these in action about 20 years ago, but the lake is lower from year's of drought so their use will be a long time in coming.
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9:15 am We cross back over the dam and Scott parks. We walk along a path toward the monuments commemorating the construction of the dam and listened to automated discussions at each point; Scott answering questions along the way. This does not require admission to the Discovery Tour. Scott informed us that automation has more recently replaced a dam guide from speaking live.
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| Walkway to exhibits and monuments |
Memorial art and sculptures are displayed atop the dam, including a 142-foot-high flagpole flanked by two winged figures. Other art deco works include a large compass surrounded by the 12 signs of the zodiac. Visitors gazing upon these works will be walking on an intricate terrazzo floor displaying a star map.
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Notice: Winged Figures of the Republic Superstition states that rubbing all twenty toes of both winged figures (only one pictured) with all ten of your fingers will bring good luck (don't forget to use your thumbs). This has provided a high polish for the toes of the figures from all seeking fortune. Yes, we tried it and yes we bet $100 on one hand of "21" back at the Green Valley Ranch, and believe it or not we were dealt a blackjack getting paid $150 profit. No promises nor guarantees, but it worked for us. |
9:30 am The Discovery Tour has 5 parts that are included with the purchase, which was included with our tour. Some parts are a little too technical, but overall it was well worth attending. Listed below, is a description of each part.
- Theater Level Displays: Murals, maps, photos and other displays provide an introduction to Hoover Dam history.
- Theater One: "How the West was Won": This presentation describes the contribution of the Bureau of Reclamation in taming the rivers, making the desert bloom, and its contribution in helping grow the food that feeds the nation.
- The Power Plant Generators: Take the large elevators 500 feet down into the wall of Black Canyon, walk through the 250-foot long tunnel drilled out of rock, and view the 650-foot long Nevada wing of the power plant and its eight huge generators. Don't worry about the seepage on the walls of the tunnel; this was both expected and planned for ;).
Eight Hydroelectric Generators 
Local Generator for Internal Power - The Exhibit Gallery: Located on the plaza level of the Tour Center, these exhibits highlight some of the natural history of the region and present a picture of how Hoover Dam operated in the past and the present. It may be accessed by taking the stairs or elevator located in the center of the theater level.
- The Overlook: May be accessed by taking the stairs or elevator adjacent to the Exhibit Gallery. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the observation deck taking in Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Camera enthusiasts will want to photograph the view. A guide will point out significant features of the Dam and its surroundings.
Overlook View: River-Side of the Dam 
Overlook View: Power Grid and Outlet Ports
10:20 am Walked around the gift shops and the more remote areas of the dam and learned of all the hot springs in the area and how the dam builders had to deal with them. Scott pointed out a pill-box used to house artillery during Word War II to protect the dam from Axis invasion. It was used again after 9/11 for about 2 years. What it is used for now is a closely guarded secret.
11:30 am Heading back to Las Vegas we stop by a scenic overlook of Lake Mead. To the right are tunnels and railroad tracks (now removed) that were built to provide a means of delivering supplies to the dam. The indirect infrastructure, including Boulder City which housed the dam workers, is as interesting as the dam itself.
The views of Lake Mead's azure water was very impressive and it was interesting to learn that the white ring around the landmasses was a indication of the record low water levels of the lake. This cycle should correct itself over the next 5 years.
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| Panoramic Scenic Overlook: Lake Mead |
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| Panoramic Scenic Overlook: Lake Mead Marina |
12:10 pm Arrived back to Green Valley Ranch with plenty of time to rest before a night of Las Vegas action.