Hoover Dam Bridge Walk: The Bypass Bridge Walkway
A pedestrian walkway over the Colorado River, downstream of Hoover Dam
The walkway and the river
The bridge that carries the walkway crosses the Colorado River about 1,500 feet downstream of Hoover Dam. Its pedestrian walkway gives visitors a different view of the nearby dam and the river below.
The walkway runs alongside concrete safety barriers and offers scenic views of Hoover Dam and Black Canyon. From the catwalk, visitors can see the whole Hoover Dam power generating complex.
Parking on the Nevada side
A parking area for the bridge walkway is on the Nevada side, at a former construction staging area. Visitors can park there and walk across the bridge for views of the dam and river.
Stairs and disabled-access ramps lead from the parking area to the sidewalk across the bridge.
The Nevada entrance to the catwalk has a parking lot large enough for tour buses and travel trailers.
The trail and catwalk access
The trail up the hillside to the catwalk access point is paved. Visitors with mobility challenges can make the trip.
Park benches and shaded areas along the trail give visitors places to rest.
The catwalk runs the full length of the bridge, but its only access point is on the Nevada side. The bridge deck that carries the walkway is about 890 feet above the Colorado River.
Traffic and the bypass
Since the bypass opened, through traffic is no longer allowed across the dam, and the approach from the Nevada side remains open to visitors. Visitors approach the dam from the Nevada side and can cross to parking lots and facilities on the Arizona side. Facilities and parking on the Arizona side are reached by crossing the dam from Nevada.
Arizona end and high winds
The Arizona end of the catwalk is fenced off, and visitors return the way they came. Warning signs about high winds are posted at the catwalk access point, which lies on the Nevada side of the bridge. On the catwalk, the stretch that can be treacherously windy starts at the rock wall and runs for 50 feet.
Measurements at the bridge and dam
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge distance from the dam | 1,500 feet | Downstream, where the bridge crosses the Colorado River |
| Bridge deck height | 890 feet | Above the Colorado River |
| Windy stretch | 50 feet | The first 50 feet past the rock wall |
| Planned dam thickness at the bottom | 660 feet (200 m) | Planned wedge-shaped design |
| Maximum hydraulic head | 590 feet (180 m) | Provided by the dam's intakes |
The planned wedge-shaped design of the dam was 660 feet (200 m) thick at the bottom. A total of 3,250,000 cubic yards (2,480,000 cubic meters) of concrete was used in the dam itself.
Questions about the walkway
How far downstream of the dam does the bridge cross the river?
The bridge that carries the walkway crosses the Colorado River about 1,500 feet downstream of Hoover Dam.
How high is the bridge deck above the river?
The bridge deck that carries the walkway is about 890 feet above the Colorado River.
Where is the parking for the walkway?
A parking area for the bridge walkway is on the Nevada side, at a former construction staging area. It lets visitors walk across the bridge for views of the dam and river.
Can visitors with mobility challenges use the walkway route?
Stairs and disabled-access ramps lead from the parking area to the sidewalk across the bridge. The trail up the hillside to the catwalk access point is paved, and visitors with mobility challenges can make the trip.
Can visitors walk to the Arizona end of the catwalk?
The Arizona end of the catwalk is fenced off, and visitors return the way they came. The catwalk's only access point is on the Nevada side.
Is through traffic allowed across the dam?
No. Since the bypass opened, through traffic is no longer allowed across the dam, and visitors may still approach from the Nevada side.
How windy is the catwalk access?
Warning signs about high winds are posted at the catwalk access point. The first 50 feet past the rock wall can be treacherously windy.
How much concrete was used in the dam?
A total of 3,250,000 cubic yards (2,480,000 cubic meters) of concrete was used in the dam itself.