Things to Do at Hoover Dam
The dam at a glance
Hoover Dam is a concrete arch–gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the Nevada–Arizona border. It sits about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, near Boulder City. Boulder City was originally built to house workers on the dam construction project.
The planned wedge-shaped design measured 660 ft (200 m) thick at the bottom. The dam itself contains 3,250,000 cubic yards (2,480,000 cubic meters) of concrete.
- 660 ft (200 m)Planned thickness at the bottom
- 590 ft (180 m)Maximum hydraulic head at the intakes
- 3,250,000 cubic yardsConcrete used in the dam
Construction of the dam
Hoover Dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936, during the Great Depression. The Colorado River was diverted through four tunnels, each 56 ft in diameter, bored through the canyon walls. Over 96 lives are recorded as lost during construction.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Construction period | 1931 to 1936, during the Great Depression |
| Diversion tunnels | Four, each 56 ft in diameter |
| Concrete in the dam | 3,250,000 cubic yards (2,480,000 cubic meters) |
| Lives recorded in construction | Over 96 |
A 1981 entry on the National Register of Historic Places came first. In 1985 the dam was also designated a National Historic Landmark, a status given for its engineering innovations.
Summer 1931 daytime highs at the dam site averaged 119.9 °F. Sixteen people died of heat prostration in one month.
Lake Mead, wildlife and the river
The lowest elevation Lake Mead has recorded is 1,071.55 feet (326.61 m), set on June 10, 2021.
Most areas of Lake Mead National Recreation Area are places where bighorn sheep can be spotted.
The decline of the estuarine ecosystem in the Colorado River Delta has been linked to the dam's construction. Four native Colorado River fish species are listed as endangered: bonytail chub, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub and razorback sucker.
Tours and activities
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See all toursFrequently asked questions
How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
Hoover Dam is about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
When was the dam built?
It was constructed between 1931 and 1936, during the Great Depression.
How many diversion tunnels were driven?
The answer is four. Each tunnel is 56 ft across, and together they were used to divert the Colorado River.
Is the dam on a historic register?
Yes. It entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, and in 1985 it received National Historic Landmark status.
What is the Lake Mead record low?
The record low is 1,071.55 feet (326.61 m), reached on June 10, 2021.
Which native fish are listed as endangered?
Four native Colorado River fish species are listed as endangered: bonytail chub, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub and razorback sucker.
Where can bighorn sheep be spotted?
Across most areas of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, bighorn sheep can be seen.
How hot was the site in summer 1931?
Summer 1931 daytime highs at the dam site averaged 119.9 °F.