Hoover Dam Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Drive, Listen and Explore the Boulder Canyon Giant
Drive the road to Hoover Dam while a professional audio guide narrates construction drama, geology, and river history. This self-guided driving tour lets you stop at overlooks and short trails on a flexible 2–3 hour route.
The Experience
Before You Go
Download before you go
Connect to strong Wi‑Fi and download the Action Tour app and tour files before you arrive—this tour works offline afterward.
Hydrate and shade up
Summer temperatures can top 100°F; carry water for everyone in the car and a hat for short walks on the dam and overlooks.
Buy one per vehicle
The tour is priced per car—not per person—so pool passengers to save and play audio through your car stereo or headphones during walks.
Observe limits and pedestrians
Follow posted speed limits and yield to foot traffic at overlooks and the dam walkway for safety and best photos.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Railroad grade trail that follows old Boulder Branch Line; quieter overlook on the downstream side of the bridge
Wildlife
- •desert bighorn sheep
- •raptor species such as red‑tailed hawks
Conservation Note
Lake Mead and the dam are managed for water supply, power generation, and recreation; visitors should stay on designated paths, pack out trash, and follow NPS/BOR guidelines to protect fragile desert ecosystems.
Constructed during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam employed thousands and redirected the Colorado River to create Lake Mead, reshaping water and power distribution across the Southwest.
What to Bring
Water bottle (2–3L per person summer)Essential
Keeps you hydrated during desert heat and short walks at overlooks.
Smartphone with GPS and charger/USB adapterEssential
Runs the audio app and offline maps; car power keeps it charged for a multi-stop route.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Protects against intense sun on exposed viewpoints and while walking the dam.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Useful for paved walks on the dam, overlook trails, and short hikes like the railroad grade.
Common Questions
Do I need a ticket to walk on Hoover Dam?
Entry to walk the public dam walkway and overlooks is free, but some special exhibits or powerplant tours require separate tickets—check Bureau of Reclamation and National Park Service pages.
How do I start the audio tour?
After purchase you’ll receive a password to download the Action Tour app; open the app at the designated starting point and the first audio segment will trigger automatically.
Is the tour suitable for families or large groups?
Yes—the tour is purchased per vehicle, making it cost-effective for families; pause the audio for breaks, and use headphones for individual listening on walks.
What about accessibility and walking distances?
Most stops include short paved walks and stair sections; those with limited mobility can still experience much of the tour from overlooks and the vehicle, but check specific site access for ADA accommodations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–3 hours
Location
Boulder City, Nevada
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for driving; short paved walks and stairs to viewpoints require basic mobility.
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