the hoover dam - is close enough to Vegas for a day trip - by Jason

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam stories have always interested me so I went to see this baby. I was stunned at the size and scope of this incredible creation. It is definitely worth seeing if you need a break from Vegas for a day.

Travel Info: Noncommercial vehicles allowed to cross the dam are: passenger cars, pickup trucks, trailers, mini-vans, full-size passenger vans, suv's, rv's, boats, horse trailers, motorhomes, campers, rental trucks. If you are driving one of these prepare for a full inspection. Commercial passenger buses can cross the dam without luggage but will be inspected at checkpoints. Recreational vehicles and rental trucks can cross only if their contents can be easily inspected. Otherwise they will send you around the long long way through Laughlin Nevada to ensure security of Hoover Dam.

Photo Courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau

Delays can last two hours on heavy congested tourist related travel times. You can park in lots and walk across the dam during the daytime. This is more fun and relaxing and gives you time to take pictures.

History: Hoover Dam is named after Herbert Hoover, former President of the United States, created to dam up the Colorado River thus providing irrigation water to farms and water for California of course. It was built and paid for by the sales of electricity it generates through hydroelectric power. The dam structure rises 725 feet and is the highest concrete dam in this Hemisphere.

Visitor Center: 9 AM to 5 PM PST every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Parking costs $7. There is a guided tour available for an extra charge that can last up to two hours.

Facts: Colorado River water stored behind Hoover Dam irrigates many farmlands including the Palo Verde Valley, the Colorado River Indian Reservation, the Yuma and Gila projects in Arizona, and the Imperial and Coachella valleys in California. By storing water and controlling the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam gives us a steady water source for LA, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson and others including Indian reservations.

Hydroelectric power is created as water rushes through turbines which then turn generators. This is great way to get electricity since as long as the river flows it is completely renewable and does not pollute like other electricity generating methods so check out the Hoover Dam.