There are views... and then there are moments that feel like you've stepped into something larger…read morethan yourself. The Mike O'Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Bridgewalk is exactly that a grand stage suspended in the sky, where earth, water, and human ambition collide in spectacular fashion. If you've been behind the wheel for miles, stiff and road-worn, this is your invitation to rise, stretch, and stride into something unforgettable. The walk itself is a gift clean, open, and built for those who don't just want to see a place, but feel it under their boots. Step by step, the desert air sharpens, the horizon widens, and suddenly... there it is. Below you, the Hoover Dam not just seen, but revealed. From this vantage point, it transforms. No longer something you stand upon, but something you behold. A monument of willpower carved into canyon walls, holding back the restless Colorado River like a titan at rest. And then, the drop. Second highest bridge in the United States, they say and whether you came for facts or for feeling, the height delivers both. Standing nearly 900 feet above the canyon floor, this engineering marvel stretches 1,900 feet across Black Canyon, a sweeping concrete arc that feels almost too elegant for its own strength. Completed in 2010, it carries the weight of modern travel while quietly offering one of the most extravagant views in the American Southwest. Now let's talk scenery because this is where the experience transcends. To one side, the fading bathtub ring of Lake Mead tells a story of time, of thirst, of a changing world. To the other, the canyon walls rise in layers of sunburnt stone bronze, rust, and gold like pages in a history book written by wind and water. And above it all, the sky... endless, unapologetic, and vast beyond reason. It's the kind of place that makes you pause mid-step, lean into the railing, and just exist for a moment. A quiet line of poetry seems to write itself out there: Between sky and stone I stand, Where silence speaks and shadows span, A river held by human hand, Yet time still writes a greater plan. And here's the truth being up here might just outshine standing on the dam itself. Because from the bridge, you don't just witness a structure... you witness the story. The scale. The consequence. The beauty. This isn't just a walk. It's a front-row seat to grandeur.

My crew and I came out to this landmark bridge to do a shoot and do some research as a possible…read morelocation. It's actually quite spectacular in person. It has a great view of Hoover Dam and you can walk across it, but you then get halfway and then come back unless you plan to walk to Arizona on the other side of the bridge. There's a plaque at one end explaining background of the bridge, like date of construction and who it's named after. Parking is down in the main lot, so you need to walk a little ways to the bridge. I think they built this bridge so traffic and trucks that might hold a big bomb wouldn't drive across the top of the dam. That used to be the only way to get across to the other side. There's all the touristy stuff, like a little place to get food and gifts near the parking lot. You can go walk across the actual dam and I think there's tours of the inside where the power plant is if you want to do that. THis place including walking the bridge and walking around the dam is well worth it. It's not too long a drive from central Las Vegas.

PROS: This was amazing and I highly recommend coming here. Good views of the dam, gift shop is…read morenice, museum and movie available with purchase, and loads of parking CONS: You must pay for certain parking lots, movie/museum price is expensive at $40 a person as of 7/2026 OVERALL: This is a must-see experience if you're near vegas. There are lots that are free to park at past the dam. I recommend parking there

Hoover Dam is one of those spots in the US everyone feels like they need to see. It is considered…read moreone of engineering's 7 Industrial Wonders of the World with it's arch-gravity flood control. This national historic spot is 726' tall and 1244' wide, it's definitely a fun sight to see. Back in the great depression, more specifically in 1935 when it opened, it was the largest water dam of the time. If you are going from LA to Vegas, it's not exactly on the way but 45 minutes past Vegas if you want to hit it up 'along' the way. I think most people prefer to get to Vegas first, and then it's not too bad at about 45 minutes outside of town. For me, it's such a quick stop of under an hour that it doesn't feel worth it to do that. If you're driving in, there will be a security checkpoint where they may open your trunk, etc but then you can park wherever to check things out. They have a visitor center with a paid $10 parking garage on the Nevada side and bathrooms. They also offer tours from there that I'm sure are informative and great. However, I've only ever driven in and stopped at different points to read the signs, take photos and just marvel at the grandiosity of it all. Also you know how I mentioned the Nevada side? It's right on the border with Arizona so that's pretty cool to be in two states at once at the designated points. It's a great photo to straddle the line and you're basically time travelling since they have two different time zones. The earlier you go, the better in my experience. Less crowds and heat closer to opening make for an ideal Hoover Dam experience!

This place is truly beautiful. So many scenic routes, trails and rock formations. No pictures do it…read morejustice. I need to shout out Carol at the visitor center. She was kind, friendly, patient and had an answer for every question. She was curious about our travels and really pleasant to talk to. I feel like she is just a volunteer but someone give that woman a bonus or something. She deserves it and really added to our experience.

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited. The bright red…read morerock formations almost look like you're on another planet, and every turn offers another incredible view. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip, but there are also plenty of great spots to stop, explore, and take photos. I especially enjoyed seeing the unique rock formations and the ancient petroglyphs. Everything was well maintained, and it was easy to spend several hours just taking in the scenery. If you're visiting the Las Vegas area, this is an absolute must see and well worth the drive. I would definitely come back again.

This is a basic city park with tennis courts, basketball hoops and playground equipment. What puts…read morethis park above the rest is two things: 1. The location and 2. The wildlife. First, the location. This park in the hills above Lake Meade. The scenery is breathtaking. The blue of the water and the green of the grass is stunning...with foothills and mountains everywhere you look. If that is not enough, there is the wildlife. Bighorn sheep spend lazy afternoons grazing on the grass of this park. I have never been there when there were not at least 5 of these majestic beasts. If you are in the vicinity of Boulder City (on your way to Hoover Dam), take an hour or two to stop in the park, you will not be disappointed.

As a park, this is a lovely park. It has a view of Lake Mead and is simply beautiful! The…read moreplayground has a lot of equipment that kept our tiny one busy and so happy! There are beautiful picnic facilities and a lot of seating throughout the park . There is also a tennis court and ample shade to help stay cool. The walking path provides informational displays that explain the best part of the park....the long-horned sheep. There is a large herd that spends part of their day right here in the park. Of course they are wild animals and should not be approached but you are able to sit so close to them and observe as they relax in the grass. They are not tame but it is so neat to be able to be so close to them without them being at all disturbed by our presence. If you are in the area, stop by and see if you are able to share part of your day with wildlife!

My friend and I took a lake cruise on the desert princess this past Saturday (7/25/26)…read more What our cruise company did not tell us was there is a parking fee to get in. I learned that it is protected by the coast guards. I guess one way to think of this place is like a national forest. Entrance/parking fee to get in and it is well protected. I probably only saw one piece of trash through the entire lake cruise duration. They truly do their best to keep this place nice and clean. The lake was peaceful and beautiful. As another user already mentioned, even though the water line is decreased over the years, the lake remains a beautiful sight to see. This was my first time here and truly, getting a break from the dry desert was definitely a treat.

There are places in this country that aren't just destinations they're chapters of a life. Lake…read moreMead is one of mine. I remember when it was full truly full back in its heyday, when it stood as the largest reservoir in the United States, born from the mighty Hoover Dam and fed by the Colorado River like a beating heart in the desert. It wasn't just water out there... it was life. The kind of place families planned entire summers around. The kind of place that meant something. Our family didn't just "go" to Lake Mead we made a journey out of it. A couple days on the road, anticipation building mile by mile, until finally, there it was. We'd spend a week out there, soaking it all in. And I'll never forget those spring breaks. The sun high, music playing somewhere in the distance, boats cutting across the water, laughter echoing off canyon walls. Girls in bikinis everywhere and I was just a young man coming into my own, thinking every single one of them was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. It felt like the whole world was alive, and somehow, I was right in the middle of it. Back then, the water... it had a color you almost couldn't describe without sounding like you were exaggerating. Turquoise one minute, blue-green the next, shifting with the sunlight like it had moods of its own. The desert wrapped around it, rugged and raw, but the lake softened everything. It brought people together. You couldn't find a place to park half the time, and nobody cared. That was part of it. People shoulder to shoulder, coolers open, music playing, drinks in hand, strangers becoming friends for a weekend. It felt affordable, accessible... like it belonged to all of us. It felt like America. And now... now it feels like something else entirely. These days, when I pass by Lake Mead, it doesn't greet me the same way. The shoreline has pulled back like a memory fading. What was once shimmering and alive now looks cracked, dry, almost forgotten in places brown where it used to glow. The "bathtub ring" carved into the canyon walls isn't just a mark of water levels it's a scar. A reminder of what used to be there. It's hard not to feel like something's been taken. Whether it's overuse, growth, decisions made in rooms far away, or just time itself catching up whatever the cause, it's left behind a shell of what once was. A place that used to be bursting with life now feels like somewhere people go to remember instead of live. You don't go there the same way anymore. You visit it like a piece of history. And that's what hurts the most. Because I think about bringing my kids there today... and it's not the same gift my grandpa gave me. Not even close. What was once a living, breathing escape now feels like something we're quietly burying. Not gone but not what it was. And maybe never will be again. Still, I can close my eyes and see it. The color of that water. The sound of laughter. The feeling of being young, sunburned, a little wild, thinking the world was wide open and I was somebody in it. Lake Mead gave me that. And for that, no matter what it looks like today... I'll always love it.

We came with a social group and conquered over 5 miles and an elevation change of over 900'. The…read moreparking and bathrooms were well maintained, and the signage made clear the natural challenges presented in this part of the country. We easily followed the beaten path to see the arch and the Colorado River in 3.5 hours. Pro tips: wear hiking boots, wear layers, bring water and a snack, and plan for sun and wind. We were fortunate so many things were in bloom today. We'll do this hike again!

Such a fun rewarding hike with gorgeous views of the Colorado river!…read more This hike is known for its interesting combination of features, including an old mine area, the iconic Liberty Bell Arch, and the river overlook. The hike was 4.55 miles round trip. Moderate, with a mix of inclines and flat sections. The trail can be sandy and rocky in places, so wear good hiking footwear. It took about 3 hours round trip because we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the view up top. Make sure to bring water and some snacks to enjoy before hiking back down. Take lots of pictures too. This hike was very peaceful and serene. You will love it. I can't wait to do this hike again with my girls!

Free Parking this is the beginning 1 mile until you hit the 1st rail tunnel. You are walking…read morebasically on the removed railroad tracks where the rail cars were used to remove and bring in materials to build Hoover Dam. Walk, Jog, or bike love this spot for the beauty and the history. $25 to enter lake Meade State Park if you choose to go in if you have a pass it's free. Hoover Dam Hotel Casino and Hoover Damn are also in the area to visit to see the sights along with the small town of Boulder City which offers restaurants bars and small shops & antiques.

Hey Yelpers! This is…read morea super easy mostly flat hiking trail with the most beautiful views. This is the best time of the year to hike it, too. You can easily drive into the parking lot like you are heading to the visitor center, but drive past it down to the restroom parking lot close to the trail and it's perfectly marked for easy no brainer adventure. About half way or an hour in there is another restroom with a covered picnic table for a break. Then you can continue on down to the Boulder Dam. There are amazing views there as well as awesome retro restrooms , memorials, and water. There used to be a cafe. I forgot to look if they are still open. Before the dam is a parking structure. You can take the stairs or an elevator. We usually start our hikes about 8 am. The restrooms were still clean and stocked. I bring hand sanitizer. Be sure to bring water and a snack just in case. Dogs are welcome but please pick up after them and keep them on a leash. The later it gets the more busy it gets. I like to go here at least once a year. It's just so nice to get out into nature and experience Nevada. Parking is free. You can check out the visitor center while you are there. They have cool stuff. I recommend this trail. Check it out!

A truly fantastic hike with changing scenic views along the way. The trail is also ever changing,…read morefrom sand, to packed dirt, to rocky/gravel, and steep stone steps. I personally recommend doing this trail counterclockwise. We're in our 30s, but my husband has bad knees and I get lower back pain; we find that the steep stone steps are far easier to go up than down. Having a walking stick while climbing the steps is also helpful. You will see some incredible things while hiking this trail. The texture on the rocks, the multitude of colors, windows, slot canyons, a portion of an old movie set, and some grand majestic views. Being an avid hiker and having hiked 80% of the trails within Valley of Fire, I'd consider this to be a moderate hiking trail. Note: There is a small covered picnic area with 4 tables as well as 4 gender neutral vault toilets near the start of this trail and next to the parking lot.

Amazing hike with beautiful scenery and moderate level…read more Starting out into the hike you have to walk through some sand which doesn't sound hard but it's actually strenuous on your body. Follow that down through some rocky man-made type rock stairs past an old movie set where you feel like you're in Star Wars Then follow that to the slot canyon. The slot Canyon is my favorite part of the hike. Very beautiful and unique. We just took our time going through the hike as we had some friends with us who were inexperienced hikers and we wanted to make sure everyone got through safely. I could've gone onto a few more hikes that day, but they were pretty tired. I will definitely go back here again. This was my second or third time here.

My husband and I did the full-day Black Canyon kayak tour with Desert Adventures and I seriously…read morecan't recommend it enough. I grew up in Vegas and have been on this river a ton by boat, and I've also hiked to both Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs. Those hikes are super rewarding but honestly brutal. This experience was completely different in the best way. Being able to get out of the river and be steps away from hot springs was amazing, and the views from the water are hands down the best. We met the team bright and early at 5:30am for launch, and everything was super smooth. They shuttled us, got us fitted for life jackets, handled waivers, and gave a quick safety rundown. Launch timing is strict because of the park service, but they made it feel easy and not stressful at all. Definitely be on time, though, because due to this strict timing, they will leave without you. The kayaks were such a game-changer. They were longer touring kayaks with foot-controlled rudders, dry storage, and actual back support. Super comfortable for me and somehow also worked great for my 6'2" husband (he had a larger boat). Since it was just the two of us, our guide Holmes customized the whole day to our pace. He took us to hidden spots I had never seen before, even as a local, and helped us avoid crowds. We did some hiking, rock scrambling, used ropes at Boy Scout Canyon, and explored hot springs that you can only get to from the river. It felt adventurous but still very safe, and he gave great tips the whole time. He also knew so much about the area. History of the Hoover Dam, plants, wildlife, etc. I learned a ton - even as someone who felt familiar with the area. This is exactly why I'm glad we didn't just rent kayaks. Having a guide made it feel like a next-level experience. We got to relax more while he handled the route and found the best spots. We got lucky with perfect early April weather. No wind, super glassy water, and we could see fish deep in the water. The 12 miles honestly felt way easier than expected, especially with how well Holmes guided us through the current so we could just float and chill a lot of the time. They also packed a great lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. You really just need a sun shirt, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen. They take care of the rest. Even though we leaned a little more adventurous, I could totally see this being doable for beginners, too. You don't need to be super athletic to enjoy it. Pickup and cleanup were easy and seamless. They handled everything while I grabbed a snack and relaxed, which honestly made it feel even more special. This was such a cool experience, and I would 100% do it again. Already recommending it to friends, and I would definitely consider doing the overnight version next time.

Desert Adventures is great! We did a self led excursion…read moredown the Colorado river but used this company to drop us off and pick us up! They provided a large trailer with ample shelves and space to put are gear onto. A safety speech was also given. This company has special authorization to enter the Hoover Dam property and take people down to launch from the entrance of the Hoover Dam. They instructed you to move quickly as there was a time limit for getting everyone/everything Into the water and away from the area. The next day, they were prompt with their pick up and helped us load our gear back onto the trailer. I would definitely use this company again and recommend them to others.