iamq

We are flying into Vegas from SFO the day before we head to Bryce, GC North and Zion on June 16th.

I am trying to determine when to arrive. How much time should one set aside for touring the dam? I think we'd want to do the full tour.

I've read a few previous threads that mention combining HD with a a drive through of Valley of Fire. How much time would be needed for that excursion? Is the Valley of Fire going to be to darn hot in mid June to enjoy it?

The early flight arrives at 8:35 and we could be on the road by 9:30 I imagine.

Many thanks for any help.

onemoneygirl

It takes about 20 minutes, maybe 30 to drive in no traffic from The Strip to the Hoover Dam... the full $30 tour, which I definately recommend taking is about 45 minutes. You purchase your ticket for a certain time, you watch a short video by way of an introduction and then proceed to the tour. They start out outside and then go inside. It is absolutely facinating...and the museum isn't too bad either. They have samples of clothing, many photos, samples of tools that were used and misc historical facts and numbers about that time period of American History.

You are allowed to take photos inside, as well as out and there are many interesting things to shoot... especially the new briodge they are building between Nevada and Arizona.

Enjoy your trip. I think you'll love it! Especially if you appreciate American History and art deco architecture.

LoveItaly

I don't know about the Valley of Fire, iamq, but Hoover Dam is about 35 miles southeast of Vegas. I would plan on an hour or more road trip if the traffic is heavy which it could be in June but maybe not so much if you are on your way by 9:30PM. I would plan three hours for the tour of Hoover Dam. Have fun!

onemoneygirl

Yes! Three hours for the tour plus photo taking and museum. I would also go straight from the airport so you are there as early as possible. I was there on a Friday in February and it was raining so there was no traffic but I agree with loveitaly that traffic could be bad... its just a two lane road.

iamq

Thanks for the responses. So three hours should cover it including driving time? Onemoneygirl, did you buy your tickets for the full tour in advance or do you do it when you get there?

Any opinions on adding the drive through Valley of Fire? Please?

Thanks.

onemoneygirl

We bought tickets when we got there but like I said, it was a weekday in Feb and rainy, not exactly prime tourist time. If you can purchase in advance and then get there in the morning, I would do that. Another advantage to going in the morning is that it will lbe cooler than midday. I'm sorry... I have not been to the Valley of Fire since I was 7 years old... have nothing for you.

abercol

We were married in the Valley of Fire in March '07...it was 12 noon and about 86f in the shade. It was a lovely place & we are going back there in July this year - we don't care how hot it is, we want a better look around without the tux and wedding dress! We also toured the dam a couple of days before the wedding & it took about 45 minutes, as others have said. The drive to the dam can take a while, but if you are going on through anyway, you may as well take a break there. Its well worth it.

Dayenu

The Valley of Fire is not to be missed. Have you been to Sedona? Remember those fiery red rocks? This is the Valley of Fire. And yes, it will be baking hot, but at least do a drive-through to snap some photos.

boom_boom

Just a word of caution re Hoover Dam. There are now security checkpoints before you get to the dam and traffic can back up badly on weekends or holidays. Last Labor Day Weekend, some folks needed 90 minutes just to get from Boulder City to the visitor's parking area. Luckily for use we came in from the AZ side and there was only minimal traffic.

enzian

We loved that tour! Highly recommended. We had to wait in line about 20-30 minutes to get the tickets.

Coming from Las Vegas on a weekday at mid-day in april, we had a very short wait for the security checks---maybe 15 minute delay at most. The hardest part was finding parking---we ended up in the farthest lot on the other side of the dam, but the walk was nice.

iamq

We'll be there on a Wednesday mid-morning in mid June. We'll attempt it and if there is time afterward we can drive up and around Lake Mead, through the Valley of Fire State Park and then back to Vegas to our hotel's swimming pool and a cool drink.