Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, etc, how much time needed?
 

Got lots of great info & research sites from this board - thanks everyone. So we have decided that while we are in Las Vegas, we want to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, Ethel M's Candy Factory, and Red Rock Canyon. (We will have a car)

I realize we could spend a day at each site (probably longer at some), but to get a good tourist tour, how long will all of these take & which ones can be done in the same day? (have lots of other things to see & do too!)

Anyone have any input on the float ride at the bottom of the Hoover Dam?

How about the boat cruise on Lake Mead? Is there one w/o dining?

Also is the Valley of Fire mostly a "drive-thru" or do we need to hike in order to see the best?

Have I missed any "not to be missed" sites near LV?

Spent a lot of time on this & have only progressed on the LV portion! Now still have AZ to go. (We fly into Phoenix on 4/17; fly out of LV on 4/29 - 2 adults)
Thanks, Julie

topping for Julie

you could drive to valley of fire via the main freeway and then return via hoover dam. you could see both and be back in vegas mid afternoon (leaving around 9:00 a.m.). or for a full day, carry on to lake mead from there for the late afternoon evening. by then you'll be hot and a jump in the lake might feel great.

2-3 hours at Hoover Dam will get you the tour and time to wander about and get a great feel for the place. Lake Mead is right there so you could do that as well although I personally don't see the attraction of Lake Mead. LM is a National Park and therefore requires a sticker or daily fee to enter. I have not done Red Rock or Valley of Fire but hope to one day.

Float ride at the bottom of Hoover Dam: Last I was there during a drought period the depth from the surface of the water to the bottom of the dam was 420+ feet. I seriously doubt there is much floating going on down there! :?