Lake Mead: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon West Rim Airplane Tour

1. From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon West Rim Airplane Tour

Get ready for a bird’s-eye view of one of the country’s most memorable natural wonders on this scenic airplane tour over the Grand Canyon. Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas and admire the canyon’s West Rim from above. Get picked up from your hotel in Las Vegas and head on down to Boulder Terminal for your check-in. Board the air-conditioned passenger aircraft, and prepare for take-off. Fly towards the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, passing over Lake Mead — the largest man-made lake in the US — and the Hoover Dam. Soar above the Colorado River and soak in the scenery as you cross into Arizona. Arrive at the Grand Canyon — a stunning natural phenomenon. Gaze out of the plane's large windows for panoramic views of the swirling colors and rock formations as you benefit from expert commentary in 1 of 16 languages. Enjoy the views on the way back to Boulder Terminal and be dropped off back to your hotel in Las Vegas, where your tour will end. You can request a commemorative flight certificate, and personalized photos are available to purchase.

From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne

2. From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne

Take in spectacular views over the Grand Canyon on a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Land in the canyon to enjoy champagne and refreshments, and benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off. After pickup from selected Las Vegas hotels, head to the helipad to board the comfortable helicopter. Enjoy views of Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and Fortification Hill. Soar over an extinct volcano as you journey towards the Grand Canyon.  When you reach the canyon, drop down towards the Colorado River, where you’ll land in Hualapai Indian Reservation. Stop here to enjoy some champagne, drinks, and a light snack as you admire the canyon from a different perspective. Fly back towards Las Vegas through the Grand Canyon and see the red rock formations of the Bowl of Fire. Finish off your adventure with views over downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip. Select the early morning flight to beat the heat of the day. With this option, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast with champagne during the canyon landing. Choose the sunset option to fly back through the Grand Canyon as the sun goes down. Enjoy the scenery at sunset, and admire the city lights below as you soar over Las Vegas.

From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour

3. From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour

Marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon with a bird's eye view on this helicopter tour. Enjoy VIP access to the Skywalk and immerse yourself in the breathtaking sight it offers. Depart the famed Las Vegas Strip on your direct helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. On your flight, you will experience a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip. Upon landing, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Skywalk suspends more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, extends out more than 70 feet away from the edge of the West Rim, and features a glass bottom walking surface. Expedited admission to the Skywalk, VIP ground transportation and a Skywalk souvenir photo are included on this adventure. You will receive an estimated 45 minutes of ground time at Grand Canyon West before your return flight to Las Vegas.

From Las Vegas: Explore the Valley of Fire on a Guided Hike

4. From Las Vegas: Explore the Valley of Fire on a Guided Hike

Venture across the otherworldly landscapes of the Valley of Fire State Park on a guided hike from Las Vegas. Choose the difficulty of the hike and take in the dramatic views from the peaks. After pickup from the Las Vegas Strip or Downtown areas, enjoy a convenient and scenic transfer to the park. Upon arrival, admire views of the largest manmade lake in the United States, Lake Mead. Follow your guide through the desert wilderness and pass the petroglyph-covered walls of Nevada’s oldest State Park. As you hike, your guide will provide insightful information about the Valley of Fire, from the geology to the history. Experience mild to extreme rock scrambles that will take you to some of the most beautiful peaks and plateaus in southern Nevada. At the end of the hike, stop at the park’s visitor center before returning to Las Vegas. Available Hikes: Easy: This option is great for families and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. This easy walk allows you to see some of the many ancient petroglyphs as well as natural arches hidden throughout the park. Moderate: You will hike at a pleasant pace, although a good level of fitness is required. Explore the dramatic red rock formations while you scramble and climb landscapes of boulders, crevasses, brush, peaks, and plateaus. Difficult: This is a more intense activity than the moderate and easy hikes and is recommended for avid hikers. You’ll cover more challenging terrain for the most captivating views.

Las Vegas: Small Group 3-Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour

5. Las Vegas: Small Group 3-Hour Hoover Dam Mini Tour

Enjoy a compact guided tour of the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas, and take the chance to see this man-made wonder up close. Admire views of the dam and Lake Mead — America’s largest reservoir. Benefit from pickup and drop-off at selected hotels. Get picked up in Las Vegas and relax in air-conditioned comfort on the 40-minute drive to the Hoover Dam. Arrive at the dam and cross the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, where your guide will park.  Head up to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Walkway on foot and take in the spectacular bird’s-eye view over the dam and the nearby Colorado River. Stop at Hemenway Park, where you’ll notice some desert bighorn sheep often hang out. Continue onto the Lake Mead Lookout for panoramic views of the man-made aquatic wonder. After this, drive across the dam to various lookout points and stop to take photos at the most picturesque spots, guaranteed.  At the end of your activity, you’ll head back to Las Vegas, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or your preferred location on the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour

6. Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour

Land 4,000 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon and enjoy a delicious picnic-style champagne lunch and photo opportunities on the banks of the Colorado River. Arrive at the comfortable terminal and receive your safety briefing before boarding a state-of-the-art EcoStar helicopter for your journey to the Grand Canyon. Fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam then enjoy spectacular views of the volcanic Black Mountains, Grapevine Mesa, the Mojave Desert and then across the Grand Wash Cliffs as you enter Grand Canyon West. Land 3,500 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon and enjoy a delicious glass of champagne, light snacks, and photo opportunities on the banks of the Colorado River.

From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Express Shuttle Tour

7. From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Express Shuttle Tour

Escape the city for a while with a guided visit to the Hoover Dam on a day trip from Las Vegas. Take a guided tour in a shared group, and benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas. Get picked up in Las Vegas and drive to the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas sign" for a brief photo opportunity of this world-famous landmark. Hoover Dam is one of the 7 man-made Wonders of the World. Travel by air-conditioned bus with large windows, so you won't miss a thing as you cruise by. As you pass Boulder City, admire the magnificent view of Lake Mead, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Learn all about the dam’s history from your expert guide’s commentary. Take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities from the amazing Pat-Tillman and Mike O'Callaghan bypass bridge towering above the Hoover Dam. See the giant intake towers that bring water inside the dam to generate power for millions of people. Soak up the views from on top of this unforgettable slice of US history and make sure to snap some photos of one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. Walk through the original construction tunnels and visit the viewing platform overlooking a 30-foot diameter penstock. Feel the vibration created by water rushing through the pipes. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the visitor's center for a wealth of historical information about the Hoover Dam. Experience breathtaking views of Lake Mead and the Colorado River, from both the Arizona and Nevada side of the Hoover Dam. Snap some unique photos with Lake Mead as your backdrop from the popular Lake Mead Overview. At the end of your guided tour, enjoy the Nevada scenery on the way back. You’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in Las Vegas.

From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Air Tour

8. From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Air Tour

This 70 to 75-minute air-only (non-landing) tour is a memorable helicopter experience to the Hualapai Nation on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The experience is enhanced by narrations in your language of choice coupled with an excellent selection of music that complements the beautiful sights; Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, the great expanse of the Mojave Desert, and the Grand Wash Cliffs on the Hualapai Reservation. On arrival to the West Rim, you will be treated to the visual wonders of the Grand Canyon; a truly inspiring work of nature that most visitors consider breathtaking. Arrive at the terminal and receive your safety briefing before boarding one of our state-of-the-art EcoStar helicopters for your air journey to the Grand Canyon. Fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam then enjoy spectacular views of the volcanic Black Mountains, Grapevine Mesa, the Mojave Desert, and then across the Grand Wash Cliffs as you enter Grand Canyon West. Fly below the rim of the Canyon for incredible views of the world-famous Skywalk and the Colorado River.

From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Highlights Tour

9. From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Highlights Tour

Experience the top highlights of Hoover Dam on a half-day tour that is perfect for those who want to enjoy views overlooking Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the historic Boulder City. Depart from the Las Vegas Strip aboard a luxury motorcoach for a quick ride to Boulder City, home of the workers who built the Hoover Dam. The stop at this charming town includes a free visit to the Hoover Dam Museum, cafes, antique shops and a unique art walk featuring beautiful, bronze statues. Get stunning views of this "Man-Made Wonder of the World" from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which gives an aerial view from 900 feet above the Colorado River and Black Canyon.  

From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Tour Experience

10. From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Tour Experience

Take an excursion from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam, which has long been known as one of the engineering wonders of the world. When the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 it was both the world's largest electric power-producing facility and the world's largest concrete structure. Currently, it ranks as the world's 34th-largest hydroelectric generating station. During the half-day tour, you’ll be able to view the 17 main turbines that generate a maximum of 2,074 megawatts of hydroelectric power. You’ll also take in views of the Dam and Lake Mead from the Arizona Lookout Point, the best viewing spot in the area. You also get an up-close look at the newly opened Hoover Dam bypass bridge, which is a modern feat of engineering, soaring 900 feet above the Colorado River. This bridge is the longest and tallest arch bridge in the western hemisphere. Later, enjoy a spectacular vista of the Mike O'Callahan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which opened in 2010 and stretches nearly 2,000 feet in length. Please note that this is not the Hard Hat Tour of the Hoover Dam.

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What people are saying about Lake Mead

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 2,975 reviews

I booked this tour with my best friend. Her and I were excited to see such an enormous monument that has such a rich history! Chris was knowledgeable, honest, thoughtful and funny! Couldn’t have dreamed up a better tour guide! This was my first guided tour and I enjoyed every minute of it. Felt at home, safe and I picked up a TON of fun facts to tell all my friends and family at home! Thank you so much Chris!!

This was an amazing experience! True it is very expensive but for us was 100% worth it. First time on a helicopter and didn't feel nervous at all. Absolutely breathtaking views and phenomenal photo opportunities. Our pilot was very kind and made everyone feel at ease. I really can't recommend this trip enough!

Great experience for first time helicopter fliers. Our pilot was very friendly and knowledgeable about our surroundings and was happy to answer all our questions about the workings of the helicopter ☺️

Excellent tour if you want to visit quickly the Hoover Dam, going to the nice spots and learn some History about Las Vegas and Boulder City! Definitely worth it! The guide was brilliant!

Our driver Chris was friendly, knowledgeable and made the trip really fun!!