Hoover dam/Grand Canyon tours from Vegas
Feb 9, 2020 13:59:58 #
If you want a great night shot of the Vegas Strip, go up to the Lindo Michoacan Mexican restaurant in Henderson. Located at 645 Carnegie St., Henderson.
Go to the parking lot in the back, far corner. Great view.
Go to the parking lot in the back, far corner. Great view.
Feb 9, 2020 14:45:07 #
Years ago when I was on vacation in Las Vegas, I decided to take the bus tour to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. It turned out to be an all day affair. I had no idea that the Grand Canyon was some 4-5 hours away from Vegas. The Hoover Dam was wonderful. The bus stopped for lunch and we didn't get to the Grand Canyon until the late afternoon. We went to two or three locations at the Canyon for about 20 minutes each and didn't get back to Vegas until late at night. I remember watching two films on the trip back. It was a grueling trip but I was glad that I went. Had I to do it over again, I probably would have flown/helicopter to the Grand Canyon and taken a separate trip to the Hoover Dam.
Feb 9, 2020 15:20:23 #
hi I do this alot if I was you rent a car drive yourself most of the bus company are more for sight seeing lots of photo oops along way you can get most places in few hours
Feb 9, 2020 15:35:32 #
JimBart wrote:
I am thinking of surprising my wife this spring or... (show quote)
Hoover dam is a self drive tour so you are not rushed.
Grand Canyon is also a self drive. Spend time wandering the rim especially away from the tourist crowds. There are so many lesser known views that are so incredible. Again this allows for taking your time and NOT fighting the tour crowd to see the canyon. Try staying at the hotel on the rim..
We have a house not too far away so we never stayed there but it looks neat.
Feb 9, 2020 16:59:27 #
JD750 wrote:
9 people died in a charger helicopter crash a couple weeks ago. There were three teenage girls on board and 6 adults, including Kobe Bryant, and Kobe's daughter was one of the teens. All evidence thus far points to the pilot flying into fog and losing control. Very very sad and it was completely avoidable.
It sheds light on the fact that helicopter tours have had a bad safety record.
It sheds light on the fact that helicopter tours have had a bad safety record.
I would hold off on saying that because the police dept grounded their choppers because of dangerous fog. And for some reason that chopper got approval to take off under "special visual flight rules". Very strange indeed.
Unless you don't like to drive, I would recommend renting a car and driving to the nearest rim of the Grand Canyon. It gives you the flexibility to stop as you please. Re: Hoover Dam, you may want to see about reserving a tour as they have different ones. When I went, the longest one was sold out.
They call it "the best dam tour"! LOL
Feb 9, 2020 17:18:58 #
Vector wrote:
I would hold off on saying that because the police... (show quote)
Police requirements for flight are different from Federal Air Regulations visibility requirements. And there is nothing strange about being granted a special VFR clearance. That is routine. The special VFR clearance was not the reason for the crash. The preliminary findings point toward pilot error but it is not final yet. NTSB will publish the final findings for the root cause, in due time.
But what the incident does is shine a light on helicopter charter operations and tours. They don't have the greatest safety record. This was not the first crash of a charter or tour helicopter. Both celebrities and tourists have been killed in crashes. But enough of this, there have been plenty of good suggestions as to how to see the Dam. The OP can decide for himself what method to use.
I hope that whatever method he chooses it is a safe and enjoyable trip and I look forward to seeing some of the pictures from the trip.
Feb 9, 2020 17:54:01 #
Feb 9, 2020 18:13:29 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
Rent a car and drive. That way you control where and for how long you stop. And the day rental for a car is probably less than the "tour" would cost.
Feb 9, 2020 18:33:57 #
Well, there's already three pages of responses, but I'll add my two cents' worth...
We were in Las Vegas and southern Utah a couple of years ago. While staying in Vegas, we rented a car and drove to Hoover Dam. It's a relatively short drive and gives you control over how long you stay. The Dam is a fascinating sight! Unfortunately, Lake Meade is pretty low and not as impressive. In any event, I don't think an organized tour is worthwhile here.
I think a tour of the Grand Canyon is a good idea. We've been to the south rim in the past in a rental car, but didn't get the full picture. We're looking for an opportunity to return at some point.
We were in Las Vegas and southern Utah a couple of years ago. While staying in Vegas, we rented a car and drove to Hoover Dam. It's a relatively short drive and gives you control over how long you stay. The Dam is a fascinating sight! Unfortunately, Lake Meade is pretty low and not as impressive. In any event, I don't think an organized tour is worthwhile here.
I think a tour of the Grand Canyon is a good idea. We've been to the south rim in the past in a rental car, but didn't get the full picture. We're looking for an opportunity to return at some point.
Feb 9, 2020 20:41:35 #
Rent a car for the week. Sight see on your time and pace. Many photo opps in a 100 mile range.Take extra water. Do the Red Rock drive, many places to pull off and photograph. Enjoy!!! Glad to hear of your wifes win. A friend of mine lost his wife today after a long fight.,
Feb 9, 2020 20:57:31 #
wmcy
Loc: Charlotte
TriX wrote:
It’s a relatively short drive (~35 miles) from Vegas to the Hoover Dam, so maybe just rent a car for the day? Not a lot that I remember worth photographing in between, but the dam is definitely worth seeing/photographing.
I strongly endorse this idea. As mentioned, the drive is relatively short, on a good highway, with a few worthwhile views on the way. There is also a reasonably priced ($15, maybe) under-the-dam tour with tons of historical and scientific facts provided. At the exit of the tour is a spectacular spot for photographing the dam and the Colorado River in all directions. Well worth the drive!
Feb 10, 2020 00:51:35 #
Saxguy
Loc: Plano, TX
Jim, Having been to the Hoover Dam, it is a nice experience, but from a picture taking stance, I think the view probably is better than the photos. If you rent an automobile, you can leave from Vegas and drive out to the location and if you want to make a day of it, drive on past the lake and make a trip to Valley Of Fire State Park. The park is a really interesting, but definitely do this in the cooler part of the year. If you plan to do a bus tour, I think the Grand Canyon way will prove to be a much more interesting time, regardless of the tour company you use.
Feb 10, 2020 02:30:08 #
Forgot to mention that there is now a viewer area and a walkway out to the new bridge.
Here is a late afternoon shot with the sun behind me.
Here is a late afternoon shot with the sun behind me.
Boulder Dam 12-2010
Feb 10, 2020 02:50:14 #
BBurns wrote:
Forgot to mention that there is now a viewer area and a walkway out to the new bridge.
Here is a late afternoon shot with the sun behind me.
Here is a late afternoon shot with the sun behind me.
That is very nice wide shot with the shadows of the bridge and the warm colors. Kudos.
Feb 10, 2020 07:38:28 #
Red Rock Canyon is beautiful and close to Vegas. Hoover is nearby. Death Valley is 2 hrs away and quite impressive. Grand Canyon is “grand” but there are other national parks that I like better. Have fun!
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