If you visit Las Vegas, you must make the short 45 minute trip to see Hoover Dam. One thing we skipped due to time was Lake Mead Recreation area, which is just a few minutes before the Dam. If we had started out earlier in the day, this would have been a great addition to our trip.
First, there is a parking lot and a spot to climb (stairs or ramp) up to the Hoover Dam Bypass / US 93. There is a wide walk way with a secure railing for you to view the Dam and take some great pictures. There is a sign at the West End of the bridge where you are entering from "Entering Nevada". From November to March, this is also the location of the time zone change.
Next, return to your car, and continue on the road to Hoover Dam (Route 172). There is a multistory parking garage. Pay and park to visit the Dam. You can tour the outside of the Dam, or you can purchase tickets for interior tours. We did the Hydroelectric Tour, but, I'd say save your money on this one. The free outside tour would have been just fine.
Next, we drove about 2 1/2 hours to get to the "Grand Canyon Skywalk" located on the West Rim within the Hualapai Indian Tribe lands. This is a horseshoe-shaped cantilever glass bridge where you look down at your feet and see the canyon floor about 4,000 feet straight down.
The drive to Skywalk takes you onto an unpaved road for about 14 miles. Do not bring your low riding sports car here. Also, make sure your Rental Car agreement allows you to drive "off-road". (Our Hertz Mercedes SUV was perfect!) Once you arrive at the visitors center, you can purchase your tickets. Be prepared. The tribe charges $40 per person for the bus ride and an additional $35 to go onto the Skywalk.At the Skywalk, you put coverings over your shoes to protect the glass against scratches. Also - you must remove any items which could scratch the glass. You place your keys, cameras, phones, etc. into the free lockers provided. Yes, that's right - you cannot take your own pictures. They have employees to take your picture. That'll be another $30 per picture. (Gotta pay for a lot of glass cleaner here.)
If your next stop is the South Rim - it's about a 5 1/2 hour drive, as you drive down to Kingman then east to Williams and then north on 64.
Next entry: Grand Canyon South Rim
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