This "Keith Speaks" is for Las Vegas travelers (don't worry South Rim folks - I'm penning something just for you). Word on the street is that tour operators are selling a Hoover Dam/Grand Canyon package. It's possible but it's full of conditions and technicalities.

So let's start off with air tours. There are none that land at Hoover and the Grand Canyon. Doesn't exist and most likely never will.

That said, all air tours (I'm speaking to airplane and helicopter) do fly over Hoover Dam, and the views are spectacular. Further, if we do a helicopter v.s. airplane, you'll see more from a heli because you are at a lower altitude.

Now, if you are taking an air tour and you want to do Hoover, here's a solution that primarily works if you book with Papillon because they offer Boulder City departures.

The Answer

Thus you'd self-drive from Las Vegas to Boulder. Park at Papillon's terminal (there's tons of free parking), do a morning flight to Grand Canyon West and return to Boulder.

Now get in your car and drive 10.4 miles to Hoover Dam. Here's a link to a Google Map that takes you from Pap's terminal to the Dam: http://goo.gl/maps/QKpcq . Upon arrival, stash the car in visitor's parking. The new parking garage has plenty of it and you'll find a spot.

Head across the street to the Dam's visitor Center and get a government-led guided tour. Lots of operators are charging for this when in fact it's free. Make sure you take the one that gets you into the turbine room at the base. For me, that was the coolest part. I also enjoyed the short movie.

Of course, you're going to want to spend time walking on top of the Dam. There's great views to the east of Lake Mead getting tamed by HD (check out the waterlines...it's amazing how much the lake has declined). Looking west will show off how incredible Black Canyon is. Plus you'll come to appreciate how miraculous the Bypass Bridge is.

Flash Tour

I figure you'll at least drop 2 hours minimum at the Dam if you do it the way I described. Of course, you can park the car, get the been-there-done-that photo, eat lunch, natter and head back to The Strip. I think however, that once you are there you'll want the cook's tour.

Now, bus travelers, listen up. In all cases you're Las Vegas bus tour to the Grand Canyon will include a photo stop on the Arizona side of the Dam. There are no other options. This is because of the time required to get to the canyon - the West Rim is a 2.5-hour drive and the South Rim is a 5.5-hour drive. Add it all up and in truth the photo-stop is a gift.

I'm sure I'm going to get chats from readers seeking the Holy Grail of bus tours that include a full-on Hoover tour. Guys, please, let go of this one. Logistics win out here. If you are that gung-ho for Hoover, please do it right and book a separate trip on a different day. It's not that expensive (last time I looked it was something like $39 per person and came with the govt. tour).

Or rent a car and drive yourself from Vegas to the Dam (35 miles). Here's Google Map directions: http://goo.gl/maps/S6j9h I'm not sure it's the best option from a cost perspective but it gives you the freedom to show up and leave when you want. It's also a great way to spend a 1/2 day off Strip, and believe me, if you are doing Las Vegas for more than three days, you're going to want to take a breather (I mean this in a good way - 24/7 stimulation is tough on the hardiest of travelers).

Final Say

That's my take on the Hoover Dam/Grand Canyon dilemma. Consider it before you spend endless hours searching for misleading tour package that offers both (meaning a full tour of the dam v.s. a photo stop). Life is about choices and this is a fine time to put your decision-making power to the test.

If you require assistance with a booking or need information specific to you, email me at grandcanyonkeith@gmail.com or call me direct at (702) 530-8687 and I'll be glad to get you on the path to happiness ;-)

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Travel on!

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