| Hoover Dam is one of Las Vegas' best attractions. | | | | completed, the road over Hoover Dam will only be |
| Located just 30 miles southeast of the City, the Dam's | | | | open to foot traffic. The $240-million project, which |
| massive wall holds back the mighty Colorado River, | | | | spans 1,900 feet, will rise 840 feet above the Colorado |
| creating Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S., | | | | River, making it an attraction in its own right. |
| and generating 4.2 billion kilowatts-hours of | | | | The Grand Canyon leg of the flight usually features |
| hydro-electricity a year. Walking tours are available. But | | | | the West Rim, located 90 miles east of the Dam. |
| to get a real sense of this engineering marvel, you've | | | | There are many ways to experience the Rim by |
| got to take a helicopter ride. | | | | helicopter. Here are a few suggestions: |
| Most likely you'll see the Dam as part of a Grand | | | | 1. Fly over the Rim and back to Las Vegas. |
| Canyon helicopter tour. You'll fly low over the structure | | | | 2. Land at the Rim and check out the Skywalk, a |
| and get opportunities to shoot pictures of which | | | | "Glass Bridge" that extends 70 feet over the edge, the |
| travelers on the ground can only dream. To enrich | | | | Colorado River roaring nearly 4,000 feet below. |
| your aerial view, here are a few Dam facts: | | | | 3. Land at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This is the |
| - Height - 726.4 feet | | | | only place in the Canyon where you can do this. |
| - Thickness - 660 feet at base, 45 feet at crest. | | | | On the return flight, you have the option to add-on a |
| - Length - 1,244 feet | | | | flight over the Las Vegas Strip (a must-see). |
| - 13,000 to 16,000 people cross it daily. | | | | These helicopter flights depart from the Las Vegas |
| - Spans across Black Canyon, connecting Nevada to | | | | area, and include hotel pick up and drop off (ask about |
| Arizona. | | | | the limousine option if you're really looking to make it a |
| - 112 people died during its construction | | | | special occasion). In the air, you'll find yourself |
| - 15 government entities split the Dam's hydroelectric | | | | ensconced in comfort: Most helicopters are |
| power. | | | | accommodate up to six passengers, are |
| - Cost $736 million to build (adjusted for inflation). | | | | climate-controlled, and come with wrap-around |
| - 8-10 million visitors annually | | | | windows for panoramic views. Standard flight-time is |
| The new construction you see west of the Dam is the | | | | 1.5 hours and costs between $300 - $400. Book on-line |
| Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Once | | | | if you want the absolute lowest price. |