Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Las Vegas
A monumental arch bridge offering stunning, elevated views of the historic Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, softer light
Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge Las Vegas
Best Time
Cooler temps, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental arch bridge offering stunning, elevated views of the historic Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.
"The views of Hoover Dam from this bridge are absolutely surreal and a must-see!"
🚶 Walkway Wonders
Utilize the pedestrian walkway for stunning Hoover Dam views. Be aware it can feel wobbly with passing trucks.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Carry water and wear sun protection; the desert sun is intense, especially on the bridge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Hoover Dam Vista
Pedestrian walkway on the bridge
Gaze upon the immense Hoover Dam from a unique vantage point high above the Colorado River.
Engineering Marvel
The bridge itself
Admire the impressive architecture and scale of this massive arch bridge, a feat of modern engineering.
Nevada to Arizona Crossing
The bridge span
Experience the unique sensation of being between two states as you traverse the Colorado River.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heights (and the Wobble!)
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walkway Wonders
Utilize the pedestrian walkway for stunning Hoover Dam views. Be aware it can feel wobbly with passing trucks.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Carry water and wear sun protection; the desert sun is intense, especially on the bridge.
📸 Capture the Scale
The bridge offers incredible photo opportunities of both the dam and the surrounding landscape.
🚗 Easy Access
The bridge provides a convenient stop on your drive between Nevada and Arizona, bypassing the old dam road.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walkway Wonders
Utilize the pedestrian walkway for stunning Hoover Dam views. Be aware it can feel wobbly with passing trucks.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Carry water and wear sun protection; the desert sun is intense, especially on the bridge.
📸 Capture the Scale
The bridge offers incredible photo opportunities of both the dam and the surrounding landscape.
🚗 Easy Access
The bridge provides a convenient stop on your drive between Nevada and Arizona, bypassing the old dam road.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, unparalleled views of the Hoover Dam from the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The engineering marvel of the bridge itself is also a major draw. Some find the bridge's sway with traffic unsettling, and the intense desert heat can be a deterrent during peak hours.
"Don't look down. It would be a big fall. There can be gust of winds. It's a big climb to get to the bridge. Honestly pretty cool bridge. It can be quite hot up there. Bring water because you will need it on the hike."
Donny Boy
"This was our first stop after landing in Las Vegas. It's a walkway bridge with stunning views of Hoover Dam. I was amazed to walk through the bridge as it is built so high on the Hoover dam that one can easily have a breathtaking view of the Dam. When you are standing at the center of the bridge facing towards the Dam then on your right side is Arizona and on the left side is Nevada state. You have to climb some steps from the parking lot to the bridge. When I visited it was so windy that I was getting pushed by the wind. So, before visiting check the weather advisory for the winds. Plenty of parking slots were available when I visited. They also have restrooms at the parking lot."
Amol More
"The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, also known as the Hoover Dam Bypass, is located along US Highway 93 at the Arizona/Nevada state line. Its official address is 27953, 28689 Great Basin Highway in Boulder City, Nevada. This bridge spans the Colorado River after water passes by the Hoover Dam power generators and spillways. It was built to divert traffic that used to drive along the top of the Hoover Dam. There is a pedestrian path along the bridge and its wall does a pretty good job blocking the view of the Hoover Dam from vehicles driving the across the bridge. I have not walked across the bridge, but I understand that it provides a great vantage point to view the Hoover Dam. This arch bridge sits 890 feet (270 m) above the Colorado River. Like every bridge, it will flex and sway from traffic driving across the bridge as well as wind passing through The Black Canyon of the Colorado. This sway is intentional as a rigid structure would be damaged by the forces exerted upon it."
Gamera T. Ortiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, near Boulder City. Take US-93 South towards the Hoover Dam. The bridge will be clearly visible and well-signed. Many visitors stop here as part of a Hoover Dam tour or on their way to or from the dam itself.
Yes, there are parking areas on both the Nevada and Arizona sides of the bridge, allowing easy access to the pedestrian walkway. These lots can fill up, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the south side of the bridge, offering incredible views of the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.
The pedestrian walkway is generally accessible, though it is an outdoor environment with some inclines. It's advisable to check current conditions if accessibility is a primary concern.
The bridge carries U.S. Route 93 and is a major thoroughfare. The drive is smooth and offers glimpses of the dam, but for the best views, you'll want to park and walk the pedestrian path.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to access the pedestrian walkway of the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. It's a free viewpoint for the Hoover Dam.
The pedestrian walkway is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures or restrictions before your visit.
Parking in the designated lots near the bridge is typically free. However, always be aware of any posted signage regarding parking regulations.
While the bridge itself is lit at night, the pedestrian walkway may not be consistently illuminated, and access could be restricted after dark. It's best enjoyed during daylight for safety and optimal viewing.
Many Hoover Dam tours will include a stop at the bridge for photos. You can also explore it independently as part of a scenic drive.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire pedestrian walkway offers fantastic photo opportunities. Focus on capturing the scale of the Hoover Dam, the bridge's architecture, and the vastness of the Colorado River.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around national parks and federal facilities like the Hoover Dam and its surrounding areas. Always check current FAA and NPS regulations.
For capturing the dam's grandeur, consider using a wide-angle lens. Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field and shutter speed to manage light conditions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits. Tripods are usually permitted on the walkway.
🎫 ❓ Other Questions
The bridge is engineered to be safe, but it does sway with traffic. Some visitors find this movement unsettling. It's a sturdy structure, but the sensation can be intense for those with a fear of heights.
The bridge was completed in 2010 and named in honor of two individuals: Mike O'Callaghan, a former Air Force pilot and Nevada politician, and Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who joined the U.S. Army. It was built to alleviate traffic congestion on the Hoover Dam bypass route.
The Hoover Dam is a monumental feat of engineering, built during the Great Depression. It provides hydroelectric power, flood control, and water for irrigation and domestic use to millions in the Southwest.
Besides visiting the Hoover Dam and the bridge, you can explore Boulder City, a charming historic town, or enjoy recreational activities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Yes, you can see the bridge from various viewpoints on the Hoover Dam itself, offering a different perspective of its impressive scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The bridge's architecture also provides compelling foreground elements for shots of the dam. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scene and a telephoto lens for details of the dam's structure. 🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Bridge Walkway
However, it's important to note that the bridge is an active highway, and the structure is designed to flex and sway with passing traffic. Some visitors report feeling a noticeable wobble, especially when large trucks go by. While engineers assure its safety, this movement can be unsettling for those with a fear of heights or a sensitivity to motion.
Despite these considerations, the views are undeniably spectacular. You get an unparalleled vantage point of the Hoover Dam's immense concrete structure and the vastness of Lake Mead. It's a testament to modern engineering and a striking contrast to the historic dam itself.
The Engineering Marvel: A Closer Look
The bridge's design incorporates a pedestrian walkway, a feature that enhances its appeal as a tourist attraction. This walkway allows visitors to safely experience the grandeur of the dam and the surrounding canyon from a breathtaking elevation. The construction involved complex techniques to build in such a challenging environment, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic harmony with the natural landscape.
Named in honor of two American heroes, the bridge serves not only as a vital transportation link but also as a memorial. Its presence offers a modern counterpoint to the historic Hoover Dam, showcasing the evolution of engineering and infrastructure in the American Southwest.
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