The new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge is an incredible sight from the ground. But it\’s much more spectacular if you fly over it. The twin-rib concrete arch structure is the largest of its kind in the U.S., and makes aerial tours to the area a \”must-do\” for Las Vegas travelers.

The official name of the $114 million bypass is the Mike O\’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and it\’s massively huge. Here are a few quick facts:

1. The span of the arch is 1,060 feet

2. The bridge\’s length is 1,900 feet

3.The bridge deck/sidewalk are 900 feet above the Colorado River

The bridge is situated 1,500 feet south of iconic Hoover Dam. It elegantly crosses Black Canyon and connects Nevada and Arizona. There\’s a pedestrian walk on the bridge. It can be accessed on the Nevada side as you go to Hoover Dam. Views of Hoover from the bridge are nothing short of terrific. Other visitor amenities include a parking area, trail, and interpretive plaza.

The purpose behind the construction of the bypass bridge was to offer travelers a more safe route between the Nevada and Arizona and to relieve traffic jams that happened daily on Hoover Dam. The old two-lane highway is steep and twisting and posed a significant threat to guests and dam facilities. It was also overwhelmed with traffic: Up to 15,000 trucks and cars crossed the dam every day. That traffic must now use the bypass bridge, thus leaving the top of the dam open only to visitors.

Air tours from Las Vegas are the best way to enjoy the full magnitude of the bridge and the dam. Here\’s a quick rundown of available tours:

1. Helicopters leave from the Las Vegas metropolitan area. As you go along, you\’ll go over Lake Mead, the U.S.\’ biggest reservoir before entering Black Canyon, home to the bridge and dam. The preferred chopper is the EcoStar 130. It\’s a deluxe helicopter that comes with theater-style seats, 180-degree wraparound windshields, and a Fenestron rotor for a smooth ride. Includes hotel pick up and drop off. Tour duration: Three to four hours. Note: Helicopters fly at a lower altitude than planes.

2. Airplane. Uses same flight plan as helicopter tours but goes to Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk. Return flight offers another pass over the bridge and dam. Many flights use a fixed-wing Vistaliner aircraft (over-sized windows, taped tour narration, climate-controlled cabin). Includes free hotel shuttle service. Tour duration: 5.5 hours.

3. Bus tour with helicopter ride. Features guided tour of dam (inside and out), plus full access to the visitor\’s center, exhibit areas, observation deck, movie room, and turbine room. Transfer to an EcoStar 130 helicopter for stellar views of the bridge and the dam. Free hotel shuttle service is included. Total tour time 3.5 hours.

Wrap Up

The Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, officially known as the Mike O\’Callagahan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, is an absolute must-see if you are visiting Las Vegas. Started in 2005 and completed in October 2010, the structure is already being revered as one of this century\’s elite engineering projects.The bridge is nothing short of epic and as such is best experienced from a helicopter or airplane. There are numerous Las Vegas tour operators who provide air and ground tours that do the bridge justice. Save money on this tour by booking in advance and by booking online. The bridge these days is on every traveler\’s itinerary and trips are selling out fast.

Author Bio: Travel writer Keith Kravitz reviews Las Vegas tours and recommends this list of affordable Hoover Dam tours from Vegas.

Category: Travel
Keywords: hoover dam, hoover dam tours, hoover dam from las vegas, hoover dam trips