From happy customers

Loved by 49 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Allen E

United States
Couple
Feb 2026


My husband and I were in town for our 1 year anniversary ... we landed down by the river and had the champagne and it was the most beautiful scenery and sights we have seen. We had the best pilot, I'm thinking it was Mitch . He was so knowledgeable and had a great personality and even had great music. This was a really great tour and would highly recommend for a lifetime memory.

Shlomo S

Solo
Jan 2026

The helicopter tour was an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The panoramic view of the grand canyon from above were truly spectacular, offering a breathtaking perspective of the landscape. The entire team, from the pilot to the ground staff, was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Their genuine warmth and engaging sense of humor added an extra layer of enjoyment to an already unforgettable journey. I highly recommend this tour for an incredible adventure and a truly memorable outing.

Ehv D

Netherlands
Couple
Feb 2026


It was an amaxing experience! It is God's wonder! Flying above the woods and then suddenly be part of this wonder Thanks to the Papillon helicopter crew!

Lisa B

United Kingdom
Couple
Oct 2025


What an amazing trip this was. Our guide Gia was sooooo knowledgeable and such good fun. The Canyon itself was simply WOW. We did the sky walk and decided to add the helicopter and boat to our day and I can honestly say it was worth every penny. We will absolutely be back to Vegas and will use this company again.

Michelle W

United States
Group
6 days ago
The plane ride was awesome. You get to see the canyon in a different light. The pilot was wonderful. The hummer tour was fun, our guide was very knowledgable, we learned a lot from both our guides. I would recommend this tour .

Dawn R

United States
Couple
Last week
Seeing th North Rim in the recovery from the 2025 fire was encouraging. I didn't know there was a wild herd of beefalo. The stone structures with the river running through it are unforgettable.

Steve O

United States
Couple
Jan 2026
The views from inside the canyon were spectacular! The pilot Justin was excellent very professional and very informative! The whole experience will never be forgotten.

Trusted by over 48M guests worldwide

100% booking protection

You are fully protected end-to-end. If anything is off, we'll fix it or refund you.

Know more

Enjoy flexible bookings

Book stress-free with free cancellation and pay-later options.

24/7 trip support

We're always a tap away - before, during and after your trip, in all languages.

Verified reviews from real travellers. Trusted by guests worldwide.

Top things to do in Las Vegas

Set against the desert landscape of Nevada and Arizona, Lake Mead is one of the most significant landmarks in the American Southwest. It’s a vital water source, a striking natural attraction, and a key stop on many tours from Las Vegas.

Most visitors see Lake Mead as part of a Hoover Dam tour, stopping at viewpoints such as the Lake Mead Overlook. It’s also visible from the air on nearly all Grand Canyon helicopter and airplane tours, offering a clear view of the dam, the lake’s shoreline, and the Colorado River below.

Overview

  • Location: 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Created by: The construction of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River (completed in 1936)
  • Size: Approx. 247 square miles of surface area
  • Shoreline length: Around 759 miles
  • States covered: Nevada and Arizona
  • Famous for: Being the largest reservoir in the US, scenic desert landscapes, and views of Hoover Dam
  • Part of: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Best time to visit: October to April for mild temperatures and clear visibility

How can you see Lake Mead

Lake Mead marina with boats and docks viewed from a high vantage point.
Lake Mead overlook with informational signs and distant view of the lake and mountains.
Helicopter on Grand Canyon floor during Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West tour.
Aerial view of Grand Canyon National Park landscape from airplane.
Kayaking on Lake Mead with view of rocky desert landscape.
1/5

Stop at the Lake Mead Overlook

Located along the route to Hoover Dam, this viewpoint offers wide, unobstructed views of the reservoir and surrounding desert landscape. It’s included in several Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas.

Join a Hoover Dam highlights tour

Guided tours often include a short visit to the Lake Mead Overlook or the Visitor Center, where you can learn about how the dam created the lake.

Take a helicopter tour

Most Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas fly directly over Lake Mead, giving you a clear aerial view of the lake’s vast size, Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River.

Book an airplane tour

Fixed-wing Grand Canyon airplane tours also pass over Lake Mead, offering a wider, panoramic look at its shoreline and desert terrain.

Visit independently

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open to the public, with scenic drives, overlooks, and water-based activities like boating and kayaking available year-round.

Your tour options explained

Hoover Dam spanning Colorado River at sunset, USA.

See Lake Mead up close on a guided adventure from Las Vegas. Visit the Lake Mead Overlook for panoramic views of the vast reservoir and surrounding canyons. You’ll also explore the Hoover Dam, stroll across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and learn the fascinating story behind one of America’s most iconic landmarks.

Inclusions:

  • Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas
  • Entry to Bureau of Reclamation, Hoover Dam Area
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Wi-Fi onboard
  • Complimentary bottled water

Perfect for: Those who want to see Lake Mead from up close.

Recommended tour:

  • From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Highlights Tour
Aircraft flying over the Grand Canyon, showcasing the vast canyon landscape.

See Lake Mead from above on a scenic flight that connects Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

As you soar over the desert, you’ll get clear views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the winding Colorado River, all before reaching the canyon itself.

These tours are ideal if you want to cover major Southwest landmarks in a short time without long road travel.

Inclusions:

  • Round-trip hotel transfers from Las Vegas
  • Aerial views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon
  • Multilingual audio commentary
  • Optional ground time or upgrades (varies by tour)

Perfect for: Travelers who want to see Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon efficiently from the air.

Recommended tours:

  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour
  • Grand Canyon West Rim Airplane Tour
  • 70-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Rim Landing
  • 70- min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Helicopter Canyon Floor Landing & Pontoon Boat Ride
  • From Las Vegas: Day Trip to Grand Canyon National Park via Airplane plus Guided Hummer Tour
Red Papillon helicopter flying over Lake Powell's blue waters.

Experience Lake Mead from a completely new perspective on a low-altitude helicopter flight. Unlike airplanes, helicopters fly closer to the landscape, giving you a detailed look at the lake’s shoreline, the Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River cutting through the desert. Many flights continue toward the Grand Canyon, with optional scenic returns over the Las Vegas Strip.

Inclusions:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Las Vegas
  • Close-range views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon
  • Live commentary from your pilot
  • Optional canyon floor landings or Vegas Strip flyovers

Perfect for: Those who want a more immersive, up-close aerial view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.

Recommended tour:

  • From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour with Optional Las Vegas Strip Views
  • From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour plus Canyon Floor Landing with Champagne
  • 40-min Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour
  • 70-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Rim Landing
  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views
  • 70- min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Helicopter Canyon Floor Landing & Pontoon Boat Ride

Land, water, and sky: Lake Mead in focus

Marina and islands on Lake Mead with distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

The vast expanse of Lake Mead

A striking contrast of deep blue water surrounded by desert mountains, best seen from the overlook or on an aerial tour.

Hoover Dam towers and reservoir view from a scenic overlook.
Colorado River flowing into Lake Mead surrounded by desert landscape.
Aerial view of Hoover Dam and Colorado River Bridge in Nevada.
Lake Mead overlook with informational signs and distant view of the lake and mountains.

Plan your visit

Lake Mead surrounded by rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Operating hours: Lake Mead tours operate year-round, with schedules varying by season and tour type.

Tour duration: 

  • Hoover Dam tour: 4 hours
  • Airplane tours: 4-10 hours
  • Helicopter tours: 4-10 hours
Marina with boats on Lake Mead, surrounded by red rock formations, between Nevada and Arizona.
  • Spring & fall (March–May, September–November): This is the best time to visit. Temperatures hover between 70°F and 85°F, and conditions are ideal for boating, kayaking, and sightseeing.
  • Summer (June–August): Expect hot desert temperatures often exceeding 100°F, but this is also when the lake is busiest. Early morning tours are best to avoid peak heat.
  • Winter (December–February): A quieter season with cooler temperatures around 50°F–65°F, great for photography and fewer crowds, though some water activities may be limited.

Address: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, Nevada, United States | Find on Maps

Getting there:

  • By car: You can reach Lake Mead by car in about 40–45 mins from the Las Vegas Strip via US-93 South toward Boulder City and then following signs for Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
  • By bus: There are no direct public buses running from Las Vegas to the lake. You can take a guided bus tour that includes round-trip transportation.
Person fastening a life jacket buckle
  • Carry a valid government-issued photo ID for entry into the Hoover Dam area and national recreation sites.
  • Arrive at least 30 mins before tour departure for check-in and safety briefings.
  • Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers on water-based tours.
  • Large bags or coolers are not allowed onboard boats or aircraft for safety reasons.
  • Strong winds or low water levels can affect schedules, so flexibility is key.
  • Pets and swimming in restricted areas are prohibited within Lake Mead National Recreation Area boundaries.
Man drinking water in a lush setting at Farm in the City, Malaysia.
  • Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing. Hats, and sunglasses are a must. Bring a light jacket during cooler months.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated since temperatures can rise quickly, even in spring.
  • Bring snacks since food availability around the lake is limited, so pack light snacks if your tour doesn’t include lunch.
  • The best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the sun highlights the red rock cliffs against the lake’s deep blue water.
  • Listen to your guide. They’ll share not only safety instructions but also fascinating insights about the lake’s formation, wildlife, and role in the Southwest.

Beyond Lake Mead

Hoover Dam

Just 15-minutes from Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that tamed the Colorado River and created the lake itself. Visitors can walk across the dam, tour its inner workings, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding desert and reservoir.

Grand Canyon

A short flight or scenic drive from Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon offers one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Many aerial tours from Las Vegas pass over both Lake Mead and the canyon, giving travelers a unique perspective of these two natural wonders in one trip.

High Roller Observation Wheel

Located on the Las Vegas Strip, the High Roller is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels. From 550 feet above ground, you’ll get panoramic views of the city, the desert beyond, and even a distant glimpse of Lake Mead on clear days.

Frequently asked questions about Lake Mead tours

Lake Mead is best known as the largest reservoir in the United States, created by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. It’s a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and sightseeing, offering incredible views of desert landscapes, red cliffs, and the deep blue lake waters.