Top 5 Things to Do in Boulder City

Las Vegas offers exciting outdoor activities you won’t experience anywhere else in the world. From water sports in the glamorous Lake Las Vegas to kayaking in Emerald Cave in Nevada, you'll never run out of things to do here. So, which part of Las Vegas do you want to explore next? Plan your next big adventure in Boulder City!

Where is Boulder City? 

Boulder City is located within the deep canyons of the Colorado River along the Nevada-Arizona border, around 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Since its creation in 1931 for Hoover Dam workers, the city has seen tremendous progress without losing its small-town charm.

Due to the massive size of the dam project, the Bureau of Reclamation decided on building a semi-permanent town instead of temporary living quarters for thousands of people. Boulder City was fully developed by the government and turned out to be one of the first and best examples of 20th-century town planning.

It served a residential community for more than 4,000 personnel during the construction of the Hoover Dam from 1931 to 1936, as well as for the employees of other local construction projects involving Davis Dam and Lake Mohave in the 1940s. 

Boulder City was designed to provide a clean, healthy work environment for dam employees. Alcohol sales weren't permitted until 1969, and even today, all forms of gambling are not allowed in the city. Despite this, it's still considered a must-visit tourist attraction for people who want to take a well-deserved break. 

5 Things to do in Boulder City

If you’re planning on visiting Boulder City, here are a few things you can add to your itinerary.

1. Kayak Around Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel nestled within the towering canyons of Southeast Las Vegas. It’s one of the biggest dams in the world at 726 feet tall and 1,244 feet long, resulting from an elaborate project that took many years of planning, research, negotiation, and construction.

Visiting Hoover Dam means gaining access to various activities suitable for every family member. Besides going on an informative tour and learning more about its history, people can launch a kayak from its base and explore stunning attractions they can never reach by foot.

Go on a guided kayaking tour at Hoover Dam in Las Vegas to make the most out of your trip! Evolution Expeditions’ Hoover Dam tour has multiple stops, allowing people to gain access to remote locations, including waterfalls, hot springs, and caves. Be prepared to paddle and hike the entire day to explore a 12-mile stretch filled with wildlife sightings. 

2. Bike Around the River Mountains Loop Trail

The River Mountains Trail Loop is a 34.5-mile loop used all year round for running, biking, and horseback riding. It shares the same trailhead as the Historic Railroad Trail, covering the path that was once used to transport materials during the construction of Hoover Dam. Traversing the entire trail will take an average of 12 hours to complete.

This long route links several jurisdictions and communities as it was constructed with the help of many agencies and land owners. Its multiple access points include Equestrian Park in Henderson and Bootleg Canyon Park in Boulder City.

River Mountains Trail Loop provides access to many prominent outdoor nature destinations for tourists and locals. Bike or run around the loop and enjoy thrilling views of the Las Vegas Valley, Eldorado Valley, Lava Butte, and Lake Las Vegas. 

3. Eat at Boulder City Restaurants

Boulder City has amazing restaurants that appeal to people of all ages. Chilly Jillyz offers an extensive menu, with sandwiches, milkshakes, and shaved ice that children will undoubtedly enjoy. They also have restaurant staples like salads, coffee, and burgers.

Vinny's Pizzeria, the place to be for pizza lovers, serves traditional pizza, gluten-free pizza, and other dishes, like pasta and meatballs. Those who love barbecue, meanwhile, should dine at Fox Smokehouse, where they offer brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and cowboy beans.

Coffee Cup Cafe, one of Boulder City's most popular restaurants, has been serving classic American meals since 1994. They serve breakfast and lunch staples such as roast beef, omelets, hash browns, and chicken wraps. 

4. Explore the Lake Mead Recreation Area

Lake Mead is one of the world's biggest artificial lakes. It's around 112 miles long, with four large connected basins (Gregg, Temple, Virgin, and Boulder), to help supply water to approximately 25 million people across several states.

Lake Mead is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, an outdoor playground for those who love to go kayaking, swimming, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and scuba diving. More than 900 camping sites are in the area, providing charming lakeside and desert views from every angle.

One of the most popular camping spaces is the RV Village in Boulder Beach Park, about a mile along Boulder Basin's shoreline. It features a well-maintained paved site, big enough to accommodate fire pits, grills, tables, tents, and RVs. You're welcome to do an extended stay but only for 30 days at a time. 

5. Visit Boulder City Parks

Travelers who don't have that much time for hours-long tours may explore Boulder City's parks to unwind, relax, and get fresh air. Just 10 minutes from Hoover Dam is Hemenway Park, a small, quiet park with a gazebo, snack bar, benches, and playground for children.

Apart from awe-inspiring views of Lake Mead, the park draws tourists from all over because of the bighorn sheep herd that frequent the area to chow down on lush grass. There are hawks, rabbits, and quails in the park, too.

Wilbur Square Park is one of the first parks in Boulder City, also built during the Hoover Dam's construction to serve as a recreational area for employees. This park is a popular community event venue, hosting food festivals, auto shows, and other events throughout the year.

Plan Your Trip to Boulder City Today

Take a short break from Las Vegas’ wild side! Boulder City offers a simple escape from our busy realities. No luxurious restaurants, hotels, and casinos. Just endless outdoor fun and a small-town experience that feels like home every time. Don't forget to schedule your guided kayaking tour with Evolution Expeditions.