Has anyone ever travelled to Hoover Dam with a firearm in vehicle? From their website, no guns are allowed, but I can't tell if they mean on your person, or if an unloaded handgun in a locked case left in the vehicle would be allowed? I plan to call them later today and try to find out, but was wondering if anyone here had any first hand experience.
Anyone ever go to Hoover Dam?
- Thread starter Balrog
- Start date
Riomouse911
Member
I did the tours a couple of time, one pre and one just post-9/11 when they opened stuff back up. (About 25 years ago a group of friends and I rather cluelessly rode watercraft up to the base of the dam, the river access is all blocked off now with a floating barrier.)
The dam police had wands they used for guns and stuff when you went into the dam back then, but the bridge wasn’t built so they didn’t have a security checkpoint for vehicles. I don’t know if they do vehicle searches like is done at the border, so that part I can’t help with.
The dam is an awesome feat of engineering, definitely a must-see if you like things like that.
Stay safe.
The dam police had wands they used for guns and stuff when you went into the dam back then, but the bridge wasn’t built so they didn’t have a security checkpoint for vehicles. I don’t know if they do vehicle searches like is done at the border, so that part I can’t help with.
The dam is an awesome feat of engineering, definitely a must-see if you like things like that.
Stay safe.
George Dickel
Member
I visited there 7 or 8 years ago. At that time a Park Ranger at the entrance asked if I had any firearms in the vehicle. There is also a sign at the entrance stating that firearms are not allowed. The facility is operated and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation and is located on federal land. Definitely check with the appropriate office, you don't want to run afoul of the federal government.
jmorris
Member
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- Sep 30, 2005
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Unfortunately, the link is not helpful. I am not trying to bring a firearm across the dam. I want to know if it is legal to have an unloaded handgun in a locked case in my vehicle in the parking lot.
Yea, i saw that. I have been trying to get someone to answer the phone at Hoover Dam all day, and I keep getting a recording. If I can't get an answer from them, I will call the gun shop and see what they can do for storage.
I am not a Nevada resident. Not sure what would be involved in having a Nevada gun shop "holding" a hand gun on an out of state resident.
luzyfuerza
Member
Note firearm and weapon restrictions given in lower left side of the map provided here: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/index.html
...as well as location of Nevada side security checkpoint, and search standards.
The parking structure is inside the inspection point, so your vehicle would be subject to inspection.
...as well as location of Nevada side security checkpoint, and search standards.
The parking structure is inside the inspection point, so your vehicle would be subject to inspection.
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Still haven't been able to talk to a human at Hoover Dam for clarification. I did talk to someone at the gun club nearby who said he thought that if gun was unloaded in locked case that it was ok to be left in vehicle. He did say they can hold gun for me at club. But it seems weird for an out of state resident to be able to let a store in a different state hold a handgun for them, and then be able to get it back.
IJ1981
Member
I have not been there since 1996. There was no problem accessing the dam crossing with a firearm then.
Now, it seems it is a gigantic headache. And if you are heading east towards the Great Canyon, it is a mighty long detour if you cannot cross.
Now, it seems it is a gigantic headache. And if you are heading east towards the Great Canyon, it is a mighty long detour if you cannot cross.
fxvr5
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I was there 1.5 years ago. I had a gun in the back (SUV, unloaded) and I saw all the signs at the first check-in that said no guns allowed. I immediately told them I had a gun in the back. They directed me to a separate line. They acted like they wanted to search the vehicle which I would happily let them do, but the guy came to the window and asked if I had a gun, I said yes, it's in the back. He said, no problem. Just leave it there while I'm visiting, and sent me on my way. I can't guarantee they will treat anyone else the same, but in my case it was a non-issue. Just be honest. If they turn you around, then they turn you around. No big deal. They have a job to do, let them do it.
By all means, if you can talk to them before hand, do that.
By all means, if you can talk to them before hand, do that.
the nevada security checkpoint is separate from, thus doesn’t affect, vehicles on the i-11 freeway bridge as i recall. the checkpoint is only for the hoover dam access road.
LV Gun
Member
I live here in Las Vegas but have not been to the dam in about 10 years. I am sure it has changed since I was there and like another has said the parking structure is right next to the dam . The last time I was there was before the new I -11 bridge was done Boulder City is the gateway to the dam the police department in Boulder City may be able to help you with your question.
Charlie98
Member
Correct. With the new bridge, only local traffic is allowed down to the dam area... the through traffic goes over the bridge... in fact, unless you are in a big truck, you can't even see the dam dam, the sides are too high. Even better news... the bypass around Boulder City is completed and in use, so now you don't even have to go through Boulder City.
I would suspect that an unloaded firearm in a locked case would be fine... it's the same thing at an airport... but verification is always a good thing.
Rolling the years back, I used to drive my semi over the dam... easy peasy. It was really neat, but somewhat of a headache... that grade coming up off the dam, headed into Nevada, was a heck of a pull.
Taking a break by the dam, my company truck in the foreground. Check out that water level! That was 1991 or 1992....
Blackrock
Member
I went there last year and when they asked about firearms I just said NO. I did have a pistol in the center console.
FWIW the full tour of the dam is worth it especially if you have ever worked big jobs.
FWIW the full tour of the dam is worth it especially if you have ever worked big jobs.
sorry, i prefer not to be “that guy,” but this is not a reply that i would offer to a lawful, germane & straightforward question from a federal officer. 18usc1001.
there is free, ungated parking for the walkway on the i-11 bridge, which offers superb views of the dam, river and spillway. this parking lot and pedestrian access to the bridge walkway too is inside the security zone. i-11 driving access by motor vehicle is outside the security zone and just like any other freeway.
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page 3 of the pdf listed in post#4 is extremely helpful...
Can I bring a weapon across Hoover Dam?
No. The following list identifies some of the more common weapons that are prohibited:
• Firearms • Knives (other than kitchen utensils)
• Pepper spray • Brass knuckles
• Mace • Batons
This is NOT a complete list. The inspecting officers at Hoover Dam may use their professional
discretion in identifying weapons and deny the vehicle access to the dam.
Additionally, knives of any kind and weapons are not allowed...
Added help....
from corner of map given in post#9...
Firearms are prohibited on Hoover Dam property.
Additionally, ANY vehicle is subject search. Various kinds are labelled as WILL BE searched.
English is kinda extra super plain here, does the govt authority want firearms (or staffs, batons, knives, munitions, etc.) on, around, over, below, or sideways on H Dam property? HINT: NO
something about a gunshop said...I mean, wow
I decided not go there any way, so it doesn’t matter. If they really won’t allow an unloaded gun in a locked case to be in a parked car near the dam, its not worth the hassle to see it. They won’t even answer the phone at their visitor contact number.
toivo
Member
Back in the '80s, a wild-and-crazy friend of mine was windsurfing in the Hudson River off Manhattan, and he pulled up alongside the USS Intrepid just to check it out. The ship is decommissioned and functions as a museum, but the security guards were not amused. He was detained and had to do some 'splainin' before they decided he was harmless and let him go.
Howland937
Member
Probably wouldn't speak decipherable English anyway. We stopped at the Mansfield Prison where Shawshank Redemption was filmed one day on our way back through. There were signs all over the parking lot stating how guns are prohibited by federal law to be on the property. Tough decision there. Break the law and hope I didn't get caught? Stash it under the tree where Andy Dufresne hid the note? Nah, we just left. I know when I'm not welcome.
JTHunter
Member
Sorry Balrog. I haven't been there since 1966 as a "pre-teen".
230RN
2A was "political" when it was first adopted.
All this absolutely clinically insane paranoia over firearms drives me nuts.
Years ago I had occasion to visit the nuclear bomb trigger plant ( ! ) south of Boulder Colorado a couple of times. You pulled up to the gate, surrendered your (unloaded) gun,they gave you a ticket, you went in, did your biz, drove back out to the gate, gave them your ticket, they gave you your gun, and that was it.
The only problem was remembering to reload it before you stashed it in your driver's side car door pocket.
I still think it should be a general law that if they prohibit firearms they (anyone) should be compelled to provide secure storage.
Yeah, I know, "what the law is, not what it should be," but I'm telling how the law (or practice) actually was.
Terry, 230RN
Pretty sure it’s a federal park so no guns.
Charlie98
Member
I observed very much the same thing in Nevada, once. I was picking up a load at the Hawthorne Naval Depot (which begs the question... why is there a Naval Base in the middle of the Nevada desert... but, hey, it's the Navy...) Although I wasn't carrying a firearm at the time, I had to surrender my camera! They put it in a locker, and gave me the tag for it. Another driver comes walking in with a pump shotgun, they just nodded, put it in a locker... and gave him the tag... no biggie.
I understand 9/11 was terrible, and certain 'high value targets' have a desire to secure the premises, but visitors aren't walking in there with a bazooka. It's absurd.
230RN
2A was "political" when it was first adopted.
I don't know if this supports strict safety rules or just shows how ineffective they can be, but the 9-11 incident was carried out with ordinary box cutters. I am reasonably sure that the first death in that episode was the stewardess who was killed to show they meant business, I guess. I bet her throat was cut with a box cutter, an ordinary tool thousands use every day in their jobs and which went through "security."
I have one right here in hand whose blade can be extended to 3 inches.
Terry, 230RN
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