i was here this weekend 10/18/08. on a trip to laughlin, vegas, and oatman my bf and i decide to see the dam. we pre bought our tour tickets. we did the power plant tour($11) which was decent. i now regret not doing the hoover dam tour($30). we got to the damn at about 2pm. traffic was good. we waited about 15 mins to get to the parking area. we paid $7 which was fine compared to LA parking prices. the dam is a great thing to see also the exhibit inside the visitor center is really neat. our tour included entrance to the visitor center. we also saw that a huge! bridge is being built that connects the mountains between arizona and nevada. we were told that it will have 4 lanes. this addition will be a lot better for those that just pass by but do not stop to see the dam. but damn! i do not know if i will ever want to cross that bridge!