High Scaler Statue

Overview

This bronze “High Scaler” figure seems to hang off the canyon wall—an instant, visceral tribute to the daredevils who prepped Black Canyon’s cliffs so Hoover Dam could be built. It’s an easy, quick stop as you approach the main visitor area on the Nevada side, and one of the dam’s most photographed spots.

What You’ll See

A larger‑than‑life worker suspended on ropes, tools at the ready, set against the cliff near the visitor complex. Look closely—the sculpture’s detail (right down to the facial expression) is what hooks people. Nearby interpretive text explains the job and honors those who built the dam. You may also notice historic construction remnants in the backdrop, underscoring the work these crews did.

Backstory

Local sculptor Steven Liguori created the piece in the late 1990s, modeling it on a famed photograph of high scaler Joe Kine. The statue was installed in 1998, with a companion marker dedicated in 2000. Funding came primarily from blind vendors in Nevada’s Business Enterprise Program and dam concessionaires who wanted a lasting salute to the workforce. High scalers were paid about $5 a day in the 1930s for rope‑swinging work with 44‑pound jackhammers and dynamite—dangerous duty that became the project’s emblem. You may see two different memorial numbers for fatalities (96 and 98); different counting methods explain the discrepancy.

Logistics

You’ll pass the statue at the entrance to the Nevada-side parking garage by the Visitor Center. Restrooms are inside the garage complex, and food/concessions are in the same area. Parking at the Nevada garage is typically a paid lot.

Photography Tips

Midday sun tends to throw the face into shadow. For cleaner detail and softer color, aim for early morning or late afternoon, and step a few feet to either side to avoid harsh contrast.

Is It Worth Your Time?

Yes—especially if you’re already here for the dam and lake views. It’s a fast, meaningful stop that adds human scale to the mega‑engineering. History-minded travelers should pair it with other small monuments nearby once they’re in the plaza.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer crowds.
• Weekdays are calmer than weekends when tour groups peak.
• Swing by as you enter or exit the visitor area; it’s right on the flow of foot traffic.