Outside the hustle and bustle of the Vegas lifestyle, lies a desert oasis that cannot merely be seen in order for it to be believed; it must be experienced.
The isolation and natural beauty of this 12-mile day trip provides enjoyment of all kinds. From the kayaking itself to hiking, climbing, hot springs, swimming and sun tanning; there’s a little bit of everything for the perfect outdoor adventure.
In an effort to monitor the amount of human activity that takes place on this route, this trip requires a $15 National Park Service permit, which can be acquired through the adventure group; Kayak Las Vegas. Once a permit is obtained, participants meet with up bright and early at the Hacienda Hotel and Casino located on Highway 95. From there they are transported by bus down the restricted, unpaved, Lower Portal Road at the base of the 727 foot tall Hoover Dam.
Making their way down Black Canyon on the Colorado River, both beginner and skilled kayakers will face opportunities to experience unique and hidden places such as Sauna Cave, Gold Strike Canyon, Boy Scout Canyon and Hot Springs, Arizona Hot Springs, Emerald Cave and many others.
A few hundred yards from Portal Road beneath the dam on the Nevada side is Sauna Cave. After a very short hike on a gravel path, the bushes clear way to a hot lagoon, which spreads throughout a long abandoned cave. Originally conceived as a tunnel for the dam, this horizontal tunnel was not completed due to the unexpected discovery of hot springs. Now, approximately 130 degrees of heavy mist fills this dark man-made cavern. Forget an expensive day at a ritzy spa, spend the amount of time it takes to walk to the back of the cave and you will inevitably feel refreshed and revitalized at the beginning of the trip.
Breaking out of the steamy mist, and climbing back into the kayaks, kayakers can head back down the canyon for more exquisite sites that await them further down the river.
Those searching for a fun adventure, a stop at Boy Scout Canyon, about a third of a mile south of mile-marker 62 is essential. This narrow canyon is home to several hot springs, and waterfalls that range in temperature. Loaded with slippery rocks, moss covered canyon walls, and waterfalls, this stop is not for the faint of heart, but is an essential detour for any adventure goers. As they hike back to reach a large hot springs pool at the end, adventurers are faced with multiple waterfalls they must climb over using old ropes that hang in the waters.
Pulling themselves up the waterfalls, they find themselves taking in the breathtaking adventure and scenery of steep canyon walls that surround them.
Back on the waters, additional locations throughout Black Canyon offer further hikes, pools of hot springs, spectacular rock formations and waterfalls galore, the Nevada side isn’t the only section with impressive sights and escapades however. Crossing into the Arizona side of the canyon, kayakers approach their ending destination, but not before the chance to go inside an illuminating grotto.
Emerald Cave, located just past mile marker 54, was hollowed out by a faulting and is a shallow cave that, when exposed to full sunlight during the day, fills the waters with an incredible bright emerald green coloring.
While there are plenty of additional stops along the Black Canyon waters, this particular kayak day trip ends at Willow Beach in Arizona, at mile-marker 52, where everything is loaded up and tired out kayakers are then transported back to their morning meeting point at the Hacienda.
From start to finish, this Colorado River experience is approximately four to five hours of paddling through Black Canyon, and longer if multiple stops are made to enjoy the hot springs and nearby hikes. Water conditions are mostly flat, but sections can be choppy and have strong currents and light rapids depending on weather conditions.
Whether it’s a first outdoor trip or a planned out adventure, this Colorado River experience has something to offer to every skill level and exploration style.
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Looks like fun! Black Canyon is definitely on my to-do list!
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* Black Canyon Colorado River Kayaking Directory. (Display options: alphabetical 100. Section 1=kayaking, 2=outfitters, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=local-websites)