Below the Dam: Kayaking Black Canyon to Hidden Hot Springs
7 Hours | Paddle 12 miles from the base of Hoover Dam through Black Canyon
The first light finds the canyon in stages: shadowed ribs of volcanic rock, then a narrow band of silver as the Colorado River begins to move. You stand on a high shelf of the original access road, helmet still warm from the van, watching guides unfurl bright kayaks like little buoys of human intent. The dam above is a hulking, precise thing—manmade masonry that hums with a century of engineering—and the river below seems to dare you to follow. Ten minutes after slipping past the security gate and signing beneath the stern gaze of National Park Service staff, the canyon tightens and the modern world drops behind you.
Trail Wisdom
Bring a government ID
A federal security checkpoint controls the Hoover Dam launch; adults must present photo ID or you may be denied access.
Wear water shoes with grip
The shoreline is rocky and scramble sections to hot springs require closed-toe footwear that can get wet.
Hydrate and pace yourself
12 miles of paddling and canyon sun can deplete you—drink regularly and use breaks to recover.
Book permits early
Only 45 participant permits are issued daily; reserve in advance to secure a launch slot.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Steam-filled sauna cave tucked into a side canyon
- •Small gauging station ruins from early 20th-century hydrology surveys
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Bald eagle
Conservation Note
The launch is permitted and limited to reduce impacts; visitors should follow Leave No Trace, avoid altering hot spring pools, and pack out all trash.
Hoover Dam was completed in 1936 and transformed water management and power distribution across the Southwest; Black Canyon bears both native histories and 20th-century engineering marks.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower color along the canyon rims, Comfortable water temperatures, Birding migrations
Challenges: Occasional spring runoff, Variable winds, Cool mornings
Spring offers mild air temperatures and active wildlife, making paddling pleasant; mornings can be cool and winds may pick up by afternoon.
summer
Best for: Hot spring soaks, Long daylight hours, Warm water swimming
Challenges: High desert heat on canyon rims, Stronger sun exposure, Greater demand for permits
Summer brings hot air and warm swims; plan for sun protection, early starts, and refill strategies to avoid heat strain.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Comfortable paddling, Photogenic light
Challenges: Cooling evenings, Potential for stronger winds, Higher weekend demand
Fall is one of the most comfortable seasons—cooler evenings but warm afternoons—ideal for long paddles and clear skies.
winter
Best for: Quieter launches, Cool, crisp air, Clear visibility
Challenges: Cold water temperatures, Chilly mornings, Possibility of strong winds
Winter paddles are quieter and sharp with light; bring warm layers and be prepared for colder water and air temperatures.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Touring Kayak (provided)Essential
Stable, ruddered kayaks are used for tracking over long distances and carrying gear.
Water ShoesEssential
Protect feet on rocky shores and scrambling approaches to hot springs; dries quickly.
Dry Bag (small)Essential
Keeps phone, layers, and snacks dry while on the river.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen & HatEssential
Prevent sunburn during long exposure on open water and reflective canyon walls.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—this trip accommodates beginners, but you must be fit enough to paddle 12 miles and follow guide instruction.
What ID is required?
All participants 18 and over must present a government-issued photo ID at the Hoover Dam security checkpoint.
How long is the paddle?
The route covers approximately 12 miles (19.2 km) and the full experience lasts about seven hours including stops.
Are hot springs guaranteed?
Access depends on water levels and seasonal conditions, but guides plan stops at known geothermal pools and the sauna cave when safe.
Is there cell service in the canyon?
Expect limited or no cell service once you descend into Black Canyon; plan accordingly and inform someone of your trip plans.
Can I jump from the cliffs?
Cliff jumping is sometimes possible at designated stops but depends on guides’ safety assessments and water depth that day.
What to Pack
Government ID, water shoes, dry bag for electronics, reef-safe sunscreen — for security, traction on wet rocks, gear protection, and sun protection
Did You Know
Only 45 participant permits are issued each day for launches at the Hoover Dam base, making this one of the more restricted river access points on the Colorado River.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Harry Reid International (LAS); allow 90–110 minutes drive from the Strip; bring a printed or digital photo ID; expect limited cell service in the canyon
Local Flavor
After the paddle, head to historic Boulder City for a cold beer at One Barrel Brewing or a classic diner meal; the town’s low-key vibe and craft breweries are an easy decompression after a full day on the water.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Harry Reid International (LAS). Meeting point: 18000 US-93, Boulder City, NV. Drive from Las Vegas Strip: ~90–110 minutes. Cell service: limited in canyon. Permits: Participant permit included but book early.
Sustainability Note
This trip operates under a limited-permit system to reduce crowding and protect shoreline habitats; please pack out all trash, avoid moving rocks at hot springs, and respect wildlife.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region