Kayak the Colorado: Hoover Dam & Black Canyon Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas
Paddle from the base of Hoover Dam down the emerald-lipped Black Canyon on a full-day guided kayak trip. Expect dramatic canyon walls, hot springs soaks, wildlife sightings, and a hands-on guide-led exploration with hotel pickup from Las Vegas.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring government ID
All travelers must carry a government-issued ID—the operator needs full names to purchase the required launch permit.
Hydrate and sun-protect
Desert sun is relentless; carry a refillable bottle, SPF 30+, sunglasses and a brimmed hat even if early starts feel cool.
Dress in layers and a swimsuit
Temperatures vary from canyon shade to open river; wear quick-dry layers and pack a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Wear sturdy water shoes with toe protection—shore entries are rock and sand, and the picnic stop can be slippery.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Emerald Cave catwalk and the green-hued pool inside the cave
- •Secluded beaches below Lone Palm Canyon ideal for lunch and short hikes
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Bald eagle
Conservation Note
Permit limits and guide-led groups reduce impact; avoid using soaps in hot springs and pack out all trash to protect fragile riparian zones.
Hoover Dam reshaped this stretch of the Colorado in the 1930s; before the dam the Black Canyon was a seasonal corridor for Indigenous peoples and later miners.
Photographer's Notes
- • Base of Hoover Dam looking downstream
- • Entrance to Emerald Cave / catwalk
- • Secluded picnic beach beneath Lone Palm Canyon
What to Bring
Refillable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated is essential in the desert; bottled water is provided but a personal bottle is handy for refills.
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky launches and during beach stops; better grip than flip-flops.
Quick-dry layers and light wind shellEssential
Mornings and canyon breezes can be cool; layers let you adjust without carrying wet cotton.
Broad-brimmed hat & high SPF sunscreenEssential
Direct sun exposure is intense on the river—protect skin and eyes for the long day.
Common Questions
How long is the kayaking portion and how strenuous is it?
The full experience is a 12-hour day including transport; the river sections are moving flat-water requiring steady paddling—guides coach beginners, but expect several miles of paddling overall.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—basic paddling instruction and safety briefings are included, so beginners with moderate fitness can join safely.
Is there a permit or extra fee?
Yes—the local operator purchases a launch permit after booking (approximately $31.80) which is non-refundable.
Can I swim in the hot springs?
Yes—bring a swimsuit and towel; note that springs can be hot and fragile, so follow guide instructions and avoid soaps or detergents.
What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include desert bighorn sheep on canyon ridges, bald eagles, red-tail hawks, and occasionally striped bass in the river.
How early is pickup from Las Vegas hotels?
Hotel pickups generally begin between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m.; the operator will confirm exact times the day before the tour.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
12 hours (full day)
Location
Boulder City, Nevada
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderately fit—able to paddle multiple miles, handle stairs, and spend hours in sun.
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