One of the seven engineering wonders of the world, the Hoover Dam towers more than 700 feet above the Colorado River flowing from its base. The dam creates Lake Mead in its reservoir upstream of the dam and is a starting point for a picturesque river journey through Black Canyon as the Colorado continues its flow downstream.
River Characteristics
Winding slowly through sheer rock faces of the Black Canyon, the journey offers 30 miles of fitness rowing with spectacular scenery along the way. Desert bighorns pick their way across precipices high above the river, offering an opportunity to stop and take photographs. Side canyons yield hikes to hot springs and waterfalls, and dramatic sandy beaches offer a chance to stop and refuel your body with a riverside picnic. The only set of rapids along the way is Ringbolt Rapids, a mild water feature named for ring bolts set into the canyon walls to line steam boats through the rapids in the 1800s.
Geothermal Features
Few river stretches are packed with as many geothermal water features as the Black Canyon below Hoover Dam. The action starts a few hundred yards from the launch area with a large, hot waterfall just a few feet from the river's edge. A sauna-like cave comes up next on the right, only a quarter-mile below the launch. Formed by an exploratory drill hole when the dam's exact location was being determined, the crew hit hot water, which created this steamy formation. Boy Scout Canyon, just a mile downstream, rewards your side-canyon hike with a variety of bubbling hot springs to relax your muscles with a steamy soak.
Geologic Features
Sheer cliff faces give way to unique rock formations along the way. A diagonal fault line on the Arizona side about four miles into the journey is paralleled on the Nevada side by a dramatic feature known as Weeping Canyon Wall. A balanced rock and natural arch follow shortly thereafter, as well as a spiny ridge known locally as the Dragon's Back. Enjoy paddling into a river-level cave along the way, which offers a chance to escape the hot sun while exploring 40 feet into its depths.
Historic Highlights
Nine miles into the journey, an old gauging station used during construction to monitor water and silt levels in the river sits along the bank. An old cable car system and catwalk access remain but have not been maintained since the 1930s when the dam was built, rendering them unstable and dangerous. A historic marker downstream denotes a hikeable trail up to the gauger's residence. At mile 11, buildings belonging to the National Fish Hatchery offer an opportunity to park your boat and see the trout. Buoys mark areas prohibited to boat traffic, but you can beach your kayak just downstream and walk back a short distance.
Access
Because the launch area below the dam is located in a security zone, only authorized agents of the Bureau of Reclamation are allowed to access the site. Permits are issued through the bureau's concessionaires, which are listed on its website. The permit package includes camping, transportation to the launch site and shuttle back to your vehicle. You may have your own kayak brought in or rent an assortment of watercraft from a livery. In addition, guided raft trips are offered by the vendors.
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