Hoover Dam is the highest dam in the United States and is also a well-known attraction in Nevada and Arizona. Kayakers can paddle the Black Canyon of Colorado River from a launch site below the dam. Visit this historical structure and experience sights along the way as you paddle through a water trail filled with thermal hot springs and hidden caves.
History
Hoover Dam is located between the states of Arizona and Nevada in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. The dam is named after former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, who was influential in initiating the dam's construction in 1931. Black Canyon is downstream from the dam where kayakers can paddle through a water trail surrounded by thermal springs, rugged mountains and canyon walls. Aside from kayaking, other activities include camping, swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing.
Kayak Tours
Sign up and reserve a trip with outfitters in the area such as Boulder City Outfitters, Las Vegas Kayak Tours and Desert Adventures. You can also rent equipment and venture out on your own. Many outfitters and marinas offer kayak rentals, including Willow Beach Marina at Lake Mojave. However, taking a guided trip allows you to travel with a knowledgeable local that can take you through many features and attractions along the way. Outfitters such as Desert Adventures provide kayak trip packages that include basic paddling instructions, life jacket, lunch and snacks, bottled water, a dry bag for your personal items, flashlights for cave exploring and hotel transportation.
Features
Kayaking through the waters of Hoover Dam meanders through attractions such as the Sauna Cave, Gold Strike Canyon, Emerald Cave, Lone Palm Canyon and Arizona Hot Springs. Wildlife creatures you may see include bald eagles, bighorn sheep, coyotes and red tail hawks. According to Boulder City Outfitters, the most popular attractions along the river are the natural hot springs and hot waterfalls hidden within slot canyons. The kayak route is moderate and you can expect flat water conditions, though at times the current can get choppy depending on weather conditions.
Time Frame
The kayak trip duration depends on the tour or the water route you choose. Most guided tours last about 11 miles long, which can take about four to five hours of paddling. Shorter and longer trips are available and kayaking trips can be booked throughout the year. Evolution Expeditions offers three-hour kayak trips on the river while Desert Adventures can take you on a day trip from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Considerations
All kayak trips in Black Canyon require a launch permit from National Park Service. A launch site is available just below Hoover Dam where kayakers can access the Colorado River for a fee. As of 2010, launch fees cost $12 per person plus a $3 National Park Service entrance fee. You can obtain launch permits from outfitters authorized by the NPS, including Black Canyon and Willow Beach River Adventures, Evolutions Expeditions and Desert Adventures.
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