Las Vegas Kayaking: Full-Day Tour
If you are looking for an exciting adventure out on the water, a kayaking tour on the Colorado River is a great choice. Tours are available for the Colorado River that go for the entire day so that you can enjoy all the spectacular sights that the Colorado River offers. When you kayak the Colorado River in Las Vegas, you’ll get to experience the majestic waters of the Colorado River along with other natural wonders, including wildlife, unique geographical features, and even a little bit of history.
What to Expect From a Full-Day Tour
When you sign up for a full-day tour with Blazin’ Paddles, you can rest assured you’ll be seeing many great things along the way. There are many animals along the river that you can keep an eye out for, including Big Horn sheep, eagles, and more. Although the kayaking trip goes down the river, you’ll also be stopping at pristine beaches along the way for a rest and a lunch break. The tour concludes with a return to Willow Beach, where your shuttle will await.
Sights Along the Way
A kayaking trip down the Colorado River means you can look forward to many great sights, including:
- Hoover Dam
- Emerald Cave
- Black Canyon
- Willow Beach
- Eldorado Canyon
Hoover Dam is one of the most iconic landmarks in the nation. Hoover Dam is a large dam built along the borders of Arizona and Nevada, and you can start from either side when you kayak Hoover Dam. The dam was constructed over five years, starting in 1931. When the dam was nearly finished in 1935, it was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Hoover Dam is more than 720 feet tall, and it covers a vast area of 220 acres. Hoover Dam was built along the Colorado River in the Black Canyon, one of the most geologically and historically significant parts of the river. With a Black Canyon Hoover Dam kayak tour, you’ll be able to get a firsthand look at one of the most impressive man-made structures in the US, and you can ask a knowledgeable guide about all the unique facts associated with the dam.
Emerald Cave
Emerald Cave is another popular spot for people to stop when kayaking along the Colorado River. With an Emerald Cave tour, you will travel with a guide who can tell you about the cave’s natural significance. The Emerald Cave is a small part of the Colorado River and the Black Canyon. Emerald Cave can only accommodate a few kayaks at a time, which is why it’s a good idea to go with a guide if you are visiting the cave for the first time. Additionally, one of the biggest draws of Emerald Cave is its spectacular green waters. However, lighting is responsible for creating the cave’s colors during the day. At certain times of the day, the cave will appear to be no different from other parts of the Colorado River. Therefore, another advantage of going with a guide is that you’ll be able to catch the Emerald Cave at a time when its waters have their most brilliant hues. The best times to visit the cave will also vary by season, but a guide will arrange tours to ensure you get excellent views of Emerald Cave in any season.
Black Canyon
For those who decide to kayak the Colorado River in Las Vegas, the Black Canyon is one of the best stopping points along the way. The Emerald Cave is located in the Black Canyon, but if you go on a full-day kayaking expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to keep kayaking beyond the cave into other parts of the Black Canyon. As you move beyond the Emerald Cave, you’ll get to see some of the most majestic parts of the Black Canyon, including several secluded beaches. The Black Canyon, also called the Black Canyon Water Trail, is part of the Colorado River. The Black Canyon is accessible from the Hoover Dam if you are starting in Arizona or a historic mining town starting from the Nevada side. In total, the Water Trail covers approximately 30 miles. Along the way, you’ll come across hot springs, secluded caves, coves, and more. Wilderness sightings are common, and you’ll find plenty of solitude as you paddle along.
Willow Beach
Willow Beach is a spectacular beach close to the historic Hoover Dam, which makes it a good destination if you are also planning to explore the Hoover Dam. Willow Beach is a popular spot for kayakers for all its amenities. Willow Beach features a launch ramp for boaters, and it also has a full-service marina where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. Willow Beach is also an excellent destination for those who want to embark on a multi-day kayak adventure, as it contains a campground and an RV park. Willow Beach also has a store for your general goods needs and a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal before or after your kayaking expedition. If you’re looking for other things to do at Willow Beach, you can also go fishing at the fishing pier. The beach is also a nice spot for sunbathing or swimming, which is especially refreshing after a day on the water.
Eldorado Canyon
For those who want to combine a bit of history with natural beauty, Eldorado Canyon along the Colorado River is a great place to visit. Spaniards first frequented Eldorado Canyon in the 1700s when they were searching for gold along the Colorado. Along with its historical significance, the canyon is also the endpoint of the Black Canyon Water Trail. When you get to the end, you must carry your kayak or other watercraft up a desert wash to your vehicle. It is possible to continue kayaking once you reach the end of the canyon, although kayaking the waters south of the canyon is only recommended for experienced kayakers, as you may encounter windy conditions and open waters that can be difficult to navigate by boat. The temperatures can also fluctuate widely in the waters south of Eldorado Canyon. If you plan to spend an extended time out on the water, you’ll want to make sure that you are prepared for changing temperatures. Wearing layers and waterproof clothing is highly recommended. The Black Canyon Water Trail is less than an hour from Las Vegas, making it an easily accessible destination from the city for a day trip.
Arizona Hot Spring
Arizona Hot Spring is one of the most popular hot springs in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The spring is naturally heated and located in a narrow canyon, which gives it a secluded and peaceful feel. Arizona Hot Spring is a good place to go for a soak on a cold winter day, as the temperature can get up to 111°F. If you plan to visit the hot spring, you’ll have to earn your soak, as it is only accessible by kayaking the Colorado River or by hiking.
If you are looking for an excuse to kayak the Colorado River in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact Blazin’ Paddles, which gives you the option of many different tours catered to your ability and interests. With something for kayakers of all levels, Blazin’ Paddles is your go-to option whether you are visiting Las Vegas or looking for a new adventure out on the water.
