Many individuals go to Las Vegas considering that the one place to take a dip is of their lodge pool. It’s the desert in any case, proper? Properly, I’m about to point out you a secret aspect of Sin Metropolis that almost all locals don’t even find out about: the Black Canyon Water Path.
Positioned about 45 minutes for the Vegas Strip, this 30-mile stretch of water alongside the Colorado River is a paddler’s paradise. The waterway begins immediately under the Hoover Dam and is loaded with dramatic desert landscapes, slim slot canyons, and a few critically superior sizzling springs.
Organizing a day journey or in a single day paddle on the Black Canyon is tremendous straightforward. I’ve executed it twice and in my view, it’s probably the greatest out of doors adventures close to Las Vegas.
Cool off with a paddle down the Black Canyon Water Path. Discover ways to guide a shuttle, what gear you want, distinctive highlights and extra.
Necessary Reminder: As out of doors recreationists, it’s our duty to know easy methods to recreate responsibly on the water whether or not we’re kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, rafting, or boating. Discover ways to forestall the unfold of aquatic invasive species with 3 straightforward steps which have a big impact on our ecosystems.
Black Canyon Water Path Map + Overview
The Black Canyon Water Path is a 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River that begins on the base of Hoover Dam and ends at Eldorado Canyon. Alongside the best way, paddlers can discover quite a few slot canyons, secluded seashores, hidden caves, sizzling springs, and a lot extra.
A preferred day or in a single day paddle is to do a 12-mile stretch from Hoover Dam to Willow Seashore, which I present extra particulars on under. This stretch of water is usually flat, calm, and simple to maneuver in a kayak. When you select to do the total 30 miles, the water additional down the canyon will be fast-moving in locations with hidden rocks below the floor.
There are mile markers on the river financial institution, so it’s straightforward to navigate and hold observe of your progress whether or not you’re doing a day journey or an in a single day tour.
Yr-round water temps are sometimes within the low to mid-50s.
Shuttle & Allow Data for the Black Canyon Water Path
Whether or not you’re doing a day journey or an in a single day paddle, a shuttle from an authorized vendor is required to get to the launch level of the Black Canyon Water Path. The launching level is definitely positioned in a Federal Safety Zone, so you’ve gotten solely quarter-hour to get your gear collectively and launch your boat.
Along with the shuttle, a allow can be required for each day and in a single day paddlers. Permits are granted when reserving your shuttle with an authorized vendor. Every allow prices $32 they usually can promote out months upfront, so seize your spot early! You could find an inventory of authorized shuttle firms right here.
Guided vs Self-Guided Tour
Relying in your ability and luxury on the water, paddlers can go for a guided or self-guided kayak tour of the Black Canyon. For newer paddlers, it’s extremely really useful to do a guided tour for the reason that canyon is distant in locations and rescue choices are restricted. A tour information can even be capable to let you know all in regards to the native geology and ensure you don’t miss one of the best canyon websites.
For knowledgeable kayakers, you’ll be able to organize for a shuttle to drop you off at first and decide you up downriver. Each occasions I kayaked the Black Canyon I used the native firm Desert Adventures for shuttles. They supply each guided journeys and boat leases for an inexpensive value that consists of round-trip shuttle transportation. In addition they lease dry baggage, tenting gear, and the rest you may want.
Day vs In a single day Excursions
When you solely have sooner or later to discover the Black Canyon, a well-liked choice is to do the 12-mile paddle from Hoover Dam to Willow Seashore. Alongside the best way, there are quite a few alternatives to discover aspect canyons, sizzling springs, geological websites, and extra.
See a few of my favourite highlights within the subsequent part under.
When you’ve got extra time or need to discover additional down the Black Canyon, which extends 18 extra miles to Eldorado Canyon, you’ll be able to plan an in a single day journey – both guided or self-guided. An in a single day journey permits you to actually benefit from the sizzling springs and solitude of the canyon whether or not you’re solely doing the primary 12 miles or the entire size.
Tenting is allowed on any out there seaside, with a pit bathroom positioned at Arizona Sizzling Springs.
Multi-day kayakers are required to pack out all trash and strong human waste in a conveyable bathroom (in the event you don’t use the pit bathroom at Arizona Sizzling Springs). Kayakers should even be assured of their kayaking and self-rescue expertise. For tips about planning an in a single day kayaking journey, head over to our Kayak Tenting weblog put up.
Boat Choices for Exploring the Black Canyon
You may paddle the Black Canyon Water Path on a paddleboard or in a kayak or canoe. They every have their benefits relying on the season and whether or not you’re doing a day or in a single day journey.
Stand-up Paddle Board
For my second journey on the Black Canyon, I opted for a stand-up paddleboard and sadly, the circumstances weren’t superb. All day, we had been paddling towards a powerful headwind and the water was comparatively tough. It was enjoyable however powerful, and we spent most of our time kneeling because it was extra environment friendly towards the gusts…. not likely probably the most comfy for 12 complete miles.
The water within the Colorado River can be fairly frigid, so I’d solely advocate paddle boarding on a sizzling summer season day with no wind.
Kayak
In 2011, I paddled the Black Canyon Water Path in a single kayak over a two-day interval, tenting at Arizona Sizzling Springs. The kayak was environment friendly and simple to steer. For a single-day journey, I feel a kayak is the precise technique to go. The draw back of a kayak in the event you select to camp is that you’ll have to pack gentle since there’s restricted house to strap in your gear.
Canoe
When you’ve got a bigger group and are planning on tenting in a single day, undoubtedly take into account renting canoes. A canoe permits you to carry extra gear, together with coolers. And you recognize you’re going to need that ice-cold beverage if you get to camp!
Greatest Time to Kayak the Black Canyon Water Path
The sizzling springs are what make this paddling journey so distinctive, so I like to recommend visiting within the spring or fall when the air temperatures are comfy and you’ll be able to really take pleasure in them. Summer time can be good, however as you’ll be able to guess, the Vegas warmth is extraordinarily intense making a sizzling spring soak fairly disagreeable from June via September.
Alternatively, throughout the summer season months, you’ll be able to spend extra time within the river, the place the water temperatures common a really cool 54 levels. Some sizzling springs together with Gold Strike and Arizona, are closed from mid-Could to September on account of excessive temperatures.
Black Canyon Water Path Highlights
There are dozens of enjoyable, cool, and distinctive stops and sights alongside the Black Canyon Water Path. If you wish to see all of them, you’ll have to do a 1-2 night time journey. Beneath are a number of of my favourite highlights, however be at liberty to discover additional.
Additionally word that since rain and flooding can alter the geography of the aspect canyons, the outline and photos of those websites may change from season to season. For probably the most up-to-date data, go to the Nationwide Park Service’s Black Canyon Water Path web site.
Moreover, water ranges are managed by releases from the Hoover Dam and the peak of the Colorado River can change drastically from hour to hour. Because of this a seaside you park on could possibly be underwater an hour later. If you cease to discover the aspect canyons, be certain that to tie up your boat!
Notice that mile markers are measured in river miles, which is the space in miles from its mouth, NOT from the beginning of the Black Canyon Water Path.
Sauna Cave (mile marker 63)
Sauna Cave is a 50′ man-made tunnel that ends in a geothermal pool and pure steam room. It was initially dug out through the development of Hoover Dam, however when the employees met the extraordinary warmth of the water, they deserted the tunnel.
You need to do a little bit of crawling to make your technique to the very again of the cave, but it surely’s price it for a great schvitz.
Nevada Sizzling Springs (mile marker 62.5)
Take a stroll up Gold Strike Canyon wash to achieve a sequence of lovely blue sizzling springs with temperatures starting from 85-105 levels. These swimming pools are additionally accessible by climbing from the street, so you might encounter bigger teams. Gold Strike Canyon is closed from mid-Could to September on account of excessive temperatures.
Boy Scout Canyon (mile marker 61.75)
The primary swimming pools in Boy Scout Canyon are positioned a 1/4 mile stroll upstream from the river. If you wish to proceed additional be ready to do some scrambling utilizing the ropes which were put in at among the small waterfalls.
Arizona Sizzling Springs (mile marker 59.75)
Out of all the sizzling springs alongside the Black Canyon, these are positioned in probably the most dramatic slot canyon with canyon partitions which can be as slim as 6 toes aside. Arizona Sizzling Springs are particularly cool at night time! The very best sizzling springs are reached by climbing a 20-foot ladder that has been put in by the Nationwide Park Service.
Notice: The ladder on the Arizona sizzling springs was broken by a flood. As of June 2022, there is no such thing as a entry to the higher swimming pools from the river presently. These sizzling springs are additionally closed from mid-Could to September on account of excessive temperatures.
Emerald Cave (mile marker 54.75)
It is a shallow cave on the Arizona aspect of the river. When the solar hits it on the proper angle, the water sparkles like an unimaginable emerald gem, making for some actually cool images.
What to Pack For Your Black Canyon Journey
What gear you want on the Black Canyon Water Path actually relies on whether or not you might be simply spending a day on the water or tenting in a single day. You’ll additionally have to think about climate circumstances, time of yr, and private preferences. Take a look at our 3-day backpacking guidelines for light-weight gear suggestions in the event you’re doing an in a single day journey.
A great rule of thumb is to put on garments that you simply don’t thoughts getting moist and a great pair of water footwear for climbing up the aspect canyons. The terrain could be a bit tough and flip-flops simply received’t lower it. It’s additionally a good suggestion to deliver a small daypack for the aspect hikes. A number of the sizzling springs take a little bit of scrambling to achieve, and also you’ll need to have your fingers free.
Day Journey Beneficial Necessities
So what are you ready for? Subsequent time you’re in Vegas, get off the Strip! Your Black Canyon paddling journey will price you lower than a day on the Cosmo Pool, and it’s so shut which you can nonetheless rejoice your day on the river with a wild night time out in town.
Would you wish to kayak the Black Canyon Water Path? What questions do you continue to have? Depart a remark under!
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