Colorado River: Black Canyon in Nevada

Trip Overview

The Black Canyon is a beautiful volcanic rock canyon where the lazy Colorado runs from Hoover Dam, continuing South towards Mexico. This 11 mile paddle includes access to great hot springs, wildlife veiwing, and nice beaches and side canyons for camping and relaxing. The hot springs are very clean in most places, and vary in temperature from 70 to 160 degrees. There is abundant wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes, waterfowl, peregrine falcons, and other birds of prey. summer temperatures can be punishing, I recommend this trip from October - April when cooler weather (50's-70's) make the hot springs more enjoyable. Boulder City Outfitters or Down River Outfitters provide rentals, shuttles, and guided trips for the Black Canyon.

Accommodations:

This is a semi-primitive area, the only facilities on the river are two outhouses near the 60 mile marker. Campsites are open (try not to camp near the river and PLEASE, don't build any more fire rings)

Fees:

$13 N.P.S. permit is required for launch (per person) and launch is limited to 30 vessels per day.

Directions:

Staging for the trip is about 30 minutes from Las Vegas. Follow signs for Hoover Dam. Meet at Hacienda Hotel, 2 miles before dam. Outfitter can provide transportation from Vegas hotels for guided trips.

Launches:

Put in is at base of Hoover Dam, take out at Willow Beach AZ.

Resources:

Down River Outfitters 800-RIVER-02

Boulder City Outfiters 800-748-3702