Black Canyon 2-Day Kayak Camping: Hoover Dam to Willow Beach
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 6–10 hours paddling total)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: you should be comfortable paddling 3–6 miles in a day and hiking short steep sections with a daypack.
Overview
Paddle beneath Hoover Dam, soak in hidden hot springs, and spend a night on the river in Black Canyon. This two‑day guided kayak camping trip mixes geology, wildlife, and hands‑on logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
Black Canyon 2-Day Kayak Camping: Hoover Dam to Willow Beach
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You lower the kayak into water that catches the sun like liquid glass and the Hoover Dam rises above you—massive, curving concrete carving a line between human engineering and the raw vertical of Black Canyon. The river seems to dare you forward: slow and glassy in some reaches, insistent and cool in others. Guides move with practiced ease, unloading drybags and folding camp chairs while the canyon walls slowly close in, shading gnarled rock and a narrow ribbon of sky.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a waterproof drybag
Keep clothing, electronics, and sleeping kit dry—one 20–30L drybag for camp gear and a small dry pouch for essentials is ideal.
Practice basic kayak strokes
If you haven’t kayaked recently, a quick paddling refresher will make your days on the river easier and more fun.
Hydrate and layer up
Desert days heat quickly and nights cool fast; plan on electrolyte drinks and at least one insulating midlayer for evenings.
Respect hot springs etiquette
No soaps or shampoos in the pools; use biodegradable wipes at camp and pack out all trash to protect fragile riparian zones.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Bald eagle
History
Black Canyon bears Mohave cultural sites and early 20th‑century cableway remains; the Hoover Dam changed the river’s flow and local economy when completed in the 1930s.
Conservation
Trips require NPS launch permits and follow leave‑no‑trace rules; avoid soaps in hot springs and pack out waste to protect fragile riparian habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boulder City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof drybag (20–30L)
Protects clothing and sleeping gear from splashes and wet landings.
Sturdy water shoes
Provides traction on rocky shores and comfort for short hikes to springs and ruins.
summer specific
Insulating midlayer (fleece or synthetic)
Keeps you warm during cool mornings and nights in the canyon.
fall specific
Headlamp with extra batteries
Needed for camp tasks, late‑night hot spring walks, and early morning packing.