Adventure Collective
null - Las Vegas

Desert River Outfitters - Emerald Cave Self Drive Tour

Hendersonmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate physical fitness required for light hiking and driving.

Overview

Discover Nevada's hidden gem on a self-guided drive to Emerald Cave. Experience stunning desert scenery, dramatic rock formations, and the thrill of exploring Nevada’s secret caves at your own pace.

Henderson, Nevada

Desert River Outfitters - Emerald Cave Self Drive Tour

All Ages • Daily Tours • 3.5 Hours Long

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About This Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of a shallow cave on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, where sunlight transforms the water into a sparkling emerald gem. With limited daily permits, this unique kayaking adventure promises stunning photography opportunities and a serene escape from motorized traffic, making it a memorable outdoor excursion.

Great for some really amazing photographs!

Duration

3.5 Hours

About

This is a shallow cave on the Arizona side of the river. When the sun hits it at the right angle, the water sparkles like an incredible emerald gem, making for some really amazing photographs.

Hoover Dam ID Reminder! With only 45 permits issued on a daily basis, it is truly a remarkable trip if you are able to jump in on this tour! If we are able to get you a permit, make sure your first and last names are spelled perfectly when booking and it matches your ID! REMINDER: DON'T FORGET YOUR ID!!! If you forget your ID you won’t be able to partake in this activity!

FAQ

WILL I TURN THE BOAT OVER? We can't guarantee you won't flip over, we do take some precautions to help minimize capsize. We specialize in using Ocean Kayak brand sit-on-top kayaks in the rental fleet. We have had 275-330 pound guests before, but not everyones weight is distributed the same. These boats have been designed to be used on the ocean so they can handle most water conditions on the river. If you don't overload them they are very stable. We have over 10 O.K. models in rentals and we try to size you to a boat. If you choose a touring kayak or canoe you must be aware that these boats handle differently. Your center of gravity may be higher, or the boat may be narrower thus affecting stability. Also the sit-on-tops are easier to self rescue from so we suggest calling us for more information on the right boat for you.

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME OF YEAR TO GO? Anytime you can get on the water is a good time to go. There are certain times of the year though when it good to come to the Colorado River.

Fall and early spring are great, October to November the temperatures are mild and motorized traffic starts to disappear.

In the spring mid March to mid May, the temperatures range in the 70's for March, to 90-100 degrees in May. Since it is starting to warm up river traffic starts to pick up and there are no guarantees for a quiet time on the river.

As summer approaches more motorized boats appear and the river can be quite busy. We strongly recommend early morning launches in the summer. We will put you on as early as you would like with a 6:00am time being ideal. Of course if you are on vacation it is not mandatory to go this early but, around 10:30am is when motorized traffic starts to pick-up and the wind starts to blow.

Winter is a quiet time of the year so if solitude is what you are seeking December to early March is ideal. There are few motorized boats at this time of year. Temperatures are mild, and migratory Waterfowl can be observed. With a little bit of planning you can paddle and enjoy the experience .

ARE THERE ANY RAPIDS OR WHITE WATER ON THE RIVER? No! The lower river has been drastically altered over the last 70 years creating several reservoirs for water storage and power generation. The flowing sections of the river have a current of about 3mph. Although it may seem to move faster it doesn't. It is the volume of water that makes it seem as if you are going faster. On the Davis Dam to Rotary Park trip even if you don't paddle at all you can still make it to the end in about 4 hours.

WHAT ARE THE AGE RESTRICTIONS? We do not have age restrictions. It is dependant on what the parents feel comfortable with. If you do take a child you must have a proper LIFEJACKET for the child. We do have children's lifejackets and suggest you call in advance to make proper arrangements. There are some trips we don't recommend for smaller children. We also suggest checking with others in your group to see if children will fit the dynamics of the group.

CAN I TAKE MY DOG WITH ME? We do not recommend taking pets on a trip with you. We have over the years seen people take pets with them (even a pet goat). However, you must realize this is the desert and it can be a very harsh environment. A pet may not fit the dynamics of a group either so we suggest not bringing them.

WHERE CAN I GO TO ESCAPE MOTORIZED BOAT TRAFFIC? Since the lower river is considered a navigable waterway motorized traffic is allowed anywhere you might want to go. However there are a few places on Lake Mead and Mohave that are a little more isolated and therefore harder to get to so traffic is less than in the more populated areas. Give us a call and we can help direct you to these areas.

IF I DON'T HAVE THE MINIMUM FOR A CERTAIN TRIP CAN I STILL GO? Yes! You can still go. Although your cost will be higher. This trip requires a minimum of 3 participants. Figure what the trip would cost with the minimum participants and that is what it will cost if you cannot meet the minimum trip participants.

Adventure Tips

Dress for the Desert

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for desert terrain and light hiking.

Carry Enough Water

Always bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your desert adventure, especially in hot weather.

Navigation Skills Helpful

A GPS or detailed map enhances your self-drive experience, helping you find the cave and scenic viewpoints with ease.

Check Weather Conditions

Monitor the weather forecast before heading out to avoid extreme heat or sudden storms in desert environments.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • Coyotes

History

Nevada’s desert caves have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries, with many sites containing ancient symbols and artifacts.

Conservation

Respect local ecosystems by staying on designated paths and avoiding disturbing wildlife or natural formations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sun Protection

Essential

Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential to protect against strong desert sun.

Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Essential

Supportive footwear helps navigate rocky paths and uneven terrain comfortably.

Water Bottle

Essential

Keep hydrated with a refillable water bottle suitable for desert conditions.

Camera

Capture the stunning scenery and hidden cave with a good-quality camera or smartphone.