Exploring Black Canyon: A Motorized Raft Adventure on the Colorado River
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no swimming skill required but swimming is optional at stops.
Overview
Discover the hidden side of Nevada’s Colorado River on a 3-hour motorized raft tour through Black Canyon. From towering volcanic cliffs to secret hot springs, immerse yourself in rugged beauty with a relaxed float and swim stops.
Exploring Black Canyon: A Motorized Raft Adventure on the Colorado River
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The Colorado River cuts a restless path through the heart of the Black Canyon, daring adventurers to experience its rugged beauty firsthand. Just downstream from the Hoover Dam, this 3-hour motorized raft tour offers a dynamic float through towering basalt cliffs that absorb the desert sun, cooling the air with shadows that stretch over turquoise currents. The silence here is punctuated only by the river’s push against the hull and the distant splash of swimmers testing the river’s cool embrace.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring water shoes
The tour includes swimming at a beach stop with rocky shorelines—water shoes will protect your feet both in and out of the water.
Start early for best light
Morning light softens the desert heat and illuminates the canyon walls, improving visibility and photography conditions.
Pack a lightweight waterproof camera
Capturing canyon vistas and river scenes is a highlight—protect your gear while snapping from the raft or shore.
Hydrate adequately before the tour
Desert temperatures can dehydrate you quickly, even on a boat; bring water and drink often to stay refreshed.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bighorn sheep scaling steep escarpments
- Ospreys hunting fish from the river below
History
Black Canyon’s geological past blends volcanic activity and river erosion, forming a dramatic gorge that predates the Hoover Dam era, when this section of the Colorado River was wild and unregulated.
Conservation
The National Park Service manages the Black Canyon National Water Trail to balance recreation with habitat protection, urging visitors to minimize impact and pack out all trash.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boulder City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Protect feet during swim stops and rocky beach walks.
summer specific
Sun hat with chin strap
Shields face from desert sun and stays secure on the water.
summer specific
Lightweight waterproof camera
Ideal for capturing canyon and river photos without risking damage.
summer specific
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Necessary to prevent sunburn in the exposed desert environment.
summer specific