Hoover Dam Kayak Trip: 12-Mile Black Canyon Paddle to Hot Springs & Caves
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate endurance: comfortable paddling for hours plus short hikes, ladder climbs, and light scrambling.
Overview
Paddle a 12-mile stretch of the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, stopping at steam-filled caves, geothermal waterfalls, and layered hot springs. This full-day trip pairs calm current paddling with short hikes and hands-on canyon moves.
Hoover Dam Kayak Trip: 12-Mile Black Canyon Paddle to Hot Springs & Caves
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The river opens like a slow, deliberate promise beneath the throat of the dam. You climb down a restricted service road—an access that few visitors earn—and set a kayak into water that moves with the hush of something ancient. For the next 12 miles the Colorado River becomes both transport and gateway: a one-mile-per-hour current that ferries you past emerald-blue caves, steaming geothermal seams, and waterfalls that push warm breath into the canyon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate aggressively
Carry at least 3 liters per person and sip steadily—hot springs and canyon sun heat you faster than you think.
Wear grippy water shoes
You’ll scramble on slick rock and climb ladders; closed-toe shoes with traction reduce slips and protect toes.
Plan for an entrance fee
Willow Beach charges about $25 without a National Parks pass—keep cash or card handy to avoid delays.
Sun protection and timing
Start early to avoid peak heat; use SPF 30+, a brimmed hat, and a light long sleeve for mid-day exposure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bighorn sheep occasionally spotted on canyon rims
- Common waterfowl such as herons and kingfishers along calmer pools
History
The Hoover Dam reshaped the Colorado’s flow and recreation; the canyon’s geothermal features predate the dam and were long known to local Indigenous communities.
Conservation
The area is managed within Lake Mead National Recreation Area—stay on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and use only biodegradable soaps away from springs to protect fragile thermal ecosystems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
3+ liters water reservoir or bottles
Necessary to avoid dehydration in exposed canyon and desert heat.
summer specific
Closed-toe water shoes with good tread
Protects feet on slippery rock and during short hikes and ladder climbs.
Wide-brim sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Canyon walls reflect intense sunlight—sun protection is essential for a full-day outing.
summer specific
Light quick-dry layers and a lightweight dry bag
Morning chill and wet swims make layering and a dry bag for extras useful.
spring specific