easy
7.5 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic paddling endurance needed for a full-day trip.
Paddle the calm Colorado River on a private, self-guided kayaking adventure around Hoover Dam. Discover peaceful water routes, scenic views, and photographic opportunities far from typical crowds.
Day Trip :D
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Hoover Dam on a 7.5-hour kayaking adventure! Navigate the serene Colorado River in stable sit-on-top kayaks, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Enjoy the tranquility of the water, especially in the quieter seasons, while exploring this iconic landmark without the hassle of motorized traffic.
7.5 Hours
Next Steps to Book the Hoover Dam!!
Thank you for your inquiry with us! If permits are available for the launch date of your choice, we can proceed by submitting your roster of participants to the Hoover Dam to begin the vetting process.
To secure permits, using the next process list the first and last names of those interested in going as spelled on their government issued photo IDs. Since the Hoover Dam launch site is within a federal level one security zone, dam security will be running background checks. Please do not enter fake names as place holders. If you do not yet have the names of participants but are certain that you will fill the reservation, please mark down three asterisks (***) as a place holder. Again, launch permits are nonrefundable, even for tentative participants marked as ***.
Also, please include any America the Beautiful National Parks Pass or active military ID numbers if you have them in order to receive the discounted adult permit rate.
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. 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.
Nevada’s sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing to stay safe.
Carry plenty of water, especially in warmer months, to stay hydrated during your 7.5-hour trip.
Use waterproof bags or cases to protect your camera, phone, and valuables while kayaking.
Always review the local weather and river conditions before heading out for safety and comfort.
The Hoover Dam, completed in 1936, stands as an engineering marvel that controls water and generates power for millions.
Efforts are underway to reduce ecological impact by minimizing motorized boat traffic and encouraging low-impact activities like kayaking.
Protects your face and neck from intense desert sun during summer paddling.
summer specific
Staying hydrated is critical on this lengthy river kayaking day trip.
Keeps your electronics and belongings dry while capturing stunning photos.
Blocks chilly winds common during cooler fall mornings on the river.
fall specific