Sunset Kayak Through Black Canyon: Emerald, Echo & Lover's Caves on the Colorado River

Willow Beach•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most people with basic cardiovascular fitness; you should be comfortable paddling several continuous minutes and re-entering a kayak from the water if you decide to swim.

Overview

Paddle into the narrow heart of Black Canyon at sunset: illuminated kayaks, glowing green waters of Emerald Cave, hikes to historic Hoover-era sites, and a chance to watch bighorn and eagles against a desert sky. This 4-mile guided tour from Willow Beach blends easy paddling with unforgettable light.

Sunset Kayak Through Black Canyon: Emerald, Echo & Lover's Caves on the Colorado River

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Kayak

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The sun is a low coin slipping behind sheer volcanic walls as you push off from Paddlecraft Beach. For a moment the river is just the sound of your paddle and the scrape of rock, then the canyon narrows and the light compresses into color — gold on basalt, green in a hole of water that looks like stained glass. Guide lights wink on beneath your sit-on-top kayak, and the hull becomes a lantern that reveals a secret world under your feet.

Adventure Photos

Sunset Kayak Through Black Canyon: Emerald, Echo & Lover's Caves on the Colorado River photo 1

Adventure Tips

Arrive early to stage gear

Restrooms and a small shop are at the top of the parking lot — use them before walking down to Paddlecraft Beach to avoid delays.

Bring a headlamp for after the tour

Even with kayak lights, paths at the marina can be dim; a small headlamp helps when loading gear at dusk.

Secure valuables in the dry bag

Guides provide a 13‑liter dry bag — use it for phones, keys and cameras to keep them safe from splashes and sand.

Expect cooler temps after sunset

Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun sets in the canyon — pack a light insulating layer.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Bighorn sheep
Bald eagle

History

The Black Canyon saw increased river traffic during the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s; remnants of camps and equipment can still be found on shorelines.

Conservation

The area is managed to minimize impact on shoreline vegetation and nesting birds — stick to guided paths, pack out all trash, and avoid loud noise near cliffs to protect wildlife.