Twilight Black Canyon Kayak Tour — Bonfire & Starry-Night Paddle on the Colorado River
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic fitness—able to sit and paddle for up to 90 minutes total with short breaks; not recommended for those with serious back or heart conditions.
Overview
Paddle the Colorado River at dusk through Black Canyon, beach for a riverside bonfire and snacks, then drift back under a brilliant starfield. This guided four-hour tour from Las Vegas blends geology, local history and easy night paddling for an unforgettable small-group outing.
Twilight Black Canyon Kayak Tour — Bonfire & Starry-Night Paddle on the Colorado River
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The first paddle strokes feel conspicuous in the hush that falls over the Colorado River as day bleeds into dusk. Rock faces—sheared, dark, and ancient—lean toward the water and seem to listen. Guides keep a measured pace so the kayaks slide like black beetles along the current, while the canyon’s cliffs take on a slow, dramatic relief as the sun slips behind distant ridgelines.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a waterproof headlamp
You’ll need hands-free light for shore time and the return to the dock; a red-light setting preserves night vision.
Dress in layers
Desert temps can drop quickly after sunset—pack a light fleece or windshirt over your paddling layer.
Protect electronics
Use a small dry bag or waterproof phone case; operators have limited storage and no lockers at the launch.
Hydrate before you go
Evening trips are cooler but still dry; drink water before the shuttle ride and bring a refillable bottle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Great blue heron
History
Black Canyon’s river corridor traces Indigenous travel routes and later supported steamboat and mining activity; Hoover Dam reshaped the flow and recreational use of this stretch.
Conservation
The area is managed to balance recreation and habitat—pack out trash, avoid disturbing riparian vegetation and follow park restrictions to protect shorelines and wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dry bag (10L)
Keeps phone, wallet and layers dry during shore stops and on-deck storage.
Headlamp with red mode
Hands-free light for the shore fire and the post-sunset return to the launch.
Insulating midlayer
A light fleece or synthetic layer prevents chills after sunset when temperatures drop.
spring specific
Closed-toe water shoes
Protect feet on rocky shorelines and provide traction when entering/exiting kayaks.
summer specific