Kayaking down the Colorado River in Black Canyon, Nevada
On June 28, 2006 we went kayaking for the first time. We went on a guided trip with Boulder City Outfitters in Black Canyon below Hoover Dam on the Colorado River for 11 miles to Willow Beach. This adventure started at the Hacienda Hotel parking lot where our Guide Matt picked us up in a Van. We were driven through the security gate and down to the River below Hoover Dam. After helping carry the kayaks down to the launch site and putting our items is a dry bag, Matt gave us paddling instructions. On this trip, there were six beginners. We individually launched and Matt told us to paddle over to a sheltered alcove and wait for our entire group. We headed down river to our first stop to explore the Sauna Cave, which is approximately 130 F. After exiting the cave, we jumped into the cool Colorado River (55 F) which felt refreshing. Matt narrated our trip down the river. Our next stop was Boy Scout Canyon where we enjoyed a soak in the hot springs. We then travelled through the last official rapids on the Colorado called Ring Bolt Rapids. This rapid was named for the ring bolt installed in the cliffs to help the Paddle Boat go up stream to the mining camps. We beached at Arizona Hot Spring for lunch. After which we hiked up the canyon to the hot springs and climbed the 20 foot ladder to the upper pools. There are many interesting sights along Black Canyon including Bighorn Sheep, lots of ducks and birds, and interesting geology. We saw the Black Canyon Rafts on a sandy beach and pulled in for a swim. We glided by the 1920 water gauging station on the cliff with its Cat Walk above the river. We had an opportunity to paddle into Emerald Cave for photos. The river opens up where the Trout Fish Hatchery is located. Soon we were at Willow Beach, a Native American trading camp for 1400 years, and beached our kayaks ending a great adventure.
Boulder City Outfitters’ website is bouldercityoutfitter.com. Kayaking is also provided by Desert Adventures website desertadventureslv.com. They also have canoes and other types of adventures in this region.Kayaking is fun, but it takes some effort unless you go on a double kayak with someone to paddle most of the time. For those interested in experiencing Black Canyon by power raft, Black Canyon River Adventures website is blackcanyonadventures.com.
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