Black Canyon Kayak to Emerald Cave

The Black Canyon kayak trip to Emerald Cave is a flatwater paddling excursion on the Colorado River below Hoover Dam, within Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Nevada-Arizona border. Most visitors launch from Willow Beach Marina at 25804 N Willow Beach Rd in Willow Beach, Arizona, about 45 miles (72 km) southeast of the Las Vegas Strip and 50-60 minutes by car. The route covers about 4 miles round trip between steep volcanic canyon walls, past hot springs seeps and wildlife, to Emerald Cave, a small grotto where sunlight on the water produces a green glow in late morning. The paddle is classed as moderate: the current is gentle because it is dam-controlled, but the water is cold year-round and paddling for several hours in sun and wind requires reasonable fitness and comfort in open water. Participants should be able to swim, and age and weight limits are set by the outfitter. Sit-on-top kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices are supplied by outfitters, while visitors bring water shoes, a dry bag, sun protection and 2-3 liters of water. Licensed outfitters such as Blazin' Paddles (blazinpaddles.com) run guided tours with a Strip shuttle, and self-guided rentals are available at Willow Beach Marina. Guided trips begin with a safety briefing on paddling technique, lifejacket use and staying with the group, and guides monitor wind and water conditions. Launching upstream directly below Hoover Dam requires a National Park Service Black Canyon permit, which is why most visitors start at Willow Beach. Emergency response in the recreation area is coordinated by National Park Service rangers, and cell coverage within the canyon is limited. The best seasons are March to May and September to November, when air temperatures are comfortable. The trip operates year-round, but summer departures start early to avoid heat, and strong wind, which can build in the canyon, is a condition that can delay or cancel trips. A guided 3-hour tour with shuttle costs about $149 per person, twilight tours about $199, and Lake Mead entry is $25 per vehicle for those driving themselves.