Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam: The Ultimate Itinerary

Las Vegas, the world's entertainment capital, welcomes millions of tourists each year to a seemingly never-ending glamor extravaganza filled with glimmering lights, specialty drinks, and loud music. Still, even as a non-party goer, it's possible to enjoy and make unforgettable memories in Sin City. In Las Vegas, you can reconnect with nature through an exciting kayaking experience from the base of Hoover Dam.

Kayak from the Base of Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity type dam located along the Black Canyon and the Colorado River near the Nevada-Arizona border. It’s only 45-minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, a haven for those who want a quick diversion away from the hustle and bustle of casinos, hotels, and nightclubs. 

The dam is not only a perfect destination for engineering enthusiasts but also for families, curious solo travelers, and outdoor adventurers. The breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding it allow for a thrilling nature escape without traveling too far from the busy city.

People from all over the world visit Hoover Dam because of its history, advanced mechanical design, and the great outdoor experience it offers. You can travel by foot or paddle around the facility while learning more about the Hoover Dam and admiring the postcard-worthy views. Of course, nothing beats kayaking while enjoying stunning scenery you can never reach by foot. 

Book a guided Hoover Dam kayaking tour with Evolution Expeditions for a fun, organized kayaking trip. 

Evolution Expeditions: The Ultimate Itinerary

So, what does your adventure look like if you explore the Hoover Dam via kayak with Evolution Expeditions? Here’s what you can expect when you paddle with us.

Going to the Launch Location

First things first. Our team will handle all the tour logistics, including the permits and shuttle service. We currently pick up from the Venetian, Bellagio, and Mandalay Bay. (If you’d like a different pick-up location, please reach out to us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!) Evolution Expeditions will secure the necessary permits and take you to the kayaking location so you can launch safely from the base of the Hoover Dam and enjoy a fish-eye view of the surrounding canyons.

Making an advanced booking is highly recommended. Permits sell out quickly since the National Park Service limits the number of boats launched from the dam's base to 45 per day. The cost of this permit is already included in the tour price. After booking, you'll receive a confirmation based on the permit's availability.

If you're driving to the launch area, arrive an hour before the scheduled launch time. Don't forget your hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, photo ID, and other essentials. Not sure what to bring with you? Ask us!

Activities

Kayak from the base of Hoover Dam down the Colorado River and through the Black Canyon, and take photographs as you go along! This seven-hour tour covers a 12-mile paddle distance with multiple stops to appreciate emerald green waters, waterfalls, wildlife, and hot springs.

We’ll guide you through the hidden spots at side canyons, starting from the original passage carved into the canyon walls during the dam’s construction in the 1930s. Expect to see bald eagles, falcons, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, and migratory birds throughout the epic stretch.

At some stops, you can leave the boat for a while and explore on foot. Steam inside a nearby sauna cave, soak in the geothermal hot spring pools, and swim in the refreshing Colorado River for a few minutes of relaxation before moving forward with the tour. That’s right — it’s not all about staying seated in your kayak.

Some hiking is needed to travel the Nevada and Arizona shorelines before swimming in the Colorado River. But don’t worry, delicious lunch and snacks with bottled water and juice are provided to keep your energy levels high during the entire excursion. This is more than a kayaking tour. It’s a full-blown experience in its own right.

Experienced Tour Guides

Prepare yourself for an entire day of paddling and hiking. While paddling around, our guides will share the interesting history behind the Black Canyon, Hoover Dam construction, and the 1921 water gauging sites. They have a vast knowledge of the area's history, river currents, weather patterns, and flora and fauna.

Moreover, we're here to make everything safer and easier for everyone in the tour group, especially beginners. Kayaking for hours on end can be a huge challenge for beginners since it’s still a water sport that works the entire body.

Even as an experienced kayaker, you'll never be disappointed. We use kayaks with rudders to help you stay on course while marveling at the natural wonder around you. Our seasoned team will ensure the safest trip possible for first-time paddlers and offer advanced kayakers a unique, thrilling adventure they won’t experience anywhere else.

Our team members have also completed a series of training, tests, and certifications before becoming lead guides. We carry communication devices for emergencies at all times and can perform CPR, wilderness first aid, and other rescue techniques if needed. You can feel confident that we can provide you with the safest experience possible.

Book a Hoover Dam Kayaking Tour with Evolution Expeditions

Evolution Expeditions runs kayaking trips around the Hoover Dam all year round. Summer is the busiest time of the year but can be too hot for some travelers. Springtime weather is milder and brings an incredible experience filled with colorful, blooming wildflowers. Fall and winter are the best seasons if you want fewer crowds, glassy waters, and cool weather. We offer the most incredible, stress-free kayaking trip for everyone, no matter the season.

Don’t forget, too, to check out our other guided kayaking tours. While the Hoover Dam is certainly a crowd favorite, the Emerald Cave and its vibrant green colors are equally impressive. No matter which destination you choose, you’re promised an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Not sure which tour is best for you? Have more questions? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to learn more.