Black Canyon

A 1,500-foot-deep gorge on the Colorado River immediately below Hoover Dam — home to Emerald Cave, hidden hot springs, and one of the most dramatic paddles near Las Vegas.

What Is Black Canyon?

Black Canyon is the stretch of the Colorado River that begins at the base of Hoover Dam and runs south toward Willow Beach, Arizona. It’s part of the Black Canyon National Water Trail, a National Park Service–designated water trail winding through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with canyon walls rising up to 1,500 feet above the river.

The canyon was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and later carved by the Colorado River, leaving dark, layered rock walls that give the canyon its name. It contains some of the river’s most notable features, including Emerald Cave and several hidden hot springs tucked into narrow side canyons.

Kayakers paddling beneath the towering walls of Black Canyon

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Black Canyon offers calm, glassy water beneath towering volcanic walls — dramatic scenery that’s still approachable for beginner paddlers. It’s also one of the few places within an hour of Las Vegas where you can see desert bighorn sheep, falcons, and bald eagles in a quiet, undeveloped setting, all while floating past landmarks like Hoover Dam and Emerald Cave.

What You'll See

Towering Volcanic Walls

Canyon walls rise up to 1,500 feet above the river, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

Emerald Cave

The canyon’s best-known feature — a glowing turquoise alcove reachable only by paddling in from the water.

Hidden Hot Springs

Narrow side canyons hide natural geothermal hot springs found nowhere else in the area, accessible on longer full-day routes.

Desert Wildlife

Watch for desert bighorn sheep, falcons, and bald eagles along the water — the canyon is a quiet corridor for wildlife just miles from Las Vegas.

Getting There

Black Canyon begins at Hoover Dam, near Boulder City, Nevada, about 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and runs about 12 miles south to Willow Beach, Arizona. Most sections are only reachable by kayak, canoe, or boat, so the canyon is typically explored on a guided tour launching from either end.

Learn more about the Black Canyon National Water Trail on nps.gov →

Nearby Destinations

Paddle Black Canyon Yourself

From a relaxed 2-hour paddle to a full-day, 12-mile route to the hot springs, we have a Black Canyon tour for every pace.

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