Quick Details
Self Drive
per person
$ 174.99
With Shuttle + Park Entry
per person
$ 224.99
Guided Lake Mead Kayaking Through Slot Canyons to the Hoover Dam Face
Experience the thrill of an exclusive kayak tour like no other as you journey to the front of the iconic Hoover Dam. Starting at Kingman Wash, you will navigate through slot canyons and marvel at the towering 800 ft cliffs surrounding you. Paddle through the serene waters and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the desert landscape and enjoy the stunning views of the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This unforgettable adventure is perfect for thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts. Join us on this once in a lifetime kayak tour and create lasting memories.
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Paddle to the Front Face of Hoover Dam via Lake Mead
Evolution Expeditions offers two different Hoover Dam kayaking experiences, and each follows a unique route. Hoover Dam Discovery via Lake Mead is a 5-hour tour that includes a shuttle ride to Kingman Wash, followed by an easy, beginner-friendly paddle of up to 3.6 miles across calm Lake Mead waters. Instead of launching below the dam, you paddle toward it through narrow slot canyons and enjoy direct views of the front face of Hoover Dam, along with the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
If you are looking for a longer and more active adventure, the Hoover Dam Kayaking Tour with Hot Springs Hike on the Colorado River takes a different approach. That 7-hour experience launches at the base of Hoover Dam and follows a 12-mile route through Black Canyon with stops at geothermal hot spring pools, a sauna cave, historical sites, and wildlife viewing.
Choose the Hoover Dam lake mead kayak tour for a shorter, flat-water paddle with rare views of the dam from the reservoir. Choose the Hot Springs tour if you want a full-day river journey with hiking and hot springs. Explore the alternative route here.
FAQs ▼
What is the difference between the Hoover Dam base launch tour and the Lake Mead kayak tour?
The Lake Mead tour starts with a shuttle ride to Kingman Wash above Hoover Dam and follows a calm 3.6-mile route through slot canyons to the front face of the dam. The Hoover Dam base launch tour begins below the dam and covers a 12-mile journey through Black Canyon with stops at hot spring pools, a sauna cave, and historical sites.
Do I need kayaking experience for the Hoover Dam tour?
No. The Hoover Dam Discovery via Lake Mead tour is designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The route follows flat water on Lake Mead and includes professional guides, making it a good choice for first-time kayakers who want a relaxed and scenic experience.
Why do I need a government ID for the Hoover Dam kayak tour?
A government-issued photo ID is required because access to the Hoover Dam launch area is managed by assigned security personnel. Guests without valid identification will not be allowed to enter the launch site, so bringing your ID is an essential part of preparing for the tour.
How far in advance should I book the Hoover Dam kayak tour?
Advance booking is strongly recommended for Hoover Dam kayaking trip. The National Park Service issues only 45 participant permits each day for this experience, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular dates can fill up well before the tour date.
How far is the Hoover Dam tour launch point from the Las Vegas Strip?
Guests meet at Hoover Dam Lodge, which is approximately 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The Hoover Dam kayak tour Las Vegas includes a shuttle ride from the meeting point to the launch location on Lake Mead above Hoover Dam. Shuttle pickup from select Strip hotels is also available.
What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes professional guides, a shuttle ride to the launch point, a touring kayak with rudder, bottled water, juice, snacks, and a catered lunch with several selections. Guests also enjoy views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
What is the best time of year to do the Hoover Dam kayak tour?
The Hoover Dam Discovery via Lake Mead tour operates year-round, so guests can enjoy the experience in every season. Conditions vary throughout the year, but the tour is designed to provide guided access to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam regardless of the season.
Can I see Emerald Cave on the Hoover Dam tour?
No. The Hoover Dam Discovery via Lake Mead tour focuses on paddling through Lake Mead, slot canyons, and to the front face of Hoover Dam. Guests looking to visit Emerald Cave should choose one of the dedicated Emerald Cave kayak tours offered by Evolution Expeditions.
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- 5 hours Including the Shuttle ride down to our launch point on Lake Mead above the Hoover Dam
- Approximately 3 hours on the water
- Year-round
- This tour is for guests meeting us at the Hoover Dam lodge and Casino(45 minutes from the LV strip; must arrive 20 minutes before the tour start time)
- Paddle distance: up to 3.6 miles
- Views of the Hoover Dam
- Views of the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
- Paddle through the World Famous Lake Mead
- Wildlife viewing
- Complimentary bottled water, juice, & snacks
- Catered lunch included (several selections)
- Professional tour guide(s)
- Touring kayak with rudder
Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available the morning of your tour. Our guides can’t wait for guests that arrive late.
Note: For self drivers meeting us at the Hoover Dam Lodge, please prepare to make reliable transportation reservations in advance.
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- Hat, sunglasses, & sunscreen
- Water shoes, sandals, or old tennis shoes (no flip-flops or slides, please)..you will get wet up to your knees.
- Layered clothing (swimsuit & layers for warmth & UV protection, preferably no cotton or denim)
- Camera/Phone for pictures
- Cash for souvenirs & tips ( our guides never expect them, but always appreciate them)
- As a self driver, you will be meeting your guide at the Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino
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Las Vegas Resort & Hotel pickup times may vary by location. Pick-up times are between 90 and 110 minutes before tour start times. Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the tour bus area or launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available. Shuttles generally arrive back to Las Vegas Resort & Hotels between 90 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic.
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- Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the tour start time will receive a full refund, minus a 3% credit card processing fee.
- There will be NO REFUNDS issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour start time, for arriving late to the meet-up time, or for no-shows, (unless opted-in to trip protection).
- Please note, if you need to reschedule your tour for any reason, and have not purchased trip protection, it may be subject to a $40 per person rebooking fee.
- The rebooking fee is because of limited availability due to the NP regulations
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The Hoover Dam Kayak tour via Lake Mead begins at Kingman Wash, where the kayak slips into calm Lake Mead waters and the entrance to the slot canyons comes into view. The narrow rock passages create quiet surroundings, and the smooth water reflects the changing colors of the desert walls.
As you continue paddling, towering cliffs rising nearly 800 feet surround the route. The rugged volcanic walls and calm water reveal why a Black Canyon kayak tour from Las Vegas is such a popular way to experience this landscape. Their rugged volcanic rock and sheer height make the reservoir feel surprisingly secluded, even though one of the Southwest’s most famous landmarks is just ahead.
The next highlight is the front face of Hoover Dam. From the water, the massive concrete structure fills your view in a way that is impossible to experience from the bridge above. The still surface of Lake Mead and the echo of paddles against the canyon create a peaceful contrast to the scale of the dam.
Midway through the tour, enjoy a catered lunch with bottled water, juice, and snacks while taking in the desert scenery. Keep an eye on the cliffs and shoreline for desert bighorn sheep, soaring bald eagles, falcons, and other wildlife that call this landscape home.
Access to this route is limited. The National Park Service issues only 45 launch permits each day, so advance reservations are strongly recommended to secure your spot.