Incredible Places to Kayak in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is often thought of as a city of glitz and glamour thanks to its casinos, nightlife and shows. But despite being a desert, Sin City shines with some of the most spectacular, awe-inspiring kayaking and canoeing destinations.
Where to Kayak in Las Vegas
Beyond the Strip and the neon lights, Las Vegas offers an abundance of beauty. Fasten your lifejacket and get ready to explore some of the best places to paddle in Las Vegas.
Hoover Dam
Boulder City, NV
Only minutes from the Strip, the Hoover Dam is one of the best places in Las Vegas to kayak. Since its construction in the 1930s, it’s been a popular tourist destination and more recently a popular kayaking destination. From the base of the dam, you’ll have a fish-eye view of its massive expanse. Journey down the Colorado River and through the Black Canyon for even more legendary views and extraordinary sights, including waterfalls, hot spring pools, canyon walls and coyotes, falcons, bald eagles, waterfowl, and desert bighorn sheep.
The Black Canyon Water Trail
Las Vegas, NV
About 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, The Black Canyon Water Trail is a paddler’s paradise. Beginning directly below the Hoover Dam, the trail stretches on for 30 miles through dramatic desert landscapes, narrow canyons and hot springs until it reaches Eldorado Canyon in Colorado. A popular paddle is the 12 miles from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. This is typically a flat and calm paddle. Further down the trail water can be fast moving with hidden rocks.
Emerald Cave
Willow Beach, NV
Emerald Cave is found within the walls of the Black Canyon on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. It’s just 10 miles downstream from the Hoover Dam and two miles up from Willow Beach. With its volcanic boulders, towering canyon walls and a glowing emerald grotto, Emerald Cave is a must paddle. The simmering emerald spectacle for which the cave is named is caused by the sun’s rays peaking over canyon walls at the grotto’s entrance and bouncing off the river’s bed of verdant algae. In addition to the awe-inspiring emerald show, you may spot desert bighorn sheep, osprey, falcons, bald eagles, and great blue herons.
Lake Mead
Las Vegas, NV
Lake Mead is America’s largest reservoir. It was created by the Hoover Dam and offers kayakers more than 750 miles of shoreline. Paddlers can explore the massive lake and it’s peaceful coves, take on the challenging open waters or relax at the beach while enjoying the natural beauty of the Las Vegas area.
Lake Las Vegas
Henderson, NV
Lake Las Vegas is a desert oasis in the Las Vegas Valley. The 320-acre reservoir is surrounded by palm trees, luxury homes and stunning resorts. The gentle waters ensure a leisurely paddle, perfect for beginner kayakers, but everyone will enjoy the lake’s glittering waters and the clear blue dessert sky. Other activities include floating inflatables, paddle boating, dining and golf.
Las Vegas Kayak Racks & Storage
Make sure your kayak ready for your next Las Vegas, Nevada adventure with Log Kayak Rack and our 100% cedar log kayak storage racks. Beautiful and practical, our kayak racks safely store kayaks high and dry, neatly organizing shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Las Vegas, NV kayak storage needs.