Colorado River: Black Canyon Water Trail

Description

There are three main segments of the Colorado River, south of Hoover Dam:

1. The Black Canyon Segment goes from below the dam down to Willow Beach Marina & Campground, and then on to the Eldorado Canyon access point.
2. The Eldorado Canyon Segment goes from Eldorado Canyon through Lake Mohave and down to Davis Dam.,
3. and the last segment goes from the bridge in Laughlin down to Avi Resort

The first of three main Colorado River Segments downstream from Hoover Dam is the Black Canyon National Water Trail, which is about 30 miles long. The Hoover Dam to Willow Beach portion of the river is managed as a primitive zone – only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. This trail was designated by the Secretary of the Interior as the first National Water Trail in the southwest.  Paddlers are able to launch at the base of Hoover Dam, but it requires a permit from a licensed vendor who will take you down to the launch site on a narrated bus ride. (See the National Park Service's website for a list of guides.) 

The Black Canyon Water Trail has two main segments; Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, and Willow Beach to Eldorado Canyon.  The put-in at Hoover Dam provides amazing views of the dam and bridge.  Farther down the river, take time to stop and visit sites such as Sauna Cave, Goldstrike Canyon, The Ear, and Emerald Cave.  There are several places along the river for primitive camping, or to stop and rest.  Arizona Hot Spring is a short hike from the beach up a beautiful slot canyon, and is a popular spot for hikers and paddlers.  Keep your eyes open and you may see some big horn sheep or coyotes in the rocky canyon hillsides. This portion of the trail ends at Willow Beach, which has a picnic area along with full marina & campground facilities.  Willow Beach is about 18 miles from Hoover Dam, and is accessible via Willow Beach Road and I-93.

The second portion of the Black Canyon Water Trail is from Willow Beach to Eldorado Canyon. This segment takes you past camping spots such as Burrow Wash and Big Horn Cove.  In Windy Canyon, expect strong winds year around.  There are also several unimproved campsites in the many coves to the south.

At the Eldorado Canyon take-out point, paddlers will need to carry their craft about ¼ of a mile up a sand wash to the parking area. Placer Cove is another take-out spot just downstream from the Eldorado Canyon Access Point.  The steep, high rock walls make this a popular spot for cliff jumping.

Other Information

National Park Service webpage on the Black Canyon National Water Trail which includes a detailed trail guide and a list of approved Hoover Dam vendors.

For information on Willow Beach, see their website.

TravelNevada’s website on the Black Canyon Water Trail.

Trail Manager