About this experience
Escape the city for a day and paddle calm stretches of the Colorado River, launching from beautiful Willow Beach and surrounded by the soaring walls of Black Canyon. Guided by local experts, you take in desert scenery and enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch right on the riverbank—making this the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility just outside Las Vegas. With gear, instruction, and lunch included, it’s an easy way to experience the wild beauty of the Colorado River up close.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 6 years and must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.
What is included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- All safety equipment
- Basic paddling instructions
- Paddle and PFD
- Healthy lunch, snacks and bottled water
- Performance touring kayak
- Dry bag for your essentials
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Pick up from your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip
Arrive at Desert Adventures for check-in and paperwork. Guests are fitted with equipment and can purchase any last minute items.
Travel across bypass bridge toward the put-in at Willow Beach, Arizona.
Arrive at Willow Beach, where you will load your kayaks, and gear up for your journey on the Colorado river.
Kayak past the Fish Hatchery, toward the emergence of a historic trailhead. Take a break and enjoy a short hike with spectacular views. Explore the ruins before returning to the kayaks.
Back on the river, the green waters of Black Canyon flow through a narrow channel, where Emerald Cave is hidden. Paddle inside for a great photo opportunity. Watch for Desert Big Horn sheep, bald eagles, coyotes, and striped bass.
Beyond Emerald Cave and the catwalk sits a sandy beach, where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch with million dollar views. Take a refreshing swim in the green waters of the Colorado River before kayaking back to Willow Beach.
Experience stunning Grand Canyon views and quiet tranquility as you watch the Colorado River wind through the rugged red rock walls.
Guest are dropped off at their hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.
Travel back to Desert Adventures for a short stop, then transportation back to Las Vegas hotels. (+/- 30 minutes based on traffic).
Meeting and pickup information
- Pick up time will be between 9:00am and 9:30am the morning of your trip. We will give the guest a call the day before with a more exact pick up time.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Desert Adventures
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 6 years and must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.
- A hearty boxed lunch is included. Our sandwich options are: Ham, Turkey, BLT, PB&J, or Chef Salad.
- Please refer to Viator's cancellation policy.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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