Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that was at one time the largest dam in the world. It was built during the Depression era and is located 30 miles east of Las Vegas on the Arizona /Nevada border in Black Canyon on the Colorado River. Hoover Dam was the first dam to tame the Colorado River. Kayaking around Hoover Dam can be done above the dam in the calm waters of Lake Mead or below the dam in the fast moving waters of Black Canyon. It is a great opportunity to see one of the greatest engineering feats and marvels of the early 20th century.
You can go around it by car. See it from the air. Take a tour of inside it, but a kayak tour is the only way to see Hoover Dam up close and personal. The Dam construction started in 1931 and was completed in 1936. The height of the dam is 776 feet tall and 1,244 feet wide. Enough concrete was poured to pave a highway a 16 feet wide from San Francisco to New York. The dam is named for the 31st President, Herbert Hoover, because of his long involvement with the project. The dam created Lake Mead, which is 112 miles long and provides water and electricity to over 22 million people in Nevada, California, and Arizona. The lake is 223 square miles and has over 550 miles of coastline.
Self guided tours are recommended for people who are experienced with kayaks and know the area. Self guided Kayak trips can be taken to either side of the dam. The outfitter will supply you with the tour information and maps. Outfitters will also provide free transportation to and from the dam. The cost of a kayak for a day depends on type and whether you want plastic or fiberglass. The types of kayak are a personal preference. The prices range from $45 to $70 per day as of March 2010.
Boulder City Outfitters will take you directly below Hoover Dam with a guide. Transportation to and from the dam is included. On this trip the guide will take you right up to the dam. From the road down to the base of the dam is an incredible 1,100 foot drop. The tour is 12 miles long. The paddling is moderate since you are going with the current so you do not have to be an experienced kayak person. In the beginning of your tour will give you some pointers. On this trip you will explore caves dug by the Bureau of Reclamation to construct the dam and experience natural hot springs that not too many people know about. The guide will even let you take a leisurely dip into the springs to relax your tired bones. Your kayak guide will also point out any wildlife that might brazenly cross your path like coyotes, big horn sheep, bald eagles, and turkey vultures to name a few. The tour includes lunch and ends at Willow Beach where a van will pick you up and return you to your hotel. Tour rates start at $150 as of March 2010.
If you just want a leisurely kayak tour that does not involve a whole day and a lot of paddling then the Lake Mead above Hoover Dam half day tour is for you. This guided tour departs from Boulder Beach which is directly above the Dam. The guide will let you paddle around the beach for a bit. He even will let you take a swim in the clear waters of Lake Mead. The temperature of the lake in the summer time can reach into the 80s compared with the below the dam year long temperature of 54 degrees F. The guide will then paddle with you to the Boulder Islands From Boulder Beach for a leisurely hike to explore one of the islands and look for seashells. The tour is from 7 a. m. to 1 p.m. You will be paddling about three to four miles and lunch is included. Rates start at $149 as of March 2010.
This half day guided tour below the Hoover Dam is the perfect tour for beginners wanting to see the waters of the Colorado but not wanting to paddle 12 miles. The waters move but there is no white water. Your only worry is falling into the chilly 54 degree water, and when temperatures in the summer reach as high as 112, falling in may not be that bad. On this tour your guide will let you hike the ruins of an old dam construction camp and paddle into the Emerald Cave. You will then paddle to a sandy beach for a delicious gourmet sandwich before you go to Willow Beach, the end of your tour.
