Souvenir Lunch Bag, Two Options

A raft float on the Colorado River below Hoover Dam through Black Canyon. Options run from 1.5 to 6 hours, with bottled water and a souvenir lunch bag included, and two meeting points to pick from.

Overview

This trip puts you on the Colorado River in the stretch of Black Canyon that begins directly below Hoover Dam, inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The canyon walls here climb close to 2,000 feet from the water, and the operator points out that this is scenery most people cannot reach any other way. Guides narrate the geology and history as the raft drifts downstream.

The full-day Canyon Classic option runs about six hours door to door. You start at the Lake Mead RV Village, board a large raft, and float through Black Canyon with a beach stop along the way where lunch is handed out in a souvenir bag, with bottled water also provided. The run finishes at Willow Beach Marina on the north end of Lake Mohave, where there is time for shopping and a drink before buses take you back. A shorter option covers the rafting itself in roughly 1.5 hours and has its own meeting point, so check which one you selected before heading out.

It suits travellers who want river time and canyon views with the comfort of large rafts, and it works from Las Vegas since some options continue back toward the city. The operator emphasizes the comfort of the rafts and the guides' knowledge of the area. One reviewer described the scenery as beautiful and called getting in the water a favorite part of the day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Lake Mead RV VillageThe Canyon Classic option starts at the Lake Mead RV Village in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The shorter rafting option uses a different meeting point, so confirm which one applies to your booking.
2. Board the raftGuests board a large raft for the downstream run through Black Canyon, just below Hoover Dam.
3. Float Black CanyonThe raft drifts through the canyon while guides share their knowledge of the area. Canyon walls rise nearly 2,000 feet from the river's edge.
4. Beach stop for lunchThere is a beach stop along the way where lunch is provided in a souvenir lunch bag, along with bottled water.
5. Arrive at Willow Beach MarinaThe river portion ends at Willow Beach Marina on the northern reaches of Lake Mohave, a full-service marina with shopping and refreshments.
6. Bus ride backTour buses return you to the Black Canyon River Adventures location, with continuation on to Las Vegas depending on the tour option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, from sun protection to what is and is not covered.

• Sun and heat. You will be on the river in the desert, so the listing recommends a hat and sunscreen. There is little escape from the sun on a raft, so plan accordingly.
• Wear a swimsuit. The listing suggests a swimsuit under your clothing, since there is nowhere to change on the river. One reviewer named getting in the water as a favorite part of the trip, so you may well end up wet.
• Lunch and water. Lunch comes in a souvenir lunch bag and bottled water is included. Gratuity for the guide is not included in the tour price.
• Pace and fitness. The operator describes the rafts as large, comfortable and safe, and the trip runs downstream from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach Marina. Guides share their knowledge of the area throughout.
• Entrance fee. There is an entrance fee for anyone without a National Park pass. Budget for that on top of the tour price.
• Meeting point varies. The meeting point depends on the option booked. The Canyon Classic departs from the Lake Mead RV Village, while the shorter rafting option meets elsewhere, so check the booking page for your specific tour.

Common issues. Pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point, and the two options start from different locations. Gratuity and the park entrance fee are not covered by the tour price. Weather cancellations do happen, though refunds are provided when the operator calls off the trip.

Before You Book A Raft