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Seeing Hoover Dam from above is amazing.
Hoover Dam from road level is inspiring.
Seeing Hoover Dam from the base…unbelievable.
A few years ago, I booked a six mile kayaking trip down the ColoradoRiver. It was an awesome adventure, but left me wanting more.
Six miles more…a twelve mile trip. Okay, twelve miles is pretty cool, but the best part of that trip is starting the adventure from the base of Hoover Dam.
Paddling down the Colorado in the desert heat, is not for the faint of heart. Requiring permits to begin the trek, it also requires being awake before the sun has already shown its brilliant face. It might also require dodging a few unsteady partyers making their way home from the club or a late night game of craps, when leaving your hotel.
In Boulder City, we met with security personnel. After having our identification verified, we headed down the road to the launch site in the security zone. Clearing the security checkpoint, we pulled up alongside one of the earth’s modern day marvels. Gazing up at the “Greatest Dam in the World” it was hard not to be impressed.
The sun was peeking over the canyon walls as we pushed our kayaks into the cool, clear waters of the Colorado River. Paddles piercing the mirror-like surface, we began our far-reaching journey.
If I were a betting woman, during that first four miles, I would have put money down on the fact that I was in such great shape this would be a piece of cake. As a matter of fact, the first four miles was pure magic.
“I can do this all day!”
The sun rose higher as we glided down river, finally pulling our boats onto the shore for our first rest and excursion. Arizona Hot Springs. Walking past boulders, gushing streams and high bluffs, we made our way inland through the slot canyon, noticing the temperature around us rising. Stepping into the water, it was noticeably warmer. Further upstream, the temperatures rose even higher. Climbing a twenty foot ladder to an overhead cliff, the water temperature was extremely hot, pouring forth from a geothermal spring. Taking a seat, we soaked for a few minutes, our muscles enjoying the torridity.
Maybe we had relaxed for too long. Back in the water, it took more effort than when we put in at the dam. What did I say about doing this all day?
The second four miles…well…there was this twinge in my elbow. Mile five, six, seven…oh my god…how far until lunch? Paddle, paddle, paddle.
Running my kayak onto the beach, I couldn’t wait to take a seat in the shade and enjoy my lunch.
There is no way to describe the beauty around us as we ate our midday meal, sitting on our life jackets. The Black Canyon rises above each bank of the river and at first glance looks monochromatic. The more you study the granite walls, however, you realize how much color and life really surrounds you. The crystal clear water sparkled, reflecting the encompassing beauty in the summer sunshine, finally beckoning us back into the canyon.
The last four miles…now my left arm began to hurt.
“What happens if someone can’t make it out of here? What would you guys do?”
My petite, five foot, guide explained that there’s no cell service and she’s too small to pull anyone. She will talk them through it. Finishing is a must.
Okay, so hopefully I can paddle through my aches and pains, because Dee says she is NOT pulling me.
The last four miles…wow!
Emerald Cave is one of the highlights of paddling through the Black Canyon. The small cave, with an opening barely taller than a kayaker sitting in the boat, has water so green and clear, when the afternoon sun shines its way, it looks like…well…an emerald.
Above us a line stretched with a metal cart attached. It was explained that when the dam was being built, someone was assigned to keep track of the water levels in the Colorado. This man, made his way along the canyon walls and pulled himself in the metal cart across the river.
As we made our way down the final stretch of our journey, a group of long-horned sheep caught our attention as they languished on the mountainside looking for nourishment.
My left arm and my right elbow burned by this time. One, two, three…paddle, paddle, paddle. Almost there…paddle, paddle, paddle.
Our destination, Willow Creek Marina, finally came into view and I couldn’t have been more elated! Excited to be finished, but excited to have experienced a part of nature so truly spectacular.
Most people go to Las Vegas to gamble, see shows and party. Me, I would rather party with nature.
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Evolution Expeditions
- https://evolutionexpeditions.com/
- Kayak Hoover Dam, 7 hours, Transportation and Permit Included, $209