Article & Photography by Lupie Janos

Rolling. Rolling. Rolling down the river. Okay, so maybe not rolling; maybe it was more floating and gliding for this month’s edition of Gay Tripping down the Colorado River. Picture this: water like glass reflecting picturesque canyons, a stillness in the air and being bathed in the sounds of nature, real nature. Can you see it? Smell it? Hear it? Away from the city living and congested neighborhoods that we know Las Vegas to be, there is a bit of an oasis. Sure, maybe you have been to Lake Mead or Lake Mojave near Laughlin, NV. Perhaps you have played on the river on the way to Lake Havasu, AZ, but there is a stretch of the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Lake Mojave that is worth seeing and experiencing – Black Canyon.

The best way to explore Black Canyon is on the water. It is an experience that will bring you closer to nature and give you a sense of peace and wonderment. I chose Blazin’ Paddles for my trip (blazinpaddles.com).

The company offers multiple options for getting in a kayak and on the water; however, the full-day excursion will provide you with a comprehensive experience. It’s an early (and long) day, but it is worth it. The company offers van pick-up from a variety of strip properties. But, a discount may be available for patrons who make their way to them at the company store located inside the Hoover Dam Lodge in Boulder City, NV.

It’s a 6:00 am start, and boats are in the water by 7:30 am. The tour begins at the lodge before continuing to the Hoover Dam, where adventure-seekers are escorted by a Department of the Interior representative to the base of the dam for launch.

The best way to explore Black Canyon is on the water. It is an experience that will bring you closer to nature and give you a sense of peace and wonderment. I chose Blazin’ Paddles for my trip (blazinpaddles.com).

The company offers multiple options for getting in a kayak and on the water; however, the full-day excursion will provide you with a comprehensive experience. It’s an early (and long) day, but it is worth it. The company offers van pick-up from a variety of strip properties. But, a discount may be available for patrons who make their way to them at the company store located inside the Hoover Dam Lodge in Boulder City, NV.

It’s a 6:00 am start, and boats are in the water by 7:30 am. The tour begins at the lodge before continuing to the Hoover Dam, where adventure-seekers are escorted by a Department of the Interior representative to the base of the dam for launch.

The view of the dam from the launch location is one few have seen. It’s pretty amazing to look up and take in the engineering feats of the dam itself as well as the world’s largest arch bridge, the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

Kayak options include single rider or tandem. A word to the wise, the water at this point on the river comes from the bottom of the lake and is cold. So, just take a deep breath if your feet get wet because it may be a bit of a shock!

The company supplies most supplies, including the kayak, paddle, life vest, water, snacks, and lunch. Kayakers are responsible for bringing extras to keep themselves comfortable: water shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a dry bag, and some cash to tip your guide; believe me, they earn it.
My guide on this particular trip was MaKenna, whom I would completely recommend. She is very knowledgeable about the National Recreation Area, wildlife, plants, kayaking, the river, history and was just a pleasure to have as a guide. As you float and paddle down the river (especially early in the morning), a sense of calm and serenity washes over you.

Take it in, because you could possibly not see anyone outside of your tour group for hours. Your guide will make stops along the river, for breaks, for brief hiking opportunities, to see a slot canyon, a waterfall, and hot springs. There is a longer stop along a shoreline about midday to have lunch, sunbathe, swim, and relax. By this point, if you are on the river during the summer, you are ready to submerge completely.

After lunch, a long paddle is relaxing and will bring you to Emerald Cave at just the right time of day for a photo opportunity. At this time of day, the sunlight plays off the color of the cave and reflects the river just right to create the green hues. A great picture is from inside of the cave looking out.

You may go on this trip with one friend, a partner, or in a small group. Or, you could be like me and be solo on a trip with 11 other people I had never met. Hands down, you walk away with a memory that will last a lot longer than any small jackpot won in town.

This article was originally published in the Sports & Recreation Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.