The Black Canyon River is situated in the Lake Mead National Recreation area near Las Vegas, Nevada.  Created by the 500 mile stretching Colorado River the Black Canyon lies just beneath the Hoover Damn, it was used by early Native Indians as a life line to the irrigation of crops until the fickle river made the area uninhabitable some 800-850 years ago.  After much research in the 1920’s to find a suitable Damn location, Hoover Damn was finished in 1935 backing water up to create Lake Mead and one of the biggest water recreation areas’ of the Southwest.

The 2000 feet high cliffs from the waters’ edge make this a spectacular rafting area with some of the most breathtaking views of the whole Canyon.  A typical rafting tour of the Black Canyon will consist of; being picked up from your Las Vegas hotel and transported to the Hoover Damn recreational area where you will welcomed on board a purpose built raft.

The raft launch area is at the base of the Hoover Dam and gives you a spectacular view upward of this fete of concrete engineering.  Over 100 people lost their lives in the construction of the damn out of the 5000 people working day and night to complete the build over a 7 year period.  The damn now offers an incredible resource for the surrounding area.

Once on board you will be taken for a gentle tour down the Black River by your captain and tour guide, they are very knowledgeable of the geological area and will open your eyes to some amazing history.   There are some really beautiful spots along the river, with small alcove beaches and crystal clear water, where the tour can take a break for everyone to refresh with a swim and some lunch.  Listen to the surreal sounds around the cliffs coming from Osprey and the Great Blue Heron and look out for the Desert Big Horn Sheep on the cliff face.  Have your camera ready to take plenty of pictures to share with friends when you get back from your trip.
 
The tours normally end up on the Arizona side of the river were you can purchase souvenirs of your journey, then be transferred back to the Hoover Damn  to the original meeting place or onto your hotel in Las Vegas.  The tour its self normally takes about 5 ½ hours so there is still plenty of time to enjoy the fun and excitement of the evening casinos back on the main strip.

The Black Canyon River is not a white water rafting experience but a well coordinated calm river ride for all ages to enjoy, although you might want to dress for expectation of some light spray.  The rafts hold around 40 people and have been regulated by the Coast Guard for safety standards and hold all the necessary emergency equipment.  Lunch is provided by the tour although you might wish to bring some snacks for the journey.  All you have to do is bring yourself and your camera.