Kayaking in Nevada 2024

Explore the canyons and rivers of Nevada by a kayak

Best time: March–May | September–November (all year round)

If you want to relax and enjoy nature, go 50 km east of Las Vegas to the national recreation area of Lake Mead. Here you can see wonderful opportunities for kayaking—Lake Mead and Lake Mojave—both offer perfect settings.

The Black Canyon is the best choice for full-day and multi-day kayak trips in the area. It's just beautiful green water, which is ideal for beginners and experienced rowers. You can explore the fabulous caves that are located near the canyons as well. There are about 20 rivers. Some rivers without rapids are suitable for beginners and considered a great starting point for kayaking.

You can go kayaking at any time of year but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are considered the best season. Winter might be too cold to enjoy this activity but at the same time, you'll have more privacy. Summers are not especially comfortable due to extreme heat. If you choose summer, remember about sunscreen not to get a bad sunburn, as water glare magnifies sun rays.

Practical info

What are the advantages of kayaking in Nevada?

Nevada is a haven for kayaking enthusiasts, with kayaking opportunities available in the canyons and rivers of Lake Mead and Lake Mojave. The Black Canyon is a popular spot among kayakers and offers a perfect setting for people of all skill levels. Excellent cave exploration is another benefit of kayaking in Nevada. This activity gives visitors access to nature in an unforgettable way.

What are the recommendations for day-long and multi-day kayak adventures in Nevada?

The best locations for kayaking in Nevada are the Black Canyon and Lake Mead. Day-long and multi-day kayaking adventures are highly recommended in Black Canyon, which is suited for all skill levels. While kayaking here, visitors can also explore beginner-friendly green waters and fantastic nearby canyons. Nevada's hot springs are also worth experiencing after a long day of kayaking.

What is the optimum time to kayak in Nevada, and why?

Kayaking in Nevada is best enjoyed in the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons because the weather is ideal, and water levels are suitable for kayaking. However, kayaking is accessible throughout the year. For kayakers who prefer more privacy while kayaking, winter is recommended, but the cold weather may make it unpleasant. Summers can be hot and uncomfortable, and visitors must apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Are there rivers in Nevada that are appropriate for beginners?

Nevada offers kayaking at all levels of expertise, and there are several rivers specifically for beginners. Rivers without rapids are an excellent way to start, and visitors can feel safe while kayaking. Beginner-friendly rivers provide an enjoyable and unforgettable kayaking experience for visitors. Once beginner kayakers master basic skills, they can aim to tackle rapids in other rivers to enhance their skills and elevate excitement levels.

What weather considerations should be made when planning a kayaking trip in Nevada?

When planning a kayaking trip in Nevada, it's important to note that weather plays a significant role. The extreme heat of summer may be unbearable for kayaking enthusiasts, as Kayaking under direct sun rays can exacerbate conditions. On the other hand, Winter weather may be too cold for enjoyable kayaking. The ideal temperatures for kayaking are during the spring and autumn months in Nevada, and these seasons are perfect for various outdoor activities in the state.