Rafting in Las Vegas

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Rafting

Black Canyon, just below Hoover Dam, is the place for river running near Las Vegas. You can launch a raft here on the Colorado River year-round. On the Arizona side, the 11-mi run to Willow Beach, with its vertical canyon walls, bighorn sheep on the slopes, and feeder streams and waterfalls coming off the bluffs, is reminiscent of rafting the Grand Canyon. The water flows at roughly 5 mph, but some rapids, eddies, and whirlpools can cause difficulties, as can head winds, especially for inexperienced rafters.

If you want to go paddling in Black Canyon on your own, you need to make mandatory arrangements with one of the registered outfitters. They provide permits ($10) and launch and retrieval services. You can get a list of outfitters at 702/494-2204, or go to the paddle craft and rafting tours section on the Web site www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/.

If you're interested in seeing the canyon on large motor-assisted rafts, Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures launches every morning at 10. Box 60130, Boulder City, NV, 89006. 800/455-3490. blackcanyonadventures.com.