Rafting

Black Canyon, just below Hoover Dam, is the place for river running near Las Vegas. Guided raft trips down the Colorado River are available year-round from the Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. It is the Southwest's only natural water trail and includes views of vertical canyon walls, bighorn sheep on the slopes, peregrine falcons, and feeder streams and waterfalls coming off the bluffs. Transportation to and from Las Vegas is available.

Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures. If you're interested in seeing the canyon and Hoover Dam on large motor-assisted rafts, Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures has group excursions launching from the base of the dam for both 3-hour and 90-minute tours. The half-day excursion includes lunch; the shorter "postcard" tour lasts about 90 minutes but includes only 30 minutes on the raft. Round-trip Las Vegas transportation is available. All tours depart from Lake Mead RV Village. Lake Mead RV Village, 286 Lakeshore Rd., Boulder City, Nevada, 89005. 800/455–3490; hooverdamtouradventures.com. From $69.

Desert Adventures. For a more hands-on approach, try a guided kayak trip through Black Canyon with Desert Adventures. The daylong excursion, including a soak in hot springs, slot-canyon hike, and lunch, requires an additional $27 permit fee, which are limited and best purchased in advance. They'll pick you up at the Hoover Dam Lodge or from your hotel on the Strip. Hoover Dam Lodge, 18000 U.S. Hwy. 93, Boulder City, Nevada, 89005. 702/293–5026; www.kayaklasvegas.com. From $195.