Thing to Do

Black Canyon National Water Trail

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Kayakers on a river in a canyon
Kaykers and boaters come to the Black Canyon to recreate and enjoy scenic features.

NPS/A. Cattoir

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

How to access the Black Canyon National Water Trail

Boating and Paddling Information

Restrictions

The waterway from the Hoover Dam to Willow Beach (Black Canyon) is narrow. To provide a wilderness experience in this part of the park, there are rules restricting certain watercraft at various times of the year. Houseboating, water-skiing and wakeboarding are prohibited year round for safety reasons.

Year Round (Sundays and Mondays)

The water from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach is managed as a primitive zone. People can experience a variety of motor-less recreational opportunities in a natural setting. Personal watercrafts (PWCs, also known as "jet skis," and vessels with motors are prohibited in Black Canyon Sundays and Mondays year round.
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From the day after Labor Day through Friday of Memorial Day Weekend (Tuesdays through Saturdays)

The water from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach is managed as a semi-primitive zone. Motors are restricted to 65 horsepower or less. PWCs are prohibited.

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Between the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day
(Tuesdays through Saturdays)

The water from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach is managed as a rural-natural zone. During the busy boating season there are no horsepower restrictions and PWCs are allowed.

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Last updated: April 30, 2025