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    Desert Adventures

    4.4 (189 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Reviews With Photos - Desert Adventures

    View across the river.

    3 day trip that was phenomenal. Our guide Sarah was extremely knowledgeable and helpful all the way through the trip. Her planning and cooking were spectacular.

    Emerald Cave on Lake Mead/Colorado River

    If you're ever in Vegas, but not a "Vegas-ish" type of person, taking a kayak trip with Desert Adventures is the perfect alternative. Super convenient, and an excellent way to see the beauty of the area, sans glitz and lights. Highly recommended!

    Run!! Do not use this company. If I could give it negative stars, I would. They kept 4 out of 10 of the vouchers we paid for and refused to credit them back. THEY cancelled on us due to weather. Asked for it back and got a 'Sorry not sorry' from them. So now my bank is working on the charge back, and I'll have to drive up to Boulder City and file in small claims court. The driver was nice and helpful- but the reservations staff and office management is HORRID. You have other options, definately utilize them. Despite the fact their website says they'll refund you, they will not.

    Lake Mead Half-Day Kayaking Trip with Holmes!  Epic!!

    We did the Lake Mead Kayaking Tour with Holmes and it was amazing! It was my first time kayaking so I was a little intimidated, but Holmes was great at explaining everything I needed to do and it was really easy and nothing to be concerned about. Nice, easy trip across the water to the Boulder Islands for a hike and a delicious lunch that Holmes had picked up on our way to the lake. And while we had our own phones to take pictures, thanks to Holmes bringing along dry bags for us, he took a TON of pictures and shared them with us after the trip. And on the way back to the hotel after the trip he drove us by a local park where we got to see some Bighorn Sheep up close and personal!! It was so awesome!! I 100% recommend this tour to anyone staying in the area who wants to take a quick half-day trip out on the water! Super fun, and Holmes is a really nice guy who went out of his way to make us feel comfortable! Now we're trying to decide when we can get back down there to do one of the overnight kayaking trips with him!!

    Hoover Dam
    Cristi M.

    Desert adventures is the "go to" company if you want to have a very smooth float down the Colorado river at the Hoover Dam. They will rent you appropriate and excellent. equipment, give you instructions on what to bring, and provide transportation to the Lift off point with a guide who informs about the dam itself. I highly recommend.

    Lydia L.

    Went on a two day excursion with a friend and had Sarra as our guide. The trip was absolutely beautiful starting at the Hoover dam. I had some hesitation with the summer temperatures before going on the trip and let Sarra know up front. She let me know that the water would be cool and we would take plenty of breaks. She also assured me that the guides are prepared to help customers who may experience heat exhaustion IF it happens. Our driver to the launch site was telling us all about Boulder City and it's history. Loved that! We set off in our boats and we had time to cruise the river at a relaxing pace whilst stopping along the way to explore hot springs and to check out the local nature. She has a good eye and pointed out local wildlife as well! Sarra was knowledgeable about the history of the dam and the natural physical environment. She offered plenty of opportunities for adventure and was always checking in with how we felt along the way. We had a healthy lunch that was filling and Sarra cooked a delicious meal for dinner considering my current diet restrictions. Snacks were supplied and encouraged along the trip. The second day was hot! I did have some heat exhaustion and Sarra was very helpful and vigilant in helping me feel my best. Adjustments were made so that I could make it to Willow beach safely. I was loading up on fluids and had to stop several times to empty out my tank. Sarra never made me feel like a burden! The stops also allowed us all to take a dip in the cool water and stay refreshed along the way. This has to be one of my favorite trips so far because Desert Adventures and our guide were professional, knowledgeable, and offered so much adventure. Even on the drive back to the shop they offered to take a small detour to see some bighorn sheep up close! They were easy to communicate with throughout the entire process of booking to the very end of the trip. I highly recommend a multi-day trip, there is so much to see and learn! I'll be a repeat customer in the cooler months.

    Tracking it to the hot Springs

    The best day of my life it was so much fun, even though the guy thought we were in the next time zone tied me to his kayak and had me paddle for my life

    Steven B.

    Been using this outfitter for large group canoe trips down Black Canyon for two decades now. This year, Dominique and Megan were great during pre-trip prep; the guys were helpful (and patient!) with our large group on launch day, and the return shuttle was smooth and easy. One note: be sure to ask for the canoes with the back supports if you're old like me!

    When the sun hits the water, the green is amazing!
    Tina P.

    Antonio picked us up at the resort at 7a. He explained about the trip and we discussed the timing because we needed to be back at the resort no later than 2p. He was great, providing us with lots of conservation and environmental information about the Las Vegas area on the way. My husband was new to kayaking and Antonio provided great instruction. We visited the cave and headed back. We hit a pretty strong headwind going back and he continued to give great instruction. Besides the wind at the last part of our trip (which is not under anyone's control) we got back and to the resort on time. The weather was pretty much perfect and I loved seeing the best part of the Vegas area!! I would definitely do it again! Not sure about my husband :)

    Holmes! Best tour guide

    The most amazing adventure we've had! This was our first time kayaking and it was breathtaking! We chose the Colorado River Adventure which is the All Day option. I highly recommend you do the All Day Tour, I don't think 3 hours is enough, especially if you love nature or are willing to take a break from the world. Our guide, Holmes was the best! He was very knowledgeable and patient with us and his attitude was amazing!!! I cannot recommend this place enough. A must when you visit Vegas!

    Kari L.

    My sister and I had the most amazing day kayaking down the Colorado River. Thank you so much to Holmes our wonderful guide for making the day perfect. I would highly recommend.

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    The staff were helpful and super friendly! The Kayaks were clean and the river was STUNNING!

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    Everyone is super friendly and helpful. Amazing trip down river. Take out went just as smooth. Love you guys!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Desert Adventures

    Review Highlights - Desert Adventures

    G was very informative, we learned a lot about the Hoover Dam, Colorado River, and the histories about the area.

    Mentioned in 55 reviews

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    Historic Railroad Trail

    Historic Railroad Trail

    4.6
    (170 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    Hey Yelpers! This is…read morea super easy mostly flat hiking trail with the most beautiful views. This is the best time of the year to hike it, too. You can easily drive into the parking lot like you are heading to the visitor center, but drive past it down to the restroom parking lot close to the trail and it's perfectly marked for easy no brainer adventure. About half way or an hour in there is another restroom with a covered picnic table for a break. Then you can continue on down to the Boulder Dam. There are amazing views there as well as awesome retro restrooms , memorials, and water. There used to be a cafe. I forgot to look if they are still open. Before the dam is a parking structure. You can take the stairs or an elevator. We usually start our hikes about 8 am. The restrooms were still clean and stocked. I bring hand sanitizer. Be sure to bring water and a snack just in case. Dogs are welcome but please pick up after them and keep them on a leash. The later it gets the more busy it gets. I like to go here at least once a year. It's just so nice to get out into nature and experience Nevada. Parking is free. You can check out the visitor center while you are there. They have cool stuff. I recommend this trail. Check it out!

    Free Parking this is the beginning 1 mile until you hit the 1st rail tunnel. You are walking…read morebasically on the removed railroad tracks where the rail cars were used to remove and bring in materials to build Hoover Dam. Walk, Jog, or bike love this spot for the beauty and the history. $25 to enter lake Meade State Park if you choose to go in if you have a pass it's free. Hoover Dam Hotel Casino and Hoover Damn are also in the area to visit to see the sights along with the small town of Boulder City which offers restaurants bars and small shops & antiques.

    Photos
    Almost made it to the Hoover Dam
    Almost made it to the Hoover Dam
    @Historicrailroadtrail #Historicrailroadtrail
    @Historicrailroadtrail #Historicrailroadtrail
    Historic Railroad Trail

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    Shoreline Trail

    Shoreline Trail

    4.5
    (4 reviews)
    10.5 mi

    I hike part of the Shoreline Trail several times each winter when the temperatures permit. The…read moreShoreline Trail stretches from the former Las Vegas Bay boat launch area to the 3 Islands Overlook at 33 Hole about 2 miles south. When I hike this trail, it's because I'm hiking through what's known as White Owl Canyon and after going through some pipes to get to the old road, I return to the car by joining the Shoreline Trail about a mile from the parking area for 33 Hole and the 3 Islands Lookout. Some volunteers have done some nice work over the last couple of years by placing boulders along the trail so one knows where to go. This section has changed over the 7 years or so that I've been hiking the trail. The boulders work now because the level of the lake has fallen so much there's little danger that the trail will be covered by water and the rocks become useless. In fact, it has been very discouraging to watch the level of the lake drop so much that you now have to leave the trail to get to the edge of a stream that was once the lake. It is nice to see the water fowl and it's a pleasant hike when temperatures permit.

    YELP 365 CHALLENGE 2014-(313/365) "A Hiking We Will Go! "…read more Any time there's a chance to explore the outdoors, it's an automatic 5 stars for me. Add to that, a bunch of great people and our resident hike expert Norm leading the pack, you got yourself one heck of an excursion! There were 10 of us on this chilly morning and it was my first time inside the Lake Mead Area. The views here are so breathtaking, pictures and reviews don't do any justice...you gotta get out there and experience this yourself! This hike is about 3 miles and involves different elevations, a bit of rock scrambling, going through a few tunnels and a brief time inside owl canyon where we saw great rock formations, and even an owl who was guarding his/her huge nest nearby. there were also tons of clam shells scattered around and old Budweiser and Coors cans from the peel tab era. There also was a random wood frame kinda thing during our hike which made all of us clueless as to why anything was being constructed. After a short walk on the paved road way, we looped around and began the trek back to our cars along the rock formed trail taking in the awesome scenery and a last scramble up the same hill we first went down back to the parking lot. Thanks again Norm for another great hike, and we'll join you on the trail once again for your next hike! ALOHA!!! Shaka Meter: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5

    Photos
    Inside the Tunnel. Up ahead .... Norm, Terri & Mel
    Inside the Tunnel. Up ahead .... Norm, Terri & Mel
    Great short hike
    Great short hike
    Shoreline Trail

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    River Mountain Trail

    River Mountain Trail

    4.8
    (6 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    We have lectric bikes and boy did we take em out for a Spin!…read moreWe rode the entire 35mile loop. It took us about 5 hours with one of them Being breaks. Even with help this trail is a beautiful beast. Steep hills and a steady gradual I cline in the middle. It sure was beautiful though. Great views. Some nature. Just some chipmunks and lizards mostly.

    This is one of the few cycling trails in the extended Las Vegas Valley that allows you to ride for…read moremiles while separated from cars (another is on the west side of the 215 Beltway). It is a 34 mile loop including almost 3,000' of climbing--both long, slow grades (up to Boulder City) and very steep, short hills (The Three Sisters). Road cyclists regularly take advantage of the well-paved path. You will also see pedestrians walking along the way. The path passes the edge of Boulder City at Bootleg Canyon, goes behind Railroad Pass Casino, passes Lake Las Vegas, and enters Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It continues along the main road in the park, then starts the uphill slog just before the park's Visitor's Center. There, it crosses the park road and the path continues up to Boulder City. Accept on part of the climb to Boulder City where the path is in the flood channel, it is in pristine condition with nicely paved asphalt. There are not many water stops which is a problem for summer workouts. You can get water at Bootleg Canyon, the water district (just past Railroad Pass Casino), and two places in the park (including Boulder Beach). Except for the water district and one of the Lake Mead stops, there are bathrooms at each of the water stations. There is also a bathroom on the path by the Visitor's Center. Almost all riders go in a clockwise direction. I prefer this direction because it is really uncomfortable coming down the flood channel at speed. There are lines in the cement that cause little bumps that are both a problem in the nether-regions and they slow you down. A great workout is to do the loop clockwise and then counter-clockwise. If doing this, you may want to do the CCW-Boulder City-to-the-Lake section on the highway instead of in the storm drains. Other than the flood channel, what I don't like about the RMT is its curviness on the lake side. There are some excellent descents and ascents, but there are usually compact turns at the bottoms of the hills so you lose your speed before having to climb the next hill. And, you can't maintain your speed through the curves because many of them drop 100' to the desert floor below. The views are wonderful. You see the lake during a third of the trek and the Las Vegas skyline during another third. Caution: This is a HARD ride and water is not quickly accessible. Carry MUCH MORE water than you think you'll need. I experienced true thirst only once in my life and it was on this path. Also, I've had to stop on more than one occasion to give others desperately needed water.

    Photos
    Parking lot.
    Parking lot.
    Boulder City rest area
    Boulder City rest area
    River Mountain Trail

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    Boy Scout Canyon

    Boy Scout Canyon

    4.8
    (5 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Boy Scout Canyon can be a 4 or 8 miles round trip depending on the vehicle you have and how far you…read morewant to hike. I've done it both ways and I prefer the shorter version. To get there, drive to Boulder City and continue straight on Nevada Way to Utah Street. Do NOT head for Hoover Dam. Make a right on Utah Street and follow it until it ends at the Boulder City garbage transfer area. Turn right onto a graded road and follow it for less than a mile. You'll see a left turn for a gun range. Turn left here and follow this road for a short time. There is another turn to get to the gun range. DO NOT take that left turn. Continue to the next left and then go down a steep hill that runs along the south side of the gun range. You'll soon enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Inside the fenced area is where you park if you do not have a 4x4. This will make your hike 8 miles round trip. If you do have a 4x4, continue driving down the wash for another two miles. The rocks are sharp in places and close to each other, so drive this with care. At the end of the 2 miles, you'll come to the trailhead--a place that's wired off so vehicles can't go any more. Park here. From here, follow the wash as it heads to the Colorado River. The rock formations are amazing and the views are great! At about 1/3 mile from the trailhead, you come to a 15 foot dry fall that's easy 3rd class. The best side to scramble down is on the left as you're looking down the wash. Take care, but this isn't a hard down climb. As you near the end of your wash, the canyon narrows and soon you come to the end of this part of the hike. The end is a 20 foot dry fall you can only get down using ropes. There are some hooks in the rock above, but I would not recommend you do this. At the bottom of the dry fall is a pool like area in which I've never seen water. Beyond this small pool is a high pour over that's more than a 300 foot drop. Enough said. You don't need to explore down there! The next part of the hike entails retracing your steps about 3/10 of a mile. Look to your left as you're hiking back and you'll see a use trail leave the wash and go up a hill. Follow this trail which has some ups and downs and eventually it will lead you to a magnificent view of the Colorado and the Black Canyon Wilderness area. This is a good place to have a snack and take photos. When you're done, go back to the wash and head back to your car. This is a great hike with lots of pretty vistas. Wear hiking boots and take water. A Camelbak is best! Happy hiking!

    I did a little UYE hiking action with Norm K and August C last weekend. I won't reiterate all of…read morethe useful information that Norm has already listed. If you need directions to the trailhead, I refer you to his excellent review. I found this hike to be pretty easy. There is one scramble down (and back up) a 15-foot spillover in the wash. Other than that, it's a very gradual descent toward the Colorado. You don't actually make it all the way to the river on this hike. There is a 25-foot dry fall that basically serves as the end of this out-and-back hike. Even if you decide to brave that drop, Norm says there is a 300-foot drop waiting for you just moments ahead of that. Instead of pressing downward, we backtracked and found our way up to a ridge where we had a great view of the river and the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. All told, we hiked about four miles. Of course, the hike could have been longer if we didn't drive the two miles down the wash until the point where they prohibit vehicles. That's probably the one thing that would prevent me from doing this hike again. Most of the "road" is fine, but there may be parts where having a 4x4 is recommended. I probably won't ever do this hike again, but it was an enjoyable morning and I'm grateful that I can cross it off my (nonexistent) list.

    Photos
    The wash narrows as your near the first 20 foot dry fall and it's quite pretty!
    The wash narrows as your near the first 20 foot dry fall and it's quite pretty!
    This is Boy Scout Canyon.  That's about 500 feet down.
    This is Boy Scout Canyon. That's about 500 feet down.
    The Colorado from the side trail overlook.

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    The Colorado from the side trail overlook.

    Desert Adventures - rafting - Updated July 2026

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