Description:
We will begin our trip 10 miles below Hoover Dam and paddle upstream between towering cliffs and looming canyon walls, exploring side canyons and natural hot springs throughout our four day weekend. With the 53 degree water, small rapids, and first time canoe partners, the trip is not without its challenges. Alas, there are natural geo thermal hot springs and a 120 degree sauna cave, a welcomed respite to the weary adventurer. Soaking your worked muscles under the stars in natural hot springs feels fantastic. The rewards of good food, warm waterfalls and hot spring pools, coupled with the experience that will be shared by new found friends are well worth the physical challenge. With so much to look forward to this is our most popular trip, so sign up early!

Brief Itinerary:
Depart Thursday from the ARC at 2 pm and arrive at Boulder Beach Campground on Lake Mead at 11 pm. We will make several stops along the way for dinner, gas and restrooms. Friday morning we’ll drive to Willow Beach on the Colorado River. Leaders will focus instruction on proper paddling techniques and how to load your canoe. Our “base” campsite is four miles up river. Saturday, we will continue up river six miles exploring side canyons with hot springs and the infamous sauna cave, and then return to our base camp for a second night. Sunday, we will depart early and paddle down river four miles to van. We plan on returning to SDSU by 9 pm or earlier.

Pre-Trip Meeting: More Info
Pre-Trip Meetings are required and are held the Monday, the week of your trip, from 6-7pm in the AMC rooms, right outside the ARC. You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).

Click to enlarge.

Weather:
This trip is 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada off of hwy 93 so it is a desert climate with slightly cooler temperatures on the river. November though March the temperature can reach 80 degrees. Nights settle in the low 40’s to the mid 50’s and during April and May the temperature hovers in the 70’s. In contrast, the summer months range 80 to 100. The air is dry, which increases the risk of dehydration. The water temperature flowing out of the bottom of the Hoover dam is 53 degrees year-round.

Cost Includes:
Aztec Adventures leaders, round trip transportation, three breakfasts, two dinners with dessert, all group camping and canoeing gear, campsite and entrance fees, and complete personal camping equipment outfitting (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tents, camp chair, rain gear, dry bags, etc.).

Cost does not include: Two road meals.

Food:
We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by the delicious dishes we will prepare together. Examples of common dinner meals include: lasagna, chicken pot pie, enchiladas, or chili and cornbread; for breakfast, we offer granola, oatmeal, fruit, muffins, pancakes and fried potatoes; desserts include brownies, cakes, and of course, s’mores! Please let your leader know if you have any dietary restrictions, as we can usually accommodate them.

Camping/Lodging:
Toilet facilities are available on Thursday night and Friday morning, both at the campsite on Lake Mead and at the Canoe launch. Our river campsite will be primitive (i.e. without running water, picnic tables, or modern toilet facilities. Aztec Adventures will provide portable toilet facilities, as well as drinking water, along with the rest of the group gear.

Health and Physical Conditioning:
Paddling up river can be very strenuous for some because it requires the use of the entire upper body—not just one’s arms. All trip members must be confident in their swimming ability, as there is always the possibility of a capsize. In addition, trip members will be carrying canoes and other gear up and down the river bank and launch ramp. From now until the trip begins, we highly encourage you to get in shape.

Risks, Hazards and Safety:
River temperature is 53° F year round. Extended time in the water due to a capsized canoe can lead to hypothermia (lowering of body's core temperature). Other hazards are heat illnesses, dehydration, motorboats, high winds, desert plants and animals (rattlesnakes and scorpions are often observed on trips), and other campers and canoers (campsites are sometimes crowded on weekends). Hiking to hot springs can be treacherous and slippery. Hot springs may contain amoeba that can be deadly if allowed to enter your nose. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment, however, while they may be able to treat injuries, they cannot always prevent them.

This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Colorado River experience. Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 12 or less. The leaders will often need to make decisions based on the needs of the group—not the special needs of one individual. This is a group experience and everyone is expected to help with all the camping tasks such as: cooking meals and clean-up, setting up camp, and organizing gear. NO DRUGS & ALCOHOL WILL BE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP. We invite you to come on this trip to enjoy the sights of the Black Canyon and the company of your fellow trip members.

Phone:
(619) 594-6958

Email: aztecadventures@sdsu.edu

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