Black Canyon Wilderness

Experience the Black Canyon by land or water.

NPS/A. Cattoir

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

The power of water and time is nowhere more clearly articulated than on the walls, cliffs and buttresses that comprise the Black Canyon Wilderness. Countless millennia of the Colorado River's diligent carving have created a truly spectacular landscape of indescribable scale. With sheer cliff walls towering over narrow slot canyons, countless waterfalls smoothing and cutting deeper into the limestone and immense walls dominating the terrain, this wilderness is as rugged as they come.

Navigating the meandering canyons can be intimidating and confusing, so take your time and be aware of where you are. The utmost care must be given to every step when traversing and down-climbing the chutes. 

Also, there are some spectacular views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, if you are willing to navigate the rolling hills and cliff edges. Hot springs are a popular attraction in this wilderness area. If you can find these springs (best accessed from the river), you will discover that the water seeps from the cliff walls and rolls down the rock, growing thick mats of algae and ferns reminiscent of a tropical rainforest.

For additional information on other wilderness areas within Lake Mead National Recreation, visit our wilderness webpage or visit our partners over at Friends of Nevada Wilderness.