KAYAKING & CAMPING: Black Canyon/Colorado River (Sat-Sun)
- April 6, 2012 · 10:00 PM
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(Please check for updates)
Join us for a long weekend adventure which includes kayaking down the Black Canyon section of the Colorado river, camping on the shore, and soaking in natural hot springs (Saturday & Sunday) and optional activities like mountain biking in Bootleg Canyon, biking The River Mountain Loop Trail, hiking to Gold Strike Hot Springs (Thursday) and a trip to the Valley of Fire and a tour of the Hoover Dam and bypass bridge, the second highest bridge in America (Friday). This is the perfect time of year to do this trip as it is not too hot or too cold. This will be my 3rd time organizing this trip and both previous trips were great and a lot of fun.
Note: To allow for more flexibility I have made each day a separate event so you can sign up for each day separately based on what you choose to take part in.
Friday Night:
Each participant will arrange their own carpooling and accommodations, including finding a roommates if desired. Weekend price at the Hacienda Hotel & Casino is $42.56 (inc tax) for a standard room (or $21.28 per person, double occupancy) if you reserve online. Please indicate in your RSVP comment if you are looking for a roommate. I won't arrange this for you.
Saturday:
We'll grab a quick breakfast, leave our extra stuff in a rented storage room, and meet the outfitters early in the morning in the hotel parking lot. We will need to go in two groups, one meeting at 7:15 AM and launching at 8 AM, and the next group meeting at 8:15 AM and launching at 9 AM. The first group will wait by Sauna Cave (first stop) for the second group.
You MUST bring an ID to verify your identity. They will take us to the restricted launch point just below the Hoover Dam. You'll get a unique perspective of the Hoover Dam and the bridge from below.
The river is slow moving and there are no rapids to worry about. Along the way we'll stop a few times to check out some side canyons and natural hot springs. We're likely to see big horned sheep and have friendly "duck encounters" along the way.
After about 4 miles of paddling we'll camp for the night at Arizona Hot Springs. In the evening we'll soak in the hot-springs while gazing at the stars.
Sunday:
We'll leave at about 9 AM and complete the remaining 8 miles down to Willow Beach where the outfitters will pick us up at 3:30 PM and drop us off back at the Hotel. Sunday evening we'll stop in Barstow on the way home and enjoy a dinner together.
Kayaks:
We'll be using sit-inside plastic touring kayaks which has large waterproof hatches for our camping gear. You have the option of a single or sharing a double kayak. If you prefer to share a kayak and you need to find a partner, indicate this in your RSVP comment. I won't arrange this for you. Generally you'd want the more experienced person in the back to steer and you need to paddle in sync. Also keep in mind that you will have less hatch space available for your gear when sharing a kayak. It may not be a an issue if you are also sharing most of the gear.
Costs:
The $100 cost includes a $17 launch permit, $75 per person kayak rental (including drop off & pick up), and $8 for storage room/group expenses/PayPal fees. Refunds if you cancel will be provided up until 2 weeks prior to the trip. After that, someone else may have to take your spot for you to get a refund. Also, if your launch permit is already registered in your name with the Bureau of Reclamation it is not refundable.
Directions:
The hotel is past Boulder City and just past Lakeshore Dr on highway 93. Click here for Google directions.
A Couple of Rules:
There are pit toilets where we'll be camping but at other places they require us to pee in the river. For #2 you need to dig a hole above the waterline and bury it.
We are allowed to make a small fire for cooking purposes in a ring of rocks. We need to bring the ash out with us and they forbid gathering wood for burning. It is recommended to use the composite fire logs you can get in the store as they are easy to pack and leave little ash.
Suggested items to bring/consider: (check for updates)
Our outfitter will provide Kayaks, paddles, and PDFs. The following list is only a list of things to consider. I don't expect you bring it all, just what makes sense for your needs.
- ID
- Money
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad/inflatable mattress
- Foldable chair (if it folds to a very small and narrow size)
- Small pillow (for comfort)
- Small Lantern, Headlamp (best), or flashlight (works) with extra batteries
- Small day pack/fanny pack for hiking while in the canyon
- Wet shoes/sandals suitable for walking in water and hiking
- Sun glasses
- Straps for sun glasses (so you don’t risk losing them in the river)
- Sun screen (30+)
- Lip balm
- Hat
- Gloves for kayaking (recommended)
- Camera with extra batteries.
- Waterproof case
- Long sleeve shirt and pants in case you get sun burned or chilly in the evening
- Rain jacket/wind jacket (small/light)
- Extra socks, underwear, shorts etc.
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Personal hygiene items, biodegradable soap, shampoo, tooth brush, tooth paste etc.
- Small sponge/cloth for washing body
- Bug repellant
- Ear plugs
- Zip lock bags
- Rope (multi purpose)
- Hand wipes/sanitizer
- Paper towels/napkins
- First aid kit
- Pain tablets/Tylenol, itch cream, allergy medicine etc.
- Whistle to get attention
- Water and food
- Cooler (soft) for drinks
- Multi tool knife
- Gast stove with tank
- Lighter/matches (for stove)
- Utensils (plastic best)
- Plate and/or bowl (plastic best)
- Cup (plastic best)
- Backpacking stove with tank
- Karabiners
- Duct tape (multi purpose)
- A (fully charged) cell phone (just in case it has signal)
- A flare to get attention in case of emergency (I will bring one)
- Two way radios
Since we are a big group there is no reason for everyone to bring everything. Let's share as much as possible including tents stove, cookware etc. If you have extra stuff like tents, padding etc that someone else can borrow please let us know. We will have a gear swap event a couple of weeks prior to the trip.
Food:
A luxury of kayaking as opposed to backpacking is that we don't have to carry our stuff so you don't have to worry about weight much. Make sure you bring plenty of water and drinks. I recommend some energy drinks to make sure you maintain your energy for paddling. If you bring a stove, cans are great for cooking. Fruits and energy bars are also great to give you energy while paddling.
DISCLAIMER:
As an organizer I assume absolutely no responsibility for you, your safety, or your belongings. I am simply "trip-companion", nothing more. If you choose to participate on the trip you assume all responsibility for yourself and agree not to hold me or the meetup group liable in any way. Make sure you do not participate on a trip you do not feel capable of doing without putting yourself or your health at risk. If in any doubt, please research the event further and/or contact the organizer.
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Victoria
This trip was a blast! Awesome views, soothing hot springs, and kayaking/hiking all weekend. Thanks to Stein and Lei for putting it together.
April 14, 2012
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Rhoda
Great weekend - thanks to everybody! You all know how to have fun and everybody were just so helpful. Thank you all, especially to our organizer Stein and Lei. I am glad I joined this trip. Hope to meet you all again in other events.
April 12, 2012
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Agnes
Did you know that Saturday night a woman jumped from the Memorial Bridge? Making it the first suicide on the Hoover dam bypass new bridge. It was just a day after we all visited and commented how easy it would be to commit suicide. Her body was found on Sunday, same day we all kayaked down the river... If you want to read about it here is the local news info link: newshttp://www.lasvegassun.com/news...
April 10, 2012
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Lei
Photos from the weekend, you can see them w/o facebook. But if are on facebook, add me as a friend!
Thu Biking/HotSprings:
http://www.facebook.com/media/s...Fri Dam and Valley of Fire:
http://www.facebook.com/media/s...
Sat-Sun Kayak:
http://www.facebook.com/media/s...
1 · April 10, 2012
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Maya
Definitely a trip to remember. Amazing scenery and great organization and leadership by Stein and Lei. Thank you for making in happen. I loved it :)
April 10, 2012
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robbin
Great kayak trip, awesome hot spring pool. I am glad joining the group and know you guys!
April 10, 2012
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Stein
The kayaking portion was definitely the highlight of the trip. The weather and temperature was perfect with no wind at all. The river was like a mirror at times. We had a great group of people and had a lot of fun kayaking, hiking/rock scrambling, and soaking in hot springs. We set up camp and enjoyed each other's company having dinner and soaking in more hot springs at night. Definitely a trip to remember. A special thanks to Lei for assisting me with the organizing and taking the Canoe. You made a huge difference. Also, thanks to Jay for assisting with the second launch and taking the Canoe the 2nd day. Great meeting some new people which I hope to see more of.
April 10, 2012
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Amy
Great weekend get away! It's my first time kayaking and I'm hooked. beautiful scenery and nice hot spring! I had so much fun! Thanks to Stein, Lei and everyone !
April 9, 2012
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Serena
What a trip! Got so much out of it and a permanent scar to remember it by. Stein and Lei you two are the best leadership combo. Equally great is the group. I would not hesitate to go on other trips with any of you. A 1000 thank-yous Rich for putting up with me. I hope I haven't burnt the bridge ;-). Many hairy spots to hot springs; am glad that we are done without incidents. Ian thank u for putting up with us adults. U were amazing, doing what you've done.
April 9, 2012
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Aurora
It was definitely one of the most amazing adventures I've been on... The scenery was breath taking on the hiking and kayaking portions I attended. Arrangements were handled beautifully, and a lot of effort went into making sure we were well eqipped and organized.
April 9, 2012
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Lei
A wonderful group of people! Hope to see you newcomers soon on another meetup! (and I can stand you old timers for a couple more trips as well. :)
April 9, 2012
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Brian Yeh
This is my first meetup. Awesome. Stein was a great guide. This was basically everything in one trip. Kayaking, hiking, scrambling, hot springs, camping... all in a couple days.
April 9, 2012
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A former member
Thank you, Stein and Lei, for organizing and leading this amazing trip. Wow, we did so many cool things that my head is still spinning. I hope to be able to participate in many more of your future trips/adventures. Thanks again!
April 8, 2012
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Lei
We are at the kayak shack and it appears luggage space is very limited. Just a warning that if you have any choices, pack light. Night time temperatures will be near 60 so you wouldn't need the 0 degree sleeping bags etc. Carry less if possible and bring some large trash bags for gear in case you can't fit everything inside dry bags. Stein will send an email later but this is just a heads up in case you are leaving this afternoon.
April 5, 2012
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Patrick D
I plan to drive from upland, saturday 2-2:30am. Anyone who want to do the same is welcome to ride with me.
April 2, 2012
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Erynne
Awesome! If you wouldn't mind letting me borrow the dry bag as well, that would be awesome!
April 1, 2012
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Lei
Erynne - I have extra sleeping pad and carabiners. I also have an extra dry bag. (and tents and other assorted gear, if someone's still missing essential stuff)
April 1, 2012
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Serena
FYI: Las Palmas Mariachi Restaurant in Vegas (east of 15 on Sahara Ave by Maryland Pkwy) has free salsa dancing lesson every thursday night (7pm beginner/intermediate followed by advance class and then social dancing with DJ music).
Taught by two guys from Vegas Salsa dancing meetup. Several Vegas meetup groups (including a hiking meetup) are there to learn salsa every Thursday night. there's no need to bring a partner.
1 · March 31, 2012
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Erynne
Hi everyone!
Does anyone have an extra inflatable sleep pad I could borrow? And karabiners?
March 31, 2012
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Beto
Brain, you still need the room? Rhoda, you can stay in my room if you can't find a female roommate. We'll make room for you.
March 30, 2012
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Rhoda
Just checking if anybody still needs a roommate for Friday night. If yes, please let me know. Thanks! // Beto, thanks for the carpool. See you Friday at 3:30.
March 30, 2012
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Beto
Stein I wish I could go that girl with the paddling but i'm recovering myself from a back injury.
Aurora, your gear may too big for the kayaks. Check with Stein. I'm bringing a Jetboil and a water purifier (Steripen). Anybody is welcome to borrow my gear.March 30, 2012
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Amy
We can help carry stuff. BTW, I live in SFV. So I can help put stuff in our car too. We'll leave Fri. .
March 30, 2012
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Aurora
(1) 6-person North Face Tent
(1) 2-burner Coleman propane stove w/propane
(2) extra blow-up pool rafts for sleeping bag mattresses
Assorted Lanterns
Earplugs (if you need them)I don't care who shares the tent (men/women) -- we can squeeze in 4 more, or 2-3 comfortably. I'm traveling with my pretty cool 12-year old son who is adult & outdoor savvy (otherwise he'd be staying home :-)
March 30, 2012
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Aurora
Hey All... Greatly look forward to the trip. Will be leaving from San Fernando Valley on Thursday evening, and may have room for 2 more.
I am taking the following gear -- please let me know if you would like to share anything (and/or could help carry something you'd like to share on your kayak). Looked at the cost of renting a backpacking tent and stove, for the convenience, but it's crazy when we have stuff already. Am sharing a kayak with my son, so a little tight on space...
March 30, 2012
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Stein
One of our participants has a bad shoulder and would like someone to share her kayak with, ideally someone with some experience. If interested let me know.
March 29, 2012
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Lei
I can head out any time on Wednesday, anyone have room in their car? Or better yet, have room and a bike rack? :) Otherwise, I have room for one in my car.
March 28, 2012
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Beto
Brian, I was checking with Jay if we could squeeze you in his car (mine can only fit 4 tight) but we can't wait for you that late. Count on the room.
Ok Rhoda, you're good.March 28, 2012
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Stein
If you would like to join us for the Thursday and/or Friday activities as well, there are people driving up both Wednesday night and Thursday night as well.
March 28, 2012
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Brian Yeh
Thats cool Beto, but am I confirmed for the room??
Also if anyone needs a ride from me I'm going to leave on Friday at around 5 from Calabasas. If anyone is near the area or the route Let me know and we can car pool Or if anyone has extra space in their car and will be leaving around 5pm time let me know as well!
Thanks!
March 28, 2012
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Brian Yeh
I'm down for the room. As for the carpool, when do you guys leave and from where?
March 28, 2012
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Beto
Brian, you can stay in my room. I also have room for one more person in the car. Erynne is carpooling with me and Jay.
March 28, 2012
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Stein
Our outfitter is Desert Adventures (http://www.kayaklasvegas.com
) We used them last time and they did a great job. You can read more about what to bring, suggestions etc on their web site. Just keep mind that most of the information there is based on tours. We're not doing a tour, we're doing a self guided trip.1 · March 28, 2012
Your organizer's refund policy for KAYAKING & CAMPING: Black Canyon/Colorado River (Sat-Sun)
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 14 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: The $17 launch fee is not refundable if you are registered with the park service, while the $83 kayak rental (& expenses) fee is refundable up until 2 weeks prior to the trip. After that, someone else would need to take your spot for you to get a refund.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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