Annual Black Canyon Canoe Trip - Hot Springs/Camping over MLK - 1 or 2 nights

The Annual Black Canyon Canoe Trip over MLK weekend is available! Make it 2 or 3 days on the river: Jan 17th - 18th or exit the 19th, 2026

Just posted - 25 seats are available as of now (10/15/2025)

Come join us for this annual, fun filled, easy canoe and camping trip down the Colorado River over 2 days (or optional 3 days). There are a few awesome natural Hot Springs along the way, it's family friendly, with lots of adventure and scenery.
If interested, pls read carefully below.

This is a scenic, adventure packed ~12 miles paddle over 2 days from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach canoeing on crystal clear water surrounded by towering canyon walls and getting soaked in natural hot springs. Come party with a great crowd, meet new people (or not), make the best campfire dinner, take an easy or challenging hike with ropes, or none at all, OR, if you wish, have privacy with just a few of your closest friends or family.

Date: Canoe January 17-18th (Sat-Sun) or 17-19th (Sat-Mon) Departure from Phoenix is Friday evening, Jan 16th – arrival Sunday or Monday evening - 2 options due to MLK weekend

We have a wonderful time each year, and here is your opportunity to try it, or come again.

THIS TRIP IS FOR EVERYONE AND ANYONE!!! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, NO NEED TO HAVE HIKING/BACKPACKING OR CANOE EXPERIENCE EITHER. IT'S FOR BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE AND EXPERIENCED HIKERS AS WELL. HOWEVER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN CAMPING GEAR, FOOD/WATER (plenty of space in the canoe), AND YOUR GOOD TIME! Kids and spouses are welcome! I am bringing my 10-year-old.

Cost: $185 per person for 1 night on the river (18-19th), $210 for 2 nights on the river (18-20th), which is prepaid and non-refundable.

With a valid Nat’l Park Pass (I need your pass#) or kids under 16, the 1 night trip is $170, 2 nights $195.

Included in price: NPS permit, canoe rental, outfitter fee + tip, the transport to/from river - hotel.

Not included in price: your transport to/from Phoenix - Hoover Dam Lodge, and your Friday night hotel. I can help you find carpool / hotel room mate(s) if needed, just note your desire. Please check your schedule before signing up, no refunds!

INSTRUCTION for signing up: please RSVP by signing up on the "waiting list" and text me with your name at 602 690 5485. You can pay via Zelle or Paypal. Once payment is received, I will move you to the "going" list and arrange your permit (name specific).
To guarantee your spot, please act promptly, permits can run out at any time!

The plan in a nutshell:
5-hour drive to Hoover Dam Lodge (casino hotel) Friday afternoon (after work?). I will post a group rate for the hotel (if we estimate 12-15 rooms). Wait for instructions.

We’ll meet up Saturday early morning at a designated spot. The outfitter will take us to the Colorado River and launch us right in front of Hoover Dam.

This is where our adventure begins. We will take a relaxing, 4-mile stroll down (the water floats about 1.5 miles per hour) the Colorado River on Saturday.

This section of the Colorado River is flat water that cuts through a long and beautiful canyon with several hot springs. There will be scenery with desert views, rocks, longhorn sheep (if lucky), awesome colors! We will stop (optional) in 4-5 spots to explore some cool canyons with weeping moss formations, stick our feet or hop into 1-2 hot springs, sit under a warm waterfall, and much more…. You may explore as much as you can handle. We will camp at the famous AZ Hot Springs (2 ‘port-a-potties’) where we’ll make campfire(s) (BRING FIREWOOD!!!) and a great dinner (BYOF). Steaks, grilled stuff, freeze dried food, soups…whatever you desire. We’ll sit and cook 'together', so you can get to know others. It's a great SOCIAL trip!!! BYOB if you would like! The night will be cold, but just 0.2 miles from the camp sites there is the best hot spring to warm up in.

We will continue our float down the river Sunday or Monday (depending on your trip) morning (~10 am local time start), check out Emerald Cave, and the catwalk if desired. The outfitter will collect us early-afternoon, then it's time to drive home.

No prior canoeing or kayaking experience necessary. You'll be paired up in a 2-person canoe with your gear (it fits a lot, so make it comfy).

Temps are normally sunny and in the 60s during the day, however, expect 30s at night (bring appropriate camping gear :)). I don't control the weather!

Due to the Hoover Dam security, you will need to show your ID Sat morning, and permits are by name. Payment is due upfront to reserve your spot as permits can fill up fast. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SCHEDULE PRIOR TO SIGNING UP, there will be NO REFUNDS if you change your mind (I have to prepay the outfitter much ahead of time).

Looking forward to seeing you (again). I’ve been doing this trip for ~15 years.
Detailed logistics and preparation will be sent a couple weeks prior to the trip. Text with any questions.
Happy Trails!
Aniko TheHiker
Text 602-690-5485 (fastest)