If everything you know about Nevada is related to gambling and 24-hour entertainment, you’re in for a treat. More than 85% of Nevada is public lands, and that includes rivers and lakes perfect for beginner kayakers or seasoned boaters.
What awaits kayakers goes beyond idyllic floats. If you find yourself camping after a day on the water, you’ll be greeted with the darkest skies in the Lower 48. Or if you want to soak in natural hot springs to break up the day, you’re in luck: Nevada has the most hot springs in the United States.
These outdoor wonders and more await you. Dive in below to see the best places to paddle through history in Nevada.
Where to Go Kayaking in Nevada
With its 27 state parks, a national park, and plenty of lakes and streams, kayak adventures are easy to find in Nevada. Many of the locations on this list are lakes and perfect for beginner paddlers or seasoned boaters looking for a mellow float.
As with any waterway, seasonal flows vary, and your skill level for navigating rapids and rivers will need to be accounted for. Always check local flow levels with the relevant managing park, state, or federal agency.
Black Canyon Water Trail
This first beginner-friendly kayaking spot isn’t flat water but is still ideal for less-seasoned paddlers looking for slow-moving water with plenty of history, caves, and even hot springs.
Located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and flowing between the famous Hoover Dam and Eldorado Canyon, this section of the Lower Colorado River offers paddlers a “choose-your-own-adventure” style float.
The most popular starting point for the Black Canyon Water Trail is below Hoover Dam, the second-tallest dam in the U.S., which was built in 1936. More than 7 million people visit the dam every year, but significantly fewer paddle downriver from the dam on the Black Canyon Water Trail. Before heading out for a paddle, be sure to check the flow release schedule from Hoover Dam.
Paddlers can enjoy a peaceful river float downriver, either stopping at Willow Beach, Ariz., or pushing through on the full 30-mile trip to Eldorado Canyon.
Along the way, you can enjoy sandy beaches, caves and coves, secluded hot springs, and hiking trails. For the history buffs, stops around Hoover Dam include gauging stations, river-spanning catwalks, and building foundations.
Most paddlers end their trip at Willow Beach, Ariz., where a full-service marina and parking lot for your return vehicle or shuttles await. Strong paddlers can launch at Willow Beach and paddle upriver to the dam and then back down for a round-trip adventure. Or, continue on down the less-trafficked half of the Black Canyon Water Trail through Eldorado Canyon, which is rich in geological history.
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on the eastern edge of the Ruby Mountains, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an oasis in the Great Basin. The area is made of a network of spring-fed marshes, wet meadows, and a 12-foot–deep lake that brings in an abundance of wildlife — including 220 species of birds.
The refuge is 40,048 acres in total and is a dream for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Anglers flock to the area for trout and largemouth bass, while those looking for a calming place to watch wildlife will be overjoyed at the bounty. From sandhill cranes to trumpeter swans and sage grouse, the area is a wildlife haven.
Before you embark on a paddle adventure, be sure to read up on how to safely navigate the labyrinth of marsh. Anglers need to be sure to get a Nevada State Fishing license before casting.
Walker Lake Recreation Area
Walker Lake is a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan and the ancestral home of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. Beginning in the late 19th century, the lake’s water source, the Walker River, began to be diverted for irrigation. This has caused a dramatic decline in the water levels of the lake.
However, paddlers can still enjoy the lake rising out of the desert landscape, and if they’re lucky, even spot the bighorn sheep in the area. Best of all, the surrounding mountains protect the lake from erratic weather. That means no matter the time of year, paddlers can enjoy calm weather and sunshine.
Rye Patch State Recreation Area
Nearly 23,000 years ago, the Humboldt River fed the ancient Lake Lahontan and supported animals like camelops, mammoths, and bison. Fast-forward to the present day, and boaters can enjoy the remnants of the great lake in the Rye Patch State Recreation Area.
With 72 miles of shoreline around the reservoir and 11,000 acres of state recreation area, Rye Patch offers plentiful outdoor adventure and paddle opportunities. From trophy-class fishing and sunny days for kayaking along the reservoir, paddlers can enjoy the outdoors without fighting the crowds.
Walker River State Recreation Area
For 125 years, this stretch of the Walker River was under private ownership, until the Walker Basin Conservancy acquired the area’s historic ranches. In 2018, they donated a large tract of land to the state, transforming the area into what is now a popular destination for recreation.
The 12,000-acre riparian paradise, including 29 miles of the East Walker River, has camping, hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing. While not all the ranch units are open to the public, paddlers will find plenty of riverway to float on this historic section of the Silver State.
Depending on seasonal water flows, the river will vary in difficulty. Beginner-level kayaking is found within the state recreation area; however, the Walker River extends beyond the state recreation area and this section of river is not considered beginner. Always check river flows with local management prior to heading out on the river.
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is another sacred remnant of the prehistoric Lake Lahontan and home to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. The lake is special for many reasons, including species of plants and animals that can only be found in the lake, like the cui-ui sucker fish.
The lake is also home to the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is protected habitat for thousands of migratory birds and the largest breeding ground for the American White Pelican. The refuge is not open to the public, but can be viewed from Pyramid Lake.
The lake is about 45 minutes northwest of Reno and offers legendary trophy fishing, birdwatching, camping, and more. Paddlers are in for a wild adventure on the lake, which is 15 miles long, 11 miles wide, and up to 350 feet deep.
This area is prone to high winds and can quickly turn a casual paddle into an extreme sport if you’re not careful. Be mindful of weather advisories and try to aim for morning floats to avoid afternoon storms. Note that any recreation in the area requires a permit from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.
East Fork of the Carson River
This section of the Carson River ranges from wilderness class II to short class III and offers a bit of everything for the adventurous kayaker. From whitewater to gentle rapids, dramatic rock formations, and hot springs, the 20-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Carson River is great for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
Preparing for a Kayaking Trip in Nevada
No matter where you drop your boat in Nevada, you’re sure to have an adventure. With millions of acres of public lands and truly wild and historic waterways, Nevada is a destination for history buffs and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
If you decide to go boating in a Nevada state park or on tribal lands, be sure to check about permitting with local management offices. As always, whenever you’re exploring the outdoors, practice Leave No Trace principles and be sure you’re prepared for the level of paddling you’re getting yourself into.
This post is sponsored by Travel Nevada.
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