Lake Mead itinerary scene

Weekend itinerary

Lake Mead in one good water day.

Use the freshest light for Best Day Plan, keep meals close to the shoreline or main street, and leave enough open time for the view that made you choose the place.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

A Black Canyon paddle follows the Colorado River beneath Hoover Dam's concrete face.

Best length

2 nights

Arrive in Boulder City on Friday, paddle Black Canyon on Saturday, and tour Hoover Dam before leaving on Sunday.

Stay

Boulder Dam Hotel

A restored 1933 landmark in Boulder City's walkable historic district, with the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum, free parking, a breakfast-and-lunch restaurant, and a 24-hour front…

Main activity

Black Canyon paddle

Reserve a guided Saturday departure below Hoover Dam and confirm the operator's meeting point, shuttle, and water advisory.

Conditions

Check before departure

Review NPS heat alerts, trail closures, launch-ramp status, wind, and water advisories.

Kayakers on calm water between Black Canyon walls
Confirm the launch, shuttle, and water advisory for a Black Canyon paddle.
Hoover Dam spanning Black Canyon
Hoover Dam supplies the history stop and an indoor alternative for the hottest hours.
Boulder City patio dining in the evening
Boulder City keeps breakfast and dinner near the southern Lake Mead roads.

Friday

Check into Boulder City and stay near dinner

A Boulder City first night keeps Saturday's launch drive short and leaves breakfast and dinner choices nearby.

4:00 PM

Saturday

Paddle Black Canyon below Hoover Dam

Leave Boulder City for the operator's named meeting point, spend the morning on the Colorado River, and return for museums or dinner after the canyon.

6:30 AM

3:30 PM

Afternoon

Use Hoover Dam exhibits or Boulder City museums

When extreme heat, high wind, or a launch problem cancels the outing, use Hoover Dam visitor facilities or the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Do not substitute a seasonally closed canyon trail.

Sunday

Tour Hoover Dam, then leave through Boulder City

Hoover Dam and the Boulder City museums remain on the return toward Las Vegas. Check dam tour availability and security guidance before checkout.