Regional Guide

Paddling through the Canyon would be anyone's dream come true, and it's certainly a possibility. Most trips take 718 days and involve a variety of craft—paddle rafts, motorized rafts, and dories. Just plan ahead—way ahead. The spots fill up fast.

For one of the region's most scenic paddles, check out Navajo Canyon on Lake Powell. This intermediate-level kayaking experience can take from one to four days to cover 15 to 40 miles. Put in at Antelope Point.

Lake Mead and Lake Mojave offer a boating experience perfect for those who like to be alone with nature. Fishing, waterskiing, and exploration into some of the areas unreachable by car—like Black and Iceberg canyons—are some of the more popular boating activities in this area.

Go rafting outside the park: Take a one-day, smooth-water raft trip on the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam near Page, Arizona, to Lees Ferry, Arizona (where the Canyon begins).

Start at Hoover Dam: One-day rafting trips on Lake Mohave cut through the slow-moving waters of Black Canyon from the famous dam to Willow Beach.