Colorado River Day Trips from Las Vegas
A few hours from Las Vegas awaits a landscape hailed as one of the wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.
Estructuras rocosas en medio de Rio Colorado| ©Vincent Gerbouin
The power of the Colorado River has given rise to the incredible rock formation of the Grand Canyon, which is one of the best things to see and do in Las Vegas while you take a break from the city lights.
There are many ways to experience the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon: take a dip at Willow Beach or a VIP helicopter flight; go to its unforgettable viewpoints on the west, south and north sides or tour the river by boat, kayak or hydrobike; walk along the Skyline glass walkway overlooking the canyon floor; or simply hike to enjoy every nook and cranny.
1. Cruise down the Colorado River after flying over the Grand Canyon by helicopter.
An original recommendation for getting to know the Colorado River is to take a helicopter to fly over the Grand Canyon and land on the Colorado River to kayak or raft down its waters. This full-day tour isn't cheap, but it's worth every minute.
The aerial tour ensures phenomenal views of the Hoover Dam, the west side of the Grand Canyon or West Rim and Lake Mead, among other places. You can choose to raft or kayak, and if you choose one or the other, the rafting will take place before or after the helicopter tour.
The Grand Canyon flight takes about an hour and a half. You can take this tour on any day, and you can bring children over 2 years old. At all times you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will explain everything about the most important sites.
This tour usually includes pick up from your hotel or meeting point to take you to Boulder City Airport, where you will board the helicopter. It also includes bottled water, and lunch if you choose to raft.
Details of interest
- Price: from 600€
- Duration: approximately 11 hours
- Means of transport: van, helicopter and kayak or float.
- Advantages: you will be able to appreciate the west side of the Grand Canyon from a breathtaking aerial view and navigate the waters of the Colorado River.
- Disadvantages: it has a high price. If you choose to kayak, lunch is not included.
2. Van tour of the Colorado River and Hoover Dam
One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River is by van with up to 14 people. On this full day tour you will see the west side of the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and have the option to walk the glass Skywalk, although tickets are usually purchased separately.
Throughout the trip you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will tell you all about this unique geographic formation. You can take this tour any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays, starting early in the morning. It is also suitable for children, usually over 5 years old, but I recommend that you check before you travel.
As it is a small group van, you will be comfortable throughout the transfer and will be able to listen to the guide without interruption. The tour also includes pick up and drop off at hotels and meeting points, bottled water and lunch, but I recommend that you also bring your own snacks as the tour is a full day tour.
During this tour you will usually stop for 3 hours on the west side of the Grand Canyon so you can take in the amazing views at your own pace. Before returning you will pass the Skywalk, a glass walkway at 1200 metres above sea level from where you can see the Grand Canyon at your feet. It costs approximately 40 EUR.
Interesting details
- Price: from 200 EUR
- Duration: approximately 9 hours
- Means of transport: van for 14 people
- Advantages: you will be able to see the west side of the Grand Canyon, one of the 7 wonders of the world, and the Hoover Dam. Lunch included.
- Disadvantages: Does not include entrance to Skywalk, which is a glass walkway to view the Grand Canyon. Purchase is optional and costs around 40 EUR.
3. See the Colorado River and its amazing National Park by bus
One of the best National Park tours from Las Vegas is a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim, the south side of the Grand Canyon. The tour is done by bus with a specialized guide who will tell you all about its formation, and the animals and plants that live there.
This full day tour can be done any day, even on weekends, at any time of the year. It's one of the best things to see and do in Las Vegas in 2 days.
This bus tour consists of a tour of the south side of the Grand Canyon, with entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, where you'll find some of the best viewpoints: Bright Angel Point and Mather Point. You can also visit the Hopi House, a great place to pick up some original souvenirs.
The tour includes lunch and dinner breaks at the best restaurants and bars, which are usually not included in the tour price. On the way back, you can enjoy the view of Las Vegas lit up, something that surprises many people.
Interesting details
- Price: from 100€
- Duration: approximately 15 hours
- Means of transport: bus for up to 56 passengers
- Advantages: you will see the southern part of the Grand Canyon and its National Park
- Disadvantages: you will need to bring extra money to buy drinks and food.
4. Take a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River with a helicopter ride up the Colorado River
One of the most interesting ways to tour the Colorado River is by rafting down its choppy waters in a boat with just a few people.
In addition, the tour includes a helicopter ride up to an elevation of over 1000 metres, from where you will have the best panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
During the tour you will travel 65 km down the rapids of the Colorado River, where you will have privileged views of the Grand Canyon and get to know hidden corners and waterfalls, such as the Travertine Waterfall.
The tour is done with a small group of people along with an expert guide in the air so you can learn all about the place. The transfer to the rafting site is by bus. This tour can take place on any day of the week and is open to children over 8 years old.
Details of interest
- Price: from 650€
- Duration: approximately 15 hours
- Means of transport: bus, boat and helicopter
- Advantages: you will get to know hidden places of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and also have fun in one of the best rafting trips on the Colorado River.
- Disadvantages: not available in winter. Good physical condition is required.
- Recommendations: Bring a swimming costume, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat with strap, extra change of clothes and waterproof protection for your phone and camera.
- When is the best time to do the tour: The best time to do the tour is in summer, with March, April and May being the best months. If you are going to Las Vegas in winter, you should check availability before booking.
5. Experience the Colorado River with a spectacular kayak tour
This tour is one of the best kayak tours in Las Vegas. It consists of a trip down the Colorado River in a single or double canoe with paddles. You will navigate about 8 km through the Black Canyon, between Nevada and Arizona, you will see Willow Beach and impressive caves and waterfalls.
The excursion has a guide specialised in the sport, who will provide you with the necessary safety for you to enjoy it to the fullest. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner, as you will receive a short course with the best instructor before you start. In addition, you will be provided with all the necessary equipment.
These tours include rest stops and include drinks, food or fruit to recover your energy. The best time to do it is in summer, from March to May, and it is postponed for another day if the weather is bad.
One of the best places you'll see is the Emerald Cave, known for its beautifully coloured waters, which appear that colour due to the effect of the light.
Interesting details
- Price: around 100€
- Duration: approximately 6 hours
- Means of transport: bus and kayak
- Advantages: you will get to know and navigate the Colorado River by kayak
- Disadvantages: Good physical condition required.
- Recommendations: bring sunglasses, sunscreen, swimming costume and water shoes, waterproof case for phones and cameras.
6. Hop on an ATV and ride the Colorado River from Las Vegas
This is one of the best tours to visit the west side of Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The tour starts at Hoover Dam and Lake Mead where you will get on the quad, a 4-wheel all-terrain motorbike for a ride down the Colorado River.
The terrain set aside for the ATV is a recreational area of Lake Mead and the Colorado River. It's safe for beginners and you'll have all the protective gear you need. In addition, you can take spectacular photos and videos from the Hoover Dam Bridge, which crosses the Colorado River near the Hoover Dam.
Throughout the tour a specialized guide will provide you with interesting information to learn more about the area and give you safety recommendations. This activity can be done by the whole family, including children. Everyone will love riding in a large Monster Truck limousine to and from Lake Mead.
The best time to do this tour is in the summer, as you'll be able to swim for a while and relax while enjoying the great outdoors. This off road tour in Las Vegas includes bottled water, soft drinks and lunch during the tour to make the most of your time.
Details of interest
- Price: around 250€
- Duration: approximately 7 hours
- Means of transport: Limousine Monster truck and quad
- Advantages: you will enjoy an off-road sport on the banks of the Colorado River
- Disadvantages: you need to be in good physical condition
- Recommendations: you should wear comfortable sportswear, trainers, sun protection and sunglasses
7. Experience Black Canyon hiking from Las Vegas
If you're a hiking enthusiast, you'll love hiking through Black Canyon, the Mojave Desert, discovering the petroglyphs of the ancient Mohave and Paiute civilisations, and enjoying a relaxing hot spring bath. This tour is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas in 7 days.
During the tour you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will make the tour more interesting by telling stories and giving you information about the places you see. The tour is not suitable for children as it is moderately difficult. It is done with a small group of 10 people.
The best time of the year to do this tour is in spring. In winter it is not available and in summer temperatures can be extreme.
During the tour you will hike the magnificent Black Canyon nature trail and swim in the natural healing hot springs in the desert. You will love the fascinating views of White Rock Canyon and relax on the beach.
Interesting details
- Price: from 150€
- Duration: about 6 hours
- Means of transport: bus and on foot
- Advantages: you will get to know the Black Canyon, the Mojave Desert and enjoy an excellent thermal bath
- Disadvantages: the hike is moderately difficult.
- Recommendations: wear appropriate footwear, comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses.
8. Walk along the waters of the Colorado River with the hydrobikes
Believe it or not, it is possible to "walk the waters of the Colorado River". This tour proposes a bicycle/rafting tour along the river from Willow Beach and one of its destinations is the amazing Emerald Cave, which stands out because its waters seem to be that colour.
This tour is ideal for summer, so you can enjoy a dip in the waters of the Colorado River. The hydrobikes have a height restriction: they are designed for people of at least 1.52 metres. Before you hit the water, you'll receive a safety briefing and instruction on how to use the water bike.
This is an ideal tour for you to stop and see wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bald eagles and other birds. Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will teach you all about the places you visit.
This tour also includes pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels. Groups of up to 14 people.
Details of interest
- Price: from 150€
- Duration: about 4 hours
- Means of transport: 14-person van and hydrobike
- Advantages: You will see the Colorado River, caves and amazing waterfalls while enjoying a ride on a water bike
- Disadvantages: Only available in summer. Water bikes are designed for people at least 1.52m tall.
9. Take a bus ride to the Hoover Dam for an unforgettable day out
A half-day trip to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is not to be missed. On the tour you'll get to see the dam's power plant, visit the Visitor Exhibition Center, the Hoover Dam Museum and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, from where you'll get the best pictures of the dam and the Colorado River.
In addition, you will be able to walk for 45 minutes on top of the Hoover Dam and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the dam and the Colorado River.
The tour is guided by a professional guide who will tell you the history of the Hoover Dam and interesting facts about its operation. The tour is conducted by bus with a small group of people and is a tour you can take any day, including weekends, in summer and winter.
These tours usually include lunch at the Omelet House, a renowned restaurant with a varied menu. Another extra is usually a ticket to see a Comedy Club show at The Strat, one of the best shows in Vegas.
Interesting details
- Price: from 100€
- Duration: about 7 hours
- Means of transport: bus
- Advantages: You will learn all about the Hoover Dam and the inside of the power plant.
- Disadvantages: Entry to the power plant and visitor centre is not guaranteed, as there may be maintenance work on the day of the tour.