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Three kayaks on a shore with mountains in the background during sunset.

About

Meet Our Guide

Paddling is what we do

Person kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by mountains.

Guided by a River Legend: Meet Jared

If Crocodile Dundee traded the Outback for the Black Canyon, you’d get Jared. Jared’s the kind of guide who can catch crawfish with one hand, spot bighorn sheep perfectly camouflaged on a cliffside, and still have time to share the river lore about the rock you’re sitting on. He’s been known to tow two weary kayakers at once, give you the shirt off his back (literally), and with over 15 years of experience, Jared’s got an uncanny knack for reading the river—knowing every bend, canyon echo, medicinal plant, and historical landmark like the back of his (very calloused) hand. Whether he’s sharing geology facts, pointing out desert wildlife, diving to retrieve your phone from the bottom of the cave, or making you laugh until your paddle slips, Jared ensures every tour is unforgettable. He’s spontaneous, endlessly kind, and totally dialed into making sure you have the time of your life. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned adventurer, Jared’s main goal is simple: good vibes, good company, and an epic time on the river.
Two kayakers paddling in a cave with colorful rock formations
Story

Born from a Love for Adventure

At Trek Las Vegas, adventure isn't just what we do—it’s who we are. Born from a passion for exploration and a deep love of the outdoors, we’ve built a company around sharing that spirit with others. From paddling the winding stretches of the Colorado River to uncovering hidden gems like Emerald Cave, every tour is a chance to escape the ordinary and connect with something extraordinary. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or your hundredth, we’re here to make it unforgettable—with stories, laughter, and moments that linger long after the day is done. When you choose Trek Las Vegas, you’re not just signing up for a tour—you’re joining a community of adventurers who believe in the power of nature, connection, and the thrill of discovery.

Person kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by mountains under a clear blue sky.

Why choose us?

An Emerald Cave Experience That Feels Personal

If you’ve been looking at Emerald Cave kayak tours, you’ve probably noticed they can look pretty similar on paper. Once you’re actually out on the water, though, the experience can be very different.

At Trek Las Vegas, we keep our tours small (max 12 guests) and personal. No megaphones, no rushing from stop to stop, and no feeling like you’re being pushed through just another Las Vegas attraction.

Launching from Willow Beach, we give you more time on the water than many other operators. Some Emerald Cave tours can feel rushed—you paddle to the cave, take a few photos, and turn around. We believe the river should be experienced, not just visited. Depending on the tour, you might pull up to remote beaches, explore hidden coves and inlets, and take in scenery you can’t believe is only an hour from Las Vegas.

Beginner Friendly (Seriously)

Never kayaked before? No problem. Most of our guests are first-time paddlers.

Our sit-on-top kayaks are stable, comfortable, and easy to paddle. We’ll show you the basics, help you feel comfortable on the water, and make sure no one feels left behind. You don’t need any experience to enjoy an Emerald Cave kayak tour.

We Take the Photos So You Don’t Have To

Half the fun is actually being present.

Your guide takes photos and videos throughout the trip, so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about documenting every second. And yes—we’ll make sure you get some great shots in Emerald Cave.

Local Guides Who Actually Know This River

We’re not reading from a script.

We spend a lot of time out here and know Black Canyon firsthand—from reading wind and water conditions to understanding how the river changes throughout the day and knowing where wildlife is most likely to appear. Over time, you also pick up the stories and history of the Hoover Dam era that most people paddle right past. It’s the kind of knowledge that only comes from spending countless days on this stretch of river.

Small Groups Make a Big Difference

Keeping tours small means more flexibility, more conversation, and a better overall experience. You’ll have room to spread out, ask questions, and enjoy the river without feeling like part of a crowd.

At the end of the day, we want this to feel less like a tour and more like getting out on the river with a friend who knows all the best spots.

Ready to kayak Emerald Cave? Come see why so many guests call it the highlight of their Las Vegas trip.

Adventurous

At Trek Las Vegas, every trip is a chance to get out on the water and into Black Canyon the way it’s meant to be experienced. You’ll paddle the Colorado River, drift through glowing emerald water, and...

At Trek Las Vegas, every trip is a chance to get out on the water and into Black Canyon the way it’s meant to be experienced. You’ll paddle the Colorado River, drift through glowing emerald water, and explore quiet coves and hidden beaches along the way that most people never see.

This is a beginner-friendly adventure, but it’s still exciting for experienced kayakers who want something real—not a rushed, crowded tour. We keep our groups small and unhurried so you actually get time to explore, not just a quick stop for photos.

Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or your fiftieth, this stretch of river has a way of turning a simple day on the water into something you’ll remember.

Scenic

Black Canyon has a way of doing the work for us. The water shifts color as you move through it, canyon walls rise straight out of the river, and everything gets quieter the farther you go. It’s not un...

Black Canyon has a way of doing the work for us. The water shifts color as you move through it, canyon walls rise straight out of the river, and everything gets quieter the farther you go.

It’s not unusual to see desert bighorn sheep above you on the cliffs or a bald eagle cutting across the canyon. And along the way, you’ll pass old remnants from the Hoover Dam era—little pieces of history most people paddle right past without knowing they’re there.

This isn’t a scripted tour route. It’s a living stretch of river that changes with light, wind, and time of day.

Personalized

We keep our groups small on purpose—because out here, that changes everything. It means we can actually slow down when something’s worth seeing, pull up to a quiet beach when conditions are right, tak...

We keep our groups small on purpose—because out here, that changes everything.

It means we can actually slow down when something’s worth seeing, pull up to a quiet beach when conditions are right, take our time to spot wildlife, and adjust the day instead of forcing it into a schedule.

No two days on this river ever feel the same—and that’s exactly how we like it!

Location

Explore Hidden Gems Just Beyond the Strip

Just an hour from Las Vegas—and minutes from the iconic Hoover Dam—our launch point opens the door to a world far removed from the neon lights. At Trek Las Vegas, you’ll trade the crowds for crystal-clear water, towering canyon walls, and secluded beaches tucked into the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. We’re perfectly positioned for those looking to escape the ordinary and experience the wild beauty just outside the city. Best of all? You’ll be back in time for dinner and a show on the Strip, with memories of an epic day that feels a world away.

Two people in kayaks wearing straw hats, with a third person taking a photo in the background.

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, we ensure you will have a fun and safe experience. We love introducing newcomers to the sport and we provide sturdy sit-on-top kayaks for extra confidence. Before departure, we'll provide you with safety rules and paddling instructions. It's the perfect opportunity to try kayaking!
We cap all tours at a maximum of 12 guests to keep the experience personal, relaxed, and never crowded. Smaller groups mean less congestion at places like Emerald Cave, more time to explore, and a smoother experience on the water. It also allows us to operate responsibly—minimizing our impact and helping preserve the natural beauty of the Black Canyon.
Yes! We recommend solo paddlers be at least 13 years old and weigh at least 100 lbs. Children weighing 55 lbs. or more (usually around 7 years old) are welcome to join the adventure when riding in a tandem kayak with an adult. Our single kayaks have a weight capacity of up to 275 lbs. For guests over 275 lbs., we’re happy to set you up in a tandem kayak for a more comfortable experience. You can select your kayak preference at checkout, and we’re always here if you have questions or need help choosing the best setup for your day on the water.
The brightest Emerald Cave glow is typically seen from mid-day through early afternoon, when sunlight reaches deeper into the canyon and lights up the water with that famous emerald-green color. Our midday and afternoon tours are often the favorite for guests looking for a more relaxed, premium experience on the river, with fewer crowds and less waiting at the cave than the busiest morning launch times. That said, every launch has its own magic. No matter which time you choose, you’re still in for an unforgettable day paddling through the Black Canyon with stunning scenery, hidden caves, wildlife, and plenty of time to soak it all in.
Yes! This stretch of the Colorado River is considered flat-water kayaking, meaning there are no whitewater rapids to navigate. While wind and water flow can occasionally create choppier conditions, we use wide, stable sit-on-top kayaks specifically chosen for comfort and safety. In addition to the right gear, your safety is supported by experienced guides who are certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA), trained in advanced rescue techniques, and highly skilled in reading river, weather, and wind conditions. We also carry communication devices on every tour to ensure we’re prepared for emergencies—so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.
At Trek Las Vegas, every kayak tour is designed to be safe, personalized, and unforgettable. With our team’s experience and attention to detail, you can focus on the adventure while we handle the logistics. 15+ years professional river guiding experience – we don’t just guide, we live this stuff. CPR & Wilderness First Aid certified guides – safety is built into every paddle Advanced rescue skills & real-time weather/wind monitoring before every launch – we’re prepared for anything. Emergency communication devices on all tours – peace of mind comes standard. Small, personalized groups (max 12) – you’re never just another paddle in the crowd. Expert local knowledge – wildlife sightings, geology tidbits, canyon lore, and stories that bring the river to life. Want to meet Jared—our lead guide and resident adventure legend? Learn more here .
We offer a variety of guided and self-guided kayak tours, each tailored to let you adventure your way. Our most popular route leads to the glowing Emerald Cave, a must-see hidden gem just outside Las Vegas. As the only tour operator launching both north and south of Willow Beach—as well as to the Boulder Islands of Lake Mead—we provide unique access to these incredible destinations. For an even more exclusive experience, private group tours are also available. With flexible launch times, you can enjoy the serenity of a morning paddle, the vibrant energy of a mid-day excursion, or the enchanting magic of a sunset journey. Whatever your adventure style, we have the perfect tour for you.
From peaceful morning paddles to sunset adventures, we offer a range of expertly guided tours lasting 4 to 8 hours—something for every kind of explorer.
Yes. This is a river trip with active paddling! You will definitely get wet, at least up to your ankles or more if you desire. There will be an opportunity to splash in the river for those wanting to dive in during the warmer weather and cool off. As for keeping personal items dry, we provide all guests with one 13 liter dry bag.
While we don’t offer shuttle service, getting to Willow Beach is easy—tours are self-drive, and your guide will meet you right at the launch site. The drive becomes part of the adventure, placing you near Hemenway Park, the charm of Boulder City, the iconic Hoover Dam, and scenic stops like Arizona Hot Springs and Nelson Ghost Town. It’s an easy way to turn your kayak tour into a full, unforgettable day—and if you want insider tips, we’re always happy to help you plan the perfect route.
For both guided and self-guided tours, we provide: Sit-on-top Lifetime kayak (available in single and tandem options) Lightweight Aquabound Paddle NRS life jacket Necessary safety equipment 13-liter dry bag for your essentials Bottled water and a variety of snacks
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. Layered clothing of your choice with material that dries quickly and offers UV protection. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit if you plan on swimming! Water shoes are highly recommended. Please wear footwear that you don't mind getting wet and can easily and safely walk in. A camera or phone to take pictures and videos.
Yes! We offer private tours for groups of up to 12, perfect for bachelorette or bachelor parties, corporate team-building events, sports teams, or one-of-a-kind milestone celebrations, like birthdays. For larger groups and corporate events, we also provide group rates to make planning even easier. Ready to create lasting memories on the water? Contact us today to start planning your adventure!
Full Refunds: If you cancel your tour at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time, you will receive a full refund. No Refunds: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time, including no-shows, are non-refundable. Private tours and large group bookings are non-refundable once the booking is confirmed. We strive to accommodate our guests by offering credit and the option to reschedule for an alternate date. Please note that these courtesies are at the discretion of management and may incur additional fees. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a tour due to safety or weather concerns, you will receive a full refund, including the park permit fee, provided you submit your receipt.
Yes! Our Adventure Guarantee ensures that every tour is an unforgettable experience. If your expectations aren't met, we'll offer you a full refund, a future tour credit, or another solution that works for you. Your adventure is our top priority!
Kayakers paddling in a canyon with steep rocky walls and calm water
Kayakers paddling in a canyon with steep rocky walls and calm water

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