The best walks and hikes in Black Canyon Wilderness

This guide focuses on the Black Canyon Wilderness located in Nevada and Arizona, within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It's famous for the desert canyons carved by the Colorado River, its proximity to the Hoover Dam, and unique features like natural hot springs. It is a different location from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted on trails within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, including many in the Black Canyon Wilderness, as long as they are on a leash. The Railroad Tunnel Trail loop from Mission Hills is a popular choice for dog walkers. However, be aware of the hot ground temperatures in summer and always carry extra water for your pet. It's best to check the official National Park Service rules before you go.

You'll be hiking in a desert environment. Trails can be rocky, sandy, and fully exposed to the sun. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, along with sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Some routes, especially those leading to hot springs, may involve scrambling over rocks.

Absolutely. The area has several relatively flat and easy trails. A great option is the Hoover Dam – Hoover Dam Overlook loop from Foothills. It's a short walk that offers fantastic views of the iconic Hoover Dam without much elevation change, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Most trailheads are accessible via car from Boulder City, Nevada. The main access point for the popular railroad trail is the Historic Railroad Trailhead Parking Lot. Other trailheads, like the one for Gold Strike Hot Springs, are located off US-93. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so an early start is recommended.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the unique experience of walking through the historic railroad tunnels, the stunning views of the Colorado River, and the rewarding challenge of reaching the natural hot springs hidden within the canyons.

Yes, there are several loop trails. One of the most popular is the Railroad Tunnel Trail – Hoover Dam Memorial loop from Historic Railroad Trailhead Parking Lot. This route combines the historic trail with other paths to create a comprehensive tour of the area, offering varied scenery and views of Lake Mead.

Yes, hiking to hot springs is one of the signature experiences in this wilderness area. The Gold Strike Hot Springs — Lake Mead National Recreation Area trail is a well-known but challenging route that involves scrambling down a canyon to reach a series of hot pools. Note that this trail is often closed in the summer due to extreme heat.

The difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. There are 11 easy and 11 moderate trails in this guide. Easy trails, like the Historic Railroad Trail — Boulder City, are often wide and relatively flat. Moderate trails typically involve more elevation change, uneven terrain, or scrambling sections. There are no officially marked difficult trails, but inner canyon routes should be considered strenuous.

Yes, camping is available within the greater Lake Mead National Recreation Area. While dispersed camping is permitted in some backcountry areas of the wilderness, there are also established campgrounds nearby that provide amenities and serve as a great base for exploring the hiking trails. Always check with the National Park Service for current regulations and permit requirements.

Most of the primary trails, like the Historic Railroad Trail, do not have water crossings. However, routes that descend into side canyons to reach the Colorado River or hot springs will likely involve navigating through or around water. The water levels can vary, and some sections may require wading or scrambling along wet rocks.