Venture down the Colorado River to a magical destination ✨ where bright green waters reflect off of rocky walls. Visit one of the most incredible outdoor adventures near Las Vegas- Emerald Cave!
The only way to reach this incredible spot (also known as Emerald Cove) is to paddle there. So, this excursion is not for the faint of heart. But, if you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s definitely worth the reward.
I’ve had this destination on my bucket list for years now and I finally got to cross it off! It exceeded all of my expectations. We had an incredible time paddling through the waters 🚣♀️, seeing the vibrant green waters, and swimming in the cool Colorado River.
Planning a trip to Emerald Cave can be a little confusing, so I’ve got you covered. This post contains everything you need including when to visit, how to navigate to the cave, and which tours to take. I hope you have an amazing adventure out on the water!
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Table of Contents
Planning a Trip to Emerald Cave
Why is the Emerald Cove Green?
Stare in awe at the shining green waters of Emerald Cave 💚. This stunning natural phenomena is created by a combination of factors that result in a gorgeous scene.
Light reflection off brown canyon walls, direct sun, and green-blue algae underneath the water work together to create this vibrant emerald color. However, the green of the cave is not vibrant at all times of day. The best time to go is mid-afternoon when the sun is directly overhead and creates this stunning shade of color.
Emerald Cave Location
Emerald Cave is located in the Black Canyon area of the Colorado River. It’s about a one hour drive from Las Vegas 🚗, so it’s easily accessible as a day trip from the city!
In order to get to Emerald Cave, you will want to navigate to Willow Beach. There are restrooms, a public beach, and even restaurants and stores in this area. So, you can visit those before or after if you have time.
Then, you can launch a kayak or paddleboard from the beach 🛶. The paddle is about 2.5 miles from Willow Beach to the Cove itself, so it’s just under 5 miles round trip.
You can download the map on Alltrails if you are going without a guide!
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There is a $25 fee per vehicle to enter the Lake Mead Recreation Area. But, you can also use an interagency pass like the America the Beautiful Pass.
☀️ Las Vegas is a desert, which means it can get very hot and very dry! Temperatures can soar above 100 in the summer, so bring plenty of water if you visit.
💦 The water temperatures stay between 64-67 degrees year round, so it’s a cool adventure even in the summer!
🚌 There are a number of tour companies that will take you from Las Vegas to see Emerald Cove.
🦮 Willow Beach is dog friendly, but I would only bring your pet with you if you have experience paddling with them in the past. Some tours will even let you bring your dogs with you.
🐍 Black Canyon is home to rattlesnakes and many other animals including Bighorn Sheep and Bald Eagles. If you decide to hike while you are there, just remember to be careful and stay clear of rattlesnakes!
🌺 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it. Do not litter and bring all of your garbage back with you.
History of Emerald Cove and the Hoover Dam
Years ago, the area just beyond Emerald Cave was considered for the site of the Hoover Dam. They had a scientist live there and take measures of the river 🧑🔬 every single day to determine whether this would be a good spot.
However, this scientist decided that this spot was too naturally important to make into the Hoover Dam. Which is why we can enjoy this gorgeous green cave today!
That being said, you can still see relics of this scientific endeavor today. Along the shores you’ll see the site where he used to live and the pully across the water that he used to measure things.
How to Paddle to Emerald Cave
Navigate to the Willow Beach Marina. Once you are there you will set off towards the right and paddle through the water. Stay on the left side for the first three quarters of a mile, then cross to the right.
Once you get 1.5 in, you will see a beach on your right. This is a great place to stop for a break, take a dip in the cool water, or get out to hike up to a view. 👀
Continue from there and hug the right side of the wall. It can be hard to navigate the area of Emerald Cave. But, when you get 2.5 miles in there will be an opening in the cliff walls. That is where the cave is located. You may see many other people lining up to get in. So, just take turns and then you’ll get a chance to be in the resplendent green cave!
Kayaking Safety Tips
⭐️ Wear a bright life jacket that is coast guard approved. Make sure to buckle it and make sure it fits well.
⭐️ Monitor the weather and if there are any storms in the forecast, consider going a different time. If it’s supposed to be hot pack plenty of sunscreen and water.
⭐️ Bring plenty of food and water for your trip!
⭐️ If you’re going alone, tell someone where you are going. Bring a satellite phone or a phone that will have the ability to contact emergency services.
⭐️ Pack a first aid kit!
⭐️ If you happen to fall out, keep your feet downstream. This kayak route is typically busy, so hopefully there will be others out there who can help to get you back in your boat!
Best Time to Kayak to Emerald Cove
Emerald Cove is a fantastic destination year round! The water stays at a consistent temperature of around 67 degrees, which means it’s fantastic from winter to summer. In the winter, you may have to wear a few layers. But, in the summer, you can cool off there!
The best time of day to go is in the mid-morning in winter and mid-afternoon in the summer. The sunlight has to be high in the sky to show off the bright green colors. ☀️
I would aim for 10-11 am in the winter and anytime around 1-2 in the summer. That way you will be absolutely mesmerized by the bright green shades of the water.
Best Emerald Cave Tours
Most people who visit Emerald Cave opt to do a tour. Tours are a great way to see Emerald Cave, because they will b, including food and will guide you to the cave. You also will get to stop on the shores and hike up to nice viewpoints.
We did a hike with Evolution Expeditions and it was fabulous. Our guide was very knowledgeable, lunch was delicious 🥪, and we had water guns to cool each other off with the water.
Best Tours to Emerald Cave
Packing Guide for Visiting
Emerald Cove is the perfect destination for a fun adventure! But, it gets very hot and sunny. So, if you are planning on going just remember to bring waterproof clothing, tons of water, and sunscreen.
Plus, if you want to take photos there, just make sure to bring a waterproof phone case or a waterproof camera. That way you can capture all of the fun out on the water! 💦
Packing List Emerald Cove
- Water Shoes
- Small Pack
- First Aid Kit
- Water and Food
- Rain Jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bathing Suit
- GoPro or Waterproof Case
- Sun Hat
- Parks Pass
Final Tips for Exploring the Emerald Cave
Kayaking to Emerald Cave was one of my all time favorite Vegas expeditions. Just make sure to take care when going on this trip. This trip does require some athleticism, you will be kayaking 4 miles. 💪🏻 So, know your abilities and your limits. Do not go if you think this may be too much.
Also, the Vegas heat is truly no joke. Pack extra sunscreen and water because the sun is incredibly hot. Other than that, have a fantastic time and stare in awe at the wonders of Emerald Cave!
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this guide.
📍 Pin Guide to Visiting the Magical Emerald Cave to Pinterest
Such a cool experience. I can’t believe this site was nearly used for Hoover Dam, so interesting!
I know it would have changed it a lot!
So beautiful! These photos make me want to go 😍
It’s so much fun!
Such an in-depth, helpful guide! This has been on my bucket list for awhile! I might have to do this before Havasu this fall 👀