#1 in the USA by USA Today!
Desert River Outfitters
Self-Guided Canoe and Kayak Tours from Las Vegas, NV
Top Outfitter in Las Vegas
#1 in the USA by USA Today! ![]()
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Desert River Outfitters has been Las Vegas’s leading outfitter for over 20 years, delivering unforgettable outdoor adventures. Voted Best Kayak Tour of 2023 and ranked among the Top 10 Best Tours in the U.S., we’re renowned for offering exceptional experiences on the water.
Whether you’re part of a Boy Scout troop, corporate group, or a family looking for adventure, our self-guided tours let you explore at your own pace. With canoe, kayak rentals, and complete camping gear setups, Desert River Outfitters has everything you need for an epic journey.
- Government Shutdown? No Worries Here!
We’re still on the water and ready to paddle. The river is open, the gear is ready, and we’re here to make sure your adventure goes exactly as planned.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Hoover Dam is a must-see if you’re near Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. Learn the history behind the dam and how to plan a visit that includes activities like kayaking on the Colorado River.
- All Ages
- Full/Multi-day Trips
From $110
Experience an unforgettable 1-night adventure through the stunning Black Canyon. Paddle 12 miles of calm, scenic flat water while taking in the beauty of desert wildlife, unwinding in natural hot springs, and discovering hidden treasures along the way.
- All Ages
- 1 Night/2 Days
From $125
Most Popular!
Embark on the ultimate 2-night camping adventure from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. This trip is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Black Canyon at a relaxed pace.
Looking for 3 Nights or more? Book 2 night and put a note how long you’d like to go! Additional fee applies.
- All Ages
- 2 Nights/3 Days
From $150
Planning a self-guided paddle to Hoover Dam and bringing your own gear? This trip gives you launch access and permits so you can explore at your own pace—no rentals needed.
- All Ages
- Full/Multi-day Trips
From $80
Explore the stunning beauty of the Emerald Cave in Arizona with a self-drive kayak tour. Paddle through the clear waters in a kayak and witness the natural wonder.
- All Ages
- 3.5 Hours
From $110
Rent a kayak and set off on a self-guided 4-hour adventure. Paddle through the clear Colorado River waters, explore hidden spots, and experience Emerald Cave on your own terms.
- All Ages
- 4 Hours
From $79
Rent a canoe and enjoy a self-guided 4-hour journey along the Colorado River. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, discover hidden coves, and explore the stunning Emerald Cave at your own pace.
- All Ages
- 4 Hours
From $62
Rent a glass kayak and enjoy a self-guided adventure on the Colorado River. Choose a 2-hour rental to explore Willow Beach or a 4-hour rental to paddle to the breathtaking Emerald Cave at your own pace.
- All Ages
- 4 Hours
From $89


Looking for a Custom Tour?
Looking for something else? We offer more tours and can create a custom adventure just for you. Whether it’s a sunrise paddle, sunset kayak, multi-day trip, or a special request for your group, let us create the perfect outdoor experience just for you!






Need Help with Directions? We’ve Got You Covered
This section gives you clear directions to hidden gems and top Colorado River spots like Hoover Dam, Emerald Cave, Hot springs, and more!
- Wildlife at the Dam: See the Bighorn LIVE!
See what wildlife you can spot near Hoover Dam, from bighorn sheep to birds of prey along the Colorado River in Black Canyon.
CLIENT REVIEWS:
Scott SaweikisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blair is super awesome! Very accommodating! Gives great recommendations that you should really listen to! Clayton BenedettiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blair graciously accommodated my 14-year-old dog Benny Boy on our special day recently. Words can't truly express my gratitude to him for helping us take one last epic kayak trip together. He had no issue with me using my own kayak so my old pup would be familiar with the equipment and as comfortable as possible on the trip. I would easily recommend Desert River Outfitters to anyone looking to kayak the Colorado River. Blair and his crew maintained excellent communication during and after the booking process. They were accommodating, on time, highly organized and work hard to provide his guests with the best experience possible. Book with Blair at Desert River Outfitters and rest easy knowing that you and your group will be well takin care of. Just a reminder, don't forget to tip your host. They are working hard out there. Thanks again Blair. Clayton and Benny. Jil BrownTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing experience! Highly recommend them. We had so much fun and Blair was so easy to work with. Knowledgeable and fun. Excellent customer service Dylan PrinsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible experience with the crew at Desert River Outfitters. They made our trip extremely easy and told us about all the coolest spots to check out before we got on the water. I would recommend this group to anyone! Ayden ColeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ABSOLUTELY AWESOME TRIP. Had so much fun. Blair and his team are super friendly and prepare you well. Was even more beautiful out there than I thought. Definitely coming back!! William ClontzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome time on the 2 night self guided tour. Blair gave us a map and some awesome pointers on what to see along the journey. Tons of cool stops, including hot springs, hikes and good campsites. We saw tons of wildlife along the way. Would highly recommend! kristin violetteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blair was super accommodating since the first phone call several months back. He was kind and friendly and very informative. I was able to book my trip and reserve it without issue. My permits were secured by the company which was super helpful. A Couple days before my trip I asked for my permit to be shifted to an hour earlier which is kind of unheard of but the company went out of their way to see if this could be possible and fortunately it was. Most companies would just say sorry the permit has already been secured, but this company went the extra mile. The email communication leading up to the trip was excellent and the reminders were clear and concise. I had questions that were readily answered by this company via email before my trip. The day before the trip, I received a text message with the meet up details which was helpful. The company was on time. They provided great equipment. In good shape. Love that I had a wilderness pungo 140 kayak. They did have the option to rent dry bags but we brought our own. Best thing about this company was the flexible end time. Most companies have a hard stop at 3:30 and when you're paddling 12 miles down a beautiful river that just doesn't seem like enough time. This company will work with you if you want to definite pull out time or if you want to be flexible. This, for me, is a game changer and what made me choose this company over all the others. Driving to and from the pickups the owner was pleasant and informative. I would highly recommend not only this adventure but this company. We chose to do the excursion on our own without a guide and a map and detailed information was provided for us. I am sure if you opt for a guide, it would be epic! Five stars! Alex WolfgramTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best Kid trip ever! The shuttle driver really took our safety and security into consideration. He entertained our kids and got us out all the way at Lake Mojave. I 100% will use DRO again. The Hiking, Camping and Hot-springs are really unique. Do yourself a favor and go with DRO! Yair AbedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service from planing, drop off, to pick up! Loved the Hoover Dam drop off spot.