The water in the Black Canyon is consistently around 52-56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round due to the bottom-release design of the Hoover Dam.
Willow Beach is located at the tailwaters of Lake Mohave, which is managed by the National Park Service.
The marina provides access to the Arizona Hot Springs trail, located a few miles downriver by boat.
Striped bass in this section of the river were introduced to the Colorado River system in the 1960s.
The canyon walls surrounding the marina consist of Miocene-age volcanic rocks, including basalt and rhyolite.
Willow Beach Marina sits on the Colorado River within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, approximately 12 miles downstream from the Hoover Dam. The facility serves as a primary launch point for kayaking the Black Canyon, a stretch of the river known for its steep volcanic cliffs and emerald green waters. Visitors can rent motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes to navigate the river corridor. The marina includes a small campground with sites equipped for dry camping and trailer hookups. Anglers frequently visit the area for striped bass and rainbow trout fishing. The site features a launch ramp, a fuel dock, and a small retail shop for supplies. High canyon walls provide significant shade during the morning and afternoon hours. The water temperature remains consistently cool due to the deep-water release from the Hoover Dam.
The view from the river looking back toward the high, jagged rock formations of the Black Canyon.
Launch your kayak or boat early in the morning to avoid the strong upriver winds that frequently develop in the afternoon.
Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and keys, as the river current is constant and water depths vary.
Check the National Park Service website for current water safety advisories or restricted zones before departure.
Attempting to swim against the main channel current, which is stronger than it appears, and ignoring the park's heat safety warnings during mid-summer.
Operations are subject to seasonal river flow adjustments and potential closures during high-wind events or extreme heat advisories.
Life jackets are mandatory for all watercraft occupants; carry out all trash to preserve the protected canyon environment.
