lake mead national recreation area

Secret Canyon, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

On Thanksgiving morning, our friend Bart Knox joined us for a short canyon outside of Las Vegas in the Black Canyon area called Secret Canyon. There are a couple of interesting things about Secret Canyon in particular. Like many canyons in this area, Secret ends at the Colorado River and has geothermal activity in the lower section by the river. We weren’t sure if the pools were going to be deep enough for a soak but wanted to check the place out. It was going to be an interesting day either way, because the only way out of the canyon is either by kayak or ascending two rappels back up the way we came. Always a good time for skills practice! No permit is required for this canyon. Beta and a map of the route is located at: Secret Canyon (Nevada) - ropewiki. If you are interested in packrafting [...]

Boy Scout Canyon, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Every once in a great while, I get to see a place so beautiful and unexpected that it takes my breath away. This was definitely the case on our trip to Boy Scout Canyon, a hidden gem outside of Las Vegas, in the Black Canyon area, where we went mid-November of last year. Luke Murray put together a large group for this Sunday outing. Max and Chelsea Heveran and I were visiting from out of state, and we got to meet some local canyoneers, which was very fun. To give you an idea of how unusual this outing was going to be, my packing list for the day included the normal hiking clothes, my canyoneering gear, a warm hat, jacket and fleece, along with sandals, a bathing suit and towel. Talk about packing for all seasons! This canyon does not require any permits and can also be done as [...]