When it comes to hidden gems, the Emerald Cave certainly fits the bill.

Located on the Colorado River in northwestern Arizona, this small cave is nestled among the rocky canyon walls. Unfortunately, it’s no longer a secret.

While its exact location is quite known, thanks to an abundance of social media posts, the Emerald Cave (or Emerald Cove) is still a crowd favorite. It often finds its way onto many bucket lists.

So, is a kayaking trip to the Emerald Cave worthwhile? Absolutely. And it’s not just about the appealing cave shimmering in vibrant green waters. Trust me, I consider myself a beginner and somewhat nervous when it comes to kayaking.

A few years back, I paddled the upper section of the Colorado River, starting a few miles downstream from Glen Canyon Dam and ending at the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend at Lees Ferry. It’s still my favorite among the several trips I’ve taken. Now, I’m keen to check out the Emerald Cave.

Where is the Emerald Cave?

The Emerald Cave can be found on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, approximately two miles north of Willow Beach.

Back in 2014, the Black Canyon National Water Trail was established, marking the first National Water Trail in the Southwest, winding its way through the desert. With steep cliffs and narrow canyons, the Black Canyon presents stunning scenery.

This stretch of the river is part of the Mead National Recreation Area.

What is the best way to visit Emerald Caves?

A paddler’s dream indeed! You can reach the Emerald Cave by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. This section of the Colorado is rated as Class 1, which means it’s all flat water—great for those who might not be too experienced. It’s manageable for almost anyone.

The best place to launch is Willow Beach, where you’ll find a full-service marina complete with grocery stores, cafes, rentals, picnic spots, and restroom facilities. There’s also camping and RV accommodations available.

From Willow Beach, it’s a straightforward four-mile round trip to the Emerald Cave.

Can I go to the Emerald Cave without a tour?

Yes, you can! If you have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can enter right from the sandy beach. The marina offers rentals for those preferring a self-guided adventure, including single and tandem kayaks and canoes.

Many visitors, like myself, opt for guided tours, with several companies based in Las Vegas providing various options.

One popular choice is a three-hour paddle trip that goes directly to the Emerald Cave, with a refreshing break at a small beach along the way. Longer tours may include additional stops, lunch, and further exploration of the Black Canyon.

Is an Emerald Cave Kayak worth it?

Definitely! While it won’t be a solitary experience, it still offers a serene outing. Many groups launch from the Commercial Launch Beach, starting together in smaller clusters. After a while, everyone finds their rhythm.

The river is quite expansive, and despite the chatter from fellow kayakers, there’s a calmness about gliding through this desert canyon.

The views are breathtaking as you paddle across the river, following the Nevada shoreline. The water was crystal clear—a lovely green glass on that calm day. It felt lovely despite the heat, with water temperatures hovering around 56 degrees.

There were moments of pause as our guide shared fascinating geological and historical tidbits along the journey. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the slopes above, along with bald eagles and great blue herons. We even learned about a man who once lived in that remote area to measure water levels and flow rates before and during the Hoover Dam’s construction. The remnants of his home and gaging stations are still visible.

Why is it called an Emerald Cave?

This small cave can fit about 12 kayaks at a time. When sunlight hits it at the right angle, it sparkles a vibrant green. This color comes from the light reflecting off the canyon walls and the algae beneath the water.

It was strikingly beautiful. Perhaps if the lighting had been a bit different, it could have looked even more magical—it’s hard to say. But there’s something about places like these that sometimes look better in photos than in real life, which seems to matter to a lot of people nowadays.

My favorite part was the return journey. By that time, the crowds had dispersed, and it became so tranquil. The jade-like hues of the water enveloped me. With the sun casting soothing shades of green and blue, and the backdrop of tan mountains and blue sky, it was just a perfect day in Arizona.

When is the best time to visit Emerald Caves?

The sunlight plays a critical role in the cave’s sparkling colors. Specifically, it’s all about the angle of the sun. In winter, late morning around 10-11 AM is best, while in summer, the optimal time for vibrant colors is between 1-2 PM.

Weekdays don’t seem to make much difference. Summer tends to be busier, particularly on weekends. This could lead to longer waits to enter the cave. However, powerboats and private vessels are banned between Willow Beach and Hoover Dam on Sundays and Mondays, which contributes to the peace of the trip.

I visited on a Monday, arriving around noon, which meant no loud motorboats disrupting the calm river sounds—just cheerful paddlers enjoying their refreshing pause on the water.

How far is Emerald Cave from Las Vegas?

Willow Beach, the starting point for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour, is about a one-hour drive southeast of Las Vegas.

Can I swim in the caves of Emerald, Arizona?

Swimming isn’t really practical in the Emerald Cave since it’s a small area, and many kayakers are waiting for their turn to enter. However, swimming is allowed at Willow Beach.

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour Selection

I went with Evolution Expeditions, which provided kayaks, paddles, life vests, and snacks. They also offer shuttle services from Las Vegas, but I chose the budget-friendly self-drive option and met my guide at Willow Beach.

Those opting for self-driving will face a $25 admission fee per vehicle to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, but I used my American National Park Pass.

Most outfitters offer comparable options, so take some time to research and pick the right adventure for you. Then you can hit the water and explore this unique spot.

Emerald Cave Tour

Evolution Expedition: 702-259-5292

Brasine Paddle: 702-428-0079

Kayak Lake Mead: 702-872-2860