Natural

Colorado River Black Canyon (Emerald Cave)

AZ/NV Border

Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.

Emerald Cave is a glowing rock alcove on the Colorado River in Black Canyon below Hoover Dam, typically reached by kayak or guided paddle from Willow Beach. Midday sun lights the green water; wind and motorboat wakes can pick up by afternoon. Lake Mead NRA rules apply—no cliff jumping—and river levels vary with dam releases.

Open in map app

Directions

Fees and passes

Fees apply. Check current prices on the official site.

PassAmerica the Beautiful annual pass
Official siteLake Mead National Recreation Area — official NPS page

Fees and passes change. Confirm on the official site before you go.

Facts

Region	AZ/NV Border
Coordinates (approx.)	35.9960, -114.7440
Feature	Emerald Cave
Access	Kayak/paddle from Willow Beach area (Lake Mead NRA)
Water	Colorado River
Crowds	Moderate
Fee	$25/vehicle Lake Mead NRA (America the Beautiful pass accepted)
Best season	Oct-Apr (fewer crowds/wind); year-round with midday glow 10am-2pm
Agency	NPS Lake Mead National Recreation Area / USBR river corridor

Nearby locations

Nearby amenities

Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.

Map preview

Explore the area

The interactive map and its tiles load only when requested.

Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.