Western Wanderlust Chronicles

We camped near a beach along the river right at the mouth of the canyon. Waking up to the sun kissing the top of the canyon walls with a brief glimpse of the moon was magical. After breakfast, we hiked up the canyon, following its narrow and twisty path to the popular Arizona Hot Springs. A morning soak in the hot springs was the perfect start to the day, melting away any stiffness from the previous day’s paddling.

Afterward, we packed up our gear, eager to set out for another day on the river. As we started, I marveled at the crystal-clear water of the Colorado River, with rock outcroppings visible about 50 feet down. The clarity was mesmerizing.

Time to Paddle, Paddle, Paddle

Though there were more stops and sights along the Black Canyon Water Trail, Willow Beach, our pickup spot, was still 8 miles downriver from Arizona Hot Springs. As we paddled further from the dam, the canyon widened, and the headwind picked up. My paddling skills were put to the test as we battled the wind. I learned that sticking close to the riverbank helped at times.

Hidden Gems and Pirate Games

We arrived at an old gauging station clinging to the canyon wall. This relic from pre-dam days once monitored water levels, flow rates, and silt content of the river. The cable car used for access still hung there, a silent witness to the river’s history.

Next, we paddled to the famous Emerald Cave on the Arizona side. From the outside, it seemed unremarkable, but once inside, the magic happened. We turned our kayaks around to witness the sun’s rays transforming the cave’s interior into a vibrant, emerald wonderland. It was a sight to behold, a hidden gem that took our breath away.

As we left Emerald Cave, we kept expecting Willow Beach to appear around each bend. However, we still had an hour of paddling ahead. Poor Bill was coming down with a cold and feeling the strain after such a long day of fighting the headwind. He was ready for the journey to end.

High Seas Hijinks

In a hilarious turn of events, a couple of our friends decided to play kayak pirates and kidnapped me and my kayak. They demanded a ransom from Bill, who, feeling unwell, simply paddled away, leaving me to negotiate my own release. We laughed so much that these friends would remain close long after the trip.

The Final Stretch

Finally, we arrived at the marina at Willow Beach, the endpoint of our kayaking adventure. Some of our group had reached it ahead of us, but we took our time, savoring the leisurely paddle down the river. Despite the challenges, I was incredibly grateful for this adventure. It was two fantastic days on the water, exploring breathtaking spots along the Colorado River and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Reflections

As I sit back and reflect on our incredible journey through Black Canyon, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. The trip tested our endurance and pushed our limits, but it also brought us closer together as friends. We laughed, explored, and marveled at the natural beauty that surrounded us. From the magical glow of Emerald Cave to the rejuvenating soak in Arizona Hot Springs, every moment was a reminder of nature’s wonders and the importance of camaraderie.

This adventure was more than just a kayaking trip; it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems in the heart of the wilderness. I cherish the memories we made, the challenges we overcame, and the laughter we shared. These experiences are the ones that stay with you, long after the journey has ended.