Yahoo, so you decided to see the lower Colorado River on your own... what a great adventure you are going to have!!

Following are my personal recommendations to hopefully help make your day a great success.

First you need to choose the day of the week you are going. The National  Park Service does not allow power boats up stream on Sundays and Mondays.

Then decide how many of you are going and call the Willow Beach Harbor and reserve a boat....

They offer several types of boats from 17 footers to party boats.... click here for more boat info

Call 928-767-4747 Willow Beach Harbor

If you plan on Fishing and you didn't bring any gear the best place to go is the Bass Pro Shops Located at the Silverton Casino at the 15 and Blue Diamond Road.

Getting to Willow Beach

NOTE: Due to Road Construction at the Hoover Dam leave early from your hotel. On a normal day I can make it in 40 minutes from the MGM Grand.

The Basic Plan...

You can rent a boat for a half day (4 hours) or a full day (8 hours). You can see a lot in 4 hours, you can explore a lot more in 8 hours. There are many beaches and coves you can either anchor at or put in and go a shore.

Attention Ladies... YES There are bathrooms half way up towards the Hoover Dam... SEE MAP

My advice to anyone who has never made the trip is once you've rented your boat to head up stream and go directly to the dam. 11 Miles..... Make note of points of interest you would like to explore on the way back. Time yourself up to the dam and then you can judge the time you want to spend exploring on your way back to the harbor.

Potty Stop! Just Before Mile Marker 60

The potty stop is at the location of the Arizona Hot Springs the easiest hot springs to get to and the most popular. A very short easy hike.. click here for more information on the hot springs ...Note the Hot Springs Warnings

The river is calm below the dam with just a couple area's of easily navigated rapids... You need to follow all boating rules and be on the lookout for Canoe's and Kayaks. Give them some respect and keep your distance...also be nice and reduce your power to lower your wake when you pass them.

Give yourself plenty of time to return to the harbor, you don't want to be in a rush

BE SURE TO READ: all the rules and regulations when navigating a boat on the River. There are River Patrols... PLEASE don't drink and Drive the boat...

ALSO pack it in pack it out.... Keep our Parks Clean....

 DON'T FORGET!

1. Ice chest with plenty of water and snacks for the day... for each person There are plenty of stores as you pass through Boulder City on your way to the dam where you can stop and pick up supplies. 

2. Hats, Layered Clothing...

3. Sun Tan Lotion

4. First Aid Kit

5. Towels

6. Sun Glasses

7. Camera's

8. Maps... download our Maps

9. Fishing gear if your going to fish. There are Trout, Bass, Cat Fish and Carp.

10. Fishing License... Can be bought at Willow Beach

11. Bait, Can be bought at Willow Beach

If you have questions Ask Dave

You can even call me 702-591-7817

Sample of Rental Boats

50 pound Striper

Willow Beach Marina Store