In the past few years the Lake Mead region has seen the return of the original river rat, who floats and strokes down the canyons of the Colorado River in canoe, kayak or raft.
Paddlers can take two excellent river trips in the area.
A few years ago canoeists and kayakers were lonely specks in the water below Hoover Dam. Now, almost any day of the year you can spot anywhere from one to 30 canoeists leisurely paddling southward in the chilly waters released from the dam. Along the route canoeists can discover ancient Indian petroglyphs or hidden hot springs like the ones below Ringbolt Rapids, or cast for rainbow trout for that night's supper in camp. Daytime temperatures then are often about 115 degrees in the shade, and the dark canyon rocks create a sun-powered oven. Since the water's temperature is about 54 degrees, an upset canoe can deliver a killing shock to your system as you plunge into the cold water.