I have likely driven past this area dozens of times without stopping. Then coincidentally, I had a friend suggest the area just a few weeks ago. Not wanting to invest another full day in a car trip this time, I decided to try Willow Beach which is only a one-hour drive south of Las Vegas. It is technically part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area but located on the Colorado River in Arizona.

I really had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the subtle differences compared with the other nearby areas. It was much smaller than I anticipated and offered a more intimate experience.

Surrounded by steep canyon walls along the Colorado River, Willow Beach is a paddle crafter's dream destination. Many visitors choose to take a guided raft or kayak trip from the base of the Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, stopping at coves, hot springs, and waterfalls along the way. Others drive straight to Willow Beach where you can rent boats or paddle craft and fish from the accessible pier.

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