My husband and I did the full-day Black Canyon kayak tour with Desert Adventures and I seriously…read morecan't recommend it enough. I grew up in Vegas and have been on this river a ton by boat, and I've also hiked to both Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs. Those hikes are super rewarding but honestly brutal. This experience was completely different in the best way. Being able to get out of the river and be steps away from hot springs was amazing, and the views from the water are hands down the best. We met the team bright and early at 5:30am for launch, and everything was super smooth. They shuttled us, got us fitted for life jackets, handled waivers, and gave a quick safety rundown. Launch timing is strict because of the park service, but they made it feel easy and not stressful at all. Definitely be on time, though, because due to this strict timing, they will leave without you. The kayaks were such a game-changer. They were longer touring kayaks with foot-controlled rudders, dry storage, and actual back support. Super comfortable for me and somehow also worked great for my 6'2" husband (he had a larger boat). Since it was just the two of us, our guide Holmes customized the whole day to our pace. He took us to hidden spots I had never seen before, even as a local, and helped us avoid crowds. We did some hiking, rock scrambling, used ropes at Boy Scout Canyon, and explored hot springs that you can only get to from the river. It felt adventurous but still very safe, and he gave great tips the whole time. He also knew so much about the area. History of the Hoover Dam, plants, wildlife, etc. I learned a ton - even as someone who felt familiar with the area. This is exactly why I'm glad we didn't just rent kayaks. Having a guide made it feel like a next-level experience. We got to relax more while he handled the route and found the best spots. We got lucky with perfect early April weather. No wind, super glassy water, and we could see fish deep in the water. The 12 miles honestly felt way easier than expected, especially with how well Holmes guided us through the current so we could just float and chill a lot of the time. They also packed a great lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. You really just need a sun shirt, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen. They take care of the rest. Even though we leaned a little more adventurous, I could totally see this being doable for beginners, too. You don't need to be super athletic to enjoy it. Pickup and cleanup were easy and seamless. They handled everything while I grabbed a snack and relaxed, which honestly made it feel even more special. This was such a cool experience, and I would 100% do it again. Already recommending it to friends, and I would definitely consider doing the overnight version next time.

Desert Adventures is great! We did a self led excursion…read moredown the Colorado river but used this company to drop us off and pick us up! They provided a large trailer with ample shelves and space to put are gear onto. A safety speech was also given. This company has special authorization to enter the Hoover Dam property and take people down to launch from the entrance of the Hoover Dam. They instructed you to move quickly as there was a time limit for getting everyone/everything Into the water and away from the area. The next day, they were prompt with their pick up and helped us load our gear back onto the trailer. I would definitely use this company again and recommend them to others.

Our group enjoyed a fantastic 4-Hour kayaking tour. It exceeded my expectations and we all had a…read moregreat time. Our guide, Jayden, was awesome. She provided useful information, and we learned a lot about the area and environment. She is very good at her job. The equipment and lunch were top quality and overall we had a very, very good time. I highly recommend this tour and I would return for an even longer tour next time.

This trip was awesome! One of the highlights of our trip to Vegas. I've been to Vegas many times,…read moreand didn't know kayaking on the Colorado was a thing you could do. If you are active and like outdoor activities then this is a must do! Our guide was Faith. She picked us up in a van at the Bellagio. She was knowledgeable about the area, personable, and friendly. Pro tip: go on a Sunday or Monday. Motorized watercraft are not allowed on the river on these days (we got lucky).

Initial impression of this business is superior. Services requested, disgnose 1990 MasterCraft…read moreengine issues. They fit me in right away, figured out the problem, called within a few hours to let me know. Great communication, didnt try to push more services, did exctly what was requested. Honest business, good work, will use again. Thank you!

Wayne was able to fix my 2004 Polaris LE2100 that did not run and was sitting for 5+ years. This is…read morethe only shop in all of Las Vegas that could fix it. If it weren't for Boulder Marine I would have to bring the boat down to Riverside CA to an exotic boat shop. Highly recomend Wayne and Boulder Marine. Great service and they do some awesome work!

for me personally it is great. I love coming here for the social aspect and the chow isn't bad…read moreeither. there is wide variety of things to do from shooting pool to picking up some grub when times are rough. The people are friendly and helpful. I say good job from me. I feel for the folks who have nothing but negative to say about volunteers who are doing their best to help others.

Such a nice place to volunteer Happy people work here…read moreLove these seniors Good food too

The beauty of the outdoors should make your heart pound and sing…read more Are you singing, humming some special tune, tapping your foot to a rhythm. Does your heart go thump thump and pound fast ! Do you why? Your outside! This is Sun Dial Park! This was a previous space that housed workers fixing the Hoover Dam endeavor oh so long ago. It's a peaceful piece of green that has huge trees to provide shade and protect you from the sun. The huge trees create a canopy to keep excess heat and sunlight out. Now we can explore the park being cool and not hot! It's not a huge place it's small. Some things come in small packages anyways. Ever wonder or need to let your thoughts wander and flow . Come and sit under a tree and absorb. What are we absolutely absorbing? The serenity of the world. Let it speak to you . The tree you're sitting under is beautiful and proud to hold you in its arms while you contemplate life. The beautiful mural done in turquoise that greets an individual as they walk into the park sparks your imagination and curiosity . While the front of the mural takes you a moment to admire on the backside is a small portrait of those that made the dam and Boulder City possible. This beautiful art piece makes a wonderful backdrop for a picture too . If you blink you will miss it! What am I talking about? Blinking life will pass you by. In an instant it's gone ! Live life and be free and love each and everyday. Go outside . Now the sundial is so small that you will miss it . And if you're seeking it, look hard because it's in the middle of the park . Now why are you standing here. Go outside and play . Don't waste it !

Today is the first weekend of October when the cool weather replaces the brutal hot weather and…read morewhen the annual Art in the Park Festival takes place in the Boulder City Historic Business District. Unfortunately this year, I worked instead of partaking in the festival. However, mentally my mind is very close to the Art in the Park as I write my review on a diminutive, pretty pocket park close to the site of Art in the Park. It is Sun Dial Park.     This pocket park is named after the sun dial in the center. In spite of this, the point of concentration is the Boulder City Big Horn Sheep Mural. This mural is a popular photo spot in the Boulder City Historic Business District. Psychologically it serves as a "Welcome to Boulder City" monument.     It is tremendously easy to confuse Sun Dial Park with Frank Crowe Park. The residential Birch Street separates the two sister parks. If I overlooked the sign, I would likewise believe that it is part of Frank Crowe Park. With that said, I would recommend checking out the Frank Crowe Park Yelp listing. But, before doing that I would recommend continuing along with this review. And from here, it discusses Sun Dial as a park by itself and as a component in a downtown walk. This walk is based on my first hand experiences as part of an annual Railroad Pass to Art in the Park hike, as part of a downtown walk, and numerous visits.      As a park by itself, I rate it three stars. It is a transition spot between the autocentric Nevada Way and the walkable downtown. From my observations, the main amenities are the open grass, benches, mature trees, big horn sheep mural, and sun dial. My main activity here has been pausing on the shady bench overlooking the sun dial.    My logic for taking long to write this review is that by itself it is a tiny park. I decided on four stars because it is one of the points of interest on a downtown Boulder City walk including Jim Crowe Park, Reflections Center, Lake Mead Overlook, Wilbur Square Park, and the Historic Business District that is cumulatively is a great experience. Here is a description of this walk. I started off with coffee in downtown's Dam Roast House and then walked a short distance to the southwest periphery where Sun Dial Park is. Here, in this safe and clean pocket park, I relaxed sitting on a shaded bench overlooking the sun dial. From there I passed through the contiguous Frank Crowe Park and onto the historic residential streets that remind me of Heritage Street in the Clark County Museum. They would lead me to Reflections Center. After taking in the sculptures and the Red & Black Mountain vista, I rejoined the residential streets back to Nevada Way at the northeast preiphery of downtown. I would take a short out and back walk to the Boulder City Lake Mead Overlook. Then I would walk back to the downtown where I sat on a bench in Wilbur Square Park (where Art in the Park is held) overlooking the Historic Business District where the hike concluded. Recently I complemented the walk with lunch in Tony's Pizza. Therefore, I give Sun Dial Park four stars in lieu of three on account of real life experiences of where it has been a component amungst components that make up a four star downtown Boulder City walking experience.

I requested an estimate for chipping out and re-plastering the 16' x 30' pool that's 8 1/2 feet…read moredeep, scraping off and replacing the cool deck, putting a double coat of paint on the cool deck, and replacing both lights one in the deep end and one in the shallow end. The estimator came out within a couple of days gave me an estimate of about $14,000 to do the entire job. I got two other estimates and they were within $100 of each other. Although I decided to wait until a few of my CDs matured so I can withdraw money from my account, I was impressed with the speed and accuracy of the estimate. All three estimates come in basically at the same price, but the guys from Poseiden were very nice and so helpful and friendly. They came over, looked at my pool looked at what I wanted asked me a few questions and came up with a decent price for all the work I needed to do. I'll update this when I get the job complete and can tell you more about what kind of a job they did.

We thoroughly enjoyed our pool project with Poseidon Pools and Spas! From concept to completion,…read more Heather and Mike provided creative guidance, education and patience every step of the way. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of our beautiful pool!

Boy Scout Canyon can be a 4 or 8 miles round trip depending on the vehicle you have and how far you…read morewant to hike. I've done it both ways and I prefer the shorter version. To get there, drive to Boulder City and continue straight on Nevada Way to Utah Street. Do NOT head for Hoover Dam. Make a right on Utah Street and follow it until it ends at the Boulder City garbage transfer area. Turn right onto a graded road and follow it for less than a mile. You'll see a left turn for a gun range. Turn left here and follow this road for a short time. There is another turn to get to the gun range. DO NOT take that left turn. Continue to the next left and then go down a steep hill that runs along the south side of the gun range. You'll soon enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Inside the fenced area is where you park if you do not have a 4x4. This will make your hike 8 miles round trip. If you do have a 4x4, continue driving down the wash for another two miles. The rocks are sharp in places and close to each other, so drive this with care. At the end of the 2 miles, you'll come to the trailhead--a place that's wired off so vehicles can't go any more. Park here. From here, follow the wash as it heads to the Colorado River. The rock formations are amazing and the views are great! At about 1/3 mile from the trailhead, you come to a 15 foot dry fall that's easy 3rd class. The best side to scramble down is on the left as you're looking down the wash. Take care, but this isn't a hard down climb. As you near the end of your wash, the canyon narrows and soon you come to the end of this part of the hike. The end is a 20 foot dry fall you can only get down using ropes. There are some hooks in the rock above, but I would not recommend you do this. At the bottom of the dry fall is a pool like area in which I've never seen water. Beyond this small pool is a high pour over that's more than a 300 foot drop. Enough said. You don't need to explore down there! The next part of the hike entails retracing your steps about 3/10 of a mile. Look to your left as you're hiking back and you'll see a use trail leave the wash and go up a hill. Follow this trail which has some ups and downs and eventually it will lead you to a magnificent view of the Colorado and the Black Canyon Wilderness area. This is a good place to have a snack and take photos. When you're done, go back to the wash and head back to your car. This is a great hike with lots of pretty vistas. Wear hiking boots and take water. A Camelbak is best! Happy hiking!

I did a little UYE hiking action with Norm K and August C last weekend. I won't reiterate all of…read morethe useful information that Norm has already listed. If you need directions to the trailhead, I refer you to his excellent review. I found this hike to be pretty easy. There is one scramble down (and back up) a 15-foot spillover in the wash. Other than that, it's a very gradual descent toward the Colorado. You don't actually make it all the way to the river on this hike. There is a 25-foot dry fall that basically serves as the end of this out-and-back hike. Even if you decide to brave that drop, Norm says there is a 300-foot drop waiting for you just moments ahead of that. Instead of pressing downward, we backtracked and found our way up to a ridge where we had a great view of the river and the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. All told, we hiked about four miles. Of course, the hike could have been longer if we didn't drive the two miles down the wash until the point where they prohibit vehicles. That's probably the one thing that would prevent me from doing this hike again. Most of the "road" is fine, but there may be parts where having a 4x4 is recommended. I probably won't ever do this hike again, but it was an enjoyable morning and I'm grateful that I can cross it off my (nonexistent) list.

More Art in the Park:…read more In downtown Boulder City [1] a hop up Colorado Street from Wilber Square Park [2] where the annual Art in the Park Festival [3] is held the first weekend of October is more Art in the Park in the tiny Reflections Center sculpture garden. A couple of Saturdays ago, I spent a few minutes of solitude here. In similar style to downtown Boulder City, Reflections Center is charming. When I visited it on a recent Saturday morning, I was one of only a few people to appreciate its charm. I hold the opinion that few people outside of Boulder City are aware of its existence. It was a couple of years ago while I was touring downtown Boulder City in my car on the way to Lake Mead National Recreation Area [4] that I became aware of this sculpture garden. This sight became a mental bookmark. A couple of Saturdays ago I was up for a park combination (combined with Veteran's Memorial Park) over a long hike. In the Boulder City Starbuck's, I saw that my Yelp friend Renee. N created this business listing with an informative review and pictures. The mental bookmark was about to transition into a real life experience The first thing I observed was that the majority of the parking is off Railroad Street in a residential neighborhood. However, there is a small parking lot by the residential building in the center of the property. This is where I parked. This is a good thing because; I became aware of a small community garden. It is my understanding that local residents plant and maintain the plots in the garden. Fronting some of the green parcels are the names of some of the people involved in the community garden. What I found cute was the library box that looks like a giant bird house on a pole. Now, if I had parked on Railroad Street at the east side of the house, I may not have been aware of the community garden at its west side. I spent a few minutes touring the sculpture garden that showcases an obelisk and 7 sculptures that supposedly rotate every year. As I toured along the concrete walkways I set eyes on what appear to be wire sculptures. They included an eagle, giraffe, dolphin, cow, and "Shooting Star Sculpture" by John Banks (2012). They blended in with the well-manicured xeriscape garden. You can follow my footsteps on a virtual tour through the pictures below. While touring the sculpture gardens, I also took in the plaques. One of the plaques stated this interesting fact: "This garden attracts migratory and native birds of Southern Nevada. It is a part of the Great American Bird Count." The obelisk is the focal point of Reflections Center. The plaque has an interesting description that explains the name Reflections Center. It pays tribute to the people and events that built Boulder City and the Hoover Dam. The later part of the plaque summarizes the spirit of the sculpture gardens best: "The inscription (is) dedicated to: those individuals and their triumphs and sacrifices who originally forged this environment; tose (sic) individuals who subsequently have conscientously (sic) molded it; and those individuals yet to come, who will be entrusted with its future sculpturing. May these ever-changing reflections...remind us of the past, enlightn (sic) the present, and guide us to the future." Reflections Center was a nice way to spend a few minutes between Starbuck's and Veteran's Memorial Park [5]. If you are considering touring Reflections Center, I highly recommend combining it with another Boulder City attraction. If an adventure were food, Reflections Center makes a nice appetizer before the entrée. Links: [1] https://www.yelp.com/biz/city-of-boulder-city-boulder-city?osq=Boulder+City [2] https://www.yelp.com/biz/wilbur-square-park-boulder-city?osq=Wilbur+Square+Park [3] https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Art+In+the+Park&find_loc=Las+Vegas%2C+NV&ns=1 [4] https://www.yelp.com/biz/lake-mead-national-recreation-area-boulder-city [5] https://www.yelp.com/biz/veterans-memorial-park-boulder-city Virtual Picture Tour Below:

While driving around BC, we came upon this little park. There is not a lot of information but it is…read moreobviously a sculpture garden and it is a nationally certified garden to help preserve monarch butterflies. It is not a very big space and I think I counted 7 unique sculptures. I especially loved the giraffe and the bird like tall sculpture. It appears that the center or park has been here a while as the sculptures look dated. There is an obelisk that is dedicated to the builders of Hoover Dam and Boulder City. Being a former resident of BC, I had never seen this little park before but glad we came upon it. There are plenty of park benches surrounding the center so you can sit down, relax in the sun and reflect!

It is well-known that the construction of Hoover Dam has its roots in the vicinity of Boulder City…read more It is hardly known that the teddy bear cholla also has its roots in the vicinity of Boulder City. In this review, I will share with you the grove of teddy bear cholla that stand in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Boulder City. The teddy bear cholla lives in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Northwest Mexico. A teddy bear cholla forest is an uncommon sight in the vicinity of Las Vegas. There are two locations where I am aware of teddy bear cholla thriving. It is off Nevada State Route 165 in Nelson and this very spot that I am reviewing. The teddy bear cholla is an adorable cactus. It stands up-right and tree-like. From February to June they are decorated with colorful flowers. I strongly suggest doing this hike in late April and early May. The teddy bear cactus grows to an average of 3 feet, which is the size of a Star Wars Ewok or teddy bear. On that account they are known as teddy bear cholla. Their adorable appearance could be deceiving. From a distance they are charming. Up close their needles and balls of needles on the ground could turn an admirer to a victim. In a way they are back stabbers. My admiration of the teddy bear cholla forest dates back to 2005, when I got my car shortly after moving here from the East Coast, when hiking research was conducted at Border's Books. This research planted the seed for an annual hike into the cholla teddy bear forest. The best way to describe this hike is to visualize a triangle. The bottom left corner would be the River Mountains Loop Trail [RMLT] Pacifica Way trailhead. The bottom right corner would be the Alan Bible Visitor Center. The hiker has the choice of using any two of these trailheads. The point of the triangle would be where the RMLT intersects with the power line road that runs uphill to the teddy bear cholla forest turnoff. The triangle itself is the River Mountains Loop Trail. From the tip of the triangle a line running northwest would be the power lines road. This is the layout of the hike. I will discuss my previous hike utilizing the RMLT via Pacifica Way trailhead. There will be no problem getting a parking spot. Huge parking lot. The hike follows RMLT to MM 26.5. It is a beautiful paved trail with spectacular vistas of Lake Mead and the River Mountains. Because it runs on the former railroad, it is an unofficial extension of the Railroad Tunnel Trail. I have posted tips & pictures [concerned about 5,000 word limit]. After MM 26.5 where there is a sharp right curve, look for a valley, and make two lefts. The power line road is a gradual uphill climb. The trail texture is kind of rocky. I have done it in sneakers. When you walk the trail count the power lines. At the 13th power line, which is pole #57 [or X14441], turn left. There will be a sign saying "Authorized Vehicles." You are near the forest. The grove of trees will soon be on the right. What is neat is that the hiker is observing the forest instead of walking in the forest. This eliminates getting spiked by the cactus. The teddy bear cholla forest is in a valley that is so off the beaten path. I will usually sit on a rock, take in the teddy bear cholla forest and mountains before closing my eyes for a bit. The walk back on the power line road extends the adventure. The hiker, now on a downhill trail is rewarded with spectacular views across the Hacienda Hotel into Arizona. Beyond power line 48, a mesmerizing vista of Lake Mead appears. This will be near power line #45, where the hiker will make two right turns to get on the RMLT. The walk back on the RMLT is slightly uphill. When I wallk this stretch I have been rewarded with wildlife sightings that have included squirrels, big horn sheep, and birds. The hike will go fast. If you want an extended hike, I recommend parking by the Hemenway Valley Park off Villa Drive, right off MM 28 of the RMLT. This is a popular spot for big horn sheep sightings. If this review influenced you to experience the teddy bear cholla forest, and you were impressed my Great Outdoors list has other special places in the Great Outdoors in and around Vegas. This is review 75 of the Daniel. S Yelp 100 Challenge

This place was not worth the walk over. It's an area full of the cholla cactus. We had walked over…read moresince we were hiking in the area of seven dry falls canyon, we had been advised to bring some pliers. We were a little confused, but we brought needle nose and regular pliers. Well, we quickly found out why. The pieces of the cactus are all over the ground, you can't even walk through the area without one attaching to you. We had one person, (it was a man, of course, because a woman wouldn't be dumb enough) that decided to check out the forest up close and personal, and ended up with balls of cactus up and down his legs, shoes and a gnarly one that was in his hand pretty good. The pliers came in handy. I would not tell anyone to go out of their way to come check this area out, unless you have a love for cactus.

Review #600 For…read moreReview 600 I am writing about a beautiful land of nature adjacent to the Las Vegas Valley. It is the River Mountains. When we think of the nature wonderlands adjacent to Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area come to mind. The River Mountains often gets overlooked. It is the range of mountains bordered by the City of Henderson to the west, Boulder City to the south, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the east and north. The River Mountains Loop Trail is the non-motorized beltway around the River Mountains. The River Mountains is a nature wonderland that I have escaped to for years to improve my physical and mental health. It has been my nature therapy you can say. My escapes into the River Mountains started from my hikes along the 35 mile River Mountains Loop Trail and hiking up Red & Black Mountain. This review shares the greatness of the River Mountains. Hopefully I will convert you to falling in love with the River Mountains. The River Mountains is a nature wonderland where teddy bear chola cactus stand tall in a valley near Lake Mead. This is a beautiful serene Valley where it is easy to doze off with the sole sounds of a gentle wind and distant airplanes. The River Mountains is a nature wonderland to rise above it all. It's Red & Black Mountain is an open space up in the stratosphere with breathtaking views of Boulder City, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Lake Mead. The River Mountains is where the big horn sheep come to play. The River Mountains is one of the most important areas in Nevada for the big horn sheep. They congregate at Hemenway Valley Park in Boulder City. I have also seen them in the central Valley of the River Mountains on the unpaved Lake Mead National Recreation Area Powerline Road. The River Mountains is a nature wonderland of fascination. With its open spaces, clean air, and picture postcard Mountains I feel more conscious. Whether it's a rock up near Black Mountain that resembles an alligator rock or a Magic Tree near mile marker 12 of the Loop Trail, the River Mountains amazes me. The Magic Tree is a place where I have prayed and let out my soul. The valleys off the Loop Trail in the remote reaches of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area are where I go to explore the unseen. When I follow the sun through a remote wash I explore with the fascination of a travel writer. This hiking season a high priority is to hike the wash in the backcountry near the Teddy Bear Chola Forest. The River Mountains is a beautiful backdrop to a sunset. Some of my favorite meditative walks in nature include a sunset turning Red Mountain orange. Deeper in the night I have enjoyed walking along a dark segment of the River Mountains Loop Trail in Henderson taking in the moon and stars over the hushed Mountains with the mesmerizing carpet of the Las Vegas Valley below. The River Mountains is a 5 star backyard of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area. I highly recommend seeing it from the various segments of the River Mountains Loop Trail where there are washes and valleys that connect to the River Mountains. A nice day would be to watch the bighorn sheep in Hemenway Valley Park, then walk South on Valley Drive to the River Mountains Loop Trail (in this area parallel to US 93). From here you could hike Lake Mead bound to the Teddy Bear Chola Cactus Forest spur or Bootleg Canyon bound to Red & Black Mountain. From my experience the best time to watch the big horn sheep is around dinner time. I highly recommend exploring this five star backyard of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area. Into my 600th Yelp review the River Mountains amazes me just as much as it did when I was exploring it with a dumb phone years before yelping. I guess a nature wonderland is like fine wine that gets better with age. With that said, a toast to the River Mountains.