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The Grand Canyon can be located around 4 hours away from Las Vegas in Eastern Arizona. This spot is well known for its incredible views and unbelievable experiences. Although nothing you can look at on the internet truly represents the sheer beauty and unpredictability of the Canyon! Although this may be one of the most adventurous places to visit be sure to bring all the correct safety equipment as this could be a very dangerous trip in parts. Also, make sure you have a permit and you’re allowed to SUP in the area you plan to visit; otherwise you might find yourself in a spot of bother. If you don’t have your own board there are a few local rental companies so don’t give up before you’ve started.
Best Spots to SUP in the Grand Canyon and Near by
Grand Canyon
This is for experienced riders only! If you have the correct passes and safety equipment, enough food and water and you’ve been riding confidently for years then it is up to you just how far down the Grand Canyon you decide to go. There are some amazing views and this truly is a once in a lifetime experience. You may have seen images online of people paddling on the astonishing Havasu creek, it may seem too good to be true because it is!
To reach this spot you would either have to make a 36-mile Hiking trip whilst carry your Sup or you would have to spend a week or two paddling down the Colorado River. Although it’s possible, we wouldn’t recommend it. If anything the Grand Canyon itself is enough of an adventure; remember you can make this a camping trip as well if you organize it properly. Most SUP grand canyon trips are supported, meaning you need a truck to help you move all your gear to the location.
Note: Paddle Boarding in the grand Canyon requires a permit, please see details here.
If going all out on the above SUP adventure sounds too much, here’s some locations near the Grand Canyon that can offer similar scenery
Lake Mead
If you want to experience the magnificence of the Grand Canyon without the long trip then Lake Mead might be right for you. The man-made reservoir was built to supply water to Las Vegas and parts of California and has done a good job so far. Although the lake has been shrinking and has lost over 4 trillion gallons of water in the last 14 years, at the time of its creation in 1935 it was the largest man-made reservoir in the world. Desert adventure offer Paddle boarding on the lake (link below) they have to ACA level 2 SUP instructors so are perfect for anyone who hasn’t used a paddleboard before as well as being able to help more experienced riders improve as well. http://www.kayaklasvegas.com/sup_lake_mead/index.html
Salt River
This spot is great for any SUP(er) as you get to explore the Sonoran desert as well as the amazing river environment. This is a great opportunity to have a relaxing workout in the water and improve your Paddling skills. The tour guides will do their best to give you extra information on the surround areas and answer any questions you may have (should you decide to book a tour). From this spot, there will be some amazing views of the Mountain/s and you might even catch some of the wildlife whilst on the trip! Don’t forget to try and persuade Family and/or Friends to join you on this trip; especially because of the group discounts that Arizona Outback adventures offer (link below).
https://aoa-adventures.com/stand-up-paddle-board/
If you get the opportunity to go paddling in any of the spots above make sure you take full advantage of it. They are all owe inspiring although be sure you are prepared with the correct safety equipment and enough food and water to last your trip! We hope this article has given you an insight on Paddleboarding in/around the Grand Canyon! Oh and don’t forget the suncream whatever you do.
Image credits: nrs.com, wikipedia
