Black Canyon Wilderness

The power of water and time is nowhere more clearly articulated than on the walls, cliffs and buttresses that comprise the Black Canyon Wilderness. Countless millennia of the Colorado River's diligent carving have created a landscape of sheer cliff walls towering over narrow slot canyons, waterfalls smoothing and cutting deeper into the limestone, and immense walls dominating the terrain. This wilderness is as rugged as they come. Navigating the meandering canyons can be intimidating and confusing, so take your time and be aware of where you are. The utmost care must be given to every step when traversing and down-climbing the chutes. There are spectacular views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead if you are willing to navigate the rolling hills and cliff edges. Hot springs are a popular attraction, best accessed from the river; the water seeps from the cliff walls and rolls down the rock, growing thick mats of algae and ferns reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. Designated in 2002 and managed by the National Park Service.