
Kayaking Black Canyon from Willow Beach
Season 2 Episode 1 | 6m 2sVideo has Closed Captions
Kayaking Black Canyon: serene paddle, stunning views, and peaceful escape near Las Vegas.
Join Maria as she learns kayaking with Michelle from River Dogz, then paddles from Willow Beach with Nature Therapist Kyle “Loa” Ellis of Hike Las Vegas. Glide through Black Canyon’s tranquil waters, where stunning scenery, gentle currents, and peaceful moments create the perfect outdoor escape just outside Las Vegas.
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Tales from the Trails is a local public television program presented by Vegas PBS

Kayaking Black Canyon from Willow Beach
Season 2 Episode 1 | 6m 2sVideo has Closed Captions
Join Maria as she learns kayaking with Michelle from River Dogz, then paddles from Willow Beach with Nature Therapist Kyle “Loa” Ellis of Hike Las Vegas. Glide through Black Canyon’s tranquil waters, where stunning scenery, gentle currents, and peaceful moments create the perfect outdoor escape just outside Las Vegas.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipToday we are going on a kayak adventure in search of peace, beauty and a mental reset.
Just about an hour from Las Vegas, Willow Beach is a scenic spot along the Colorado River between the Hoover Dam and Lake Mojave in the Black Canyon area.
It's known for its crystal clear waters and dramatic desert cliffs.
The area is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and offers a peaceful escape with access to hiking trails, boat rentals, and so much more.
My first meet up is with Michelle from River dogs.
She's going to get me ready to paddle the Colorado and stay safe.
So let's talk about kayaking.
Yeah, kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy the Colorado River.
But it's all about safety, obviously.
Safety first.
Yes.
Always wear a life vest.
I don't care where you're at.
Please wear life vest and have a buddy sy.. Bring a friend, hang with a guide, or tell people when you're coming and going and when they expect you back.
We're going to go over just a little quick little brief here.
This is our paddle here.
Hey, this little bone.
You always want to face away from you.
Okay.
The long angle on top.
Do shoulder width apart.
A lot of people go wide to short, shoulder width apart.
Thumbs on top.
Get those thumbs out of there.
Everyone goes under and you create blister.
Okay, I don't want that thumbs out.
Thumbs up.
You want to concentrate on long strokes.
So you want to reach towards your toes because you're sitting in your kayak and pull all the way to the back of the boat or your hip.
Okay?
At the same .. So pull and push, okay.
Pull and push.
Yes.
Turning.
You make a little wide curve.
Okay.
And stop.
Just put a little resistance in the water.
Drag back paddles.
Easy.
Put it up the back.
Push towards those toes.
I can see that you're very passionate about this.
When was this passion ignited?
When you realize.
You know what?
I love being out on the water.
Yeah, well, I grew up in Colorado, exploring, boating, fishing, snowboarding, snowmobiling.
And this just happened to be in my backyard, and I was snowboarding at Lee Canyon or local mountain and found some river guides.
And I said, I want to do this outside in the cool water.
Any other advice?
Hydrate.
Have fun.
Take lots of p.. Don't fall out.
Okay, now that I've got the basi.. fellow adventurer and nature therapist.
Lower.
This was an early morning paddle.
It was so quiet and peaceful.
It was also a great opportunity to get to know Lola a bit better.
He has a wealth of information and a giving thought.
It made the adventure even more meaningful.
Oh, I just think I need to let get to get out.
Paddling along the Colorado River at this time of day.
It's so beautiful and peaceful.
Looking out over these waters is something that must.. It is absolutely beautiful and it's all in our backyard.
Love.
Hello.
And I st.. Tell me about nature therapy.
It's something I really believe in and it's so beautiful.
It is so nature therapy.
Therapy, healing.
Immersing yourself in nature to promote, mental health, physical health and your emotional state.
It's supposed to elevate you into a more positive state of being.
And it is when you're out here, you feel it again.
I always tell people that it's so good for the mind, body and soul.
It is.
It's holistic prac.. It's an extension of you, and you should probably take the time to get to invest and know your surroundings.
Mother nature, beautiful.
Yes.
And I read something on your, Instagram.
You're very active on social media, which is wonderful because you're educating people about nature therapy.
And one of the things I read was that, it said something about nature being our nature is our teacher, and my work is to facilitate the experience in nature for you to, take something away.
And I think everyone should have the recommended dosage of nature in their life.
I agree, I love it, I'm all about .. Where are we going next?
I do want to take this overlook over here.
Let's go.
I'm.
I'm.
Like, my heart.
If I leave it happy heart.
Big smile on my face.
Good, good.
Then look at this.
Look at this, I know.
Sorry to leave.
Yeah.
Take it all in.
Being able to get out and enjoy and explore Southern Nevada.
I can tell you it's so good for the mind, body and soul.
And meeting amazing nature enthusiasts like Michelle and Lo, I just makes my heart so happy.
I can tell you that we can all benefit from a little nature therapy.
So go out there, explore, enjoy nature, the outdoors, go on your own adventure.
Until next time, I hope to see you out on the trails.

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Tales from the Trails is a local public television program presented by Vegas PBS