Willow Beach sits on a bend of the Colorado River, about 12 miles south of the Hoover Dam on the Arizona side of the state line. The beach is technically part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and requires a park pass to enter.
🚣 Fun on the Water
Willow Beach is popular for swimming, kayaking, and boating with rentals available at the marina. Fishing is allowed year-round. If you prefer to let somebody else do the work, Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures organizes motorized raft tours, beginning with exclusive access at the base of the Hoover Dam before traveling south on the river.
🏖️ Beautiful Scenery
Willow Beach is known for its cold, clear blue waters and scenic location within the walls of the Black Canyon mountains. The beaches themselves are small with a mix of sandy and rocky terrain. To appreciate the area from a distance, pull over at the scenic overview on U.S. 93. It’s almost like gazing across a mini Grand Canyon.
🛶 Emerald Cave
Emerald Cave is an incredibly popular stop on the Black Canyon National Water Trail, with gorgeous green water that gets notoriously congested with kayakers and boaters, especially on weekends.
⛰️ Beyond the Beach
The Arizona Hot Springs and Liberty Bell Arch are popular hiking destinations. However, trails are closed during summer due to the excessive heat. Flash flooding is also a cause for concern during monsoon season.
🍔 Hanging Around
Willow Beach Harbor has seen its share of improvements over the years with a campground, parking lot, shaded picnic areas, grills, and a gift shop that sells supplies and snacks. You can also order burgers and other breakfast and lunch bites at the Black Canyon Grill.
Have you been to Willow Beach? Share your thoughts and other summer bucket-list ideas in our survey on how to stay cool this summer ☀️
