ABSTRACT

Roughly two-thirds of the way down the 1,450-mile Colorado River lies a gorge in the landscape called Black Canyon. For naturalists, hikers, and paddlers, it is an interesting and challenging place to spend an afternoon, day, or week. The area is arid, picturesque, and without human intervention would be a long way from nowhere. Nearby is the Grand Canyon and patches of the river that are ideally suited for rafting and kayaking. Canyon walls soar hundreds of feet and are patrolled by bald eagles and rare California condors. Wildlife such as bighorn sheep and coyotes, and reptiles such as rattlesnakes and Gila monsters are native to the area as well. It is also the location that was chosen for the Hoover Dam roughly 80 years ago.