Black Velvet Canyon
Black Velvet Canyon offers challenging technical climbs, steep river narrows, and remote desert scenery within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
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Geography
| Address | Black Velvet Canyon, Lake Mead, NV, USALake Mead Parkway |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Arizona–Nevada |
| Subregion | Southwest United States |
| Country | United StatesUSA |
| State | NevadaNV |
| County | Clark County |
| District | Lake Mead National Recreation Area |
| City | HendersonLas Vegas |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 36 |
| Longitude | -114.7 |
| Maps |
7:15 PM LOCAL TIMEBlack Velvet Canyon is a dramatic, steep-sided gorge carved by the Henderson Creek and located on the south side of Lake Mead just east of Las Vegas. The canyon is known for high-quality trad and sport climbing routes on sandstone, with popular lines named for their boldness and technical difficulty. Visitors approach from the nearby park roads or by boat-access routes on Lake Mead, then scramble down to reach the canyon floor. Beyond climbing, the narrows feature whitewater rapids, punchy pools, and stark desert landscapes that reward careful planning and respect for rugged conditions. The area sees relatively light visitation outside of climber peaks, offering a sense of solitude and a chance to connect with the raw desert environment.
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