Vegas outdoors

PART II: FUN ON THE WATER

No worries, there's plenty of H2O here in the desert ― from Lake Mead and the Black Canyon area of Lake Mohave. State 146, State 147, and U.S. 93 lead into the Lake Mead National Recreation Area; www.nps.gov/lame or 702/293-8990.

Paddle your own

Boulder City Outfitters. These veteran paddlers are the go-to folks for rental canoes and kayaks. Head downstream along the Colorado. Rentals from $45 for self-guided tour, $150 per person for guided tour; www.bouldercityoutfitters.com or 702/293-1190.

Get a guide

Evolution Expeditions Kayaking. Guided tours for all levels in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Choose from 2-hour paddles around Lake Mead to half-day jaunts on the Colorado River to the full-day, 11-mile trip downstream, which begins at the base of Hoover Dam. From $85; www.evolutionexpeditions.com or 702/259-5292.

Sit back

Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures. Let a motor-assisted pontoon raft do the work while you and up to 35 other folks float the Colorado. You'll miss the hot-springs stop, but your arms will thank you later. 3 to 3 1/2-hour trip; $83; www.blackcanyonadventures.com or 800/455-3490.