Blue Velvet Canyon, Lake Mead National Recreational Area, Arizona

I am surprised that nobody else has questioned if there were more canyons in the Black Canyon range of Lake Mead NRA. The two 'new' canyons we found are very scenic, have narrow corridors, rappels into the Colorado River, and a lot of fun rappelling. I think they are among the best for the region.

These canyons are on public lands and there is no hazardous conditions or sensitive artifacts within the canyon or its proximity. People will continue to be curious about their lands and continue to explore them. This canyon was a short canyon that went directly into the Colorado River south of AZ hot springs. The rappels were all less than 100 ft in length.

You can see the river from the top of the canyon with over 80 percent of the canyon left to go through. It's not a big descent but you go through narrow corridors and get a chance to see some excellent views of the Colorado River. There are all natural anchors throughout. Thank goodness nobody has bolted this canyon. This is a true hidden gem — exit via AZ hot springs just 0.4 miles away. Also known as Holy Water Canyon by those who first descended it.