This tour explored the Lower Colorado River where virtually every drop of the river is allocated, yet demand is growing from a myriad of sources — increasing population, declining habitat, drought and climate change.

The 1,450-mile river is a lifeline to 40 million people in the Southwest across seven states and Mexico. How the Lower Basin states – Arizona, California and Nevada – use and manage this water to meet agricultural, urban, environmental and industrial needs is the focus of this tour.

This 3-day, 2-night tour traveled along the Lower Colorado River from Hoover Dam to the Salton Sea and the Coachella Valley. Along the way, experts discussed challenges related to what is the most contested, beloved for recreation and meticulously managed rivers in the USA.

The tour began in Las Vegas (with an optional start in Ontario) and ended at Ontario International Airport.

What attendees said about this tour:

“This tour was so well put together. You guys did a spectacular job. The topics were relevant, the speakers good, the other participants fun and knowledgeable. You could offer consulting services on how to do tours!”

“Being able to visit places most can’t, with a good explanation – Copper Basin in particular.”

“Great range of speakers. Great to meet fellow tour participants. Interesting locations to visit. Intensive (in a good way).”

Stops Included:

• Hoover Dam, featuring a private facility tour  
• Central Arizona Project facilities 
• Havasu National Wildlife Refuge 
• Copper Basin, Gene Pumping Plant and other Metropolitan Water District of Southern California facilities 
• Farms in the Imperial and Coachella valleys 
• The Salton Sea 
• Warren H. Brock Reservoir and the All-American Canal

Topics Included:

• Drought conditions and shortage criteria in the Colorado River Basin
• Lower Basin state perspectives – Arizona, California and Nevada
• The Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA)
• Warren H. Brock Reservoir and lining the All-American Canal
• U.S.-Mexico Minute 319
• Agricultural water use, drainage issues and salinity
• The Colorado River Basin Study
• Endangered species and the Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
• Salton Sea restoration
• Climate change

Pricing Details:

​Regular Price – $790 (one-person single occupancy room)

Early Bird Price – $765 if you registered online by March 5. Click on the Eventbrite button above.

Fee included all tour meals, transportation, materials, snacks and hotel accommodations once the tour began. Participants were responsible for their own transportation to and from the tour’s beginning and end point.

Tour Start and End Point:

This tour traveled from Las Vegas to Ontario International Airport.

There was a travel option to begin and end the tour in Ontario for $900. A bus left Ontario on April 4 and arrived in Las Vegas that evening. Accommodations on April 4 were provided as part of the additional cost.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

Deadline to cancel and receive a full refund is two weeks prior to the first day of the tour due to hotel, meal and transportation bookings. Substitutions are allowed up to three business days before the tour.

MCLE and Other Continuing Education Credits:

Continuing education credits may be available for an additional fee for attorneys and water plant, wastewater plant operators, and other vocations/professions.