Alternatively, there are several camping areas along the shores of the Colorado River, meaning its possible to kayak Horseshoe Bend as an overnight camping trip. When I called the office for a straight answer, they told me that we'll be okay as long as each person brings no more than 100 pounds of total weight onboard - kayak, life preserver and paddle included. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. How long does the Horseshoe Bend hike take? This is by far one of the the most stunning places in the USA, the canyons are majestic, the waters clean and clear, there was wild life everywhere, huge trout, ducks and even ram, simply stunning! Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. How many hours is the total excursion? The first downriver campsite at mile 14 is Ropes Trail. Call now! For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. Posts may contain links to products and services I love. Other companies will help you strap them to your car, but I really didnt want to tie boats on top of my rental car. Get an early start to avoid afternoon winds and intense heat. 1.1 Miles, 1.8 Kilometers (0.8 Miles, 1.4 Kilometers inside the canyon) Elevation Change. We are coming out that way day before Memorial Day May 24th. Required fields are marked *. Get off the beaten path! Hola, no quiero perderme la experiencia pues se ve maravillosa, pero voy en febrero y con una familia grande, de diferentes edades y gustos, podramos encontrar actividades activas para los jvenes y ms tranquilas para los mayores? No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. Without a doubt, my favorite feature of this two-day adventure of the Colorado River was the tranquil spring-fed oasis shown in the video clip below. It was an awe inspiring trip which could have been scary but we knew we were covered with the help of KHB. It is highly unlikely that when construction of the 710 foot tall Glen Canyon Dam was begun in 1956 that there was much thought given to kayaking. We will definitely want to stay with Shash Dine EcoRetreat in the future. Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270 horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon. Hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo lands are very popular. Can I camp out overnight? But we were definitely taking our time because it was so beautiful. That was plenty for both an evening and morning fire. The backhaul service is very well run (they took us up to Horseshoe Bend - you also have the option to go up to Glen Canyon Dam). And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion! The best way to get acquainted with this stretch of river is to learn the mile marker system that boaters use. Instead of going all the way up the dam, have them drop you off just upstream of Horseshoe Bend itself, at whats known as Petroglyph Beach. Have an amazing time! They would periodically come by on the pontoons as we floated along, and this became particularly important when, just like he said could happen, the monsoon winds hit out of nowhere towards the very end of our route. Note that the boats leave from Lee's Ferry Launch, NOT Cliff Dweller's Lodge, which was a bit confusing from the instructions sent to us. Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . Shorten the downstream trip by about 3 hours by getting dropped off at Petroglyph Beach. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. I've traveled all different kinds of ways, from backpacks to tents to a 33 foot travel trailer. However, the backhaul companies have a separate dock so its easy to load. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. . It was wild to look up and see the crowds on the canyon rim at Horseshoe Bend looking down at us. How much does Horseshoe Bend cost? Make sure you have enough energy at the end of the trip to drag your boat back up the hill. Youll kayak back downriver to the boat launch to end your trip. The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! From the thousand-foot-high overlook, I noticed a few people on paddling kayaks on the river down below and the wheels in my head began to turn. We did about 3hrs which was perfect. For those who want to take their time, you can opt to stay the night at a campsite directly along the river, breaking your paddle up over two days. Remember to practice Leave No Trace when visiting Earth's spectacular places (and spending any time in nature at all), so that we can continue to enjoy them! There is a gas station and convenience store about 10 minutes from Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon. SUP of a lifetime! . This topic probably caused more stress for me and my crew than any other. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The backhaul service is very well run (they took us up to Horseshoe Bend - you also have the option to go up to Glen Canyon Dam). You should be able to book this on fairly short notice but a week before or longer if possible, would guarantee you the date and time that you want. ), plus a few bathroom breaks, and the route took us almost exactly seven hours. Squeee! Questions about visiting any of the slot canyons on the list? Each year, millions of people flock to Horseshoe Bend for selfies and other awesome photos from the top. That being said, this isnt a lazy river floating trip and youll still need to paddle so expect to finish the trip with sore arms and an aching back! Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. The 15-mile section of the Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam is mostly calm water with a few gentle rapids and plenty of places to pull over and take breaks. Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. I loved my kayaking experience! Distance. Its also possible to do a 10-mile day trip on the river but we wanted more river time on this gorgeous stretch of the Colorado. The map below displays each of the key sites, landmarks and campsites along the Colorado River from Lees Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam: After hopping on the backhaul from Lees Ferry, it takes about 45 minutes to boat up river all the way to Glen Canyon Dam, at which point its not possible to continue any further. Those trips require a commitment of several days and have waitlists exceeding 1.5 years! It was just enough to supply all my water needs for the two-day excursion. That said, its a river and special safety precautions should be taken by everyone. Horseshoe Bend as an overnight camping trip, Our Essential Backpacking Gear List & Spreadsheet, Moqui Caverns: Exploring the Kanab Sand Caves, Coyote Buttes South: An Epic Alternative to the Wave, Toadstool Hoodoos: An Otherwordly Hike near Page, How to Hike the Worlds Longest Slot Canyon: Buckskin Gulch, Adventurous One Week Road Trip in Arizona and Southern Utah, Toadstool Hoodoos: an Underrated Adventure, Grand Canyon Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail: Ultimate Hike Guide, How to Hike to Soldiers Pass Cave: Sedona, Az, Adventurous One Week Arizona to Utah Road Trip, Best Things to Do in Page, Arizona in One Day, 18 Best Things to Do in Escalante, Utah: A Complete Guide, How to Visit Stunning Laguna Humantay in Peru from Cusco, Experience a classic viewpoint from a different perspective, away from the crowds, Enjoy the beauty of the Colorado River and soaring canyon walls, Offers the chance to find solitude, although the campsites tend to be busy, Somewhat expensive to rent kayaks and backhaul service, Campsites tend to be crowded, so you wont have the backcountry wilderness experience you may be hoping for, Motor boats towing kayakers up river detracts from the peace and quiet of the river canyon, If you plan to camp overnight, be sure to. Highly recommend! You can take a backhaul service (i.e. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. The river was extremely navigable and I always felt safe. Keep an eye out for ospreys and eagles (look for their huge, impressive telltale nests!) . There is a herd of bighorn sheep that live in the area and often use the trail to climb down to the shores of the Colorado River, so keep an eye out even if you dont stop to hike! There are a total of five primitive campgrounds in the 15-mile stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. This is where the Grand Canyon begins at Marble Canyon just outside of Page, Arizona and a short trip from the Grand Canyon North Rim. Located just 10 minutes from Page, Arizona the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint that looks down over the Colorado River is wildly popular and attracts hundreds of visitors per day. To find it: Keep an eye out for a massive boulder on the right side of the river causing a large whirlpool that literally pulls you back upstream. Therefore, your smart phone will adjust as you travel through. As we made an early start on the river for the kayak trip in Glen Canyon around Horseshoe Bend, we stayed near Lees ferry only 10 minutes from the put-in. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. Located just minutes from the Lees Ferry boat launch is Lees Ferry Campground, the perfect spot to spend the night before your kayaking trip if you plan to get an early start. The only thing that can top this is the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! The question of "how long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend?" is almost like "how high is up?". The campsite at Horseshoe Bend is right on the beachy shore of the river, and tends to be the most crowded of the campsites along the Colorado. Yes, Waterholes Canyon is accessible from the east bank of the river (left as you head downstream) at around the 4 mile marker. That being said, the hike is a nice break from paddling and worth exploring if you have the time. Lake Powell and the surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are massive, so if you enjoy boondocking, youll find tons of free camping options on public land. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The canyon eventually reaches a fork which is a good turnaround spot. The last campsite before Lees Ferry is located at mile 6. Paddle downstream from Glen Canyon Dam for 2-3 hours. However, the 6 Mile campground is the last one before Lees Ferry so unless we wanted a 15-mile day trip, this was our last chance to camp. Ill definitely use them! As you travel upstream, the numbers get bigger; coming downstream, they get smaller. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. A normal float with a "stretch your legs" stop or two and maybe a quick swim for the kids is generally five to seven hours. At this point in the river, youre heading almost directly west. Our shuttle boat is designed for speed and comfort. Terry Gunn the owner, was totally agreeable to letting us use the 1 kayak we rented prior to our rescheduled float and we had a really fun day. . This unique geological wonder is located on the stretch of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. The most practical way to take on this adventure is to hire a backhaul service to carry you and your gear upstream from Lees Ferry. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend. The smooth undulating rock in reds and purples is like walking through a geological playhouse. #mountainair #mountaindrive #roadtrippin #jeepnation #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #wheretonext #letsgetlost. All campsites are first-come, first-served. . You can buy a pass at the permit vending station upon arrival. If you need a little adventure in your life, you can go kayaking between the two sites. #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #elcapitan #elcap #tiptuesday #sunsetchaser #nationalparkgeek #nationalparkobsessed #getoutside, There really are places that are so spectacular, it seems impossible they exist. We were completely blown away by the beauty of the canyon and the glass-like water of the Colorado River. Thanks for sharing this adventure! For kayaking on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Page makes a good base. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I travel extensively, I kinda like to hike and think of myself as "outdoorsy," and I'm a wannabe photographer. Ferry Swale campsite is next at 11 miles from the takeout at Lees Ferry. You can stay in a traditional Navajo hogan on a working farm. The Antelope Canyon hike begins at the landing. Thanks. more, Multi-day Tours Taxis & Shuttles Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours Boat Rentals Day Trips. The best part of the rental experience is that the company transports your boats to the put-in. All the designated campgrounds and Petroglyph Beach also have campfire rings. Youll want to make reservations online in advance, especially on the weekends, as the backhaul time slots tend to fill up. I've been living on the road for the better part of five years. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. Ive always wanted to do this! . I've tried it all. 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Kayakers at a campsite in Horseshoe Bend | Photo credit: Ivana Cajina on Unsplash. While its technically possible to kayak the Colorado River without the backhaul, we would highly recommend using it. However, if its truly the only time you can make it work, book the earliest possible launch time. Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. Continue paddling downstream on Day 2 with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. 300 Feet down then back up. We all worried about being told wed overpacked. Have you done this experience or do you have more questions? In total, there are about 130 steps inside Lower Antelope Canyon. I finally, and completely, checked Horseshoe Bend off my Arizona Bucket List. Experience canyon adventures in the Southwest USA including Kanarra Creek, Zion's Subway Canyon, Bryce, Antelope, Horseshoe Bend, and the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. Distance: 10 miles round-trip to Petroglyph Beach (5-7 hours) and 15-16 miles round-trip to the dam (8-10 hours; best as an overnight) Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. Seeing Horseshoe Bend in person is a magical experience, but imagine kayaking the Colorado River and being inside the iconic bend! After Waterholes Canyon, continue for another 4 miles until you arrive back at Lees Ferry. . For more information, see our privacy policy. . Thanks for sharing! Because it is north of Horseshoe Bend, the campsite at mile 11 tends to be the least crowded and still offers lovely views of the canyon. On one page of the website for the backhaul outfitter we hired, they referenced 30 pounds max carry-on weight. Large riverside decks, catering facilities available, gift shop, cafe, free parking. To savor the view a little longer, you can beach your kayaks at the Horseshoe Bend campsite and hike up the rock formation that forms the inside of the horseshoe. However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping trip! The water was so perfectly still in the morning, it was beautiful! Dont miss an adventure! We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. You don't have to have a . Beat them by being in the park at sunrise or waiting until 4ish pm. At mile 10, beach your kayaks and take a short hike to see Native American petroglyphs carved into the canyon wall. We brought our small backpacking tent, and had no trouble fitting it in the kayak. From there, its approximately 10 miles back downstream to the boat launch. Want to Kayak the Colorado River and see the awesome Horseshoe Bend from the bottom? The entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. You would not be able to make it to Horseshoe Bend and back in one day (18 miles total). About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. Both kayaking trips are accessible to anyone with prior paddling experience. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. We slept out in the open under clear night skies. Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon with Horseshoe Bend are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Page, Lower Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend Half Day Tour from Page, AZ, Half Day Tour of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon from Page Arizona, Upper Antelope Canyon Admission Ticket (Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours). . Kayaking Three Sisters Swamp on the Black River, Sea Kayaking to the Benagil Cave in the Algarve, Amazing Places in the Berkshires for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Best Cross Country Skiing Centers near Burlington, Best Kayaking Trip to See the Flamingos of Celestun, 6 Amazing Canyon Adventures in the Southwest USA. For the record, no scales were used to weigh our stuff when we boarded. It was from the upper vantage point that I first saw this natural wonder in 2019. Antelope Canyon is Instagram famous worldwide. During the summer, expect extreme heat with highs often in the 90s and no shade during the day. Also surprised its still accessible despite COVID, I had just been assuming the closure meant you couldnt be on that land at all. Boats rentals are located in Page and at Lees Ferry. The City of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get there. Highly recommend backhaul service and SUP rental! Please call Kelly Outfitters for availability (48 hours ahead is preferred): 602-510-5511. Given the cold water temperatures and high canyon walls that cast shade on the river, youll probably want to avoid the winter months of November through February.