In our opinion, kayaking Horseshoe Bend as an overnight trip is the best option, as you can take your time, really soak in the beauty of the canyon, and enjoy the peaceful serenity of early morning on the river, before the waters become busy with motor boats and other kayakers. So many people see Horseshoe Bend from the top but so few see it from the bottom! But the Colorado River below the dam and its Lake Powell, became a Mecca for 'yakking individuals, families and groups. But it could seem a bit intimidating to anyone newer to kayaking/paddle boarding. But we were definitely taking our time because it was so beautiful. The ancient etchings are of the bighorn sheep that frequent the cliffs across the river. Two Outliers may contain affiliate links we only recommend products we personally use and love. Hi! All are very rustic sites, although there are fire rings and pit toilets. His advice is to pull over to a sand bar during a rain shower. Please call Kelly Outfitters for availability (48 hours ahead is preferred): 602-510-5511. We hope that our experiences will help you plan for your next adventure and inspire you to be an outlier! Camp overnight at one of five primitive campgrounds. Don't miss an adventure! The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. . We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). This kayaking experience is everything! A backhaul boat taking kayaks down the Colorado River. I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! We did an overnight camping trip on this 15-mile section between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. It takes about 30 minutes to get from the Lees Ferry boat ramp to the drop-off point. Choose the Perfect RV for you with thisFREE E-Book. In addition, here are some other places to camp near Horseshoe Bend. Trail - Sand and sandstone. Slowly floating around the bend, with nothing but the sound of birds chirping and water rippling as you soak in the stunning view of Horseshoe Bend from the Colorado River is a purely magical experience! Kayaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River is a unique way to experience one of the Southwests most famous viewpoints! Best of all, however, are the resident wild mustangs! You would not be able to make it to Horseshoe Bend and back in one day (18 miles total). You drift pretty fast on the river so its much easier paddling than Antelope Canyon, especially if the wind comes up on Lake Powell. About. During both time periods specifically October through early November and late March through early May the days are warm and the nights cool. They fill 3 boats of ~6 people in 15-minute intervals; all departed on time. For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. No need to pay $10 for a view of Horseshoe Bend from the top, when you can see it from the inside. This topic probably caused more stress for me and my crew than any other. For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! Another approach is to camp at Lees Ferry Campground and just plan for one long day on the river. Paddle downstream from Glen Canyon Dam for 2-3 hours. I want to be a part of an exclusive group of kick-butt woman and supportive men. Bottom line: pack as light as you can. Our float ended up being just 1 night which was perfect and Terry showed me the best areas to fish. Thanks! The weather was kind of cruddy and he offered blankets to keep us warm while it was raining and hailing. One can expect a paddle from the Petroglyph Panel drop point to take approximately 4-6 hours to paddle around Horseshoe Bend and back to the Lee's Ferry parking area. We found an isolated campsite with an amazing view of the moon rising over the canyon. I bet you were glad you didnt see her when you were camping in the open! A must taste trip to your exploration of Arizona. Avoid whirlpools, as they may make your kayak tip over, If strong wind gusts or rain move in, take cover by getting over to a riverbank as quickly as possible and taking cover until conditions calm, There are plenty of bathrooms, campgrounds, beaches, and other places to stop on the route while youre kayaking Horseshoe Bend. Each year, millions of people flock to Horseshoe Bend for selfies and other awesome photos from the top. Give them plenty of space and do not attempt to touch or feed them. . And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion!!! The Antelope Canyon hike begins at the landing. Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. . #sequoianationalpark #superbloom #nationalparkphotography #wildflowers #waterfallhike #sequoia #getoutside #nationalparkobsessed, Just really, really happy to be here. Goodness! In fact, we decided well go back next year and camp! I like the sounds of an extended trip like that. The company owns the adjacent Horseshoe Bend Farm, on which it donated a 360-acre conservation easement to Conserving Carolina in 2003. . Promise you'll have a much better experience! In that time Ive helped thousands of people kindle a love of nature and outdoor adventure. . Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend. Ive not been on the official Antelope Canyon hiking tours, but I felt this hike to the very lower part of the canyon rivaled those hikes with fewer people and the ability to explore on your own. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For more information, read mydisclosure statement. It's not easy, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of beating crowds. They have singles and doubles. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. . The guide came by in a boat a few times so I also knew I could call him if I had any issues.The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 1 is that it wouldnt let me book just one person I had to book two. PRO TIP: theres a freshwater spring that pours into the river directly beneath the lookout point at the top of Horseshoe Bend. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. Theyre also both on the peninsula that forms Horseshoe Bend. Heres what I take: For information on kayak camping gear check out my post on the best sea kayaking camping gear. . . 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. Pack out everything you pack in. Youll want to make reservations online in advance, especially on the weekends, as the backhaul time slots tend to fill up. During the summer, expect extreme heat with highs often in the 90s and no shade during the day. Ah I would love to do this! If you've been looking for an excuse to get out and hike or visit those national and state parks that have been on your list for awhile, here it is! Thank you! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I had a lot of questions before our crew of six embarked on this adventure. Take lots of water with you. Its about 85 miles upstream from the Grand Canyon on the same river that carved it. 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. Do we have to start at 6am Bc we will be traveling from Sedona and plan to drive back same day. Send me Awesome RV Guides, How To's and Travel Tips! Yes, Waterholes Canyon is accessible from the east bank of the river (left as you head downstream) at around the 4 mile marker. . . While the current typically isnt very strong, it definitely helps take some of the effort off your shoulders. He dropped us off above horseshoe bend (at our request), gave us a brief our kayaks and then said you should check out the petroglyphs right there before you head it., Kayak Horseshoe Bend (Marble Canyon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway, Hotels near Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge (Blanche Russell Rock House), Fishing Charters & Tours in Marble Canyon, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Marble Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway: Tickets & Tours, Dunn's River Falls & Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios, Intro to Scuba Diving in Lahaina (Swimming Ability Required), Paragliding Tandem Experience From Dajti Mountain, 1-Day Kisoji, Nakasendo Trail Tour: Tsumago & Magome Post Towns, Atlanta Ghosts: Hauntings, Ghouls, and Phantoms of Atlanta, 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Admission Ticket in Chicago. . But dont forget to soak up your last few minutes in this beautiful canyon! The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. ; a shuttle) to go upstream and get dropped off wherever you wish. For kayaking on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Page makes a good base. more, Multi-day Tours Taxis & Shuttles Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours Boat Rentals Day Trips. Highly recommend! Upon arrival the boat captain Jim welcomed me with a smile and offered to keep an eye on me. The hike to Horseshoe Bend overlook begins at the parking lot south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center off US Highway 89 and takes about 40 minutes or less to trek. If its at your back helping you along, that can be a good thing but if youre heading into it, youll be struggling to make progress the whole time. February 23, 2022. We brought our small backpacking tent, and had no trouble fitting it in the kayak. I had brought my own equipment and needed hauling service to paddle the river, I was also hesitant to paddle 13 miles of the Colorado River by myself but after talking to Kayak Horseshoe Bend owner Wendy who took the time to explain how safe it was to paddle it by myself, I signed up for it, my only retreat I have is not doing the full river paddle from Glen Canyon Dam. The wind that funnels up the canyon in the afternoon and evening affects paddling and sleeping. Dont count on finding wood at your intended campsite. As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! Its also a fantastic alternative to whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. . You can buy a pass at the permit vending station upon arrival. However, after the pandemic hit and we embarked on a permanent road trip, we found ourselves living in southern Utah for several months. There were several long stretches where we didnt paddle at all, and instead just leisurely floated along, taking it all in. Perhaps we were just tired and sunburnt by this time, but we found Waterholes Canyon to be somewhat underwhelming. 1.1 Miles, 1.8 Kilometers (0.8 Miles, 1.4 Kilometers inside the canyon) Elevation Change. Theyre labeled on this map. in all your own gear. Using the backhaul service, it's possible to kayak the entire 16 miles from Glen Canyon through Horseshoe Bend and back to Lee's Ferry in one day. It's a quick moving river ride and you won't even have to paddle. Petroglyph Beach, the most popular launch point for kayaking Horseshoe Bend. Our shuttle boat is designed for speed and comfort. 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. The . 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. We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. First of all, this kayaking trip was EPIC because of the location alone- its seriously an Arizona must do. For a longer river trip: Click here for turn-by- turn directions or GPS uses . I definitely want to kayak here, it seems like the most self sufficient way to go, and the most cost effective. By this point, youre going to be hot, tired, and ready to be back at your car. 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! It was a glorious night in the intensely quiet canyon. I've traveled all different kinds of ways, from backpacks to tents to a 33 foot travel trailer. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. Elevation highpoint on Trail - 4373 feet. However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping . . Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks sounds amazing! It depends on where we drop you off, but for most people, you can do the whole river in 6-8 hours with a stop or two on your way down. Youll even have enough time to visit Horseshoe Bend fro above in the morning! Other companies will help you strap them to your car, but I really didnt want to tie boats on top of my rental car. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. Because the Glen Canyon Dam is located 7 miles upriver from Horseshoe Bend, Lees Ferry is the only access point if you want to boat or kayak to Horseshoe Bend. I appreciate you! Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. They seem indeed to be forms of immortality standing here among the transitory shapes of time." I saw several people in other companys less stable boats take an unintentional swim. If you like quirky, roam around the property to find a working piano at the community fire ring in the back. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. The 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. There are several good times to kayak Horseshoe Bend. No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. What a treat! This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. I've been living on the road for the better part of five years. From there, its approximately 10 miles back downstream to the boat launch. Can you kayak around Horseshoe Bend? . While itd be pretty cool to say youve camped at Horseshoe Bend, wed recommend the campsites at miles 8 or 11 if you want to avoid some of the crowds and the ensuing search for a good camping spot. (You can see it in the upper right corner of the video frame at the beginning of the video clip.) Thanks. The last campsite before Lees Ferry is located at mile 6. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including . Required fields are marked *. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. Aside from the rustic, boat-in campsites at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, there are several campgrounds and campsites in the general area. At mile 13, there is a trail located on the righthand side of the river that leads up and out of the canyon. If youre an experienced kayaker and up for a challenge, you could kayak 6 miles up river on day one, spend the night at 6-mile campground, and continue 3 miles upriver to Horseshoe Bend in the morning before heading back down river to Lees Ferry. Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . Famous sites are well worth seeing, but once you do, find lesser-known hikes, get away from the main areas for lunch, and seek hidden gems to catch sunset. Our backhaul boat captain recommended we do the shorter Petroglyph Beach route, because in late fall you have very little sunlight in the canyon itself and it gets very cold. Its hard to describe exactly where each spring is located, but I can tell you that there are at least two each on river right and river left (when facing downstream) between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Watch for the parking lot on the west side of the road at mile marker 544, just before entering the town of Page. Both kayaking trips are accessible to anyone with prior paddling experience. f you want to paddle the Colorado River Marble Canyon these are the people to call. It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. Dont miss an adventure! You definitely want to pack lightly, but you should be able to bring a tent as long as you stick to the necessities. Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. Most view it from above during a trip to Page, Arizona. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. The summer months are extremely hot and sunny, with daytime temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. Visit on weekdays if possible. 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. The Bears Den B & B is one of the nicest places in Page. Here's how to do an easy day kayak through the beginning of the Grand Canyon. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend at a Glance. We used Kayak the Colorado for our outfitter. Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal includes his list of top 50 natural wonders. I brought my own kayak but a couple of my friends rented from the same company we hired for the backhaul shuttle Kayak The Colorado. Each site is large and well-marked. Ive done the research and made the trip. Depending on how long/far you want to paddle, they'll drop you off at an appropriate place upriver. SUP of a lifetime! One of the guys also brought along some short 6 x 6 leftover scraps of wood from a work project. 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. We rented a boat on Lake Powell about a month ago but the water was too low to get there via boat. This post contains affiliate links. The Western Tanagers looked like they had spilled red food coloring over their yellow heads. Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon with Horseshoe Bend are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Ive been looking at the backhaul trip starting at mile 10 and was told itd be about 5 hours paddling but the Antelope Canyon trip might be a better fit and Id love your thoughts. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. My back haul captain was friendly and helpful. 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. early in the morning for a ride up the river to Glen Canyon Dam with your gear. Hoping for views like these, featuringno people or cars whatsoever? 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. From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. We did find a few twigs on the ground to help stoke the flames early on, but firewood was not abundant at the Ferry Swale campground. If the lot is full, staff will ask . The water is so crystal clear and reflects beautiful emerald green colors. They also rent single and double sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks and canoes. Note that Lees Ferry has a modern bathroom and there are vault toilets at each milepost except for the Glen Canyon Dam. Thanks for sharing! 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). Start your days EARLY or LATE. . If you choose not to use the backhaul service, the trip becomes significantly more challenging. Even early spring can be cold and unpredictable weather-wise and, in particular, windy. That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? Make sure you camp on a flat, previously disturbed patch of land and avoid trampling the fragile desert plants or cryptobiotic soil. It's a backhaul service, meaning they meet you at Lee's ferry and take you upriver in a powerboat to wherever you want to start, then you paddle back at your leisure. Contact kayakthecolorado.com to set up your trip. Its located on river right, roughly between Mile 11 & 12. Wow! We truly do not recommend anyone kayak Horseshoe Bend in the summer! #earthporn #icebergs #glacier #alaska #alaskagram #helicopterview #seward #travelgram #wheretonext, One of the most freeing, joyous feelings in the world What amazing views, this is definitely an adventure Id like to plan one day. 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. However, we nestled behind some bushes to keep from being sandblasted by the wind. On canyon kayaking trips you need to protect yourself and your gear from sun and water. It has a nice selection of restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. My daughter and I did a day kayak trip on Lake Powell into lower Antelope Canyon and then hiked into the gorgeous slot canyon. To combine those and then pair it with more kayaking and camping would be a dream. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! its at the top of my bucketlist for USA travel! It was great to see where we had paddled. The quality of their equipment and the knowledge and friendliness of the staff is unparalleled. For instance, the 4-mile Recreation Area confirms youre four miles upstream from the Lees Ferry launch site. Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, near Page, Arizona. We did about 3hrs which was perfect. This remote motel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the layered Navajo sandstone of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Ill let you know how that turns out. You saw a mountain lion from your boat!? To avoid taking a backhaul you will need at least 2 days to kayak to Horseshoe Bend and back. It was surreal to experience such a popular spot from the quietly flowing water below, away from the crowds at the rim of the canyon.