Our captain (Captain Luke) was very nice and extremely knowledgeable and helpful, pointing out interesting things along our ride upriver and landmarks so we would know how far we had gone on the paddle back. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. 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. Approximate hiking time - 30 minutes to an hour. Horseshoe Bend Trail: Complete Guide for Your Visit About. To the left it continues to a dead-end in about 10 minutes; to the right, it opens up to a wider canyon. However, you do need either an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) or a pass for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($30). Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend. Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona Keep an eye out for ospreys and eagles (look for their huge, impressive telltale nests!) Love it. How Long Does it Take to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? Kayak Horseshoe Bend in Arizona: Rentals, trips on Colorado River What an amazing sight! We are coming out that way day before Memorial Day May 24th. Ive done the research and made the trip. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. The vast majority of people start their day between 8am - noon. This kayaking experience is everything! The petroglyphs shown here are located about 1/8th of a mile hike from a beach landing just upstream from Horseshoe Bend on river left (lefthand side if youre heading downstream). 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. Seeing Horseshoe Bend in person is a magical experience, but imagine kayaking the Colorado River and being inside the iconic bend! But only a small fraction of adventurers get to experience the views from river level. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. We use cookies to give you a personalized, relevant browsing experience. Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. Any tips I missed? It worked out perfectly because I was able to fill up the three empty water bottles I brought along. Just around Horseshoe Bend is the mile 8 campsite. We are going kayaking next week from petroglyph beach. You must bring your own firewood and pack out everything. They will man there own kayaks and kayak back home on ponds. But 1,000 feet directly below the viewpoint, others know that the best way to enjoy this spectacular area is to kayak Horseshoe Bend (yes, those tiny specks you can see from above are kayakers!). We did an overnight camping trip on this 15-mile section between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. Ive been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century. A Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend 'the Right Way' Give them plenty of space and do not attempt to touch or feed them. The best part of the rental experience is that the company transports your boats to the put-in. The . You can take a backhaul service (i.e. With the river flowing, if the kids are tired of paddling with you they can just hang out. The weather was kind of cruddy and he offered blankets to keep us warm while it was raining and hailing. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. Below weve compiled a few other resources on great things to do in the southern Utah northern Arizona area near Page and Kanab: Which Utah slot canyon would you add to our list? What amazing views, this is definitely an adventure Id like to plan one day. For a fee, Lazy River Outfitters offers tubing, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as shuttles to the Horse Shoe River Access Park. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. SUP of a lifetime! You can stay in a traditional Navajo hogan on a working farm. Backhaul - Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals But the Colorado River below the dam and its Lake Powell, became a Mecca for 'yakking individuals, families and groups. 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! The next 2 campsites are on Horseshoe Bend with views of the teeming hordes of tourists atop the cliffs across the river. This is where youll board your backhaul boat along with all your gear, then head up to the point upriver where you start your paddle. When we went in October, we seriously took our time, stopping for lunch and to take endless photos (including of grazing wild horses! Below, well describe in more detail each section of the kayaking trip, starting at mile 16 and working our way back to Lees Ferry at mile 0. The route finding is easy and the paddling distances are reasonable. Want to read about more adventures you can do? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. If you choose not to use the backhaul service, the trip becomes significantly more challenging. No reservations are available. 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. While its technically possible to kayak the Colorado River without the backhaul, we would highly recommend using it. 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. What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. 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. In addition, we rent kayaks and other float craft. email info@kayakthecolorado.com or give a holler 928-856-0012. Thank you! ), plus a few bathroom breaks, and the route took us almost exactly seven hours. A backhaul service will transport your kayak up the river and then take you down, allowing you to complete the whole trip in six to nine hours, depending on the conditions. Continue paddling downstream on Day 2 with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. 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. Yes. Kayaking 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. Parking Fees. The river route goes around Horseshoe Bend, the iconic, most photographed viewpoint near Page. 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. If youd prefer slightly cushier accommodations to round out your adventure kayaking Horseshoe Bend, there are plenty of options. 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. I am heading back for a day trip with a couple of my girlfriends in a couple weeksMay 2022 but this time I am paddleboarding. . There are organized kayak or paddleboard tours that go to Antelope Canyon but we opted to rent boats and do it ourselves. Don't miss an adventure! We were happy to take that recommendation and enjoyed a much more leisurely paddle kayaking the Colorado River. This was one of the best things Ive ever done or probably will ever do on a trip and I would HIGHLY recommend that you book with them (go see Horseshoe Bend from above first, and then youll appreciate seeing the ants looking down on you as you paddle.). It was a wonderful day trip from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, after the pandemic hit and we embarked on a permanent road trip, we found ourselves living in southern Utah for several months. within walking distance of downtown that sleeps 10, 12 Best Short & Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park, The Wave Arizona Lottery: Winning a Permit in 2023, Unforgettable Yellowstone Glamping: Yellowstone Tipis, Telluride Camping Guide + 10 Epic Campsites Near Telluride, 7 Spectacular Waterfalls in Costa Rica You Need to See, Alyeska Hideaway | Charming Log Cabins in Alaska, Essential Guide to the 2023 National Parks Annual Pass, Fun & Unique Places to Stay in Florida: Kokomo Farms, Grewingk Glacier | Unforgettable Alaska Glacier Hike. We slept out in the open under clear night skies. 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. 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). This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! 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. I hear there is slot canyon hike between horseshoe bend and lees ferry. The short answer is NO. The charming Lees Ferry Lodge at Vermillion Cliffs was our favorite accommodations of the whole trip. The day before you go come to the shop at 836 Vista Ave, Page AZ 86040, and pick up your gear after 3 pm. How to Kayak the Colorado at Horseshoe Bend, How to install a Roof Top Tent on a Truck Bed, How to do the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike. He also told us how to signal a passing boat if we needed help and gave us a number to text in case of emergencies. In other words, you could technically bring your own kayak and put-in near Lees Ferry in the winter, but youll have to either coordinate your own vehicle shuttle or paddle upstream as well as downstream. These cookies do not store any personal information. I saw several people in other companys less stable boats take an unintentional swim. These two kayak trips give you a chance to not only see but experience the iconic landmarks of the canyon country of northern Arizona. We'd planned to kayak Lake Powell into Antelope Canyon but sounded crowded, and then we heard about this alternative from Shash Dine, where we stayed. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Dont miss this kayak trip through the free-flowing section of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. Crowds are significantly lighter Mon-Thurs. We were not prepared for the cold trip up the river to the drop off point (it was warm away from the river), but they had warm and comfy blankets for us. The backhaul costs $75 per person and sit-in hardshell kayaks were $35 per day. Glen Canyon. This remote motel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the layered Navajo sandstone of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. You can book a horseshoe bend backhaul trip completely online by clicking the green button on this page or call us at +1(435) 275-2925 to book over the phone. It isnt at all necessary to camp overnight to enjoy kayaking Horseshoe Bend, but thats definitely a more leisurely way to take in the beauty of it all. Although I was new to the area and unsure about finding the dock, the guides were very communicative and helped me locate the spot. Keep in mind, you dont need to camp along the river. Glen Canyon Dam. Kayak the Colorado provides kayak rental and backhaul taxi services to Horseshoe Bend and the dam. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? Boats rentals are located in Page and at Lees Ferry. . Dont count on finding wood at your intended campsite. Most view it from above during a trip to Page, Arizona. Were Sarah and Matt, two nomads road tripping across the United States with our cat, Fitzgerald, making a new place our home month to month while working full time and adventuring as much as possible. This is a steep and challenging mile hike, which requires use of a rope to pull yourself out of the canyon, so its not recommended if you have a fear of heights. kayaking can be challenging, but these views make it so rewarding! If you like quirky, roam around the property to find a working piano at the community fire ring in the back. 300 Feet down then back up. No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. The average time it takes to kayak Horseshoe Bend is about 3 hours. . It's not easy, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of beating crowds. I loved reading this so much! Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. We saw so many trout in the crystal clear water I wished I had a pole to catch dinner. Best time to kayak horseshoe bend. Float or Paddle the French Broad River - Conserving Carolina do not leave it unattended, make sure to put the fire out before you go to bed, etc). And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. The dam is a major source of hydroelectricity, but more importantly helps maintain an equitable water supply and . 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 do short duration floats, day floats, and arrange for people to do multiple day floats while camping on the river. Contact kayakthecolorado.com to set up your trip. Take it slow and absorb all the wonder of drifting on clear water through the geologic story of the canyon. The summer months are extremely hot and sunny, with daytime temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. The Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam flows through ancient canyons on emerald green currents. In fact, we decided well go back next year and camp! 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? Any advice? Get an early start to avoid afternoon winds and intense heat. To Kayak Horseshoe Bend, you will start from Lees Ferry, located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 50 minutes from Page, Arizona and 1 hour 30 minutes from Kanab, Utah. We were debating whether we could make it back when Troys colleague (Im told his name was LR) showed up and we opted to just jump back on the pontoon to be safe. And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion! But, as stated above, if you don't have all day, ask your boat captain for suggestions on . However, if its truly the only time you can make it work, book the earliest possible launch time. Find out everything you could possibly want to know about kayaking Horseshoe Bend in this comprehensive guide, written by an Arizona local whos done it! PRO TIP: theres a freshwater spring that pours into the river directly beneath the lookout point at the top of Horseshoe Bend. Camp overnight at one of five primitive campgrounds. For years Ive seen those beautiful photos of horseshoe bend and want to visit so badly, but I never dreamed of being able to get that close and actually kayak it. . Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This looks like so much fun. Theyre often drinking from a shoreline or wading in the river to cool off, especially when its hot out. No special pass or permit is required to kayak this stretch of the Colorado River; however, a National Parks Pass is required for all activities in this area known as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which spans sections of northern Arizona and southern Utah. It was great to see where we had paddled. There were several long stretches where we didnt paddle at all, and instead just leisurely floated along, taking it all in. For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. Will it be safe taking a 11 & 12 years olds? For kayaking on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Page makes a good base. It should go without saying, but please be respectful, and do not touch, carve or vandalize these precious remnants of Native American history in any way. Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . The canyon is sooooo beautiful!!! Its very cold and hypothermia can set in quickly. Whats great about when you kayak Horseshoe Bend is that its an easy route even if you have exactly zero prior paddling experience. Every turn was a new panorama of red walls and emerald water. We loved this trip with kayak the colorado at Horseshoe Bend and would highly recommend it to anyone. Please build a fire only in the metal rings and be sure to practice safe campfire etiquette (ie. Visit on weekdays if possible. We offer kayak rentals and transport you and the kayak from Lees Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam and you float back to Lees Ferry. You don't have to have a . Questions about visiting any of the slot canyons on the list? From here youll find an awesome view of the bend from the opposite side, a sight that few people get to experience! . Thanks for sharing this adventure! . I was glad to have a stable boat when the waves from power boats on Lake Powell bounced the kayaks around. The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. After the mountain lion took a lengthy drink, it slipped back into the bushes and out of sight. The first downriver campsite at mile 14 is Ropes Trail. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including . Thanks for sharing! But did you know that you can escape the crowds and experience Horseshoe Bend by kayaking on the Colorado River?! No idea why this isn't better known, but what an amazing experience! The question of "how long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend?" is almost like "how high is up?". Required fields are marked *. 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. It was an awe inspiring trip which could have been scary but we knew we were covered with the help of KHB. Thank you for supporting my blog. A backhaul taxi to Horseshoe Bend is a motorized boat that carries people, watercraft and gear upstream from Lee's Ferry to the base of the Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend or anywhere along the Colorado river. Out of curiosity, we attempted to paddle up river a few times, and it was not easy at all! Its cool to see Horsehoe Bend from the top, but I assure you many more amazing views and experiences await you down at river level.

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