Distance. I loved my kayaking experience! They were also willing to take us up all the way so we could see Horseshoe Bend, but then drop us off farther down the river (we had children with us). And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! Each year, millions of people flock to Horseshoe Bend for selfies and other awesome photos from the top. #themeaningoflife #wildflowers #superbloom #sequoias #sequoianationalpark #kingscanyon #yosemite #outsider #wheretonext, "The Sequoias belong to the silences of the millenniums. We saw so many trout in the crystal clear water I wished I had a pole to catch dinner. The Colorado River current runs at about 3 mph. At mile 13, there is a trail located on the righthand side of the river that leads up and out of the canyon. Also surprised its still accessible despite COVID, I had just been assuming the closure meant you couldnt be on that land at all. Both kayaking trips are accessible to anyone with prior paddling experience. Ill definitely use them! Since its impossible to put in at the dam, the backhaul motorboat carried us, our kayaks, and camping gear upriver to a beach below the dam. To make things even worse, Arizona experiences monsoon season in July and August. We will definitely want to stay with Shash Dine EcoRetreat in the future. Page, Arizona is the best base for exploring these canyons. Promise you'll have a much better experience! 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. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. The . The Antelope Canyon kayak trip was sponsored by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks. During this time, unpredictable thunderstorms and flash floods are frequent, and theres a ton of humidity to deal with (yep Arizona isnt always dry!). From here youll find an awesome view of the bend from the opposite side, a sight that few people get to experience! This is probably the second most popular campsite, but is less crowded than the site at Horseshoe Bend. Aside from the rustic, boat-in campsites at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, there are several campgrounds and campsites in the general area. Visit on weekdays if possible. The ancient etchings are of the bighorn sheep that frequent the cliffs across the river. When you see the following landmarks, you can make a pretty decent guess about your position and progress along the route. We wanted to stay in one of their sheep wagons but it didnt work out this time. After 5 miles of kayaking, you will come upon the first campsite at mile 11. 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. To combine those and then pair it with more kayaking and camping would be a dream. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). Those trips require a commitment of several days and have waitlists exceeding 1.5 years! Hope you have a great trip, its such a beautiful spot! Send us an email and tell us you want to paddle Horseshoe Bend and want to reserve your kayaks, packrafts or paddleboards for OVERNIGHT. Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors, and perish. 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. The kayak experience was incredible - stellar views the whole way. As I rounded a curve on the river, I saw an animal moving slowly out of the brush toward the river. Beginner paddleboarders should only paddle on Lake Powell when visiting Glen Canyon for safety reasons. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. For more information, read mydisclosure statement. Beat them by being in the park at sunrise or waiting until 4ish pm. . We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. It can get quite buggy out there along the river, so youd probably be more comfortable with a tent than just a tarp. Yes, you can go to Horseshoe Bend by yourself as long as you're comfortable doing so. From showing the wild horses, to warning us about monsoon winds in the canyon, to handing out extra water bottles (bc Im not from AZ and failed to bring enough), we felt completely at ease because we knew he and his colleagues would be around and could be reached by phone or text if anything came up. Ive always wanted to do this! Want to Kayak the Colorado River and see the awesome Horseshoe Bend from the bottom? Thanks! It has a nice selection of restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. And Antelope Canyon is high on my to-do list. That was plenty for both an evening and morning fire. 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. The kayaks are stable sit-on-top boats. 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. As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! Youll want to make reservations online in advance, especially on the weekends, as the backhaul time slots tend to fill up. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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! Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. The river route goes around Horseshoe Bend, the iconic, most photographed viewpoint near Page. Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. Alternatively, you could kayak a few miles from Lees Ferry before turning back, but youd miss the highlight of the trip: Horseshoe Bend! Goodness! The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. I get claustrophobic in tight spaces but this canyon was fineso beautiful. The best time to kayak on the Colorado River is from spring through fall, around late March to late October. Hire a backhaul service (we went with Kayak the Colorado), who youll meet at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch at a specified time. The charming Lees Ferry Lodge at Vermillion Cliffs was our favorite accommodations of the whole trip. Once I got dropped off my epic adventure started, WOW. Tell us your favorite kayaking trip below! However, please continue to support the hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon run by the Navajo nation companies. Yes, Waterholes Canyon is accessible from the east bank of the river (left as you head downstream) at around the 4 mile marker. . . We stopped for the quarter-mile hike to the overlook at Horseshoe Bend on our way back to Page. If you like quirky, roam around the property to find a working piano at the community fire ring in the back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? February 23, 2022. The Arizona heat and sun exposure is no joke, and rescuers save people on the brink of death from dehydration or sun poisoning every single day. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. The only thing that can top this is the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! In October 2021, my dream of kayaking through Horseshoe Bend came true. 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. Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. However, note that some parks may not have full access due to seasonal roads or weather concerns. When we went in October, we seriously took our time, stopping for lunch and to take endless photos (including of grazing wild horses! Our float ended up being just 1 night which was perfect and Terry showed me the best areas to fish. Since I have zero experience with a stand-up paddleboard, I checked to see what others had to say on this topic. Here are a few companies that offer kayak rentals and backhaul services: We used Kayak the Colorado, and had a great experience, but each of the companies above offer similar services and prices. Don't make a mistake! Get off the beaten path! It depends on how far up-river you go, but generally 5-8 hours. 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. The 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. Posts may contain links to products and services I love. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get there. Dont count on finding wood at your intended campsite. As much as I browsed the web, I couldnt find answers to all of my questions. Glen Canyon Dam. Even the evenings often dont see temps lower than the 80s! . I'm glad you're here and hope you'll stay awhile! A campsite right at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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? The summer months are extremely hot and sunny, with daytime temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. 45 minutes - 65 minutes depending on how crowded it is. 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. We did about 3hrs which was perfect. 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. Have questions? OMG such a cool experience!! Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. On canyon kayaking trips you need to protect yourself and your gear from sun and water. They fill 3 boats of ~6 people in 15-minute intervals; all departed on time. Highly recommend! Kayaking Horseshoe Bend at a Glance. 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. Thank you for supporting my blog. However, we nestled behind some bushes to keep from being sandblasted by the wind. If you encounter them, remember that they are wild animals and therefore, unpredictable. Just around Horseshoe Bend is the mile 8 campsite. The first half of May and the second half of September into October is a fantastic time to visit many parks. Hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo lands are very popular. Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. However, if its truly the only time you can make it work, book the earliest possible launch time. Plan on the 15-mile trip taking between six and eight hours. If you opt to use a backhaul service, kayaking Horseshoe Bend is a moderately difficult trip since youll be paddling downriver the entire time. For more information, see our privacy policy. Paddle downstream from Glen Canyon Dam for 2-3 hours. Whats great about when you kayak Horseshoe Bend is that its an easy route even if you have exactly zero prior paddling experience. It worked out perfectly because I was able to fill up the three empty water bottles I brought along. Hi there - my wife and I are going to be in the area on our honeymoon and wanted to know how long in advance we needed to book a trip (2 inflatables, transport) for either March 10/11th of 2021? All Horseshoe Bend kayaking trips launch from the Lees Ferry Boat Launch in Marble Canyon, AZ, Beginning paddlers should start their kayak trip from Petroglyph Beach, while more experienced folks can tackle the entire length from the dam to Lees Ferry in one day, You can technically shuttle two vehicles and bring your own gear, like an, The water on this stretch of the Colorado is exceptionally calm, with Class I rapids (the gentlest), There are several little beaches, coves, and other places to safely stop or pull out of the water if you want to take a break, If you plan to camp overnight in Horseshoe Bend, keep in mind youll need to pack (and paddle!) . Both are all-day excursions. Choose the Perfect RV for you with thisFREE E-Book. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. This trip takes about eight hours, of course depending on the number of stops and how quickly you paddle. It's not easy, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of beating crowds. . Crowds are significantly lighter Mon-Thurs. Rental kayaks come with paddles and Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs. They use a numbering system that runs from 0 at the starting point (Lees Ferry) to 15 at the uppermost point (Glen Canyon Dam). its at the top of my bucketlist for USA travel! What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. It takes only a few minutes to hike up to the petroglyphs. Its located on river right, roughly between Mile 11 & 12. Category: Kanab Tags: adventure, kanab, kayak, southern utah, utah. Theyre also both on the peninsula that forms Horseshoe Bend. Thanks! 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. We started at 7 or 8 and probably could have done later. Its also a fantastic alternative to whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. 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. The Colorado River is incredibly calm here (Class I rapids), with just enough of a current to gently guide you downstream. . After Waterholes Canyon, continue for another 4 miles until you arrive back at Lees Ferry. But dont forget to soak up your last few minutes in this beautiful canyon! . Thank you! These cookies do not store any personal information. If you need a little adventure in your life, you can go kayaking between the two sites. The whole hike takes about an hour. Be the first to get access to this essential guide that will help you determine your dream set-up: Motorhome, Trailer, Tent, Van. The starting (and ending) point of all Horseshoe Bend kayak trips is the Lees Ferry Boat Launch. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Up top on the viewing point, hundreds of people try to get that perfect social media-worthy photo, but 1,000 feet below the rim, youll be peacefully enveloped by the sandstone walls with clear water all around you. I had never thought to kayak here before, but now I really want to! The best way to get started is to just put a firm date on the calendar, then used the resources above to start taking care of the details. Dont miss an adventure! . 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). 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. Instead, we checked in at the Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks well-stocked equipment store, picked out our lifejackets, and headed to the Antelope Point public boat launch. High winds do not make for an enjoyable kayaking trip, even in Horseshoe Bend! 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. This unique geological wonder is located on the stretch of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. You definitely want to pack lightly, but you should be able to bring a tent as long as you stick to the necessities. To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend is not only an epic adventure and the best way to skip the crowds at the wildly popular tourist attraction. The entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. 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Yes, campfires are permitted in fire rings only. 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. At the mouth of Antelope Canyon, the no-wake zone starts. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. . The logistics of the trip involve a backhaul boat trip up to below Glen Canyon Dam. It was a glorious night in the intensely quiet canyon. During both time periods specifically October through early November and late March through early May the days are warm and the nights cool. 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. Using the backhaul service, its possible to kayak the entire 16 miles from Glen Canyon through Horseshoe Bend and back to Lees Ferry in one day. 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. Odds are youve either been to, heard of, or seen photos of Arizonas famous Horseshoe Bend, a sharp curve in the Colorado River that carves a horseshoe shape into massive red cliffs. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Drop a note in the comment box below. To the left it continues to a dead-end in about 10 minutes; to the right, it opens up to a wider canyon. Take it slow and absorb all the wonder of drifting on clear water through the geologic story of the canyon. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! It also gets COLD in this area in the winter, as Horseshoe Bend sits at 4,200 feet elevation. The first downriver campsite at mile 14 is Ropes Trail. 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. Would it be possible to be dropped off not as far down the river for kayaking? Most view it from above during a trip to Page, Arizona. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. By this point, youre going to be hot, tired, and ready to be back at your car. . Send me Awesome RV Guides, How To's and Travel Tips! We want to hear from you! You can stay in a traditional Navajo hogan on a working farm. Thanks for sharing this adventure! They seem indeed to be forms of immortality standing here among the transitory shapes of time." Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. You can have them drop you off just upstream from Horseshoe Bend, or up closer to Glen Canyon Dam like my friends and I did. Biggest risk: water temperature. 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! My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience. It's fairly affordable to visit Horseshoe Bend. 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. Hi! Do you offer kayak rentals and transportation.. Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry? We slept out in the open under clear night skies. 300 Feet down then back up. However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping . We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including . The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. This is where KHB comes in. Start in Flagstaff, Arizona's third-largest city about two hours north of Phoenix. Out of curiosity, we attempted to paddle up river a few times, and it was not easy at all! In addition, we rent kayaks and other float craft. This company is amazing. In 2014, Paul Fiarkoski went on a hiking trip to world-famous Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Therefore, your smart phone will adjust as you travel through. For a few more amazing canyons in the Southwest to explore, visit this post. 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. This kayaking experience is everything! The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. 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! We opted for the Mile 6 campsite as we were thoroughly enjoying drifting along in the 2-mile an hour current under the 1000 feet sandstone cliffs. . . If you choose not to use the backhaul service, the trip becomes significantly more challenging. Thousands of people kayak the stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry every year with no issues. 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. Theyre often drinking from a shoreline or wading in the river to cool off, especially when its hot out. Combining two tips, if you must visit on a weekend, hit the popular sites early/late and spend peak hours at less-visited areas. Assuming you opt to use a backhaul service, youll be driven 16 miles upriver from Lees Ferry in a motor boat until you reach the Glen Canyon Dam. It was wild to look up and see the crowds on the canyon rim at Horseshoe Bend looking down at us. Arizona time never changes but nearby Utah and the Navajo Nation time zones do. Don't miss an adventure! The fee is $5 for motorcycles. We do short duration floats, day floats, and arrange for people to do multiple day floats while camping on the river. Looking for more great things to do in Kanab?
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