The first downriver campsite at mile 14 is Ropes Trail. I definitely want to kayak here, it seems like the most self sufficient way to go, and the most cost effective. Arizona adventure writer shares insider tips to kayak Horseshoe Bend on Im actually going to Utah next week and will probably visit Arizona next year. Shorten the downstream trip by about 3 hours by getting dropped off at Petroglyph Beach. Here your captain will pull over on a sandy beach, help you get your kayaks into the water, and then youre off! Have an amazing time! You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. 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. The morning started off with us needing sweaters, but by late morning, we were perfectly comfortable in short sleeves and sandals. 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. The river route goes around Horseshoe Bend, the iconic, most photographed viewpoint near Page. These cookies do not store any personal information. How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend: Insider Tips From a Local Both are all-day excursions. Both trips were highlights and a magnificent way to explore the canyon country of northern Arizona. 1.1 Miles, 1.8 Kilometers (0.8 Miles, 1.4 Kilometers inside the canyon) Elevation Change. As I rounded a curve on the river, I saw an animal moving slowly out of the brush toward the river. How Long Does It Take to Kayak Horseshoe Bend To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. 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. Do we have to start at 6am Bc we will be traveling from Sedona and plan to drive back same day. And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? Have you done this experience or do you have more questions? Adventure for all ages and skill levels with half and full day whitewater rafting trips. . The logistics of the trip involve a backhaul boat trip up to below Glen Canyon Dam. After three days of hiking and wading in the turquoise pools beneath 100-foot waterfalls, his perspective of Arizona changed forever. The average time it takes to kayak Horseshoe Bend is about 3 hours. Arizona time never changes but nearby Utah and the Navajo Nation time zones do. Horseshoe Bend Rafting Experience | Best Half Day Rafting Trip AZ Your email address will not be published. There are a total of five primitive campgrounds in the 15-mile stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! Keep reading for my top tips on how to experience this epic adventure for yourself. Thank you! It worked out perfectly because I was able to fill up the three empty water bottles I brought along. Will it be safe taking a 11 & 12 years olds? Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. On one page of the website for the backhaul outfitter we hired, they referenced 30 pounds max carry-on weight. We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. Your hosts will take you by boat from Lee's Ferry to the starting point of the kayaking adventure just before Marble Canyon. They told us what to look for and discussed safety concerns. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. We hope that our experiences will help you plan for your next adventure and inspire you to be an outlier! For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. Wow! Enjoy! How To Kayak Glen Canyon? - Kayakaa Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do! flying overhead or diving to fish in the water, and scan the cliffs for bighorns. If the lot is full, staff will ask . The short answer is NO. We use cookies to give you a personalized, relevant browsing 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. At Lees Ferry there are docks and a boat ramp to launch your kayaks. But it could seem a bit intimidating to anyone newer to kayaking/paddle boarding. . Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors, and perish. The water is cold and youll have a safeguard against drowning. It looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect adventure. When we went in October, we seriously took our time, stopping for lunch and to take endless photos (including of grazing wild horses! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He IS a kayaker. Some of the most awesome kayaking in Arizona are trips to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ. Mile 8 and Mile 9 campgrounds are the most popular because theyre at roughly the midpoint from top to bottom. Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona In fact, we decided well go back next year and camp! Trust me, you wont regret the time and effort required to check this adventure off of your Arizona Bucket List. 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. Also, wear a good sun hat, slather on that sunscreen, and pack a ton of water. 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. Alternatively, you could kayak a few miles from Lees Ferry before turning back, but youd miss the highlight of the trip: Horseshoe Bend! The first one we discovered is located on river right about 1/4-mile downstream from where the backhaul service dropped us off. Continue paddling downstream on Day 2 with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. The rooms are well-appointed with a desert flair. 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). The canyon eventually reaches a fork which is a good turnaround spot. . You can safely expect to encounter wildlife while kayaking the Colorado River. . How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? The wind that funnels up the canyon in the afternoon and evening affects paddling and sleeping. 45 minutes - 65 minutes depending on how crowded it is. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Kayaking Glen Canyon was a highlight of our Southwest trip! Promise you'll have a much better experience! COPYRIGHT CHASING TRAIL 2022 Site Powered by Pix & Hue. 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. Hi Cyndi, I would recommend the Horseshoe bend kayak trip for kids. Manually set your time to the Phoenix time zone so you can show up to outfitters at the correct time. What does Kayak Horseshoe Bend provide in terms of gear and equipment? Questions about visiting any of the slot canyons on the list? You drift pretty fast on the river so its much easier paddling than Antelope Canyon, especially if the wind comes up on Lake Powell. Antelope Canyon is Instagram famous worldwide. . . If you get hot when its not raining, you can always splash the refreshing water on yourself to cool off. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to their use on this site. I'm glad you're here and hope you'll stay awhile! For instance, the 4-mile Recreation Area confirms youre four miles upstream from the Lees Ferry launch site. While its technically possible to kayak the Colorado River without the backhaul, we would highly recommend using it. The scenery was gorgeous and the trip was fantastic. Let us know in the comments below! They fill 3 boats of ~6 people in 15-minute intervals; all departed on time. Float or Paddle the French Broad River - Conserving Carolina A viewing platform was put in place to prevent people from getting too close due to an unfortunate act of vandalism in 2021, so please do not try to go beyond the rock wall. Watch for the parking lot on the west side of the road at mile marker 544, just before entering the town of Page. Kayak Horseshoe Bend (Marble Canyon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click or make a purchase through any of them. Its little effort for maximum adventure! This family-owned company rents kayaks, paddleboards, and packrafts in Page. When you see the following landmarks, you can make a pretty decent guess about your position and progress along the route. If youd prefer slightly cushier accommodations to round out your adventure kayaking Horseshoe Bend, there are plenty of options. I bet you were glad you didnt see her when you were camping in the open! It is really an easy float, can be done as a long day trip but we chose to do an overnight and got to camp just below the Horseshoe Bend overlook. The kayak experience was incredible - stellar views the whole way. There are several campsites along the way. 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. 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). We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. We are coming out that way day before Memorial Day May 24th. At mile 10, beach your kayaks and take a short hike to see Native American petroglyphs carved into the canyon wall. Below are some of the things I wish I had known before the trip. I've traveled all different kinds of ways, from backpacks to tents to a 33 foot travel trailer. No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. The entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. Be the first to get access to this essential guide that will help you determine your dream set-up: Motorhome, Trailer, Tent, Van. Cascade Raft & Kayak (Horseshoe Bend) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Backhaul - Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals 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. I was practically swept into the spot by a whirlpool when I was hugging the right bank to make way for a powerboat cruising upstream. The one-way paddle to the landing for the canyon hike is about 2.5 miles and takes 1.5 hours. I was glad to have a stable boat when the waves from power boats on Lake Powell bounced the kayaks around. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. No matter what season you go, youll encounter far fewer people on weekdays than weekends or holidays. If you do experience heavy winds, find a spot to pull over for awhile and see if you can wait it out. How difficult is the kayaking trip? Related: Read this before you go see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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 amenities youll find at the campsites along the river are a composting toilet and a metal fire ring. Don't miss an adventure! From the public boat launch, it is a half-hour paddle to the mouth of Antelope Canyon. There are several outfitters that offer kayak rentals and backhaul services right at Lees Ferry. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River is a unique way to experience one of the Southwests most famous viewpoints! 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. How long does the Horseshoe Bend hike take? To the left it continues to a dead-end in about 10 minutes; to the right, it opens up to a wider canyon. It has a panel of petroglyphs behind the outhouse that is worth seeing. Take lots of water with you. The first part involves walking over sand through a wide canyon. Ive been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century. Youll want to make reservations online in advance, especially on the weekends, as the backhaul time slots tend to fill up. 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. Thanks for sharing this adventure! Perhaps we were just tired and sunburnt by this time, but we found Waterholes Canyon to be somewhat underwhelming. 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. However, a kayak trip to where Lake Powell meets the bottom of Antelope Canyon is a unique way to experience Antelope without a canyon tour. Experience the 15 miles of Horseshoe Bend Rafting Trip in just a half day with AdvantageGrandCanyon. Get off the beaten path! . 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. It also gets COLD in this area in the winter, as Horseshoe Bend sits at 4,200 feet elevation. We are going kayaking next week from petroglyph beach. The boat trip up to the dam is about 45 minutes. Give them plenty of space and do not attempt to touch or feed them. Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal includes his list of top 50 natural wonders. early in the morning for a ride up the river to Glen Canyon Dam with your gear. Want to Kayak the Colorado River and see the awesome Horseshoe Bend from the bottom? 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 kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including . The Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam flows through ancient canyons on emerald green currents. It takes about 30 minutes to get from the Lees Ferry boat ramp to the drop-off point. Horseshoe Bend Trail: Complete Guide for Your Visit Side note: this is also why we took a bit longer to finish our paddle, but we were 100% okay with that! Those trips require a commitment of several days and have waitlists exceeding 1.5 years! We meet the Kayak the Colorado outfitters at Lees Ferry launch. . Each site is large and well-marked. Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. Hi! We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! Its a popular campsite with some shade. We did about 3hrs which was perfect. Kayak Horseshoe Bend's shuttle boat is loaded with kayaks and personal boats that can be rented or purchased. It was an easy return of the gear as we could just leave it at the takeout with the outfitters at Lees Ferry. . If all else fails, you can get fresh water there. 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.

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