We are a company that shuttles people (back-hauls) and their Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs, and Rafts upriver from Lees Ferry into Glen Canyon below Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. . This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. I love kayaking and especially in unique places like this. Get off the beaten path! To get to Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north approximately 125 miles. Beginner paddleboarders should only paddle on Lake Powell when visiting Glen Canyon for safety reasons. The starting (and ending) point of all Horseshoe Bend kayak trips is the Lees Ferry Boat Launch. In the opinion of our backhaul boat driver, the summer months are the best time to make this trip because of the added excitement that monsoon rainstorms bring. Ill definitely use them! Let us know in the comments below! From the public boat launch, it is a half-hour paddle to the mouth of Antelope Canyon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for sharing this adventure! Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do! early in the morning for a ride up the river to Glen Canyon Dam with your gear. The trail is a 1.5-mile . 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. This is where KHB comes in. 6-mile campsite is the first campsite upriver from Lees Ferry so you would have to make it at least 6 miles on the first day. To avoid taking a backhaul you will need at least 2 days to kayak to Horseshoe Bend and back. Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona By this point, youre going to be hot, tired, and ready to be back at your car. The next 2 campsites are on Horseshoe Bend with views of the teeming hordes of tourists atop the cliffs across the river. To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. 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. . The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. The river was extremely navigable and I always felt safe. 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. What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. 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. Ive yet to see one anywhere but I often feel like maybe their eyes are on me when I hike in Arizona. Theyre labeled on this map. They seem indeed to be forms of immortality standing here among the transitory shapes of time." Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. For kayaking on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Page makes a good base. As much as I browsed the web, I couldnt find answers to all of my questions. Best Time of Year to Kayak Horseshoe Bend, Half Dome Lottery Guide | Hike the Epic Cables Route. Squeee! 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At the 10 mile marker is a day-use area with an impressive wall of petroglyphs down a short trail. It's a quick moving river ride and you won't even have to paddle. It has a panel of petroglyphs behind the outhouse that is worth seeing. Leave no trace. I've traveled all different kinds of ways, from backpacks to tents to a 33 foot travel trailer. That being said, the hike is a nice break from paddling and worth exploring if you have the time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. #sequoianationalpark #superbloom #nationalparkphotography #wildflowers #waterfallhike #sequoia #getoutside #nationalparkobsessed, Just really, really happy to be here. For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. Even though Arizona law doesnt require adults to wear a life vest while paddling, you should still consider wearing one for kayaking Horseshoe Bend. We were very pleased with the service Bobby and Brady provided. 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. Antelope canyon looks like another world. 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? If you need a little adventure in your life, you can go kayaking between the two sites. 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. We are planning on kayaking and camping Horseshoe Bend in May and I was wondering how long it took you to paddle out from the mile 6 campsite the next morning? Horseshoe Bend. He assisted me with deciding the best distance to kayak. . Every turn was a new panorama of red walls and emerald water. During the spring and fall, you can expect cooler but generally mild temperatures, although conditions can vary and snow is possible. I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! COPYRIGHT CHASING TRAIL 2022 Site Powered by Pix & Hue. Start your days EARLY or LATE. They use a numbering system that runs from 0 at the starting point (Lees Ferry) to 15 at the uppermost point (Glen Canyon Dam). Before long, you can see the viewing platform and crowds of people at the rim of the canyon! From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. OMG such a cool experience!! If you plan to tackles Horseshoe Bend as an overnight kayak trip, below are a few important details to know about camping in the Colorado River Canyon. If you choose to camp here, you are close enough to Horseshoe Bend that you could set up camp and kayak back up river a bit to explore the bend further. After three days of hiking and wading in the turquoise pools beneath 100-foot waterfalls, his perspective of Arizona changed forever. Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. 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. They go up and down the center of the river, so always stay to one side. Cascade Raft & Kayak (Horseshoe Bend) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor 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. This unique geological wonder is located on the stretch of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click or make a purchase through any of them. ; a shuttle) to go upstream and get dropped off wherever you wish. That was plenty for both an evening and morning fire. If you plan to do the trip as an overnight, check out our complete list of backpacking gear essentials to help you pack! How Long Does it Take to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? It's fairly affordable to visit Horseshoe Bend. Glen Canyon Dam. . Both are all-day excursions. 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! flying overhead or diving to fish in the water, and scan the cliffs for bighorns. Kayak the Colorado provides kayak rental and backhaul taxi services to Horseshoe Bend and the dam. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It was an amazing experience. 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. So many people see Horseshoe Bend from the top but so few see it from the bottom! The water is connected to Lake Powell. Their rule is that any kayak not returned by the end of the day, so that its available for rental the next day, is charged for two days. My daughter and I did a day kayak trip on Lake Powell into lower Antelope Canyon and then hiked into the gorgeous slot canyon. Ive always wanted to do this! Horseshoe Bend Trail: Complete Guide for Your Visit The one-way paddle to the landing for the canyon hike is about 2.5 miles and takes 1.5 hours. . Approximate hiking time - 30 minutes to an hour. He IS a kayaker. For a few more amazing canyons in the Southwest to explore, visit this post. There are several good times to kayak Horseshoe Bend. SUP & Kayak Horseshoe Bend - Info - Lake Powell Paddleboards You can buy a pass at the permit vending station upon arrival. . Hi there! 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). You can safely expect to encounter wildlife while kayaking the Colorado River. Do you happen to see it or know where its located? 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. Make sure you have enough energy at the end of the trip to drag your boat back up the hill. The guys from Kayak Horseshoe Bend were exceptional and well prepared. 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! SUP of a lifetime! Combining two tips, if you must visit on a weekend, hit the popular sites early/late and spend peak hours at less-visited areas. No idea why this isn't better known, but what an amazing experience! Its the second highest concrete dam in the U.S., second only to Hoover Dam. For more information, see our privacy policy. (You can see it in the upper right corner of the video frame at the beginning of the video clip.) . The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. They have singles and doubles. It may take you around 6-7 hours of paddling to complete the whole stretch of Horseshoe Bend. 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. 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. When we went in October, we seriously took our time, stopping for lunch and to take endless photos (including of grazing wild horses! Kayak Horseshoe Bend in Arizona: Rentals, trips on Colorado River 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. . Because youll be paddling downriver, the entire 16 miles can be kayaked as a day trip in about 6 to 9 hours depending on the wind and current. The route finding is easy and the paddling distances are reasonable. This year's super bloom across California is incredible, after a long winter of heavy rain and snow. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! Parking Fees. Manually set your time to the Phoenix time zone so you can show up to outfitters at the correct time. What amazing views, this is definitely an adventure Id like to plan one day. 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. Float or Paddle the French Broad River - Conserving Carolina Our boats were ready on arrival. We slept out in the open under clear night skies. Posts may contain links to products and services I love. But we were definitely taking our time because it was so beautiful. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. However, note that some parks may not have full access due to seasonal roads or weather concerns. It takes about 30 minutes to get from the Lees Ferry boat ramp to the drop-off point. 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. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The wind that funnels up the canyon in the afternoon and evening affects paddling and sleeping. We also did a 2-day overnight camping trip in Glen Canyon and kayaked around the iconic Horseshoe Bend. . There are several campsites along the way. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? This company is amazing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. And Antelope Canyon is high on my to-do list. 45 minutes - 65 minutes depending on how crowded it is. Distance - 1.25 miles roundtrip. However, after the pandemic hit and we embarked on a permanent road trip, we found ourselves living in southern Utah for several months. This looks like so much fun. The ancient etchings are of the bighorn sheep that frequent the cliffs across the river. 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! Although there arent any physical signs along the river, boaters use a mile marker system for navigation, with 0 being the Lees Ferry launch point and 15 being the Glen Canyon Dam. Even the evenings often dont see temps lower than the 80s! I hear there is slot canyon hike between horseshoe bend and lees ferry. 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! Thanks! The only amenities youll find at the campsites along the river are a composting toilet and a metal fire ring. Send us an email and tell us you want to paddle Horseshoe Bend and want to reserve your kayaks, packrafts or paddleboards for OVERNIGHT. That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! Horseshoe Bend - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National In that time Ive helped thousands of people kindle a love of nature and outdoor adventure. Yes, you can go to Horseshoe Bend by yourself as long as you're comfortable doing so. 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. Even early spring can be cold and unpredictable weather-wise and, in particular, windy. As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, near Page, Arizona. Iwould definitely enjoy the kayaking piece. We do short duration floats, day floats, and arrange for people to do multiple day floats while camping on the river. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. . We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. Yes, Waterholes Canyon is accessible from the east bank of the river (left as you head downstream) at around the 4 mile marker. But only a small fraction of adventurers get to experience the views from river level. But the Colorado River below the dam and its Lake Powell, became a Mecca for 'yakking individuals, families and groups. As with all canyon adventures, an early start is key to see more wildlife and avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. How difficult is kayaking Horseshoe Bend? It has a nice selection of restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. 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. How long does it take to paddle around the Horseshoe Bend? I had never thought to kayak here before, but now I really want to! We hope that our experiences will help you plan for your next adventure and inspire you to be an outlier! Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. The Antelope Canyon hike begins at the landing. How to Kayak the Colorado at Horseshoe Bend 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. The 8 Mile campsite is a beautiful riverside site with good shade and hiking. The Antelope Canyon kayak trip was sponsored by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Once the rain lets up, you can start paddling again and, if youre lucky, youll see waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. Yes. After the mountain lion took a lengthy drink, it slipped back into the bushes and out of sight. The average time it takes to kayak Horseshoe Bend is about 3 hours. One of the guys also brought along some short 6 x 6 leftover scraps of wood from a work project. Arizona time never changes but nearby Utah and the Navajo Nation time zones do. However, the backhaul companies have a separate dock so its easy to load. Both trips were highlights and a magnificent way to explore the canyon country of northern Arizona. Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. . I've tried it 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. View all posts by Paul. It depends on how far up-river you go, but generally 5-8 hours. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. You don't have to have a . The boat trip up to the dam is about 45 minutes. Please call Kelly Outfitters for availability (48 hours ahead is preferred): 602-510-5511. However, you do need either an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) or a pass for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($30). This is where we camped because we got a late start to the day due to our backhaul being scheduled for 12:30. We rented a boat on Lake Powell about a month ago but the water was too low to get there via boat. Thanks! Please build a fire only in the metal rings and be sure to practice safe campfire etiquette (ie. 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. High winds do not make for an enjoyable kayaking trip, even in Horseshoe Bend! . And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion! 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!). Starting upriver and kayaking down allows you to take your time, soak in the stunning scenery, stop at the viewpoints and hikes along the way, and of course, makes for a significantly easier trip! 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. 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. Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. It might be your first chance to play piano in the desert. Excellent service and being that I am also a fishing guide please take care of the persons that provide a service. In 2014, Paul Fiarkoski went on a hiking trip to world-famous Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Hello. About. The entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. Your email address will not be published. It looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect 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). Heres what I take: For information on kayak camping gear check out my post on the best sea kayaking camping gear. 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. The question of "how long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend?" is almost like "how high is up?". My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. Taryn is happiest when she's outside and always up for an adventure especially if it involves a hike, sunset, road trip, or limited cell service. And woooowza for your hike along Antelope Canyon without the crowds. 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. Kayak rentals: $25 for a single inflatable or hard-body kayak; $45 for a tandem . In addition, we rent kayaks and other float craft. What a treat! The uniqueness of adventuring through canyons by water is a relief from the heat of the desert. Timing: Anywhere from five hours to overnight; best from September . Get an early start to avoid afternoon winds and intense heat. The first one we discovered is located on river right about 1/4-mile downstream from where the backhaul service dropped us off. If you dont have either, you can get the Glen Canyon pass in-person at the entrance to Lees Ferry or from a ranger station at Lake Powell. Definitely one of the highlights of our vacation. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. . What an amazing sight! Do you offer kayak rentals and transportation.. Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry? Can you kayak around Horseshoe Bend? 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. Our kayak rental was sponsored by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks. How many hours is the total excursion? Goodness! The 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. Large riverside decks, catering facilities available, gift shop, cafe, free parking. 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. kayaking can be challenging, but these views make it so rewarding! Do you have any national parks on your list this summer? Camp overnight at one of five primitive campgrounds. #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #elcapitan #elcap #tiptuesday #sunsetchaser #nationalparkgeek #nationalparkobsessed #getoutside, There really are places that are so spectacular, it seems impossible they exist. It was wild to look up and see the crowds on the canyon rim at Horseshoe Bend looking down at us. Kayaking through Horseshoe Bend - Cara Unravels Travel Keep in mind, you dont need to camp along the river. I have to admit, paddling along this route looks even more fun that the hikes looking down from above the canyon. Brady, is a Captain, and all captains provide special knowledge for an adventure that fits your individual needs. I like the sounds of an extended trip like that. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. With the river flowing, if the kids are tired of paddling with you they can just hang out. And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend. 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. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. Start in Flagstaff, Arizona's third-largest city about two hours north of Phoenix. its at the top of my bucketlist for USA travel! Thanks for the tips! FAQ - Kayak Horseshoe Bend The Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. The . For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! The gem of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is iconic Horseshoe Bend, with its unique shape carved out of the massive rock. I appreciate you! Experience the 15 miles of Horseshoe Bend Rafting Trip in just a half day with AdvantageGrandCanyon. f you want to paddle the Colorado River Marble Canyon these are the people to call. 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. 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. Therefore, your smart phone will adjust as you travel through. We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. It worked out perfectly because I was able to fill up the three empty water bottles I brought along. 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. Thanks for sharing! No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. No matter what season you go, youll encounter far fewer people on weekdays than weekends or holidays. The quality of their equipment and the knowledge and friendliness of the staff is unparalleled. If you opt to use a backhaul service, kayaking Horseshoe Bend is a moderately difficult trip since youll be paddling downriver the entire time. As I floated closer I saw that it was a mountain lion taking a drink of water. However, if its truly the only time you can make it work, book the earliest possible launch time. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon with Horseshoe Bend are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. We want to hear from you!
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