As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! . Glen Canyon. Once again, because of its distance from Horseshoe Bend, this campsite tends to be less popular. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. The water is cold and youll have a safeguard against drowning. For a few more amazing canyons in the Southwest to explore, visit this post. Side note: this is also why we took a bit longer to finish our paddle, but we were 100% okay with that! I've been living on the road for the better part of five years. Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. To combine those and then pair it with more kayaking and camping would be a dream. Timing: Anywhere from five hours to overnight; best from September . I had a lot of questions before our crew of six embarked on this adventure. We were very pleased with the service Bobby and Brady provided. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn how your comment data is processed. As you travel upstream, the numbers get bigger; coming downstream, they get smaller. I hear there is slot canyon hike between horseshoe bend and lees ferry. As I rounded a curve on the river, I saw an animal moving slowly out of the brush toward the river. This trip takes about eight hours, of course depending on the number of stops and how quickly you paddle. I appreciate you! It simply cant compare to the beauty of Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River canyon. . How long does it take to kayak from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry? . Take it slow and absorb all the wonder of drifting on clear water through the geologic story of the canyon. By this point, youre going to be hot, tired, and ready to be back at your car. 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. 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. The Antelope Canyon hike begins at the landing. Do we have to start at 6am Bc we will be traveling from Sedona and plan to drive back same day. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. For a fee, Lazy River Outfitters offers tubing, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as shuttles to the Horse Shoe River Access Park. The birds on the riverbanks kept us company. There are four campgrounds between Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend at numerous points. About. To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. Squeee! 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.). Out of curiosity, we attempted to paddle up river a few times, and it was not easy at all! Leave no trace. They will man there own kayaks and kayak back home on ponds. 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. He assisted me with deciding the best distance to kayak. Here's how to do an easy day kayak through the beginning of the Grand Canyon. . . Before long, you can see the viewing platform and crowds of people at the rim of the canyon! To make things even worse, Arizona experiences monsoon season in July and August. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. And sunscreen. Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. Once youre ready, the gentle flow of the river guides you back down to Lees Ferry over the course of several hours. Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon with Horseshoe Bend are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 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. In 2014, Paul Fiarkoski went on a hiking trip to world-famous Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. But it could seem a bit intimidating to anyone newer to kayaking/paddle boarding. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping . I think they would be fine. #earthporn #icebergs #glacier #alaska #alaskagram #helicopterview #seward #travelgram #wheretonext, One of the most freeing, joyous feelings in the world 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. The guys from Kayak Horseshoe Bend were exceptional and well prepared. Theyre often drinking from a shoreline or wading in the river to cool off, especially when its hot out. Yes. Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks sounds amazing! In addition, here are some other places to camp near Horseshoe Bend. First of all, this kayaking trip was EPIC because of the location alone- its seriously an Arizona must do. We used Kayak the Colorado for our outfitter. This looks like so much fun. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. For the record, no scales were used to weigh our stuff when we boarded. If you get hot when its not raining, you can always splash the refreshing water on yourself to cool off. Send me Awesome RV Guides, How To's and Travel Tips! I bet you were glad you didnt see her when you were camping in the open! Also, wear a good sun hat, slather on that sunscreen, and pack a ton of water. The charming Lees Ferry Lodge at Vermillion Cliffs was our favorite accommodations of the whole trip. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. It was from the upper vantage point that I first saw this natural wonder in 2019. Hoping for views like these, featuringno people or cars whatsoever? 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. I was glad to have a stable boat when the waves from power boats on Lake Powell bounced the kayaks around. early in the morning for a ride up the river to Glen Canyon Dam with your gear. If you need a little adventure in your life, you can go kayaking between the two sites. Instead, youd need to spend at least one night along the river. No reservations are available. I did a 4 day trip down the river with camping for 3 nights, was absolutely magnificent, I rented a kayak and had the time of my life. 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. . The kayaks are stable sit-on-top boats. . Parking Fees. Most view it from above during a trip to Page, Arizona. Highly recommend! #mountainair #mountaindrive #roadtrippin #jeepnation #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #wheretonext #letsgetlost. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River is a unique way to experience one of the Southwests most famous viewpoints! Experience the same, just-as-scenic river in a calmer section (rated Class I rapids; practically flatwater) suitable for literally everyone without needing special skills, a permit, or any other red tape.. If you could only do one kayak trip and you had younger kids (6), which would you do? Call now! You have successfully joined our subscriber list. The 8 Mile campsite is a beautiful riverside site with good shade and hiking. The Colorado River is incredibly calm here (Class I rapids), with just enough of a current to gently guide you downstream. Horseshoe Bend campsite at mile 9 has some shade and great fishing. Therefore, your smart phone will adjust as you travel through. Theyre labeled on this map. Tell us your favorite kayaking trip below! Its very cold and hypothermia can set in quickly. Approximate hiking time - 30 minutes to an hour. It was an amazing experience. To make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, below are a few key tips for planning your adventure: Below are a few essentials to make sure you pack for your Horseshoe Bend kayaking trip: P.S. However, if its truly the only time you can make it work, book the earliest possible launch time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. At the mouth of Antelope Canyon, the no-wake zone starts. 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 looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect adventure. This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. Make sure you have enough energy at the end of the trip to drag your boat back up the hill. Its a popular campsite with some shade. Love it. This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. I get claustrophobic in tight spaces but this canyon was fineso beautiful. The next 2 campsites are on Horseshoe Bend with views of the teeming hordes of tourists atop the cliffs across the river. It was wild to look up and see the crowds on the canyon rim at Horseshoe Bend looking down at us. 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 entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. It may take you around 6-7 hours of paddling to complete the whole stretch of Horseshoe Bend. The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. Hire a backhaul service (we went with Kayak the Colorado), who youll meet at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch at a specified time. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But did you know that you can escape the crowds and experience Horseshoe Bend by kayaking on the Colorado River?! 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. Promise you'll have a much better experience! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. 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. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. Although you can technically do it year-round (with stipulations; more on that in a minute), the best time to kayak Horseshoe Bend is during fall or spring. Choose the Perfect RV for you with thisFREE E-Book. For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! What does Kayak Horseshoe Bend provide in terms of gear and equipment? They seem indeed to be forms of immortality standing here among the transitory shapes of time." Depending on how long/far you want to paddle, they'll drop you off at an appropriate place upriver. It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. Please build a fire only in the metal rings and be sure to practice safe campfire etiquette (ie. I'm Angelica. Enjoy! The best way to get acquainted with this stretch of river is to learn the mile marker system that boaters use. Thanks for sharing this adventure! The river was extremely navigable and I always felt safe. On a separate web page, it says 40 pounds is the limit. After Waterholes Canyon, continue for another 4 miles until you arrive back at Lees Ferry. How difficult is kayaking Horseshoe Bend? Avoid holidays altogether if you can. There is a longer route for kayaking Horseshoe Bend, the 15-mile trip from the Glen Canyon Dam downstream to Lees Ferry. Glen Canyon Dam. That being said, the hike is a nice break from paddling and worth exploring if you have the time. 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. You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. . 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 first one we discovered is located on river right about 1/4-mile downstream from where the backhaul service dropped us off. . Get an early start to avoid afternoon winds and intense heat. Kayak the Colorado provides kayak rental and backhaul taxi services to Horseshoe Bend and the dam. . 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. Paddle downstream with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? Since I have zero experience with a stand-up paddleboard, I checked to see what others had to say on this topic. #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #elcapitan #elcap #tiptuesday #sunsetchaser #nationalparkgeek #nationalparkobsessed #getoutside, There really are places that are so spectacular, it seems impossible they exist. How difficult is the kayaking trip? in all your own gear. For instance, the 4-mile Recreation Area confirms youre four miles upstream from the Lees Ferry launch site. And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion!!! Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. It was a wonderful day trip from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Any tips I missed? We will definitely want to stay with Shash Dine EcoRetreat in the future. Did you bring a tent or just a tarp to sleep on? How long does the Horseshoe Bend hike take? . No need to pay $10 for a view of Horseshoe Bend from the top, when you can see it from the inside. We saw plenty of kayakers pulled off there to make the hike up but my crew skipped it due to time constraints. 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!) Getting to Horseshoe Bend. They move small boats from the launch ramp at Lees Ferry up the Colorado River to just below Glen Canyon Dam. 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. If we are looking to only kayak 5-6 miles, could we be dropped off not as far down the river? . 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. So many people see Horseshoe Bend from the top but so few see it from the bottom! You definitely want to pack lightly, but you should be able to bring a tent as long as you stick to the necessities. Alternatively, you could kayak a few miles from Lees Ferry before turning back, but youd miss the highlight of the trip: Horseshoe Bend! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Hi there! You can safely expect to encounter wildlife while kayaking the Colorado River. I love kayaking and especially in unique places like this. In October 2021, my dream of kayaking through Horseshoe Bend came true. Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270 horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon. The kayak experience was incredible - stellar views the whole way. Rental kayaks come with paddles and Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs. Both trips were highlights and a magnificent way to explore the canyon country of northern Arizona. This was experiencing nature at its best!During our drive up the river, Terry pointed out wild horses and big horn sheep. Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal includes his list of top 50 natural wonders. The canyon is sooooo beautiful!!! 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 may vary by the outfitter, so check with them first. Some of the most awesome kayaking in Arizona are trips to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ. Hi how far in advance would we need to book our trip if we wanted to go? We offer kayak rentals and transport you and the kayak from Lees Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam and you float back to Lees Ferry. Ill definitely use them! 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? Kayaking Horseshoe Bend. A must taste trip to your exploration of Arizona. . Since the lake is low, we had to wheel our boats down to the water over the gravel. . Can you kayak around Horseshoe Bend? However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping trip! Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend.
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