The trail is a 1.5-mile . These cookies do not store any personal information. The next 2 campsites are on Horseshoe Bend with views of the teeming hordes of tourists atop the cliffs across the river. We definitely recommend using the backhaul service. Best of all, however, are the resident wild mustangs! 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. Please build a fire only in the metal rings and be sure to practice safe campfire etiquette (ie. #earthporn #icebergs #glacier #alaska #alaskagram #helicopterview #seward #travelgram #wheretonext, One of the most freeing, joyous feelings in the world . Difficulty - Easy, however there are steep dropoffs, stay away from cliff edges. Send us an email and tell us you want to paddle Horseshoe Bend and want to reserve your kayaks, packrafts or paddleboards for OVERNIGHT. Hello. The short answer is NO. Instead, youd need to spend at least one night along the river. Whats great about when you kayak Horseshoe Bend is that its an easy route even if you have exactly zero prior paddling experience. For a few more amazing canyons in the Southwest to explore, visit this post. Adventure for all ages and skill levels with half and full day whitewater rafting trips. What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. We stopped for the quarter-mile hike to the overlook at Horseshoe Bend on our way back to Page. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! To avoid taking a backhaul you will need at least 2 days to kayak to Horseshoe Bend and back. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. The charming Lees Ferry Lodge at Vermillion Cliffs was our favorite accommodations of the whole trip. Yes, campfires are permitted in fire rings only. 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. It was from the upper vantage point that I first saw this natural wonder in 2019. Rental kayaks come with paddles and Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Dont miss an adventure! Kayakers at a campsite in Horseshoe Bend | Photo credit: Ivana Cajina on Unsplash. Ah I would love to do this! Don't make a mistake! To park in the parking lot, there is a fee of $10 per vehicle (car or RV). Some of the most awesome kayaking in Arizona are trips to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ. The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. 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. My back haul captain was friendly and helpful. The water is so crystal clear and reflects beautiful emerald green colors. Check out our love of Hot Springs in this article about our visit to a Abandoned Hot Springs! Hi Cyndi, I would recommend the Horseshoe bend kayak trip for kids. Another approach is to camp at Lees Ferry Campground and just plan for one long day on the river. Alternatively, there are several camping areas along the shores of the Colorado River, meaning its possible to kayak Horseshoe Bend as an overnight camping trip. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. The trail to Horseshoe Bend is 1.5 miles long and gains about 480 feet in elevation. 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. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. The kayaks are stable sit-on-top boats. 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. After 5 miles of kayaking, you will come upon the first campsite at mile 11. 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 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. 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. There are 5 designated campsites with toilets and fire pits. The company owns the adjacent Horseshoe Bend Farm, on which it donated a 360-acre conservation easement to Conserving Carolina in 2003. . 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 had brought my own equipment and needed hauling service to paddle the river, I was also hesitant to paddle 13 miles of the Colorado River by myself but after talking to Kayak Horseshoe Bend owner Wendy who took the time to explain how safe it was to paddle it by myself, I signed up for it, my only retreat I have is not doing the full river paddle from Glen Canyon Dam. Lake Powell and the surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are massive, so if you enjoy boondocking, youll find tons of free camping options on public land. 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. You would not be able to make it to Horseshoe Bend and back in one day (18 miles total). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Any tips I missed? I've been living on the road for the better part of five years. 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. We did an overnight . The . How Long Does it Take to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? 300 Feet down then back up. Would it be possible to be dropped off not as far down the river for kayaking? If you choose not to use the backhaul service, the trip becomes significantly more challenging. While its technically possible to kayak the Colorado River without the backhaul, we would highly recommend using it. This is where we camped because we got a late start to the day due to our backhaul being scheduled for 12:30. And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion! After the mountain lion took a lengthy drink, it slipped back into the bushes and out of sight. We were very pleased with the service Bobby and Brady provided. The vast majority of people start their day between 8am - noon. ~ Edwin Markham But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. At Lees Ferry there are docks and a boat ramp to launch your kayaks. For the record, no scales were used to weigh our stuff when we boarded. They seem indeed to be forms of immortality standing here among the transitory shapes of time." Even though the current moves at about three miles per hour, you likely wont travel downstream that fast when you factor in stops for rest breaks or to explore the surroundings. This company is amazing. I had never thought to kayak here before, but now I really want to! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Your hosts will take you by boat from Lee's Ferry to the starting point of the kayaking adventure just before Marble Canyon. Hire a backhaul service (we went with Kayak the Colorado), who youll meet at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch at a specified time. As much as I browsed the web, I couldnt find answers to all of my questions. . 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! Alternatively, you could kayak a few miles from Lees Ferry before turning back, but youd miss the highlight of the trip: Horseshoe Bend! 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. Our float ended up being just 1 night which was perfect and Terry showed me the best areas to fish. Given the cold water temperatures and high canyon walls that cast shade on the river, youll probably want to avoid the winter months of November through February. Just around Horseshoe Bend is the mile 8 campsite. Enter your email address to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. 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. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click or make a purchase through any of them. #giantsequoia #sequoias #kingscanyon #bigtrees #giantsequoias #sequoiatrees #kingscanyonnationalpark #snowshoeing #itsbetteroutside, TIP TUESDAY for visiting national parks this season Questions about how to kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. How long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend? Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. Hi there! Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. . 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? However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping trip! Important: ALL of the outfitters offering backhaul service and Horseshoe Bend kayaking tours take an off-season break from mid- to late October through early March. This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. Youll even have enough time to visit Horseshoe Bend fro above in the morning! CamelBak Women's Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack. 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! Can you kayak around Horseshoe Bend? For those who want to take their time, you can opt to stay the night at a campsite directly along the river, breaking your paddle up over two days. They have singles and doubles. 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!) Did you bring a tent or just a tarp to sleep on? My daughter and I did a day kayak trip on Lake Powell into lower Antelope Canyon and then hiked into the gorgeous slot canyon. Posts may contain links to products and services I love. We did an overnight camping trip on this 15-mile section between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Chiricahua National Monument: Hard to say, easy to love, Breathtaking views from Picacho Peak summit are the reward for venturing outside of your comfort zone, Grab a copy of Arizona Bucket List Adventure G, Read this before you go see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ, BONUS: See many more pics and video from my Horseshoe Bend adventures >>, Ultimate Arizona Wonders bucket list and top ten list - AZ Wonders, Read this before you go see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ - AZ Wonders, Superstition Mountains cougar shadow appears only a few days a year, How to plan an amazing kayaking and camping adventure to Emerald Cove and Willow Beach on the Colorado River, This secret, hidden waterfall in Madera Canyon may be the most accessible in Arizona, Arizona adventure writer shares insider tips to kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lee's Ferry, What you need to know before you go see Grand Falls in Arizona, How to plan an epic self-guided tour of Antelope Canyon, One-day itinerary to get the most out of your Grand Canyon experience on a budget, Get familiar with these detailed maps of the Colorado River from between, Get answers to many of your questions from this detailed. Category: Kanab Tags: adventure, kanab, kayak, southern utah, utah. . View all posts by Paul. Out of curiosity, we attempted to paddle up river a few times, and it was not easy at all! But only a small fraction of adventurers get to experience the views from river level. However, please continue to support the hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon run by the Navajo nation companies. Wow! By this point, youre going to be hot, tired, and ready to be back at your car. It takes about 3 hours to kayak Horseshoe Bend. Experience the 15 miles of Horseshoe Bend Rafting Trip in just a half day with AdvantageGrandCanyon. The Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. The river was extremely navigable and I always felt safe. No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. To get to Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north approximately 125 miles. Ive done the research and made the trip. Learn how your comment data is processed. You can safely expect to encounter wildlife while kayaking the Colorado River. To the left it continues to a dead-end in about 10 minutes; to the right, it opens up to a wider canyon. Theyre labeled on this map. Learn more about me and the blog. It might be your first chance to play piano in the desert. Thousands of people kayak the stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry every year with no issues. 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. Every turn was a new panorama of red walls and emerald water. Its tough to say theres one best time to complete this adventure. 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!). Take lots of water with you. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. We saw so many trout in the crystal clear water I wished I had a pole to catch dinner. From there, its approximately 10 miles back downstream to the boat launch. Two Outliers may contain affiliate links we only recommend products we personally use and love. Thanks! Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. I might get a little claustrophobic, but it looks like an absolutely incredible experience! We visited Horseshoe Bend from the popular viewpoint near Page in 2019, and at the time never expected wed get to see the beautiful spot again. You drift pretty fast on the river so its much easier paddling than Antelope Canyon, especially if the wind comes up on Lake Powell. However, you do need either an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) or a pass for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($30). The fee is $5 for motorcycles. The canyon is sooooo beautiful!!! As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. It was a wonderful day trip from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. 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. If you didnt stop much and had a bit more hustle, the trip would take closer to five. 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. Mostly we were floating. Make sure you camp on a flat, previously disturbed patch of land and avoid trampling the fragile desert plants or cryptobiotic soil. The uniqueness of adventuring through canyons by water is a relief from the heat of the desert. Squeee! Any advice? You have successfully joined our subscriber list. I would have loved to do them but they were closed due to Covid when we visited. The canyon eventually reaches a fork which is a good turnaround spot. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. Youll want to make reservations online in advance, especially on the weekends, as the backhaul time slots tend to fill up. There are several good times to kayak Horseshoe Bend. 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. The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. Do you happen to see it or know where its located? That was plenty for both an evening and morning fire. And sunscreen. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. 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. Your hosts will provide a unique Navajo cultural experience with an emphasis on connecting to the land. But we were definitely taking our time because it was so beautiful. Thanks. Upon arrival the boat captain Jim welcomed me with a smile and offered to keep an eye on me. f you want to paddle the Colorado River Marble Canyon these are the people to call. Required fields are marked *. For instance, the 4-mile Recreation Area confirms youre four miles upstream from the Lees Ferry launch site. 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. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to their use on this site. Brady, is a Captain, and all captains provide special knowledge for an adventure that fits your individual needs. Arizona time never changes but nearby Utah and the Navajo Nation time zones do. Do You Need a Permit to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? We would not have made it to Horseshoe Bend from Lees Ferry if we did not use the backhaul service. We are looking to book the 15th, 16th or 17th. It has a panel of petroglyphs behind the outhouse that is worth seeing. It depends on how far up-river you go, but generally 5-8 hours. At the 10 mile marker is a day-use area with an impressive wall of petroglyphs down a short trail. Slowly floating around the bend, with nothing but the sound of birds chirping and water rippling as you soak in the stunning view of Horseshoe Bend from the Colorado River is a purely magical experience! Paddle downstream from Glen Canyon Dam for 2-3 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In that time Ive helped thousands of people kindle a love of nature and outdoor adventure. 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! For more information, read mydisclosure statement. You don't have to have a . If youre like me, youve probably been thinking of doing this adventure for a while. Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. All are very rustic sites, although there are fire rings and pit toilets. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. If you like quirky, roam around the property to find a working piano at the community fire ring in the back. 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. Here's how to do an easy day kayak through the beginning of the Grand Canyon. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. 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. There are several campsites along the way. . Approximate tour time. The water was so perfectly still in the morning, it was beautiful! We rented a boat on Lake Powell about a month ago but the water was too low to get there via boat. . The rooms are well-appointed with a desert flair. Take it slow and absorb all the wonder of drifting on clear water through the geologic story of the canyon. To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. We saw plenty of kayakers pulled off there to make the hike up but my crew skipped it due to time constraints. . Other companies will help you strap them to your car, but I really didnt want to tie boats on top of my rental car. 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 Colorado River is incredibly calm here (Class I rapids), with just enough of a current to gently guide you downstream. National Park Service passes do not apply . This may vary by the outfitter, so check with them first. A must taste trip to your exploration of Arizona. . Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . Its also a fantastic alternative to whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. Although I was new to the area and unsure about finding the dock, the guides were very communicative and helped me locate the spot. There are a total of 4 camping areas, each with an outhouse and many campsites available, so you should have no trouble finding a spot, even on busy nights. Those trips require a commitment of several days and have waitlists exceeding 1.5 years! email info@kayakthecolorado.com or give a holler 928-856-0012. If all else fails, you can get fresh water there. How long does the Horseshoe Bend hike take? OMG such a cool experience!! Kayaking Glen Canyon was a highlight of our Southwest trip! 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? That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. At mile 10, beach your kayaks and take a short hike to see Native American petroglyphs carved into the canyon wall. Thanks for the tips! It will take 4 minimum hours to paddle back to Lee's Ferry and if you decide to stop and eat lunch or hike, groups can add that time on to the 4 hour paddle back to the dock. what triggers cross dressing, guy fieri championship ring,

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