. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. Dont count on finding wood at your intended campsite. Heres what I take: For information on kayak camping gear check out my post on the best sea kayaking camping gear. That said, its a river and special safety precautions should be taken by everyone. As I floated closer I saw that it was a mountain lion taking a drink of water. The best way to get acquainted with this stretch of river is to learn the mile marker system that boaters use. For the record, no scales were used to weigh our stuff when we boarded. In addition, we rent kayaks and other float craft. 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. A campsite right at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. I bet you were glad you didnt see her when you were camping in the open! 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. 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. You can take a backhaul service (i.e. Thanks for sharing! #earthporn #icebergs #glacier #alaska #alaskagram #helicopterview #seward #travelgram #wheretonext, One of the most freeing, joyous feelings in the world From there, its approximately 10 miles back downstream to the boat launch. We are going kayaking next week from petroglyph beach. Visit during 'shoulder season.' Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon with Horseshoe Bend are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. PRO TIP: theres a freshwater spring that pours into the river directly beneath the lookout point at the top of Horseshoe Bend. February 23, 2022. Promise you'll have a much better experience! We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including . 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. 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. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click or make a purchase through any of them. Once the rain lets up, you can start paddling again and, if youre lucky, youll see waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Have an amazing time! 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. To avoid taking a backhaul you will need at least 2 days to kayak to Horseshoe Bend and back. 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!) 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. It simply cant compare to the beauty of Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River canyon. 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. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. The weather was kind of cruddy and he offered blankets to keep us warm while it was raining and hailing. The water is connected to Lake Powell. In total, there are about 130 steps inside Lower Antelope Canyon. If you plan to do the trip as an overnight, check out our complete list of backpacking gear essentials to help you pack! The Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam flows through ancient canyons on emerald green currents. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. This is probably the second most popular campsite, but is less crowded than the site at Horseshoe Bend. The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. f you want to paddle the Colorado River Marble Canyon these are the people to call. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Looking for more great things to do in Kanab? 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. When travelling in this area, be aware of the different time zones. The logistics of the trip involve a backhaul boat trip up to below Glen Canyon Dam. . This is where we camped because we got a late start to the day due to our backhaul being scheduled for 12:30. Your hosts will provide a unique Navajo cultural experience with an emphasis on connecting to the land. 300 Feet down then back up. No reservations are available. How Difficult is Kayaking Horseshoe Bend? And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion! Get an early start to avoid afternoon winds and intense heat. The birds on the riverbanks kept us company. #themeaningoflife #wildflowers #superbloom #sequoias #sequoianationalpark #kingscanyon #yosemite #outsider #wheretonext, "The Sequoias belong to the silences of the millenniums. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. The canyon is sooooo beautiful!!! Since there are no actual milepost signs along the river, the only way to know where you are at any given time is to reference a detailed map or to guesstimate your location in relation to some of the waypoints detailed above. We may try to squeeze in a visit to antelope canyon after we get off of the river. At Lees Ferry there are docks and a boat ramp to launch your kayaks. The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience. Im actually going to Utah next week and will probably visit Arizona next year. The kayaking trip is moderate in difficulty. Aside from the rustic, boat-in campsites at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, there are several campgrounds and campsites in the general area. During the summer, expect extreme heat with highs often in the 90s and no shade during the day. Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. 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. 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). If you choose not to use the backhaul service, the trip becomes significantly more challenging. If you need a little adventure in your life, you can go kayaking between the two sites. Camp overnight at one of five primitive campgrounds. After Waterholes Canyon, continue for another 4 miles until you arrive back at Lees Ferry. Bottom line: pack as light as you can. Ill let you know how that turns out. do not leave it unattended, make sure to put the fire out before you go to bed, etc). 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. Kayakers at a campsite in Horseshoe Bend | Photo credit: Ivana Cajina on Unsplash. Avoid holidays altogether if you can. It was wild to look up and see the crowds on the canyon rim at Horseshoe Bend looking down at us. 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. Its also a fantastic alternative to whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. . We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. Planning to go with my 6-yr old, but realize there wont be room to pack a whole bunch. 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. How long does the Horseshoe Bend hike take? Also, wear a good sun hat, slather on that sunscreen, and pack a ton of water. We slept out in the open under clear night skies. To get to Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north approximately 125 miles. Please call Kelly Outfitters for availability (48 hours ahead is preferred): 602-510-5511. They told us what to look for and discussed safety concerns. . The boat trip up to the dam is about 45 minutes. I would have loved to do them but they were closed due to Covid when we visited. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend is not only an epic adventure and the best way to skip the crowds at the wildly popular tourist attraction. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. However, we nestled behind some bushes to keep from being sandblasted by the wind. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. This is where KHB comes in. I hear there is slot canyon hike between horseshoe bend and lees ferry. About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. I've traveled all different kinds of ways, from backpacks to tents to a 33 foot travel trailer. Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. . They use a numbering system that runs from 0 at the starting point (Lees Ferry) to 15 at the uppermost point (Glen Canyon Dam). This trip takes about eight hours, of course depending on the number of stops and how quickly you paddle. Do you happen to see it or know where its located? There are four campgrounds between Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend at numerous points. It can get quite buggy out there along the river, so youd probably be more comfortable with a tent than just a tarp. Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . We recently used Kayak Horseshoe Bend on a family trip on the Colorado River. Experience the 15 miles of Horseshoe Bend Rafting Trip in just a half day with AdvantageGrandCanyon. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Seeing Horseshoe Bend in person is a magical experience, but imagine kayaking the Colorado River and being inside the iconic bend! The last campsite before Lees Ferry is located at mile 6. Continue paddling downstream on Day 2 with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. The guys from Kayak Horseshoe Bend were exceptional and well prepared. On one page of the website for the backhaul outfitter we hired, they referenced 30 pounds max carry-on weight. We all worried about being told wed overpacked. When we went in October, we seriously took our time, stopping for lunch and to take endless photos (including of grazing wild horses! 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. It takes only a few minutes to hike up to the petroglyphs. 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. I definitely want to kayak here, it seems like the most self sufficient way to go, and the most cost effective. Out of curiosity, we attempted to paddle up river a few times, and it was not easy at all! Depending on how long/far you want to paddle, they'll drop you off at an appropriate place upriver. Your hosts will take you by boat from Lee's Ferry to the starting point of the kayaking adventure just before Marble Canyon. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! We rented a boat on Lake Powell about a month ago but the water was too low to get there via boat. The only amenities youll find at the campsites along the river are a composting toilet and a metal fire ring. Troy took us out and you could tell he knows his stuff. Thanks. Drop a note in the comment box below. Kayak Horseshoe Bend's shuttle boat is loaded with kayaks and personal boats that can be rented or purchased. This company is amazing. We camped at Ferry Swale campground about a mile upstream from Horsehoe Bend and had no complaints. What an amazing sight! The Colorado River current runs at about 3 mph. 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. Hoping for views like these, featuringno people or cars whatsoever? The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. 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. They also have tours if you want to explore with a certified guide. We wanted to stay in one of their sheep wagons but it didnt work out this time. 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 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The summer months are extremely hot and sunny, with daytime temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. Its a busy place as the multi-day whitewater Grand Canyon trips with their huge rafts begin there. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. . 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! How many hours is the total excursion? What amazing views, this is definitely an adventure Id like to plan one day. We want to hear from you! Hire a backhaul service (we went with Kayak the Colorado), who youll meet at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch at a specified time. I like the sounds of an extended trip like that. It is highly unlikely that when construction of the 710 foot tall Glen Canyon Dam was begun in 1956 that there was much thought given to kayaking. His advice is to pull over to a sand bar during a rain shower. Even the evenings often dont see temps lower than the 80s! Timing: Anywhere from five hours to overnight; best from September . 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. Every turn was a new panorama of red walls and emerald water. If all else fails, you can get fresh water there. Combining two tips, if you must visit on a weekend, hit the popular sites early/late and spend peak hours at less-visited areas. Ive done the Navajo Tours hike through Upper Antelope, I didnt realize it was accessible other ways. Heres what the leading paddleboard rental company in the area has to say: Due to the long paddling distance and very cold water temperatures, this trip is NOT recommended for beginner paddleboarders. 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.
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