We all worried about being told wed overpacked. Plan on the 15-mile trip taking between six and eight hours. About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. 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. You definitely want to pack lightly, but you should be able to bring a tent as long as you stick to the necessities. But we were definitely taking our time because it was so beautiful. . PRO TIP: theres a freshwater spring that pours into the river directly beneath the lookout point at the top of Horseshoe Bend. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. We were happy to take that recommendation and enjoyed a much more leisurely paddle kayaking the Colorado River. 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. 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. . its at the top of my bucketlist for USA travel! If you plan to do the trip as an overnight, check out our complete list of backpacking gear essentials to help you pack! However, note that some parks may not have full access due to seasonal roads or weather concerns. It was purely serendipitous that the distance from . Instead, youd need to spend at least one night along the river. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend is not only an epic adventure and the best way to skip the crowds at the wildly popular tourist attraction. Most view it from above during a trip to Page, Arizona. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. Visit during 'shoulder season.' Note that Lees Ferry has a modern bathroom and there are vault toilets at each milepost except for the Glen Canyon Dam. Ferry Swale campsite is next at 11 miles from the takeout at Lees Ferry. They would periodically come by on the pontoons as we floated along, and this became particularly important when, just like he said could happen, the monsoon winds hit out of nowhere towards the very end of our route. His advice is to pull over to a sand bar during a rain shower. The whole hike takes about an hour. We highly recommend this trip and this company! Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. After three days of hiking and wading in the turquoise pools beneath 100-foot waterfalls, his perspective of Arizona changed forever. Upon arrival the boat captain Jim welcomed me with a smile and offered to keep an eye on me. Any tips I missed? The best part of the rental experience is that the company transports your boats to the put-in. . Dont miss this kayak trip through the free-flowing section of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. If all else fails, you can get fresh water there. The entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. I was glad to have a stable boat when the waves from power boats on Lake Powell bounced the kayaks around. The kayaks are stable sit-on-top boats. It has a nice selection of restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. 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. Would it be possible to be dropped off not as far down the river for kayaking? The only thing that can top this is the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! Ive been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century. 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. Hi there! Even though Arizona law doesnt require adults to wear a life vest while paddling, you should still consider wearing one for kayaking Horseshoe Bend. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend. 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! . If you didnt stop much and had a bit more hustle, the trip would take closer to five. Once youre ready, the gentle flow of the river guides you back down to Lees Ferry over the course of several hours. Camp overnight at one of five primitive campgrounds. Also surprised its still accessible despite COVID, I had just been assuming the closure meant you couldnt be on that land at all. After 5 miles of kayaking, you will come upon the first campsite at mile 11. Theyre also both on the peninsula that forms Horseshoe Bend. The water is connected to Lake Powell. Its very cold and hypothermia can set in quickly. 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 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. 45 minutes - 65 minutes depending on how crowded it is. During the spring and fall, you can expect cooler but generally mild temperatures, although conditions can vary and snow is possible. 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!) ~ Edwin Markham This is a steep and challenging mile hike, which requires use of a rope to pull yourself out of the canyon, so its not recommended if you have a fear of heights. Do you have any national parks on your list this summer? We did an overnight camping trip on this 15-mile section between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Horseshoe Bend Rafting Experience | Best Half Day Rafting Trip AZ Heres what I take: For information on kayak camping gear check out my post on the best sea kayaking camping gear. Required fields are marked *. Hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo lands are very popular. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The water was so perfectly still in the morning, it was beautiful! We stopped for the quarter-mile hike to the overlook at Horseshoe Bend on our way back to Page. #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #elcapitan #elcap #tiptuesday #sunsetchaser #nationalparkgeek #nationalparkobsessed #getoutside, There really are places that are so spectacular, it seems impossible they exist. 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! 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. 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. If you opt to use a backhaul service, kayaking Horseshoe Bend is a moderately difficult trip since youll be paddling downriver the entire time. You don't have to have a . . As I rounded a curve on the river, I saw an animal moving slowly out of the brush toward the river. Ah I would love to do this! You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. No need to pay $10 for a view of Horseshoe Bend from the top, when you can see it from the inside. For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. 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? Timing: Anywhere from five hours to overnight; best from September . There are several good times to kayak Horseshoe Bend. Crowds are significantly lighter Mon-Thurs. The scenery was gorgeous and the trip was fantastic. For the record, no scales were used to weigh our stuff when we boarded. Keep reading for my top tips on how to experience this epic adventure for yourself. Its also a fantastic alternative to whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. Enter your email address to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. 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! The one-way paddle to the landing for the canyon hike is about 2.5 miles and takes 1.5 hours. The birds on the riverbanks kept us company. Best-selling author and outdoor guide. Since the lake is low, we had to wheel our boats down to the water over the gravel. It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. Keep in mind that flash floods will be a concern throughout much of the summer, and avalanches are also a major concern at higher elevations. If you encounter them, remember that they are wild animals and therefore, unpredictable. Its hard to describe exactly where each spring is located, but I can tell you that there are at least two each on river right and river left (when facing downstream) between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. While itd be pretty cool to say youve camped at Horseshoe Bend, wed recommend the campsites at miles 8 or 11 if you want to avoid some of the crowds and the ensuing search for a good camping spot. 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. Thanks! What an amazing sight! Best Time of Year to Kayak Horseshoe Bend, Half Dome Lottery Guide | Hike the Epic Cables Route. 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. 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. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get there. The summer months are extremely hot and sunny, with daytime temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. It was a wonderful day trip from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Glen Canyon Dam. 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. I saw many lobster bodies that were going to be hurting later. It can get quite buggy out there along the river, so youd probably be more comfortable with a tent than just a tarp. Its the second highest concrete dam in the U.S., second only to Hoover Dam. Parking Fees. There are organized kayak or paddleboard tours that go to Antelope Canyon but we opted to rent boats and do it ourselves. Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend. . Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. 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. 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.). Thanks. Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. Once the rain lets up, you can start paddling again and, if youre lucky, youll see waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. The first downriver campsite at mile 14 is Ropes Trail. The river was extremely navigable and I always felt safe. . The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend: Insider Tips From a Local Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in early afternoon. They go up and down the center of the river, so always stay to one side. Squeee! Hola, no quiero perderme la experiencia pues se ve maravillosa, pero voy en febrero y con una familia grande, de diferentes edades y gustos, podramos encontrar actividades activas para los jvenes y ms tranquilas para los mayores? Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in late afternoon or early evening. National Park Service passes do not apply . SUP of a lifetime! Youll kayak back downriver to the boat launch to end your trip. How difficult is the kayaking trip? I had never thought to kayak here before, but now I really want to! Kayak Horseshoe Bend in Arizona: Rentals, trips on Colorado River Petroglyph Beach, the most popular launch point for kayaking Horseshoe Bend. I may make a small commission from them, at no extra cost to you. What does Kayak Horseshoe Bend provide in terms of gear and equipment? Float or Paddle the French Broad River - Conserving Carolina 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. Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . He IS a kayaker. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. COPYRIGHT CHASING TRAIL 2022 Site Powered by Pix & Hue. ; a shuttle) to go upstream and get dropped off wherever you wish. . For a longer river trip: Click here for turn-by- turn directions or GPS uses . I finally, and completely, checked Horseshoe Bend off my Arizona Bucket List. Love it. Ive done the research and made the trip. Please build a fire only in the metal rings and be sure to practice safe campfire etiquette (ie. Your hosts will provide a unique Navajo cultural experience with an emphasis on connecting to the land. Enjoy! There were several long stretches where we didnt paddle at all, and instead just leisurely floated along, taking it all in. 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. It looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect adventure. From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. And sunscreen. The 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. Assuming you opt to use a backhaul service, youll be driven 16 miles upriver from Lees Ferry in a motor boat until you reach the Glen Canyon Dam. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! Horseshoe Bend - Your Hike Guide Ive been looking at the backhaul trip starting at mile 10 and was told itd be about 5 hours paddling but the Antelope Canyon trip might be a better fit and Id love your thoughts. . Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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! The starting (and ending) point of all Horseshoe Bend kayak trips is the Lees Ferry Boat Launch. Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do! They told us what to look for and discussed safety concerns. They use a numbering system that runs from 0 at the starting point (Lees Ferry) to 15 at the uppermost point (Glen Canyon Dam). As I floated closer I saw that it was a mountain lion taking a drink of water. We kayaked through Horseshoe Bend as an overnight trip in early May, using the backhaul up to Glen Canyon Dam and kayaking 16 miles downriver to Lees Ferry. 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. Choose the Perfect RV for you with thisFREE E-Book. We are going kayaking next week from petroglyph beach. 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. With the river flowing, if the kids are tired of paddling with you they can just hang out. Highly recommend! The average time it takes to kayak Horseshoe Bend is about 3 hours. This trip takes about eight hours, of course depending on the number of stops and how quickly you paddle. 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. There are several outfitters that offer kayak rentals and backhaul services right at Lees Ferry. However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping trip! High winds do not make for an enjoyable kayaking trip, even in Horseshoe Bend! Those trips require a commitment of several days and have waitlists exceeding 1.5 years! The only amenities youll find at the campsites along the river are a composting toilet and a metal fire ring. Kayak Horseshoe Bend (Marble Canyon) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Large riverside decks, catering facilities available, gift shop, cafe, free parking. The fee is $5 for motorcycles. Instead of going all the way up the dam, have them drop you off just upstream of Horseshoe Bend itself, at whats known as Petroglyph Beach. Backhaul - Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). 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. The guys from Kayak Horseshoe Bend were exceptional and well prepared. Check out our love of Hot Springs in this article about our visit to a Abandoned Hot Springs! flying overhead or diving to fish in the water, and scan the cliffs for bighorns. Ive done the Navajo Tours hike through Upper Antelope, I didnt realize it was accessible other ways. Yes - you can be dropped most anywhere along the river. You can have them drop you off just upstream from Horseshoe Bend, or up closer to Glen Canyon Dam like my friends and I did. This company is amazing. Page, Arizona is the best base for exploring these canyons. This year's super bloom across California is incredible, after a long winter of heavy rain and snow. Distance. At this point in the river, youre heading almost directly west. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? When is the best time of the year to take a kayak tour around horseshoe bend? 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. The Colorado River is incredibly calm here (Class I rapids), with just enough of a current to gently guide you downstream. If you get hot when its not raining, you can always splash the refreshing water on yourself to cool off. Approximate tour time. Your email address will not be published. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. If you like quirky, roam around the property to find a working piano at the community fire ring in the back. . How Long Does It Take To Kayak Horseshoe Bend During this time, unpredictable thunderstorms and flash floods are frequent, and theres a ton of humidity to deal with (yep Arizona isnt always dry!). I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. But it could seem a bit intimidating to anyone newer to kayaking/paddle boarding. Mostly we were floating. 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!). 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. That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! What amazing views, this is definitely an adventure Id like to plan one day. 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. We would not have made it to Horseshoe Bend from Lees Ferry if we did not use the backhaul service. All the designated campgrounds and Petroglyph Beach also have campfire rings. Both kayaking trips are accessible to anyone with prior paddling experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Although permits or reservations are not required to camp, you must camp in designated camping zones, which are marked with a sign. You can buy a pass at the permit vending station upon arrival. We also did a 2-day overnight camping trip in Glen Canyon and kayaked around the iconic Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. I've tried it all. 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. Located less than one hour from Boise! . 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.
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