At the mouth of Antelope Canyon, the no-wake zone starts. Will it be safe taking a 11 & 12 years olds? You can take a backhaul service (i.e. 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. In addition, we rent kayaks and other float craft. I get claustrophobic in tight spaces but this canyon was fineso beautiful. Distance. From the public boat launch, it is a half-hour paddle to the mouth of Antelope Canyon. If you get hot when its not raining, you can always splash the refreshing water on yourself to cool off. 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. 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. 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. Youll kayak back downriver to the boat launch to end your trip. By clicking Accept, you consent to their use on this site. About. Approximate tour time. 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. 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. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get there. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The only amenities youll find at the campsites along the river are a composting toilet and a metal fire ring. I think they would be fine. Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. Thousands of people kayak the stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry every year with no issues. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. We hope that our experiences will help you plan for your next adventure and inspire you to be an outlier! Biggest risk: water temperature. ~ Edwin Markham 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! As I rounded a curve on the river, I saw an animal moving slowly out of the brush toward the river. Highly recommend! At this point in the river, youre heading almost directly west. We are coming out that way day before Memorial Day May 24th. You would not be able to make it to Horseshoe Bend and back in one day (18 miles total). Hi! There are 5 designated campsites with toilets and fire pits. Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend at a Glance. It depends on where we drop you off, but for most people, you can do the whole river in 6-8 hours with a stop or two on your way down. You drift pretty fast on the river so its much easier paddling than Antelope Canyon, especially if the wind comes up on Lake Powell. Great info! But dont forget to soak up your last few minutes in this beautiful canyon! The morning started off with us needing sweaters, but by late morning, we were perfectly comfortable in short sleeves and sandals. The canyon eventually reaches a fork which is a good turnaround spot. 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? 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Posts may contain links to products and services I love. Even early spring can be cold and unpredictable weather-wise and, in particular, windy. Keep reading for my top tips on how to experience this epic adventure for yourself. For a few more amazing canyons in the Southwest to explore, visit this post. The logistics of the trip involve a backhaul boat trip up to below Glen Canyon Dam. Just give them a call, they're very helpful and super flexible, but there are probably limits to how late they'll take you out. Elevation at Trailhead - 4327 feet. It has a panel of petroglyphs behind the outhouse that is worth seeing. Ive yet to see one anywhere but I often feel like maybe their eyes are on me when I hike in Arizona. The boat trip up to the dam is about 45 minutes. Difficulty - Easy, however there are steep dropoffs, stay away from cliff edges. 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. Visit during 'shoulder season.' Learn how your comment data is processed. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I had to tell myself it wasnt a dream! 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. From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. We meet the Kayak the Colorado outfitters at Lees Ferry launch. #earthporn #icebergs #glacier #alaska #alaskagram #helicopterview #seward #travelgram #wheretonext, One of the most freeing, joyous feelings in the world Crowds are significantly lighter Mon-Thurs. The first part involves walking over sand through a wide canyon. . 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. We saw plenty of kayakers pulled off there to make the hike up but my crew skipped it due to time constraints. About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. But it could seem a bit intimidating to anyone newer to kayaking/paddle boarding. 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. Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. 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. It's fairly affordable to visit Horseshoe Bend. 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. This unique geological wonder is located on the stretch of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Want to read about more adventures you can do? Would it be possible to be dropped off not as far down the river for kayaking? email info@kayakthecolorado.com or give a holler 928-856-0012. kayaking can be challenging, but these views make it so rewarding! 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. Ah I would love to do this! 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. #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #elcapitan #elcap #tiptuesday #sunsetchaser #nationalparkgeek #nationalparkobsessed #getoutside, There really are places that are so spectacular, it seems impossible they exist. Its tough to say theres one best time to complete this adventure. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click or make a purchase through any of them. We started at 7 or 8 and probably could have done later. I loved reading this so much! The uniqueness of adventuring through canyons by water is a relief from the heat of the desert. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. If you opt to use a backhaul service, kayaking Horseshoe Bend is a moderately difficult trip since youll be paddling downriver the entire time. This may vary by the outfitter, so check with them first. #sequoianationalpark #superbloom #nationalparkphotography #wildflowers #waterfallhike #sequoia #getoutside #nationalparkobsessed, Just really, really happy to be here. Dont miss an adventure! This is probably the second most popular campsite, but is less crowded than the site at Horseshoe Bend. 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. I definitely want to kayak here, it seems like the most self sufficient way to go, and the most cost effective. The petroglyphs shown here are located about 1/8th of a mile hike from a beach landing just upstream from Horseshoe Bend on river left (lefthand side if youre heading downstream). Instead, we checked in at the Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks well-stocked equipment store, picked out our lifejackets, and headed to the Antelope Point public boat launch. Best Time of Year to Kayak Horseshoe Bend, Half Dome Lottery Guide | Hike the Epic Cables Route. Let us know in the comments below! Iwould definitely enjoy the kayaking piece. Call now! Therefore, your smart phone will adjust as you travel through. Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. Hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo lands are very popular. Other companies will help you strap them to your car, but I really didnt want to tie boats on top of my rental car. The best part of the rental experience is that the company transports your boats to the put-in. I had never thought to kayak here before, but now I really want to! On a separate web page, it says 40 pounds is the limit. f you want to paddle the Colorado River Marble Canyon these are the people to call. Kayakers at a campsite in Horseshoe Bend | Photo credit: Ivana Cajina on Unsplash. Best-selling author and outdoor guide. Being at the bottom of such a deep canyon, wind really accelerates down on the water. The Antelope Canyon hike begins at the landing. . When travelling in this area, be aware of the different time zones. 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.. We brought our small backpacking tent, and had no trouble fitting it in the kayak. How long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend? The scenery was gorgeous and the trip was fantastic. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 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. Manually set your time to the Phoenix time zone so you can show up to outfitters at the correct time. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Instead, youd need to spend at least one night along the river. This remote motel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the layered Navajo sandstone of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. 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. Yes, campfires are permitted in fire rings only. 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. . Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks sounds amazing! We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion!!! Ive done the Navajo Tours hike through Upper Antelope, I didnt realize it was accessible other ways. This is where KHB comes in. How much does Horseshoe Bend cost? For kayaking on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Page makes a good base. 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. 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. Glen Canyon. The 6-mile paddle the next morning was more of a drift back to the landing as we didnt want the amazing time to end. This kayaking experience is everything! 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. Elevation highpoint on Trail - 4373 feet. We were debating whether we could make it back when Troys colleague (Im told his name was LR) showed up and we opted to just jump back on the pontoon to be safe. 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. Make sure you camp on a flat, previously disturbed patch of land and avoid trampling the fragile desert plants or cryptobiotic soil. It simply cant compare to the beauty of Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River canyon. They move small boats from the launch ramp at Lees Ferry up the Colorado River to just below Glen Canyon Dam. After Waterholes Canyon, continue for another 4 miles until you arrive back at Lees Ferry. The Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam flows through ancient canyons on emerald green currents. We were completely blown away by the beauty of the canyon and the glass-like water of the Colorado River. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend is not only an epic adventure and the best way to skip the crowds at the wildly popular tourist attraction. Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. We camped at Ferry Swale campground about a mile upstream from Horsehoe Bend and had no complaints. . This post contains affiliate links. Can I camp out overnight? 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. This family-owned company rents kayaks, paddleboards, and packrafts in Page. Do you have any national parks on your list this summer? There is a gas station and convenience store about 10 minutes from Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon. The company owns the adjacent Horseshoe Bend Farm, on which it donated a 360-acre conservation easement to Conserving Carolina in 2003. . I want to be a part of an exclusive group of kick-butt woman and supportive men. For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! It also gets COLD in this area in the winter, as Horseshoe Bend sits at 4,200 feet elevation. What does Kayak Horseshoe Bend provide in terms of gear and equipment? Questions about how to kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River? He also told us how to signal a passing boat if we needed help and gave us a number to text in case of emergencies. They fill 3 boats of ~6 people in 15-minute intervals; all departed on time. National Park Service passes do not apply . For more information, read mydisclosure statement. It looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect adventure. Brady, is a Captain, and all captains provide special knowledge for an adventure that fits your individual needs. Don't miss an adventure! Definitely one of the highlights of our vacation. They fill 3 boats of ~6 people in 15-minute intervals; all departed on time. As you travel upstream, the numbers get bigger; coming downstream, they get smaller. In 2014, Paul Fiarkoski went on a hiking trip to world-famous Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Start in Flagstaff, Arizona's third-largest city about two hours north of Phoenix. With the river flowing, if the kids are tired of paddling with you they can just hang out. While its technically possible to kayak the Colorado River without the backhaul, we would highly recommend using it. . I'm glad you're here and hope you'll stay awhile! It was an easy return of the gear as we could just leave it at the takeout with the outfitters at Lees Ferry. To get to Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north approximately 125 miles. Hoping for views like these, featuringno people or cars whatsoever? I bet you were glad you didnt see her when you were camping in the open! They told us what to look for and discussed safety concerns. Seeing Horseshoe Bend in person is a magical experience, but imagine kayaking the Colorado River and being inside the iconic bend! However, you do need either an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) or a pass for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($30). I'm wondering if it's possible to bring my small dog who loves to kayak? They will man there own kayaks and kayak back home on ponds. There are a total of five primitive campgrounds in the 15-mile stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Youll want to make reservations online in advance, especially on the weekends, as the backhaul time slots tend to fill up. To the left it continues to a dead-end in about 10 minutes; to the right, it opens up to a wider canyon. 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. 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. Although permits or reservations are not required to camp, you must camp in designated camping zones, which are marked with a sign. The river route goes around Horseshoe Bend, the iconic, most photographed viewpoint near Page. How long does the Horseshoe Bend hike take? The vast majority of people start their day between 8am - noon. Although you dont need any special skills or permits to kayak Horseshoe Bend, there are still a few things to consider and logistics to plan. Ferry Swale campsite is next at 11 miles from the takeout at Lees Ferry. Enjoy! In sum, enjoy connecting to the rhythms of the water and the canyon. At mile 13, there is a trail located on the righthand side of the river that leads up and out of the canyon. We will definitely want to stay with Shash Dine EcoRetreat in the future. Choose the Perfect RV for you with thisFREE E-Book. Our shuttle boat is designed for speed and comfort. Although I was new to the area and unsure about finding the dock, the guides were very communicative and helped me locate the spot. Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. My daughter and I did a day kayak trip on Lake Powell into lower Antelope Canyon and then hiked into the gorgeous slot canyon. . The average time it takes to kayak Horseshoe Bend is about 3 hours. Both trips were highlights and a magnificent way to explore the canyon country of northern Arizona. The Colorado River is incredibly calm here (Class I rapids), with just enough of a current to gently guide you downstream. 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. Hello. . Category: Kanab Tags: adventure, kanab, kayak, southern utah, utah. SUP of a lifetime! Thank you! Hi how far in advance would we need to book our trip if we wanted to go? That said, its a river and special safety precautions should be taken by everyone. Ive done the research and made the trip. No idea why this isn't better known, but what an amazing experience! This was experiencing nature at its best!During our drive up the river, Terry pointed out wild horses and big horn sheep. The water is so crystal clear and reflects beautiful emerald green colors. The 54 campsites at Lees Ferry cost $20 per night and available first-come-first serve only, so arrive early to snag a spot. Learn more about me and the blog. I brought my own kayak but a couple of my friends rented from the same company we hired for the backhaul shuttle Kayak The Colorado. A campsite right at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. . The water was so perfectly still in the morning, it was beautiful! Have you done this experience or do you have more questions? Yes, you can go to Horseshoe Bend by yourself as long as you're comfortable doing so. (We have our own inflatable kayak, and my dog can stay in a carrier if you don't want a dog walking around your boat.) Hi there! Dont miss this kayak trip through the free-flowing section of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. 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. Contact kayakthecolorado.com to set up your trip. 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. However, if its truly the only time you can make it work, book the earliest possible launch time. Looking for more great things to do in Kanab? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A backhaul service will transport your kayak up the river and then take you down, allowing you to complete the whole trip in six to nine hours, depending on the conditions. Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors, and perish. Your email address will not be published. Our boats were ready on arrival. Questions about visiting any of the slot canyons on the list? The dam is a major source of hydroelectricity, but more importantly helps maintain an equitable water supply and . Beat them by being in the park at sunrise or waiting until 4ish pm. 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. If youre like me, youve probably been thinking of doing this adventure for a while. 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. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. flying overhead or diving to fish in the water, and scan the cliffs for bighorns. When I called the office for a straight answer, they told me that well be okay as long as each person brings no more than 100 pounds of total weight onboard kayak, life preserver and paddle included. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend. The kayaks are stable sit-on-top boats. Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. I saw many lobster bodies that were going to be hurting later. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. Large riverside decks, catering facilities available, gift shop, cafe, free parking. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). 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. They also have tours if you want to explore with a certified guide. Once I got dropped off my epic adventure started, WOW. But did you know that you can escape the crowds and experience Horseshoe Bend by kayaking on the Colorado River?! 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! How many hours is the total excursion? Even though Arizona law doesnt require adults to wear a life vest while paddling, you should still consider wearing one for kayaking Horseshoe Bend. Its a busy place as the multi-day whitewater Grand Canyon trips with their huge rafts begin there. Sequoia National Park - mostly Paradise Creek Trail, but the flowers are poppin' EVERYWHERE! 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.

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