how long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend

Here's how to do an easy day kayak through the beginning of the Grand Canyon. If youd prefer slightly cushier accommodations to round out your adventure kayaking Horseshoe Bend, there are plenty of options. Ive yet to see one anywhere but I often feel like maybe their eyes are on me when I hike in Arizona. This company is amazing. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! . It has a nice selection of restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. Thousands of people kayak the stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry every year with no issues. Yes. 45 minutes - 65 minutes depending on how crowded it is. This is where youll board your backhaul boat along with all your gear, then head up to the point upriver where you start your paddle. Paddle downstream from Glen Canyon Dam for 2-3 hours. 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? To park in the parking lot, there is a fee of $10 per vehicle (car or RV). In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. The most practical way to take on this adventure is to hire a backhaul service to carry you and your gear upstream from Lees Ferry. Get an early start to avoid afternoon winds and intense heat. High winds do not make for an enjoyable kayaking trip, even in Horseshoe Bend! Your hosts will provide a unique Navajo cultural experience with an emphasis on connecting to the land. Hi how far in advance would we need to book our trip if we wanted to go? We do short duration floats, day floats, and arrange for people to do multiple day floats while camping on the river. Yes, you can go to Horseshoe Bend by yourself as long as you're comfortable doing so. This is where we camped because we got a late start to the day due to our backhaul being scheduled for 12:30. Wind is the main thing that could make kayaking the Colorado River more difficult. Shorten the downstream trip by about 3 hours by getting dropped off at Petroglyph Beach. Combining two tips, if you must visit on a weekend, hit the popular sites early/late and spend peak hours at less-visited areas. To combine those and then pair it with more kayaking and camping would be a dream. It takes about 30 minutes to get from the Lees Ferry boat ramp to the drop-off point. 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. This is where KHB comes in. Mostly we were floating. 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. It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. Watch for the parking lot on the west side of the road at mile marker 544, just before entering the town of Page. How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend on 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. They will man there own kayaks and kayak back home on ponds. 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. The . Yes, campfires are permitted in fire rings only. flying overhead or diving to fish in the water, and scan the cliffs for bighorns. To make things even worse, Arizona experiences monsoon season in July and August. 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. But dont forget to soak up your last few minutes in this beautiful canyon! We started at 7 or 8 and probably could have done later. 300 Feet down then back up. 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. At the 10 mile marker is a day-use area with an impressive wall of petroglyphs down a short trail. Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. Looking for more great things to do in Kanab? do not leave it unattended, make sure to put the fire out before you go to bed, etc). Sequoia National Park - mostly Paradise Creek Trail, but the flowers are poppin' EVERYWHERE! 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!) . Our captain (Captain Luke) was very nice and extremely knowledgeable and helpful, pointing out interesting things along our ride upriver and landmarks so we would know how far we had gone on the paddle back. Posts may contain links to products and services I love. The canyon is sooooo beautiful!!! 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. Difficulty - Easy, however there are steep dropoffs, stay away from cliff edges. What amazing views, this is definitely an adventure Id like to plan one day. 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.). 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. Make sure you camp on a flat, previously disturbed patch of land and avoid trampling the fragile desert plants or cryptobiotic soil. #sequoianationalpark #superbloom #nationalparkphotography #wildflowers #waterfallhike #sequoia #getoutside #nationalparkobsessed, Just really, really happy to be here. Even early spring can be cold and unpredictable weather-wise and, in particular, windy. 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. February 23, 2022. We highly recommend this trip and this company! No, permits are not required to camp along the Colorado River. The map below displays each of the key sites, landmarks and campsites along the Colorado River from Lees Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam: After hopping on the backhaul from Lees Ferry, it takes about 45 minutes to boat up river all the way to Glen Canyon Dam, at which point its not possible to continue any further. We hope that our experiences will help you plan for your next adventure and inspire you to be an outlier! The river was extremely navigable and I always felt safe. Please call Kelly Outfitters for availability (48 hours ahead is preferred): 602-510-5511. At Lees Ferry there are docks and a boat ramp to launch your kayaks. When travelling in this area, be aware of the different time zones. At mile 13, there is a trail located on the righthand side of the river that leads up and out of the canyon. And Antelope Canyon is high on my to-do list. Note that Lees Ferry has a modern bathroom and there are vault toilets at each milepost except for the Glen Canyon Dam. His advice is to pull over to a sand bar during a rain shower. 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. Backhaul - Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals 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. I loved reading this so much! 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. Hi Cyndi, I would recommend the Horseshoe bend kayak trip for kids. We truly do not recommend anyone kayak Horseshoe Bend in the summer! Best time to kayak horseshoe bend. . The trail is a 1.5-mile . You can book a horseshoe bend backhaul trip completely online by clicking the green button on this page or call us at +1(435) 275-2925 to book over the phone. 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. 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. Its also possible to do a 10-mile day trip on the river but we wanted more river time on this gorgeous stretch of the Colorado. Iwould definitely enjoy the kayaking piece. The Best Time to Visit Horseshoe Bend in 2023 | Travellers It was wild to look up and see the crowds on the canyon rim at Horseshoe Bend looking down at us. From there, its approximately 10 miles back downstream to the boat launch. The fee is $5 for motorcycles. 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). We use cookies to give you a personalized, relevant browsing experience. Ive done the Navajo Tours hike through Upper Antelope, I didnt realize it was accessible other ways. To Kayak Horseshoe Bend, you will start from Lees Ferry, located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 50 minutes from Page, Arizona and 1 hour 30 minutes from Kanab, Utah. Hi there! There is a longer route for kayaking Horseshoe Bend, the 15-mile trip from the Glen Canyon Dam downstream to Lees Ferry. The boat trip up to the dam is about 45 minutes. Give them plenty of space and do not attempt to touch or feed them. You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. Brady, is a Captain, and all captains provide special knowledge for an adventure that fits your individual needs. There are several places to climb out of the slot canyon to see it from above. Horseshoe Bend - Your Hike Guide 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. However, if you're not able to do this, there are also times when you can paddle . Do you have any national parks on your list this summer? It looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect adventure. Two Outliers may contain affiliate links we only recommend products we personally use and love. 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. 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. How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend: Insider Tips From a Local Because it is north of Horseshoe Bend, the campsite at mile 11 tends to be the least crowded and still offers lovely views of the canyon. Leave no trace. One of the guys also brought along some short 6 x 6 leftover scraps of wood from a work project. They use a numbering system that runs from 0 at the starting point (Lees Ferry) to 15 at the uppermost point (Glen Canyon Dam). 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. Keep reading for my top tips on how to experience this epic adventure for yourself. Kayak rentals: $25 for a single inflatable or hard-body kayak; $45 for a tandem . Did you bring a tent or just a tarp to sleep on? The first half of May and the second half of September into October is a fantastic time to visit many parks. The best part of the rental experience is that the company transports your boats to the put-in. To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. We stopped for the quarter-mile hike to the overlook at Horseshoe Bend on our way back to Page. This trip takes about eight hours, of course depending on the number of stops and how quickly you paddle. But it could seem a bit intimidating to anyone newer to kayaking/paddle boarding. View all posts by Paul. 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. #giantsequoia #sequoias #kingscanyon #bigtrees #giantsequoias #sequoiatrees #kingscanyonnationalpark #snowshoeing #itsbetteroutside, TIP TUESDAY for visiting national parks this season 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. Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270 horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon. About. Ferry Swale campsite is next at 11 miles from the takeout at Lees Ferry. If you get hot when its not raining, you can always splash the refreshing water on yourself to cool off. Horseshoe Bend Trail: Complete Guide for Your Visit Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. Camp overnight at one of five primitive campgrounds. To the left it continues to a dead-end in about 10 minutes; to the right, it opens up to a wider canyon. 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. 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. . 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. . 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. Brady has been renting hard shell kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and inflatables at Lee's Ferry and Grand Canyon for over 20 years. I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! 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. Using the backhaul service, its possible to kayak the entire 16 miles from Glen Canyon through Horseshoe Bend and back to Lees Ferry in one day. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? It was a wonderful day trip from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. . From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. In addition, here are some other places to camp near Horseshoe Bend. Once I got dropped off my epic adventure started, WOW. Youll kayak back downriver to the boat launch to end your trip. . Take lots of water with you. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. The Antelope Canyon kayak trip was sponsored by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks. . 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! Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. The Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam flows through ancient canyons on emerald green currents. It takes about 3 hours to kayak Horseshoe Bend. Once the rain lets up, you can start paddling again and, if youre lucky, youll see waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. 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. Even the evenings often dont see temps lower than the 80s! The backhaul costs $75 per person and sit-in hardshell kayaks were $35 per day. Ill let you know how that turns out. Hi! 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. The last campsite before Lees Ferry is located at mile 6. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend at a Glance. Hiking tours to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo lands are very popular. Kayak the Colorado | Horseshoe Bend | Grand Canyon KayakingUnited States Any advice? Keep in mind, you dont need to camp along the river. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A campsite right at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. Related: Read this before you go see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ. There are a total of five primitive campgrounds in the 15-mile stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. Just around Horseshoe Bend is the mile 8 campsite. (You can see it in the upper right corner of the video frame at the beginning of the video clip.) Being at the bottom of such a deep canyon, wind really accelerates down on the water. In 2014, Paul Fiarkoski went on a hiking trip to world-famous Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Each site is large and well-marked. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. 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. While the current typically isnt very strong, it definitely helps take some of the effort off your shoulders. 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? The one-way paddle to the landing for the canyon hike is about 2.5 miles and takes 1.5 hours. Approximate tour time. How Long Does It Take To Kayak Horseshoe Bend Its very cold and hypothermia can set in quickly. 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. Its little effort for maximum adventure! The uniqueness of adventuring through canyons by water is a relief from the heat of the desert. It depends on how far up-river you go, but generally 5-8 hours. Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. The Western Tanagers looked like they had spilled red food coloring over their yellow heads. Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. No idea why this isn't better known, but what an amazing experience! I'm wondering if it's possible to bring my small dog who loves to kayak? Alternatively, you could kayak a few miles from Lees Ferry before turning back, but youd miss the highlight of the trip: Horseshoe Bend! The City of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. Before long, you can see the viewing platform and crowds of people at the rim of the canyon! PRO TIP: theres a freshwater spring that pours into the river directly beneath the lookout point at the top of Horseshoe Bend. Adventure for all ages and skill levels with half and full day whitewater rafting trips. Below are some of the things I wish I had known before the trip. How to Kayak the Colorado at Horseshoe Bend, How to install a Roof Top Tent on a Truck Bed, How to do the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike. Ive always wanted to do this! But the Colorado River below the dam and its Lake Powell, became a Mecca for 'yakking individuals, families and groups. 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. But, as stated above, if you don't have all day, ask your boat captain for suggestions on . 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. 1.1 Miles, 1.8 Kilometers (0.8 Miles, 1.4 Kilometers inside the canyon) Elevation Change. I've tried it all. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. Thanks! The water is cold and youll have a safeguard against drowning. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. By this point, youre going to be hot, tired, and ready to be back at your car. For the record, no scales were used to weigh our stuff when we boarded. It takes only a few minutes to hike up to the petroglyphs. 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. . If you do experience heavy winds, find a spot to pull over for awhile and see if you can wait it out. There are several good times to kayak Horseshoe Bend. Start your days EARLY or LATE. Goodness! However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping . If the lot is full, staff will ask . That said, its a river and special safety precautions should be taken by everyone. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. . Horseshoe Bend - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National We may try to squeeze in a visit to antelope canyon after we get off of the river. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click or make a purchase through any of them. Thank you! 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. We meet the Kayak the Colorado outfitters at Lees Ferry launch. They also have tours if you want to explore with a certified guide. If you like quirky, roam around the property to find a working piano at the community fire ring in the back. 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! To cut down on the length of the trip, you could have your backhaul drop you at mile 10, just north of Horseshoe Bend. So many people see Horseshoe Bend from the top but so few see it from the bottom! Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. We saw so many trout in the crystal clear water I wished I had a pole to catch dinner. Theyre often drinking from a shoreline or wading in the river to cool off, especially when its hot out. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend. 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. more, Multi-day Tours Taxis & Shuttles Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours Boat Rentals Day Trips.

How To Decock A Pistol Safely And Easily, $9,000 Government Grant Phone Call 2021, Dressler's Valentine's Menu, Homes For Rent In St Johns, Fl 32259, Articles H