how long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend

When we went in October, we seriously took our time, stopping for lunch and to take endless photos (including of grazing wild horses! But did you know that you can escape the crowds and experience Horseshoe Bend by kayaking on the Colorado River?! 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. . 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. If you opt to use a backhaul service, kayaking Horseshoe Bend is a moderately difficult trip since youll be paddling downriver the entire time. How Long Does it Take to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? On a separate web page, it says 40 pounds is the limit. The dam is a major source of hydroelectricity, but more importantly helps maintain an equitable water supply and . 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. Ive been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century. But, as stated above, if you don't have all day, ask your boat captain for suggestions on . Thanks. The gem of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is iconic Horseshoe Bend, with its unique shape carved out of the massive rock. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. 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. The trail to Horseshoe Bend is 1.5 miles long and gains about 480 feet in elevation. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. This unique geological wonder is located on the stretch of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. 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. Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend. The ancient etchings are of the bighorn sheep that frequent the cliffs across the river. 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 have our own inflatable kayak, and my dog can stay in a carrier if you don't want a dog walking around your boat.) 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. #earthporn #icebergs #glacier #alaska #alaskagram #helicopterview #seward #travelgram #wheretonext, One of the most freeing, joyous feelings in the world 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. Also surprised its still accessible despite COVID, I had just been assuming the closure meant you couldnt be on that land at all. Thank you! Backhaul - Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals Theyre also both on the peninsula that forms Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon has been on my bucket list for so long. Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks sounds amazing! 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. There is a longer route for kayaking Horseshoe Bend, the 15-mile trip from the Glen Canyon Dam downstream to Lees Ferry. It also gets COLD in this area in the winter, as Horseshoe Bend sits at 4,200 feet elevation. Horseshoe Bend is a unique natural wonder where the Colorado River makes a bend. 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. 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. This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. . If you encounter them, remember that they are wild animals and therefore, unpredictable. Always helpful to get recommendations on kayak rental companies too. My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. It can get quite buggy out there along the river, so youd probably be more comfortable with a tent than just a tarp. It was an amazing experience. Ive always wanted to do this! To make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, below are a few key tips for planning your adventure: Below are a few essentials to make sure you pack for your Horseshoe Bend kayaking trip: P.S. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! The Backhaul taxi service is the most convenient way to see Horseshoe Bend and kayak . The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. Approximate tour time. But the Colorado River below the dam and its Lake Powell, became a Mecca for 'yakking individuals, families and groups. 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. Excellent service and being that I am also a fishing guide please take care of the persons that provide a service. Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. 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!) The river route goes around Horseshoe Bend, the iconic, most photographed viewpoint near Page. Best of all, however, are the resident wild mustangs! We do short duration floats, day floats, and arrange for people to do multiple day floats while camping on the river. Elevation at Trailhead - 4327 feet. We found an isolated campsite with an amazing view of the moon rising over the canyon. Questions about visiting any of the slot canyons on the list? And Antelope Canyon is high on my to-do list. Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona And sunscreen. As I floated closer I saw that it was a mountain lion taking a drink of water. But dont forget to soak up your last few minutes in this beautiful canyon! Can I camp out overnight? 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. It has a panel of petroglyphs behind the outhouse that is worth seeing. To combine those and then pair it with more kayaking and camping would be a dream. 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. Tell us your favorite kayaking trip below! We use cookies to give you a personalized, relevant browsing experience. The boat trip up to the dam is about 45 minutes. While the current typically isnt very strong, it definitely helps take some of the effort off your shoulders. 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? The canyon eventually reaches a fork which is a good turnaround spot. My back haul captain was friendly and helpful. All campsites are first-come, first-served. 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. We did about 3hrs which was perfect. Can you kayak around Horseshoe Bend? At Lees Ferry there are docks and a boat ramp to launch your kayaks. Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. View all posts by Paul. Dont miss this kayak trip through the free-flowing section of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. Its very cold and hypothermia can set in quickly. Rental kayaks come with paddles and Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs. This is where we camped because we got a late start to the day due to our backhaul being scheduled for 12:30. If you plan to do the trip as an overnight, check out our complete list of backpacking gear essentials to help you pack! Plan on the 15-mile trip taking between six and eight hours. Each camping area has at least one metal fire ring available. After three days of hiking and wading in the turquoise pools beneath 100-foot waterfalls, his perspective of Arizona changed forever. We did an overnight camping trip on this 15-mile section between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. . in all your own gear. Will it be safe taking a 11 & 12 years olds? Leave no trace. You don't have to have a . We were happy to take that recommendation and enjoyed a much more leisurely paddle kayaking the Colorado River. The kayaks are stable sit-on-top boats. When travelling in this area, be aware of the different time zones. I want to empower more people to take the steps to living their dreams and enjoy life on the road. Kayak Horseshoe Bend's shuttle boat is loaded with kayaks and personal boats that can be rented or purchased. 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. If youre like me, youve probably been thinking of doing this adventure for a while. 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. I'm wondering if it's possible to bring my small dog who loves to kayak? No reservations are available. Located less than one hour from Boise! Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal includes his list of top 50 natural wonders. After the mountain lion took a lengthy drink, it slipped back into the bushes and out of sight. Its little effort for maximum adventure! Kayaking through Horseshoe Bend - Cara Unravels Travel 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.. It was great to see where we had paddled. They will man there own kayaks and kayak back home on ponds. What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. Hi! I had to tell myself it wasnt a dream! I had never thought to kayak here before, but now I really want to! You definitely want to pack lightly, but you should be able to bring a tent as long as you stick to the necessities. Check out our love of Hot Springs in this article about our visit to a Abandoned Hot Springs! Whats great about when you kayak Horseshoe Bend is that its an easy route even if you have exactly zero prior paddling experience. The Colorado River is incredibly calm here (Class I rapids), with just enough of a current to gently guide you downstream. ), plus a few bathroom breaks, and the route took us almost exactly seven hours. We had a great trip with Kayak Horseshoe Bend/Lee's Ferry Anglers. 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. . . For instance, the 4-mile Recreation Area confirms youre four miles upstream from the Lees Ferry launch site. It was purely serendipitous that the distance from . The weeks immediately before and after major holidays are also a great time. 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. The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. 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). OMG such a cool experience!! No need to pay $10 for a view of Horseshoe Bend from the top, when you can see it from the inside. The backhaul costs $75 per person and sit-in hardshell kayaks were $35 per day. The 8 Mile campsite is a beautiful riverside site with good shade and hiking. It takes about 30 minutes to get from the Lees Ferry boat ramp to the drop-off point. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! Our boats were ready on arrival. Large riverside decks, catering facilities available, gift shop, cafe, free parking. They go up and down the center of the river, so always stay to one side. You can take a backhaul service (i.e. Instead, youd need to spend at least one night along the river. It may take you around 6-7 hours of paddling to complete the whole stretch of Horseshoe Bend. The average time it takes to kayak Horseshoe Bend is about 3 hours. Mile 8 and Mile 9 campgrounds are the most popular because theyre at roughly the midpoint from top to bottom. 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!). No idea why this isn't better known, but what an amazing experience! For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn that was centrally located and had a nice pool. Drop a note in the comment box below. Pack out everything you pack in. 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. Elevation highpoint on Trail - 4373 feet. Hire a backhaul service (we went with Kayak the Colorado), who youll meet at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch at a specified time. We camped at Ferry Swale campground about a mile upstream from Horsehoe Bend and had no complaints. The scenery was gorgeous and the trip was fantastic. 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? SUP & Kayak Horseshoe Bend - Info - Lake Powell Paddleboards About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. With the river flowing, if the kids are tired of paddling with you they can just hang out. The best way to get acquainted with this stretch of river is to learn the mile marker system that boaters use. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. I want to be a part of an exclusive group of kick-butt woman and supportive men. How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend: Insider Tips From a Local We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. It worked out perfectly because I was able to fill up the three empty water bottles I brought along. In total, there are about 130 steps inside Lower Antelope Canyon. Squeee! However, the backhaul companies have a separate dock so its easy to load. 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. 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 first downriver campsite at mile 14 is Ropes Trail. Remember to practice Leave No Trace when visiting Earth's spectacular places (and spending any time in nature at all), so that we can continue to enjoy them! Arizona adventure writer shares insider tips to kayak Horseshoe Bend on We brought our small backpacking tent, and had no trouble fitting it in the kayak. A must taste trip to your exploration of Arizona. Planning to go with my 6-yr old, but realize there wont be room to pack a whole bunch. 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. Visit during 'shoulder season.' Choose the Perfect RV for you with thisFREE E-Book. In this article, weve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip. Category: Kanab Tags: adventure, kanab, kayak, southern utah, utah. Please call Kelly Outfitters for availability (48 hours ahead is preferred): 602-510-5511. 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. We want to hear from you! We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). That being said, the hike is a nice break from paddling and worth exploring if you have the time. Each site is large and well-marked. At the mouth of Antelope Canyon, the no-wake zone starts. However, after the pandemic hit and we embarked on a permanent road trip, we found ourselves living in southern Utah for several months. Get off the beaten path! He dropped us off above horseshoe bend (at our request), gave us a brief our kayaks and then said you should check out the petroglyphs right there before you head it., Kayak Horseshoe Bend (Marble Canyon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway, Hotels near Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge (Blanche Russell Rock House), Fishing Charters & Tours in Marble Canyon, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Marble Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway: Tickets & Tours, Dunn's River Falls & Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios, Intro to Scuba Diving in Lahaina (Swimming Ability Required), Paragliding Tandem Experience From Dajti Mountain, 1-Day Kisoji, Nakasendo Trail Tour: Tsumago & Magome Post Towns, Atlanta Ghosts: Hauntings, Ghouls, and Phantoms of Atlanta, 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Admission Ticket in Chicago. Thanks for sharing! Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get there. This kayaking experience is everything! Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. It looks like a beautiful kayak trip to Antelope Canyon and combined with the hike makes the perfect adventure. Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors, and perish. We recently used Kayak Horseshoe Bend on a family trip on the Colorado River. We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. I finally, and completely, checked Horseshoe Bend off my Arizona Bucket List. . 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. How long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend? We truly do not recommend anyone kayak Horseshoe Bend in the summer! Thanks for sharing this adventure! Take it slow and absorb all the wonder of drifting on clear water through the geologic story of the canyon. 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. Don't make a mistake! Antelope canyon looks like another world. 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. Thousands of people kayak the stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry every year with no issues. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? Horseshoe Bend - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National . Hi how far in advance would we need to book our trip if we wanted to go? I had a lot of questions before our crew of six embarked on this adventure. I loved reading this so much! Take lots of water with you. 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. . We highly recommend this trip and this company! The Best Time to Visit Horseshoe Bend in 2023 | Travellers Ill let you know how that turns out. We also did a 2-day overnight camping trip in Glen Canyon and kayaked around the iconic Horseshoe Bend. What a treat! This was experiencing nature at its best!During our drive up the river, Terry pointed out wild horses and big horn sheep. And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. Yes, you can go to Horseshoe Bend by yourself as long as you're comfortable doing so. Learn how your comment data is processed. We were completely blown away by the beauty of the canyon and the glass-like water of the Colorado River. Thanks! . Even the evenings often dont see temps lower than the 80s! 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. Ah I would love to do this! 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. This company is amazing. The logistics of the trip involve a backhaul boat trip up to below Glen Canyon Dam. The cool river water offers a nice reprieve from the summer heat, but be sure to pack appropriate sun protection, including a hat, sun shirt, sunscreen and sunglasses. ~ Edwin Markham The morning started off with us needing sweaters, but by late morning, we were perfectly comfortable in short sleeves and sandals. Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. Arrive at Lees Ferry boat ramp in early afternoon. A campsite right at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. Here your captain will pull over on a sandy beach, help you get your kayaks into the water, and then youre off! During the summer, expect extreme heat with highs often in the 90s and no shade during the day. If you do experience heavy winds, find a spot to pull over for awhile and see if you can wait it out. I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! 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. Since the lake is low, we had to wheel our boats down to the water over the gravel. Ive yet to see one anywhere but I often feel like maybe their eyes are on me when I hike in Arizona. February 23, 2022. Did you bring a tent or just a tarp to sleep on?
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