You can stay in a traditional Navajo hogan on a working farm. From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. . Each camping area has at least one metal fire ring available. It might be your first chance to play piano in the desert. In October 2021, my dream of kayaking through Horseshoe Bend came true. . Upon arrival the boat captain Jim welcomed me with a smile and offered to keep an eye on me. 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. 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. They move small boats from the launch ramp at Lees Ferry up the Colorado River to just below Glen Canyon Dam. Horseshoe Bend. This is probably the second most popular campsite, but is less crowded than the site at Horseshoe Bend. Pull up your boat at the landing and start the hike. No matter what season you go, youll encounter far fewer people on weekdays than weekends or holidays. Elevation at Overlook - 4214 feet. Related: Read this before you go see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ. Ive been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century. 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. What an amazing sight! 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. Below are some of the things I wish I had known before the trip. A backhaul boat taking kayaks down the Colorado River. Thanks! ~ Edwin Markham In that time Ive helped thousands of people kindle a love of nature and outdoor adventure. During the summer, expect extreme heat with highs often in the 90s and no shade during the day. We brought our small backpacking tent, and had no trouble fitting it in the kayak. The weeks immediately before and after major holidays are also a great time. This company is amazing. Most view it from above during a trip to Page, Arizona. 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. All are very rustic sites, although there are fire rings and pit toilets. There are a total of five primitive campgrounds in the 15-mile stretch of river between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. 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 whole hike takes about an hour. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. If you get hot when its not raining, you can always splash the refreshing water on yourself to cool off. Send us an email and tell us you want to paddle Horseshoe Bend and want to reserve your kayaks, packrafts or paddleboards for OVERNIGHT. We saw so many trout in the crystal clear water I wished I had a pole to catch dinner. Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? The City of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. We will definitely want to stay with Shash Dine EcoRetreat in the future. Its a popular campsite with some shade. 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. And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion! Kayak Horseshoe Bend (Marble Canyon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go While the current typically isnt very strong, it definitely helps take some of the effort off your shoulders. 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. Since its impossible to put in at the dam, the backhaul motorboat carried us, our kayaks, and camping gear upriver to a beach below the dam. Thank you! in all your own gear. How difficult is kayaking Horseshoe Bend? 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. 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. Paddle downstream with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. 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. Kayak rentals: $25 for a single inflatable or hard-body kayak; $45 for a tandem . The kayaking trip is moderate in difficulty. 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.). Get off the beaten path! For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! The most popular way to kayak Horseshoe Bend is by taking a backhaul service 16 miles up river from Lees Ferry to the Glen Canyon Dam, and then kayaking back down river. If all else fails, you can get fresh water there. 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. From here youll find an awesome view of the bend from the opposite side, a sight that few people get to experience! We did an overnight . However, we think the Colorado River is best enjoyed as an overnight camping trip! I like the sounds of an extended trip like that. That has to be one of the most epic wildlife sightings ever! Ah I would love to do this! #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #elcapitan #elcap #tiptuesday #sunsetchaser #nationalparkgeek #nationalparkobsessed #getoutside, There really are places that are so spectacular, it seems impossible they exist. 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. Yes, you can go to Horseshoe Bend by yourself as long as you're comfortable doing so. . Even though Arizona law doesnt require adults to wear a life vest while paddling, you should still consider wearing one for kayaking Horseshoe Bend. Youll kayak back downriver to the boat launch to end your trip. 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. . Approximate tour time. Combining two tips, if you must visit on a weekend, hit the popular sites early/late and spend peak hours at less-visited areas. Yes, Waterholes Canyon is accessible from the east bank of the river (left as you head downstream) at around the 4 mile marker. Kayaking the Colorado River is permitted on the 15-mile section below the Glen River Dam and above Lees Ferry. 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. He assisted me with deciding the best distance to kayak. Boats rentals are located in Page and at Lees Ferry. We recently used Kayak Horseshoe Bend on a family trip on the Colorado River. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River is a unique way to experience one of the Southwests most famous viewpoints! The short answer is NO. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. But, as stated above, if you don't have all day, ask your boat captain for suggestions on . We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. Required fields are marked *. 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. Find out everything you could possibly want to know about kayaking Horseshoe Bend in this comprehensive guide, written by an Arizona local whos done it! The guide came by in a boat a few times so I also knew I could call him if I had any issues.The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 1 is that it wouldnt let me book just one person I had to book two. I love kayaking and especially in unique places like this. At the 10 mile marker is a day-use area with an impressive wall of petroglyphs down a short trail. 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. Located on the Arizona side, just a few minutes from Lake Powell, many hike to the overlook for Instagram-worthy photos. The smooth undulating rock in reds and purples is like walking through a geological playhouse. Getting to Horseshoe Bend. Sequoia National Park - mostly Paradise Creek Trail, but the flowers are poppin' EVERYWHERE! Instead, youd need to spend at least one night along the river. 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? Kayaking through Horseshoe Bend - Cara Unravels Travel Horseshoe Bend Trail: Complete Guide for Your Visit #sequoianationalpark #superbloom #nationalparkphotography #wildflowers #waterfallhike #sequoia #getoutside #nationalparkobsessed, Just really, really happy to be here. Once the rain lets up, you can start paddling again and, if youre lucky, youll see waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. In addition, here are some other places to camp near Horseshoe Bend. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. Your email address will not be published. This may vary by the outfitter, so check with them first. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV. When you see the following landmarks, you can make a pretty decent guess about your position and progress along the route. PRO TIP: theres a freshwater spring that pours into the river directly beneath the lookout point at the top of Horseshoe Bend. Trail - Sand and sandstone. The water is connected to Lake Powell. Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. I'm wondering if it's possible to bring my small dog who loves to kayak? Your hosts will take you by boat from Lee's Ferry to the starting point of the kayaking adventure just before Marble Canyon. Our shuttle boat is designed for speed and comfort. . They were also willing to take us up all the way so we could see Horseshoe Bend, but then drop us off farther down the river (we had children with us). If you do experience heavy winds, find a spot to pull over for awhile and see if you can wait it out. How Difficult is Kayaking Horseshoe Bend? 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. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, near Page, Arizona. Our backhaul boat captain recommended we do the shorter Petroglyph Beach route, because in late fall you have very little sunlight in the canyon itself and it gets very cold. The question of "how long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend?" is almost like "how high is up?". Excellent service and being that I am also a fishing guide please take care of the persons that provide a service. The Antelope Canyon kayak trip was sponsored by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks. Pack out everything you pack in. Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona There is a gas station and convenience store about 10 minutes from Lees Ferry in Marble Canyon. I might get a little claustrophobic, but it looks like an absolutely incredible experience! Your email address will not be published. On one page of the website for the backhaul outfitter we hired, they referenced 30 pounds max carry-on weight. The Backhaul taxi service is the most convenient way to see Horseshoe Bend and kayak . No need to pay $10 for a view of Horseshoe Bend from the top, when you can see it from the inside. SUP & Kayak Horseshoe Bend - Info - Lake Powell Paddleboards While its technically possible to kayak the Colorado River without the backhaul, we would highly recommend using it. Just around Horseshoe Bend is the mile 8 campsite. First of all, this kayaking trip was EPIC because of the location alone- its seriously an Arizona must do. 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. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. The fee is $5 for motorcycles. Make sure you have enough energy at the end of the trip to drag your boat back up the hill. 45 minutes - 65 minutes depending on how crowded it is. 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 were happy to take that recommendation and enjoyed a much more leisurely paddle kayaking the Colorado River. Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors, and perish. It's a quick moving river ride and you won't even have to paddle. The Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam flows through ancient canyons on emerald green currents. Adventure for all ages and skill levels with half and full day whitewater rafting trips. I would have loved to do them but they were closed due to Covid when we visited. Side note: this is also why we took a bit longer to finish our paddle, but we were 100% okay with that! During this time, unpredictable thunderstorms and flash floods are frequent, and theres a ton of humidity to deal with (yep Arizona isnt always dry!). . The gem of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is iconic Horseshoe Bend, with its unique shape carved out of the massive rock. How much does Horseshoe Bend cost? . Arizona adventure writer shares insider tips to kayak Horseshoe Bend on There is a longer route for kayaking Horseshoe Bend, the 15-mile trip from the Glen Canyon Dam downstream to Lees Ferry. Timing: Anywhere from five hours to overnight; best from September . 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! What an amazing way to see Horseshoe Bend by kayaking around it. 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. The next 2 campsites are on Horseshoe Bend with views of the teeming hordes of tourists atop the cliffs across the river. A must taste trip to your exploration of Arizona. My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience. 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. I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! Elevation highpoint on Trail - 4373 feet. 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). Thanks for the tips! Did you bring a tent or just a tarp to sleep on? Those trips require a commitment of several days and have waitlists exceeding 1.5 years! There are several good times to kayak Horseshoe Bend. Plan on the 15-mile trip taking between six and eight hours. You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. This kayak adventure is about enjoying yourself. 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. The weather was kind of cruddy and he offered blankets to keep us warm while it was raining and hailing. That said, its a river and special safety precautions should be taken by everyone. 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. Avoid holidays altogether if you can. . We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. Learn how your comment data is processed. It was just enough to supply all my water needs for the two-day excursion. How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend: Insider Tips From a Local Once youre ready, the gentle flow of the river guides you back down to Lees Ferry over the course of several hours. We rented a boat on Lake Powell about a month ago but the water was too low to get there via boat. Also surprised its still accessible despite COVID, I had just been assuming the closure meant you couldnt be on that land at all. This year's super bloom across California is incredible, after a long winter of heavy rain and snow. You definitely want to pack lightly, but you should be able to bring a tent as long as you stick to the necessities. Antelope canyon looks like another world.
Disfruta de un consumo responsable