how long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend

. Looking for more great things to do in Kanab? Questions about how to kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River? If you didnt stop much and had a bit more hustle, the trip would take closer to five. It also gets COLD in this area in the winter, as Horseshoe Bend sits at 4,200 feet elevation. Brady, is a Captain, and all captains provide special knowledge for an adventure that fits your individual needs. The route finding is easy and the paddling distances are reasonable. This trip takes about eight hours, of course depending on the number of stops and how quickly you paddle. Beat them by being in the park at sunrise or waiting until 4ish pm. This kayaking experience is everything! 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. The backhaul costs $75 per person and sit-in hardshell kayaks were $35 per day. Thanks for sharing this adventure! Yes, Waterholes Canyon is accessible from the east bank of the river (left as you head downstream) at around the 4 mile marker. He created an Arizona bucket list and began checking places off. After the mountain lion took a lengthy drink, it slipped back into the bushes and out of sight. Timing: Anywhere from five hours to overnight; best from September . This post contains affiliate links. In that time Ive helped thousands of people kindle a love of nature and outdoor adventure. Love it. But, as stated above, if you don't have all day, ask your boat captain for suggestions on . kayaking can be challenging, but these views make it so rewarding! Campsites are located at 6, 8, 9 and 11 miles from Lees Ferry. Also surprised its still accessible despite COVID, I had just been assuming the closure meant you couldnt be on that land at all. To avoid taking a backhaul you will need at least 2 days to kayak to Horseshoe Bend and back. I've tried it all. Each site is large and well-marked. The river route goes around Horseshoe Bend, the iconic, most photographed viewpoint near Page. 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. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get there. I am heading back for a day trip with a couple of my girlfriends in a couple weeksMay 2022 but this time I am paddleboarding. 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. . . However, a kayak trip to where Lake Powell meets the bottom of Antelope Canyon is a unique way to experience Antelope without a canyon tour. Antelope canyon looks like another world. Elevation highpoint on Trail - 4373 feet. 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. It was from the upper vantage point that I first saw this natural wonder in 2019. How Difficult is Kayaking Horseshoe Bend? We were completely blown away by the beauty of the canyon and the glass-like water of the Colorado River. We may try to squeeze in a visit to antelope canyon after we get off of the river. Since I have zero experience with a stand-up paddleboard, I checked to see what others had to say on this topic. There are 5 designated campsites with toilets and fire pits. Any advice? How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? Check out our love of Hot Springs in this article about our visit to a Abandoned Hot Springs! This looks like so much fun. Theyre labeled on this map. . Therefore, your smart phone will adjust as you travel through. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. 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. We totally recommend seeing Horseshoe Bend from above. Alternatively, there are several camping areas along the shores of the Colorado River, meaning its possible to kayak Horseshoe Bend as an overnight camping trip. Make sure you camp on a flat, previously disturbed patch of land and avoid trampling the fragile desert plants or cryptobiotic soil. Highly recommend! The uniqueness of adventuring through canyons by water is a relief from the heat of the desert. Thank you for supporting my blog. It was an easy return of the gear as we could just leave it at the takeout with the outfitters at Lees Ferry. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 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! Once youre ready, the gentle flow of the river guides you back down to Lees Ferry over the course of several hours. Ive yet to see one anywhere but I often feel like maybe their eyes are on me when I hike in Arizona. The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. This is probably the second most popular campsite, but is less crowded than the site at Horseshoe Bend. Hi! Yes, campfires are permitted in fire rings only. It was an amazing experience. Planning to go with my 6-yr old, but realize there wont be room to pack a whole bunch. 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. As this is Arizona, please make sure you check on fire restrictions ahead of time to find out if youre allowed to have one! He IS a kayaker. Send me Awesome RV Guides, How To's and Travel Tips! I'm Angelica. 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. . In general, kayaking Horseshoe Bend is easy. You can kayak from Lee's Ferry up the river to the Glen Canyon Dam and back down the river with a backhaul service. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including . On a separate web page, it says 40 pounds is the limit. I was practically swept into the spot by a whirlpool when I was hugging the right bank to make way for a powerboat cruising upstream. Do You Need a Permit to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? The Glen Canyon Dam was created in 1956-1966 and holds back enough water to form Lake Powell. And I cant believe you saw a mountain lion!!! Kayak the Colorado provides kayak rental and backhaul taxi services to Horseshoe Bend and the dam. We loved this trip with kayak the colorado at Horseshoe Bend and would highly recommend it to anyone. Sequoia National Park - mostly Paradise Creek Trail, but the flowers are poppin' EVERYWHERE! Antelope Canyon is Instagram famous worldwide. Its also a fantastic alternative to whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon. There are several places to climb out of the slot canyon to see it from above. In total, there are about 130 steps inside Lower Antelope Canyon. Be the first to get access to this essential guide that will help you determine your dream set-up: Motorhome, Trailer, Tent, Van. Do you happen to see it or know where its located? We did about 3hrs which was perfect. [See document on camping.] Some of the most awesome kayaking in Arizona are trips to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ. It may take you around 6-7 hours of paddling to complete the whole stretch of Horseshoe Bend. Two Outliers may contain affiliate links we only recommend products we personally use and love. There are organized kayak or paddleboard tours that go to Antelope Canyon but we opted to rent boats and do it ourselves. Want to Kayak the Colorado River and see the awesome Horseshoe Bend from the bottom? Both kayaking trips are accessible to anyone with prior paddling experience. Youll even have enough time to visit Horseshoe Bend fro above in the morning! 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. This was one of the best things Ive ever done or probably will ever do on a trip and I would HIGHLY recommend that you book with them (go see Horseshoe Bend from above first, and then youll appreciate seeing the ants looking down on you as you paddle.). Thanks. Also, wear a good sun hat, slather on that sunscreen, and pack a ton of water. Youll kayak back downriver to the boat launch to end your trip. We saw so many trout in the crystal clear water I wished I had a pole to catch dinner. Yes - you can be dropped most anywhere along the river. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. The kayaking trip is moderate in difficulty. . For those who dont have a lot of time, great news: a half-day trip is enough to kayak Horseshoe Bend! The water is connected to Lake Powell. That said, its a river and special safety precautions should be taken by everyone. 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. The Arizona heat and sun exposure is no joke, and rescuers save people on the brink of death from dehydration or sun poisoning every single day. That being said, the hike is a nice break from paddling and worth exploring if you have the time. 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? If you could only do one kayak trip and you had younger kids (6), which would you do? Did you bring a tent or just a tarp to sleep on? email info@kayakthecolorado.com or give a holler 928-856-0012. (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.) 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. How long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend? High winds do not make for an enjoyable kayaking trip, even in Horseshoe Bend! These cookies do not store any personal information. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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 only thing that can top this is the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend! It was an awe inspiring trip which could have been scary but we knew we were covered with the help of KHB. No need to pay $10 for a view of Horseshoe Bend from the top, when you can see it from the inside. Jennifer, it took us about two or three hours to paddle out. No matter what season you go, youll encounter far fewer people on weekdays than weekends or holidays. Learn more about me and the blog. 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. About 15 minutes in the slot canyon begins. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! We also did a 2-day overnight camping trip in Glen Canyon and kayaked around the iconic Horseshoe Bend. The weeks immediately before and after major holidays are also a great time. We brought our small backpacking tent, and had no trouble fitting it in the kayak. I like the sounds of an extended trip like that. I finally, and completely, checked Horseshoe Bend off my Arizona Bucket List. Learn how your comment data is processed. Our float ended up being just 1 night which was perfect and Terry showed me the best areas to fish. We slept out in the open under clear night skies. Enjoy! Iwould definitely enjoy the kayaking piece. I'm glad you're here and hope you'll stay awhile! There are several campsites along the way. Ive always wanted to do this! In addition, we rent kayaks and other float craft. 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. (You can see it in the upper right corner of the video frame at the beginning of the video clip.) I appreciate you! When you see the following landmarks, you can make a pretty decent guess about your position and progress along the route. If you choose not to use the backhaul service, the trip becomes significantly more challenging. Parking Fees. You can take a backhaul service (i.e. How long does it take to kayak horseshoe bend? We used Kayak the Colorado for our outfitter. Another unique place to stay in the Vermillion Cliffs area is the Shash Dine EcoRetreat. In our opinion, kayaking Horseshoe Bend as an overnight trip is the best option, as you can take your time, really soak in the beauty of the canyon, and enjoy the peaceful serenity of early morning on the river, before the waters become busy with motor boats and other kayakers. You can stay in a traditional Navajo hogan on a working farm. Thanks for sharing! 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. A backhaul taxi to Horseshoe Bend is a motorized boat that carries people, watercraft and gear upstream from Lee's Ferry to the base of the Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend or anywhere along the Colorado river. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I had a lot of questions before our crew of six embarked on this adventure. Video: See highlights from my Horseshoe Bend kayaking adventure . Yes. We are going kayaking next week from petroglyph beach. Call now! The entrance fee is $30, however, its covered under all the Interagency Passes. The last campsite before Lees Ferry is located at mile 6. Difficulty - Easy, however there are steep dropoffs, stay away from cliff edges. Because youll be paddling downriver, the entire 16 miles can be kayaked as a day trip in about 6 to 9 hours depending on the wind and current. The question of "how long does it take to kayak Horseshoe Bend?" is almost like "how high is up?". Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Page, Lower Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend Half Day Tour from Page, AZ, Half Day Tour of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon from Page Arizona, Upper Antelope Canyon Admission Ticket (Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours). Goodness! Hi there! It depends on how far up-river you go, but generally 5-8 hours. Perhaps we were just tired and sunburnt by this time, but we found Waterholes Canyon to be somewhat underwhelming. ~ Edwin Markham OMG such a cool experience!! . . So many people see Horseshoe Bend from the top but so few see it from the bottom! When is the best time of the year to take a kayak tour around horseshoe bend? Combining two tips, if you must visit on a weekend, hit the popular sites early/late and spend peak hours at less-visited areas. Idaho whitewater rafting and kayaking trips departing daily. Hi! Keep an eye out for ospreys and eagles (look for their huge, impressive telltale nests!) As I floated closer I saw that it was a mountain lion taking a drink of water. On one page of the website for the backhaul outfitter we hired, they referenced 30 pounds max carry-on weight. I'm wondering if it's possible to bring my small dog who loves to kayak? 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. Our boats were ready on arrival. We'd planned to kayak Lake Powell into Antelope Canyon but sounded crowded, and then we heard about this alternative from Shash Dine, where we stayed. Want to read about more adventures you can do? Now that I have answers, I can share some tips with you. And Lake Powell offers paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and a scenic drive through backcountry roads. Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks sounds amazing! Just around Horseshoe Bend is the mile 8 campsite. We found it to be a nice and easy kayak because you go with the current. 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. Since there were six of us in our party, we each brought a synthetic firelog that you can purchase in stores. Visit during 'shoulder season.' Kayaking the Colorado from below is an experience of a life time. This pic is at sunset on a very busy Saturday, but we stopped between two uber-popular viewpoints. Kayaking Horseshoe Bend at a Glance. 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. Alternatively, you could kayak a few miles from Lees Ferry before turning back, but youd miss the highlight of the trip: Horseshoe Bend! Each year, millions of people flock to Horseshoe Bend for selfies and other awesome photos from the top. How Long Does it Take to Kayak Horseshoe Bend? Continue paddling downstream on Day 2 with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. Ive done the research and made the trip. It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. Tell us your favorite kayaking trip below! Best of all, however, are the resident wild mustangs! From the petroglyphs, you are just around the corner from the magnificent Horseshoe Bend. We want to hear from you! The earlier you get on the water, the more you will have the canyon to yourself in the morning. As with all canyon adventures, an early start is key to see more wildlife and avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. Horseshoe Bend. 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. 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. 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.

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