~ RENT YOUR KAYAK & GEAR HERE ~
Length: Paddle = 2.25 miles, 4.5 Miles round trip ~ Hike = 3 to 6 miles round trip depending on route choice
Difficulty: Paddle = Moderate depending on weather ~ Hike = Moderate
Hiking Terrain: Soft sand, Talus scree, mild scrambling, wash bottoms
Park Pass/Permit Required: Yes – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or National Park Pass
Backhaul Shuttle Required: No
Directions to the Launch
Take Lees Ferry Road off of Scenic Highway 89A at Marble Canyon AZ and travel 6 miles to its end. There are Kayak rentals and a river rigging area (gravel) near the concrete launch ramp. Please try and avoid clogging up the concrete launch area because motor boats need this to trailer their boats. There is more than enough room on the gravel river runner rigging area to off-load and on-load your gear. The dirt parking area for your vehicle is located just beyond the bathrooms and launch ramp. Kayak rentals are available at the launch area.
Fall and Cave Creek Paddle Description
If you’re looking for a peaceful trip without the hassle or expense of paying for a backhaul, this is the adventure for you. Launch your kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Lee’s Ferry launch area and paddle upstream for 2.25 miles, skillfully dipping in and out of eddies to avoid battling the current. Along the way, marvel at the crystal-clear water, watch the mesmerizing emerald moss swaying with the flow, and see trout darting from beneath your kayak. You’ll be surrounded by a rich array of birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a wild horse sipping from the river’s edge or a nimble Big Horn Sheep scampering up the cliffs. Take a break at one of the many sandy beaches, where you can rest and dip your toes in the refreshing waters. Paddling on this trip is generally easy with favorable winds, but it can become challenging if the winds don’t cooperate, so be sure to check the conditions beforehand. The comforting thought is that if you ever get too tired, you can simply turn around and float back with the current. At river mile 2.25, pull over at a grassy beach at a constriction in the river, just after passing the Echo Peaks formation, where a hike will take you up the wash from the first major drainage coming in from the south side of the river.
Fall Creek ~ Hislop Cave ~ Cave Creek Hike Description
Fall Creek: This charming 2.5-mile round-trip hike takes you through the bottom of a towering box canyon. For those looking for a bit more adventure, a half-mile side spur canyon can be added. The trail is relatively easy, winding through soft sand and mild wash-bottom rocks, and culminates at a dramatic cliff face that perfectly exemplifies the term “box canyon.” Springtime adds a special touch as the Red Bud Trees burst into magenta bloom, transforming the hike into a seasonal delight.
Hislop Cave: This cavern, shaped like a giant eye, offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Echo Peaks. The cave’s name honors John Hislop, who carved an inscription on a boulder in 1889 during a fateful canyon expedition. The hike to the cave is moderate, requiring walking over loose talus scree, sand, and rock.
Petroglyphs: Have fun trying to discover the Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs etched into a cliff band up a slope. These carvings can be challenging to locate due to the lack of a dedicated trail, which adds an element of adventure for the intrepid explorer. Look for the smoothest, darkest rock along the cliff line. The hike is moderate, so if you find yourself scrambling, you may have strayed off course.
Cave Creek: While this small canyon may not be as striking as other local attractions, it’s a worthwhile addition if you’re completing the full loop. The canyon ends at a large box canyon, but along the way, you’ll encounter a few intriguing formations that make the extra effort rewarding.
~ BACK TO COLORADO RIVER – GLEN CANYON KAYAKING ~