~ BACKHAUL SERVICE~
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The fifteen miles of Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam near Page Arizona are some of the finest floatable currents on the planet.
BUT!
You will need to hire a backhaul shuttle service to transport you and your kayak ( or paddle craft) upstream, allowing you to paddle around Horseshoe Bend and back to your vehicle. Kayak the Colorado is your go to service! There reputation for punctuality, safety, and quality equipment is second to none. Typically, pontoon boats are used to carry your kayak or canoe, and skilled guides ensure a smooth ride to your starting point. The backhaul takes about 30 minutes and is a pleasant experience.
Length: Dam Drop Off = 15 Miles ~ Petroglyph Beach Drop Off = 10 miles
Time: Dam Drop Off – 7-9 hours ~ Petroglyph Beach Drop Off = 4-6
Camping: Yes – In designated sites only, no permit required
Difficulty: Moderate depending on weather
Park Pass/Permit Required: Yes – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or National Park Pass
Backhaul Shuttle Required: $80 per person
Directions to the Launch
Take Lees Ferry Road off of Scenic Highway 89A at Marble Canyon AZ and travel 6 miles to its end at Lees Ferry Launch Ramp. Parking is in a dirt lot just beyond the bathrooms. Kayak and canoe rentals are available on site. .
Horseshoe Bend Paddle Description
Paddling through Glen Canyon on the Colorado River is a must-experience for any paddler. The journey takes you through crystal-clear emerald waters, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and pristine shores that are truly unparalleled. As you float downstream, the serene current allows you to relax while observing an array of birdlife and the occasional Big Horn Sheep. Rainbow Trout dart beneath the surface, adding to the tranquil beauty of your adventure. The paddling is effortless, with no rapids or riffles to navigate, making it a leisurely and enjoyable experience.
Among the stunning rock formations you’ll encounter, the iconic Horseshoe Bend stands out with its breathtaking U-shaped meander. Along the way, several enticing side hikes invite you to explore narrow canyons, caverns, or listen to the soothing drip of water from Maidenhair Ferns in shady hanging gardens. Ancient Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs, carved into the rock over a thousand years ago, add a touch of historical intrigue for those who take the time to visit.
You can choose from two drop-off points:
- Petroglyph Beach: Located ten miles from Lees Ferry, this is the most popular drop-off point. It offers a shorter paddle, allowing for a more relaxed pace, ample time for side hikes, or the opportunity to fit in other activities. Most paddlers complete this route in about 5 hours, though you can finish faster with more effort or take longer if you prefer a leisurely pace.
- Mile 14: Just below the Glen Canyon Dam, this drop-off point adds about two hours to your journey, making the total paddle approximately 7 to 8 hours. This option allows for additional exploration of sites such as the Petroglyphs at Ropes Camp and the Hanging Gardens in Honey Draw.
Some paddlers choose to split the trip into two days, camping at one of the designated campsites along the way. No permit is required for camping, but sites can fill up quickly, so be prepared to share the beaches. Each campsite is equipped with fire pits and vault toilets for your convenience.