Glen Canyon Kayaking Details

This self-lead trip requires minimal personal gear with the outfitter providing kayaks and paddleboards for rent along with the backhaul (water taxi) service. The taxi transports rented and privately owned watercraft upstream after meeting at the Lees Ferry launch ramp. Departures leave daily between 6 AM to 10 AM (depending on the season).

Horseshoe Bend Kayaking Video

While you can get dropped off any distance above the Lees Ferry, most people choose to start at Petroglyph Beach just upstream of Horseshoe Bend, creating a paddle adventure that usually takes 4 to 5 hours. For the longer 7 to 8 hour day, get dropped off the maximum 15.5 miles upstream at the base of Glen Canyon Dam below Lake Powell. No matter where you launch, you get a flat-water paddle suitable for any skill level.

Taxi Motorboat & Captain

The specially modified 23-foot Hurricane motorboat carries up to 6 passengers and kayaks from Lees Ferry upriver to drop off points. During the backhaul up canyon, the captain points our key spots as well as shares some interesting nuggets of local knowledge.

The backhaul requires a minimum of 2 passengers to run. Typically many paddlers go each day during the summer but sometimes singles need to switch launch times to have enough passengers.

Rentals

By itself the backhaul costs $75 per person. Horseshoe Bend kayak and paddleboard rentals range between $35 to $55 per day (includes lifejacket and paddle). Rentals are only available for those using the backhaul service.

• Single Inflatable $35
• Single Inflatable XL Kayak $45
• Tandem Inflatable $55
• Paddleboard $40
  (includes paddles & PFDs)

See rental kayak and paddle board images and descriptions.

Bring your own Craft & Camping

Feel free to bring your own kayak or paddleboard as long as it is under 14 feet. It will be carried as part of the $75 backhaul fee. The weight of each passenger’s boat and gear must be less than 100 lbs. Expect a $50 surcharge per person for watercraft, luggage and gear exceeding 100 pounds. River campers must go minimalist, backpacking style to meet the weight requirements. If you are bringing your own craft you must also bring an appropriate lifejacket.

For those with non-conventional boats under 14 feet other than a kayak or paddleboard please call us to confirm that your craft can be hauled and is appropriate for the trip.

Age Limits

Children 12 and under must be on a Tandem or XL kayak with an adult. This activity is not recommended for children under 5 years old or people who are not physically fit. There is no discount for children.

Wilderness Experience

While at times motor boats will be coming  by and it will seem busy, other times there will be no other boats or people in view on the river. Be prepared for weather, accidents and medical emergencies. Carry a lighter or matches, flashlight, change of clothing, rain jacket, cell phone, whistle, medications, extra food and water. If you have an allergy to ant bites, bee or wasp stings be sure to bring Benadryl or an epi-pen. An adequate first aid kit is always a good idea. Ideally, all this gear packs in a water tight bag. See our detailed packing list.

River Bathrooms

Urination during the day when not near a port-a-john takes place in the river or wet sand next to the river per Glen Canyon Recreation Area regulations. The National Park Service maintains composting toilets along this stretch at popular stops and all campsites.

Getting to Lees Ferry, Arizona

Drive times to Lees Ferry from neighboring cities are as follows:

• Page, AZ (Lake Powell): 50 minutes, 45 miles
• Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ: 2.5 hours, 130 miles
• Flagstaff, AZ: 2.25 hours, 129 miles
• Sedona, AZ: 3 hours, 158 miles
• Bryce Canyon, UT: 3 hours, 160 miles
• Zion National Park, UT: 2.75 hours, 145 miles
• Las Vegas, NV: 4.5 hours, 268 miles

We recommend staying at the Cliff Dwellers Lodge the night before (more information below) as the day can begin early.

WHERE TO STAY

Cliff Dwellers Lodge

We recommend the Cliff Dwellers Lodge the night before and/or the night you get off the water so you can maximize your time in the area. The lodge varies by season, expect around $120 to $150 per night for one of their 1 to 2 person rooms. Current rates can be seen on the booking page. The lodge restaurant is open every day. Their menu offers hearty breakfasts, burgers, steaks, BBQ, specialty sandwiches and other delicious dishes.

• Breakfast 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Lunch 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  *Hours fluctuate by season

Discounted Rates

The lodge provides a 10% discounted rate to paddlers using the backhaul service. The rate varies throughout the season and can be seen through our online booking portal by selecting a desired date.

Your lodging reservation can be cancelled up to 3 business days before your check-in date in order to receive a refund. Cancellations within 3 business days of your check-in date cannot be refunded.

Please know that the Cliff Dwellers Lodge has limited space. If you cannot secure a room there are other lodging options nearby.

Weather

Typical Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon weather patterns:

• March, April and May have cooler temperatures and can bring strong winds.
• June through August are the hottest months with temperatures between 95°F – 115°F.
• Monsoon season, July thru September, brings afternoon clouds and rain showers.
• September and October have cooler temperatures.

We have additional information about variations in the river during the rafting season.

Windy Season: Paddling in March or April

While it can get windy anytime of year, spring time produces days with strong up canyon breezes causing the outfitter to cancel trips. Typically the weather service will know about the pending winds 4 or 5 days in advance and you will be contacted by they outfitter if they believe it is necessary to cancel your trip.

If the wind causes your trip to cancel, you will be given the opportunity to reschedule or you have the option of a full refund.

Water Temperature/Flows

The Colorado River water is around 50°F – 68°F year round.  Going for a swim can be refreshing on hot summer days. The Colorado River flows vary throughout the day due to releases from Glen Canyon Dam. During the summer flows range between 9000 and 16000 cfs (cubic feet per second). See our page with Colorado River flows and temperatures.

What to Bring Rafting

We provide a detailed packing list once you book your trip.  No matter what time of year, we highly recommend you bring waterproof rain gear (jacket and pants) to protect you from potential rain and wind. There will be times when you’re in the shade and if you’re wet – even in the summer – it can get uncomfortable.

For spring or fall rafting you’ll want to bring layers to keep warm. Sun protection is a must as you’ll be spending a long day out in the Arizona sun.  We have more gear information here (please note this gear is for all river trips and is not specific to the 1 day trip).

Payment and Cancellation Policies

Online booking requires a 10% non refundable deposit. The trip will be charged in full 14 days prior to the trip date and is non-refundable unless canceled for weather or safety concerns by the outfitter.

Seeing Horseshoe Bend from the Top

Before or after your trip take a detour to Mile Marker 545 on Highway 89 just outside Page, Arizona. After a 3/4 of a mile walk from the Horseshoe Bend overlook parking area, enjoy a dramatic view of the 1000 foot drop into Horseshoe Bend from the top. Tennis shoes or hiking boots work best for the hike and bring some water. Be warned there are no guard rails at the overlook.

DROUGHT AND THE COLORADO RIVER

Lake Powell lies just upstream of Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon. Glen Canyon Dam releases water down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon to Lake Mead for use by Las Vegas, Phoenix and California. Even in drought years, this will provide boatable flows for the entire season (March-October). Read our article about how drought is affecting rafting in the west.