can you go to horseshoe bend without a tour

Because you’ll 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.Īlternatively, there are several camping areas along the shores of the Colorado River, meaning it’s possible to kayak Horseshoe Bend as an overnight camping trip. The most popular way to kayak Horseshoe Bend is by taking a backhaul service 16 miles up river from Lee’s Ferry to the Glen Canyon Dam, and then kayaking back down river. Horseshoe Bend is located 9 miles up the Colorado River from Lee’s Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona.īecause the Glen Canyon Dam is located 7 miles upriver from Horseshoe Bend, Lee’s Ferry is the only access point if you want to boat or kayak to Horseshoe Bend.

Cost | $105 day trip, $140 overnight (including backhaul).

Time | 6 to 9 hours or 1 night/2day camping trip.

Total distance | 16 miles one way (option to reduce distance to 10 miles by having the backhaul service drop you off just after Horseshoe Bend).

Location | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.Horseshoe Bend Kayaking Trip | At a Glance I n this article, we’ve rounded up all the information you need to know to plan the perfect kayaking trip.

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. We kayaked through Horseshoe Bend as an overnight trip in early May, using the backhaul up to Glen Canyon Dam and kayaking 16 miles downriver to Lee’s Ferry. When we heard that you could kayak up the Colorado River to Horseshoe Bend, we knew we had to do it! However, after the pandemic hit and we embarked on a permanent road trip, we found ourselves living in southern Utah for several months. We visited Horseshoe Bend from the popular viewpoint near Page in 2019, and at the time never expected we’d get to see the beautiful spot again. Located just 10 minutes from Page, Arizona the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint that looks down over the Colorado River is wildly popular and attracts hundreds of visitors per day.īut did you know that you can escape the crowds and experience Horseshoe Bend by kayaking on the Colorado River?! Kayaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River is a unique way to experience one of the Southwest’s most famous viewpoints! Odds are you’ve either been to, heard of, or seen photos of Arizona’s famous Horseshoe Bend, a sharp curve in the Colorado River that carves a horseshoe shape into massive red cliffs.

Can you go to horseshoe bend without a tour