Horseshoe Bend Kayak Adventure
Come join us for a day and Kayak this famous river including Kayaking around Horseshoe Bend!
Quick Details
Duration : 8 Hours
Ages : 5 Years & Up
Ages : 12 & under must be on a tandem kayak with Parent or Guardian
Activity : Kayaking
Max Group Size : Up to 11 People. For larger groups, please call us to book!
All participants will be required to sign two waivers. One for the tour service and one for the backhaul taxi service.
Horseshoe Bend Day Kayak Adventure
Glen Canyon and the renowned Colorado River. Famous for iconic views of Horseshoe Bend, incredible geological features and fascinating human history – the Vermilion Cliffs, wild horses and ancient petroglyphs to name a few.
We will start the day at the Lee’s Ferry Boat Ramp in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. We will meet up with Kayak the Colorado, a fun bunch of Canyon lovers who will provide us with a seasoned Captain for a boat taxi service to get us upstream above Horseshoe Bend. They will haul our group and all of our equipment to Petroglyph Beach where we will begin our adventure.
At Petroglyph Beach there is a short hike up to some highly protected 3000-6000 year old petroglyphs. Admire the artwork of another age and culture. We must respect and protect this site so keep your distance behind the barrier.
After the short Petroglyph hike we will gather our kayaks and push off to float through the 1000 foot deep gorge of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Rounding Horseshoe Bend in a kayak is an amazing, awe-inspiring experience. Let the 3 mph current do the work and watch the Great Blue Herons standing patiently as they stalk one of the fish in this stretch of river. You might catch a big horn sheep at the waters edge quenching his thirst and listen intently for the scream of the Peregrine falcons nesting high in the cliffs.
Our adventure typically takes about 4 to 5 hours to return to Lee’s Ferry. The Petroglyph Panel is about 10 river miles from Lee’s Ferry and sits at the top of Horseshoe Bend. Generally the current flows at around 3 mph, but it can vary slightly based on your location, current water levels and the wind. Just keep in mind that 3 mph is a solid benchmark!
Along the way we’ll spot some great beaches and hiking spots where we can take a break, eat our lunch, or explore the short 3/4 mile Waterholes Slot Canyon. Always open to exploration, no permits necessary, you really get to see the erosive qualities of water and gravity as you hike up the soft sandy wash of the Waterholes Slot Canyon. The sweetest pink sugar sand is washed in from above to fill the river with precious sediment, and from which the beautiful beaches are built.
And a reminder: The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a delicate ecosystem, so make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles. Stick to established trails to protect the fragile crypto-biotic soils which are essential for the local plants and wildlife. Enjoy your adventure!
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats (for optimal coverage)
- Long sleeve shirt (for optimal coverage)
- Lunch (See optional sack lunch option)
- Gatorade (for electrolytes)
- Binoculars (to see wildlife)
- Beach towel
- Shoes or Sandals (for hiking)
- Any medications you may need
- An extra set of dry clothes in case you get wet
- Gratuity for your Guide
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entry fees
- Kayak, Paddle and Personal Flotation Device (Life Jacket)
- Round-Trip travel from Kanab, UT to Lee’s Ferry
- Bottled Water
- Dry Bag - 40 L
The Colorado River is a Class I river, making it great for beginners. But remember, it’s not without its challenges! The water is cold, so always wear your life vest and dress for the conditions. The river has a nice flow for paddling, but it can be tough to swim if you end up capsizing, so stick close to shore if you're not a confident swimmer.
Another thing to watch out for is the wind. Strong winds can create waves, turning the river into a Class II situation. If it gets too windy to paddle, just head to shore and wait it out. Wind can come in pulses, usually blowing strong for 15-30 minutes, so once it calms down, get back on that 3 mph current and continue downstream.
At Kanab Tour Company we are all about safety. Our kayak guides hold two Safety Certifications:
* Wilderness First Responder Certificates which includes Adult, Child, Infant CPR, AED and Airway Management, and Epinephrine Auto-Injector certification.
* The American Canoe Association’s (ACA) Community Paddlesport Leader (CPL) Certification.
The certification is part of the ACA’s Leadership and Guide certification program. It provides outfitters and guiding operations who require their staff teams to meet quality standards and have a recognized certification. The ACA Kayaking Skills Assessment Course is part of the certification. This course content meets the National On Water Standards for human powered craft (NOWS).
We offer sit-in kayaks and inflatable kayaks (still extremely sturdy and reliable) to provide a more tailored experience to guests during their paddling adventure along the Colorado River.
Sit-In Hardshell Kayak
Hardshell Kayaks are the most efficient human-powered watercraft. Not recommended for weight capacity over 200 lbs. If weight and gear is over 200 lbs, inflatable kayaks work great.
Sit-In Hardshell Tandem Kayak
Sit-In Tandem is a fast watercraft when paddling together. They can hold up to 500 lbs.
Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable kayaks are very stable, virtually unflippable and track well. These are recommended for beginners. They are easy to paddle, carry loads of gear and are unsinkable. 350 lbs weight capacity
Inflatable Tandem Kayak
Inflatable Tandems are very stable and carry weight well. These are recommended for beginners. They are fun, easy to paddle and are unflippable. 550 lbs weight capacity.
There are 5 bathroom stops available along the way at river miles 9, 8, 7, 6 and 4. Since it hardly rains in the desert, do not use the shore for this purpose. It can linger there until the next storm rolls through. Please take advantage of the restroom opportunities!
Group Continuity & Safety / Protecting our Resources
- All guests must stay with the group and guide at all times.
- The guide MUST BE NOTIFIED of any variance to this policy.
- Do not climb or hike up any steep rock faces or areas indicated as “off limits” by your guide.
- Do not enter any mine or cave openings.
- Pricing is Per Person
- Participants must be age 5 and above.
- Group size is 11 participants to 1 guide.
- Pets are only permitted on your own Personal Kayak.
- Drones are not permitted in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Packing a lunch for your kayaking trip is crucial to ensure your body has enough fuel for the trip, especially during the summer.
- Drugs and Alcohol are not permitted at any time.
Our wonderful friends at Marble Canyon Lodge are pleased to offer a Sack Lunch for your day. Each lunch includes your choice of main dish, plus fruit, chips and a cookie.
Main dish options:
• The Meat – turkey, ham, or pulled chicken with mixed greens, tomato, red onion, mayo on a croissant
• The Veggie – roasted seasonal veggies, chipotle hummus, mixed greens, tomato, pickled red onion on a croissant
• Dinosaur Kale Salad – chopped and massaged dinosaur kale, pickled red onion, parmesan-romano blend, breadcrumbs, and charred lemon vinaigrette
Lunches are $20 per person
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