FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have a 48-hour cancellation window. If you need to cancel within that time frame, we can't offer refunds unless the weather forces us to withdraw completely. Remember there’s a 3% service fee for transactions made within those 48 hours. We still run and operate in the rain/snow. You can cancel for weather reasons as long as it's 48 hours in advance, and we may also do so if we feel it’s necessary. To cancel your booking, shoot us an email at info@kayakthecolorado.com. Be sure to include your booking name, backhaul time, and any other details that might help us out. Thanks!
The best way to experience Horseshoe Bend is by taking advantage of our backhaul taxi service. At Kayak the Colorado, we provide fast, reliable boats and friendly, knowledgeable captains who will help you get upstream above Horseshoe Bend. From there, you can paddle back downstream to your car at the Lee's Ferry Boat Ramp. Just a heads up—there are no roads upstream and no paddling allowed downstream from Lee's Ferry without a permit. Lee's Ferry is where the Grand Canyon begins, and if you're planning a private trip lasting 12 to 30 days, you’ll need a permit from the Grand Canyon National Park.
Got your own kayak? No problem! We’ll backhaul you and your kayak upstream at no extra charge.
Kayaking around Horseshoe Bend typically takes about 3 to 5 hours to return to your car at Lees Ferry. The most popular day trip starts from the Petroglyph Panel, which 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 in the current, water levels, and the wind. Just keep in mind that 3 mph is a solid benchmark!
Along the way, you’ll find some great beaches and hiking spots where you can take a break, grab some lunch, or explore the short 3/4 mile Waterholes slot canyon. Most people take around 5 to 6 hours to paddle from the Petroglyph Panel since they like to stop and enjoy the sights. If you’re aiming for a trip to the dam, the 15-mile paddle back will usually take about 6 to 9 hours, depending on your paddling speed, the weather, and any stops you make.
If you prefer a shorter trip of less than 4 hours, just let your Captain know how long you want to paddle, and they'll drop you off accordingly. Paddling is pretty chill with that nice 3 mph current helping you along, so most folks don’t paddle too hard. But if you want to get a bit more vigorous, just know you can add about 1 mph to your speed.
You’re welcome to bring your own watercraft, you will still need to book a backhaul service. There is no additional fee if you choose to bring your own kayak. If you don’t have your own, no worries—you can rent one from Kayak the Colorado, and we’ll deliver it right to the dock where the backhaul taxi picks you up at the Lees Ferry boat ramp. Just be sure to check the weight requirements for your rental. If you’re over 250 lbs for a single or 400 lbs for a tandem, we recommend going with an inflatable kayak.
With Kayak the Colorado, you won’t need to worry about hauling your rental kayak on your car for Horseshoe Bend. We take care of delivering all the kayaks to Lees Ferry and picking them up after your adventure. Once you're back at Lees Ferry, there’s no need to check out or wait for an attendant—just return your kayak to the designated area, double-check that you have all your valuables, and you're all set to enjoy the rest of your vacation!
There are plenty of great hikes along your kayaking route! On your backhaul, your knowledgeable Captain will highlight popular spots and landmarks. Some must-see hikes include the Ropes Trail at mile 14 on river right, the Petroglyph Panel at mile 10 on river left, and the Horseshoe Bend Plateau at mile 9 behind the campground.
If you want to explore further, check out the Limestone Lens Trail after about an hour of paddling downstream from Horseshoe Bend, or Waterholes Canyon, another 45 minutes down the river. Also, keep an eye out for unique spots like the Anasazi Slickrock, Box Canyon, Fall Canyon, the Great Sand Dune, Wild Horse Pasture, Boulder Fields, and the Johnson Cabin ruins.
Just a quick note: 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!
There are no rapids from the Dam down to Horseshoe Bend and back to Lees Ferry—the Colorado River is a class I river, making it great for beginners. Just 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.
Always check the weather before heading out—20 mph winds or more aren't ideal for beginners. If you're camping overnight, you have the advantage of time to wait for the wind to die down, plus your gear will keep you comfortable. Avoid caching your gear at camps, as it isn’t considered good river etiquette. When everyone and all your gear make it to camp, you’ve successfully claimed your spot!
Before you hit the water, check the weather, be honest about your skills, and use sites like wunderground.com and windy.com for a quick overview of the conditions. If you have any questions about the weather, feel free to email us at info@kayakthecolorado.com!
Paddlers can definitely head upstream from Lees Ferry without using the backhaul taxi, but be warned—it takes a lot of effort and skill to paddle against the 3 mph current. Most folks prefer to take advantage of the backhaul service, so they can explore more of the river, like Horseshoe Bend, and then enjoy an easy ride downstream.
Horseshoe Bend is at river mile 9, and even athletic paddlers usually spend a full day making the upstream trek against the current. Since it’ll take you about 3 hours to paddle back to Lees Ferry, make sure you allow enough time to return before sundown. It’s pretty dark around the takeout, and there’s a rapid just below, so don’t miss your chance to land if you decide to paddle upstream from Lees Ferry!
Fires are allowed in designated fire barrels, but remember, you can’t burn trash. Make sure to pack out all your waste, including anything leftover from your fire. Only bring what you’ll actually burn, and be sure to take any unburned wood with you when you leave the GCNRA. For a simple, low-impact alternative, think about bringing coffee can candles and a guitar for a cozy vibe!
All vehicles visiting the Glen Canyon Recreation Area need an America the Beautiful Annual All Parks Pass, which you can snag online. Alternatively, you can get a Glen Canyon Day Pass at a roadside kiosk just a mile down Lees Ferry Road.
Currently, no permit is necessary for camping between the dam and Lees Ferry.
There are 5 great campsites along the river to check out: 14 Mile (The Ropes Camp), 11 Mile Ferry Swale, 9 Mile Horseshoe Bend, 8 Mile Camp on the Right, and 6 Mile (Last Camp). You can easily spot these camps by the composting toilets and the campground signs, and your boat captain will highlight them as you head upstream. Remember to follow Leave No Trace ethics at all campsites—carry out all your waste. If you bring it in, make sure to take it out! It’s a good idea to pack a trash container to clean up anything others may have left behind. Keeping these wild places clean takes all of us, and responsible stewardship of our national parks starts with grateful visitors like you!
Even with the not-so-great news about Lake Powell, there’s still 400 feet of water behind the dam, thanks to decades of flow in the Colorado River. The river runs beautifully at 9,000 to 15,000 cubic feet per second. To give you some perspective, a raftable river like the Animas in Durango typically flows at just 300 to 1,000 cubic feet per second. The Colorado is a high-volume river with plenty of water for kayaking downstream from the dam. Even when the flow dropped to an all-time low of 4,000 cubic feet per second during dam work, there was still more than enough water for an awesome kayaking experience!
Distances to Lees Ferry
Page to Lee's Ferry:
45.3 miles | 52 minutes
Grand Canyon S Rim to Lees Ferry
131 miles | 2 hours 18 min
GC North Rim to Lees Ferry
89.2 miles | 1 hour 51 min
Flagstaff to Lees Ferry
110 miles | 2 hours
Kanab to Lees Ferry
83.7 miles | 1 hour 33 min
Las Vegas to Lees Ferry
268 miles | 4 hours 54 min
Phoenix to Lees Ferry
273 miles | 4 hours and 10 minIf you want to kayak the Grand Canyon, you'll need a non-commercial weighted lottery permit, or you can go with a commercial guide service. The Grand Canyon is a class III-IV river with serious hydraulics and waves, so it's best for experienced whitewater kayakers who have the right swift water training. If you're looking for something just as amazing but a bit more accessible, Horseshoe Bend is a fantastic option. It features a stunning thousand-foot deep gorge in a pristine wilderness that’s hard to beat. You can kick off your Grand Canyon river expedition at the Lees Ferry Boat Launch, where your adventure will take you all the way down to Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
While kayaking from the Dam to Lees Ferry, you’ll find 8 bathroom stops along the way at river miles 14, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, and 4. Since it hardly rains in the desert, it’s best not to pee on the shore, as it can linger there until the next storm rolls through. So, take advantage of those restroom opportunities!
Use the "book now" tab to access our secure booking system. from there, you will do the following:
Check Availability Book Now ButtonBook the backhaul taxi first
Date, Time, phone #, email
Then pick a watercraft
Same time as backhaul and duration 1 day, 2 day, 3 day
After you pay, an email will be sent instructing you where to go and what to bring.
If you need to cancel, send an email to info@kayakthecolorado.com
Recommended Supply list
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat (for optimal coverage)
Longsleeve fishing shirt
1 Liter of water per person
Gatorade (for electrolytes)
Binoculars (to see wildlife)
Beach towel
Dry bags (ask about our rentals!)
Sandals
READY TO bOOK yoUR KAYAKING ADVENTURE?
At Kayak the Colorado, it is our passion to share the incredible beauty of the Colorado River with paddlers from all over the world. When you choose our backhaul service, you are supporting a locally owned business that wants nothing more than to ensure you are given the trip of a lifetime. Book online or give us a call at: (435) 275-2925
