Horseshoe Bend Kayak Adventure

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.