Need suggestions on 1 day tour that includes hiking and kayaking

Comments

14 responses to “Need suggestions on 1 day tour that includes hiking and kayaking”

1. 

   April 18, 2017

   Natan

   Hello,
   This sounds awesome! I love the idea of kayaking around Horseshoe Bend. What is a Backhaul? Could I go myself to a ramp and kayak along the river?
   Additionally, is this too crazy to do in early July?
   Thanks!

   Reply
   1. 

      April 21, 2017

      Sandy Jones

      Hello Natan,
      A backhaul is a way of getting to a location up=river from Lee’s Ferry. You could Kayak up-river but the current is rather strong and it can be tricky. There is a company that does a float trip down the river and they could backhaul you to a point above Horseshoe Bend. There are no ramps where you can go as a private individual to kayak downstream. July is generally hot and it is also generally the start of the “monsoon season” which means you could experience rain and winds – not a fun combination for kayaking on the river.

      Reply
2. 

   May 22, 2017

   Lukas

   Hi so what is the best time for kayaking around the horshoe bend? And it is a camping site over there somewhere nearby?
   Thank you

   Reply
   1. 

      May 27, 2017

      Karlyn Bunting

      Lukas,

      Usually after it warms up from about Mid-May until Mid-September. The Colorado River is at 47 degree’s coming out of Glen Canyon Dam, so kayaking the river is most comfortable during that time period. Now, of course, you can wear a wetsuit and it’d be comfortable at other times too.

      Normally, unless you have other arrangements, most people arrange a backhaul with Colorado River Discovery from the Lee’s Ferry dock. You can learn more about that here: https://www.riveradventures.com/horseshoe-bend-rafting-trips/backhauling-services/

      There are several campsites along the Colorado River between where Colorado River Discovery backhauls you to and Lee’s Ferry. One of those campsites is right on the nose of Horseshoe Bend, by the way. There’s one at the bottom of the Ropes Trail, Ferry Swale, and I’m forgetting the name of the other one. These are all of the beaches/campsites that have a Restroom. Currently, it is open camping on the Colorado River in this 15 mile stretch. Obviously, first come, first serve.

      Enjoy…I’d like to do it again myself. It’s been a few years.

      Thank You,

      Karlyn

      Reply
3. 

   June 9, 2019

   tabatha chastain

   Any where to kayak if you don’t have a class 4 whitewater rafting license?

   Reply
   1. 

      June 26, 2019

      Karlyn Bunting

      Tabatha,

      Both of the places I would recommend Kayaking are NOT in Grand Canyon National Park.

      They are on Smoothwater below Glen Canyon Dam and Hoover Dam…which are both ends of Grand Canyon National Park.

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

      Reply
4. 

   September 18, 2019

   Ruth

   Is mid March a good time to kayak horseshoe bend. Is it flat water. I am 82 years old.

   Reply
   1. 

      February 14, 2020

      Karlyn Bunting

      Ruth,

      The challenge with March is that it can be windy. Also, depending on the day, that can also still be fairly cool to be on 47 degree water kayaking around Horseshoe Bend. If you are prepared for both of those challenges, then March can be a good time of the year. I personally prefer May – September.

      Either way, here is a link to the Backhauling Services provided by Wilderness River Expeditions to help you get your Kayak up to Glen Canyon Dam:
      https://www.riveradventures.com/horseshoe-bend-rafting-trips/backhauling-services/

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

      Reply
5. 

   August 25, 2020

   Tricia Chapman

   I’m
   Looking to kayak in October is this possible who do I contact about details

   Reply
   1. 

      August 31, 2020

      Karlyn Bunting

      Tricia,

      I live on the East end of the Grand Canyon in Page, Arizona and I would recommend Kayak Horseshoe Bend as they provide the Kayak, Paddles, and Personal Floatation Device along with the Backhaul from Lees Ferry up to Glen Canyon Dam or other drop off locations. This is extremely convenient.

      Your other options are to rent a kayak in Page, then transport it to Lees Ferry, book a Backhaul with Wilderness River Expeditions, and then at the end you must return the Kayak back to Page.

      I will be doing this very Kayaking Adventure on Wednesday this week. I love it!

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

      Reply
6. 

   February 19, 2021

   Christopher D Jones

   Looking for random kayak, pfr and raft upstream. April 8th 2021

   Reply
   1. 

      February 20, 2021

      Karlyn Bunting

      Christopher,

      If you are looking for an upstream event from Lake Mead into the Grand Canyon…it doesn’t exist, except for the Jet Boat that goes and picks up Whitewater Rafting passengers with Park Service approval.

      All other Upstream events occur from Lee’s Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam…I have enjoyed both Kayak Horseshoe Bend and Wilderness River Expeditions over time.

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

      Reply
7. 

   March 20, 2021

   Moe

   Looking to do a kayak and tour with a few family members. Where do I book these both.

   Reply
   1. 

      April 10, 2021

      Karlyn Bunting

      Moe,

      I recommend you go with Kayak Horseshoe Bend for now as it is unknown if Wilderness River Adventures will be operating Kayak Backhauls for 2021 at this time from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry.
      https://kayakhorseshoebend.com/
      If Wilderness operates, here is their link:
      https://www.riveradventures.com/horseshoe-bend-rafting-trips/backhauling-services/

      If you are looking for Kayaking from the Las Vegas/Hoover Dam portion of the Colorado River then take a look at:
      http://www.kayaklasvegas.com/kayak_one_day/

      I personally love kayaking from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry…however, recognize I live in Page, Arizona and it’s a great local activity for me!

      Come Enjoy,

      Karlyn

      Reply