We opted for the Mile 6 campsite as we were thoroughly enjoying drifting along in the 2-mile an hour current under the 1000 feet sandstone cliffs. Because youll 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. Ive always wanted to do this! Approximate hiking time - 30 minutes to an hour. My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience. No idea why this isn't better known, but what an amazing experience! The weather was kind of cruddy and he offered blankets to keep us warm while it was raining and hailing. For more information, read mydisclosure statement. Paddle downstream with a few stops to rest and explore along the way. Ive done the research and made the trip. Dont miss this kayak trip through the free-flowing section of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. Brady, is a Captain, and all captains provide special knowledge for an adventure that fits your individual needs. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If youd prefer slightly cushier accommodations to round out your adventure kayaking Horseshoe Bend, there are plenty of options. Its about 85 miles upstream from the Grand Canyon on the same river that carved it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I travel extensively, I kinda like to hike and think of myself as "outdoorsy," and I'm a wannabe photographer. I want to be a part of an exclusive group of kick-butt woman and supportive men. Crowds are significantly lighter Mon-Thurs. This year's super bloom across California is incredible, after a long winter of heavy rain and snow. That being said, the hike is a nice break from paddling and worth exploring if you have the time. I had no idea you could get to Antelope Canyon via kayaking! . High winds do not make for an enjoyable kayaking trip, even in Horseshoe Bend! The backhaul service is very well run (they took us up to Horseshoe Bend - you also have the option to go up to Glen Canyon Dam). In sum, enjoy connecting to the rhythms of the water and the canyon. We kayaked leisurely (easy going with the current) and stopped twice to picnic/take photos; it took 4 hours (almost 5 hours including backhaul). The water was so perfectly still in the morning, it was beautiful! The morning started off with us needing sweaters, but by late morning, we were perfectly comfortable in short sleeves and sandals. This post contains affiliate links. . . The backhaul service is very well run (they took us up to Horseshoe Bend - you also have the option to go up to Glen Canyon Dam). This kayaking trip will put you in the bend. We were scheduled for a 3 day, 2 night float but had to cancel our departure day due to predicted high winds. Antelope Canyon is Instagram famous worldwide. Rental kayaks come with paddles and Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs. This remote motel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the layered Navajo sandstone of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. 6-mile campsite is the first campsite upriver from Lees Ferry so you would have to make it at least 6 miles on the first day. . It's fairly affordable to visit Horseshoe Bend. Mostly we were floating. What's a Backhaul taxi to Horseshoe Bend? Why do so many people use it? The hour-long paddle through the canyon winds past huge cliffs of Navajo sandstone. Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors, and perish. I like the sounds of an extended trip like that. A Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend 'the Right Way' If you encounter them, remember that they are wild animals and therefore, unpredictable. For a fee, Lazy River Outfitters offers tubing, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as shuttles to the Horse Shoe River Access Park. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It was purely serendipitous that the distance from . The water is cold and youll have a safeguard against drowning. One of the guys also brought along some short 6 x 6 leftover scraps of wood from a work project.