Kayak Horseshoe Bend is a kayak and paddleboard backhaul service (water taxi) and kayak rental company. We move small boats from the launch ramp at Lees Ferry (the beginning of the Grand Canyon) 15 miles up the Colorado River to just below the Glen Canyon Dam that creates Lake Powell. You can make a day of it paddling back to Lees Ferry or ask your captain to drop you off anywhere along the way for a paddle that fits your schedule … even just a couple hours. Most people elect to go to Petroglyph Beach which is at the top of Horseshoe Bend and this paddle usually takes 4 to 5 hours to complete.
The Magnificent Colorado River On YOUR Timetable
Daily Departures Begin At 6 AM to 8 AM (depending on the season)
We’ll help you to plan your paddle trip down the Colorado River from Horseshoe Bend - from start to finish we’ll make it one of the best trips you ever experienced.
We provide a backhaul service for kayaks, paddleboards and small inflatable watercraft from the launch ramp at Lees Ferry (the beginning of the Grand Canyon) 15 miles up the Colorado River.
We provide lodging in our authentic, midcentury-built lodge and meals of an unexpected culinary delight at Lees Ferry with majestic views of northern Arizona.
Kayak Horseshoe Bend is a Lees Ferry Anglers Company, a fishing guide service with more than 40,000 days of operation on this river. We are fully permitted by the National Park Service.
GALLERY
OUR CLIENTS ADVENTURE
OUR HAPPY CUSTOMERS
Molly Jones
The kayak trip was awesome! The views were spectacular. We were able to customize our kayak trip for the time allotted. Terry, out boat captain, was very friendly.
Cynthia Ruiz
The owner has many years of experience and knowledge of this river. He is very responsive in answering any questions that you may have. It was a pleasure to have met him and highly recommend using his company for your Colorado River experience!
Michele Karns
One of the most amazing things we have ever done. This experience was breathtaking and was made even better by our great boat guide Luke! We thought we were just getting a boat ride to drop off our kayak, but he stopped and pointed out facts about the area and was so helpful! This was clearly the most organized and professional backhaul on the river. They had the best boats and had great communication about the trip from beginning to end. Would definitely recommend this company!
Unlike the 1869 journey of discovery down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in wooden boats led by John Wesley Powell, today’s adventurers have it easy. Specially built and comfortable 23 foot “backhaul” or “shuttle” outboard-powered boats depart Lees Ferry launch ramp and landing five times daily beginning early morning. The Lees Ferry backhaul boats are under the command of a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain.
Cliff Dwellers Lodge consists of the main unit with multiple living accommodations to meet the needs of kayakers, vacationing families, Grand Canyon rafters, hikers, astronomers, rock hounds, bird watchers, fishing people or any combination. Additionally, there is a separate three-bedroom house designed for families or groups located 100 yards or so up the adjacent hill.
While you drift through the last remnants of Glen Canyon – what many call “the most spectacular canyon on earth” – paddle quietly and listen for the screech of a diving Peregrine falcon, the whinny of a wild horse or the barely audible click of desert bighorn sheep’s hooves on a sheer rock wall on your right side as your move down river. Use binoculars to look for bighorn sheep in every nook and cranny. Rams (males) have large curved horns, while females (ewes) have short horns with only slight curvature. They are the largest native animal in the park, with rams weighing up to 250 pounds.
