Self Guided Daytrips and Overnight Trips

OK, we're aware that this is a lot of modifiers, but here it goes: The stretch of the Colorado River between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry is a world class flat-water short distance paddling trip. Take one of our kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards down 15 spectacular miles of rapid-free gorge.  Enjoy it as a daytrip or, if time allows, an even better overnight trip.  Mornings are magical!

The float trip starts and ends at Lees Ferry, which is about one hour outside of Page.  We load your rental boats at our Page office, you drive to Lees Ferry, hire a boat to take you and your gear up the river, paddle down on your own, then return to Page.  A river shuttle "backhaul" needs to be booked in advance.  You can get dropped off at various points on the river.  Most people choose to be dropped off at the very top.  Navigating is very easy - it's a big gorge.  We'll provide driving directions to Lees Ferry and a river map so you can track your progress and find what you are looking for - campsites, petroglyphs, side canyon hikes, or bathrooms!  5 or 6 hours is a good estimate for how long the paddle will take.  Add in extra time for stops on shore.  This is just a rough guideline - how hard you paddle, your consistency, the water flow, and the wind conditions are all key factors.  A one week Glen Canyon NRA vehicle permit ($15, works for Lake Powell too) is needed to float the river or camp at one of the 6 designated campsites.  All the campsites have toilets and finding space generally is not an issue.  You could quite enjoyably spend more time on this trip, especially if you are a trout fisherman.

How to make a reservation:

First, reserve your kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards for the date(s) you are interested in. If possible, tell us what type of vehicle(s) you will have.  Once we confirm availability, reserve your backhaul with Lees Ferry Anglers / Marble Canyon Outfitters or Colorado River Discovery.  For day trips it is recommended to reserve a morning backhaul. For overnight trips, we usually recommend an afternoon backhaul.  Confirm with us your backhaul details so we can set a time for you to pickup your boats at our office in Page. It is recommended that you arrive at our office 2.5 hours before your backhaul time. There are lots of interesting things to see near Lees Ferry if you are running ahead of schedule.  When you get off the water and are able to get a cellphone signal, please call us so we can be ready to check you in.

What to Expect

Expect to be amazed!  The beauty and total experience are superb.  It's like a trip down the Grand Canyon except it's affordable and you can actually do it on your own.  If the rapids didn't deter you from planning a self-guided Grand Canyon trip, the paperwork and years of waiting certainly would.  This trip is well within reach for anybody who has an average level of fitness and a love of the outdoors.  About the only bad thing we can say about it is that it's not great long swims - the water is frigid.  However, trout love the cold water, so either go fishing or just search for them when you are gliding silently across the shallow flats.  The campsites are in beautiful settings and have well maintained toilets.  Fire rings are provided too, but bring "duraflame" type logs because collecting firewood is prohibited.  While there is some motorized boat traffic on the river, you will enjoy long stretches of solitude, especially if you are on the river in the early morning hours.  The landing at Lees Ferry has drinking water, bathrooms, and a shaded picnic area.

Reservations: call 928-660-0778 or Online Rental Form or Email