Kayak Camping on the Colorado River - Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry (Father-Son Adventure)
Colorado River thru Glen Canyon
Paddling beneath Horseshoe Bend, it was easy to understand why Edward Abbey felt so strongly about this place. Even with the dam here, the sandstone walls, quiet water, and desert silence still feel larger than life.
There’s something different about a trip when it’s just you and your kid out there.
No distractions, no rush, just the rhythm of the water and the canyon walls towering around you.
This was a chance to change things up with a kayak trek instead of backpacking. Paddling from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry, with a night camped beneath Horseshoe Bend… this is one I won’t forget.
Navajo Sandstone walls of Glen Canyon
Quick Trip Details
Map credit: Kayak Horseshoe Bend
Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
Route: Lee’s Ferry (backhaul service) ⇝ Glen Canyon Dam ⇝ Lee’s Ferry
Distance: ~16 river miles
Trip Length: 1 night / 2 days
Water Type: Flatwater (controlled dam release). At the time of our trip the dam was low release ~ 8,500 cfs
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Highlight Camp: ~1,000 ft below Horseshoe Bend at 8 mile bar campsite
Best For: Beginner-friendly kayak camping + unforgettable scenery
Map credit: gcdamp.com
What You Need to Know
Water & Conditions
The Colorado River here is cold year round (dam-controlled)
Flow is steady, but can change slightly with releases
Natural springs within the first few miles of being dropped off just below the dam. We filled enough to last us the remainder of our trip. We packed plenty of water bottles since you could just pack them in the kayak.
Paddling Difficulty
Mostly calm, flatwater
Wind can be your biggest challenge (especially the afternoon head winds)
Good for beginners with basic paddling experience
Camping
Beach camping along the river (first come, first serve)
Campsites are large enough for multiple groups and fire rings to share (just remember to be respectful to your camping neighbors)
We camped just downstream from Horseshoe Bend (Mile 8 campsite).
Sand makes for easy tent setup, but bring stakes that hold.
Things to Watch For
Strong headwinds
Limited shade midday
Cold water (seriously don’t underestimate it). The water released from the dam comes out the very bottom of Lake Powell and has not been exposed to the sun in a long time. It’s beautifully clear but cold as ice (which can be refreshing for a quick dip on a hot day).
Route Overview
Backhaul from Lee’s Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam
The route follows the Colorado River through Glen Canyon, starting just below the dam and ending at Lee’s Ferry.
Glen canyon dam. Backhaul dropped us off here to begin our overnight water adventure
You’ll paddle between towering canyon walls the entire way, with Horseshoe Bend being the most iconic section.
Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1 - Backhaul service from Lee’s Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam + Kayak Launch + Paddle to Camp
Launched just below Glen Canyon Dam
Calm water, easy paddling
Canyon walls immediately set the tone
Hanging garden cove
There’s something surreal about starting a trip like this. No trailhead, just pushing off into the river.
Stopped by several seeping hanging gardens with natural springs
Stopped at some native pictographs
Passed through Horseshoe Bend
Found a sandy beach perched about the river to setup camp
Camping under Horseshoe Bend with my son was one of those moments you just kind of sit and enjoy.
8 mile bar camps
Nice pictograph panel ~3-4 miles downriver
Camp setup
Campsite under the stars
Day 2 - Paddle Out to Lee’s Ferry
Relaxed morning and early start (highly recommend to beat the afternoon head winds)
Smooth paddling in the morning
Lunch stop and side hike up Waterhole canyon and short narrows hike, which was nice to walk after sitting all morning on the kayak.
Lesson: If you do this trip, start early. The river is way more calm, enjoyable and more forgiving in the morning.
Finished at Lee’s Ferry takeout
Morning sun glow on the cliff walls
Waterhole canyon. A short ~1 mile side trek up this narrow canyon
Key Highlights
Sunny sand bar to warm up after taking a swim
Best Moment: Camping under Horseshoe Bend
Most Peaceful Section: Early morning paddle
Biggest Challenge: Afternoon wind
Hidden Gem: Quiet canyon stretches between bends
Watch the full trip here ⤵
Personal Reflection
This one wasn’t about miles or checking a box. It was about time. Time away from everything else and enjoying the history and beauty of this canyon on a lovely stretch of the Colorado River.
Trips come and go but these kinds of memories stick around.
If you’re into trips like this, check out my backpacking adventures in Canyonlands and Escalante. Completely different terrain, but the same kind of experience.
Horseshoe Bend overlook to give us perspective of where we spent the previous two days
FAQ’s
Do you need a permit for this trip? No permit is typically required, but to paddle downriver you’ll need to book a backhaul service @ Kayak Horseshoe Bend. They also have kayak rentals.
Is this trip beginner-friendly? Yes, as long as you’re comfortable paddling and prepared for wind.
Can you camp anywhere along the river? No, there are designated first come, first serve campsites with campfire rings. Remember to follow Leave No Trace. This area is special for a reason. Pack out everything, respect the river, and leave camps better than you found them so the next person can experience it the same way.
How cold is the water? Very cold year-round due to dam release from the bottoms of Lake Powell. Swim with caution.
Where is this located? This 16 mile stretch of Colorado river from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee’s Ferry is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Early sunrise over Horseshoe Bend
If you’ve done a trip like this or are thinking about it, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below.
Happy Trekkin’ !
— Ty
