Paddle through prehistoric paradise.
Lee's Ferry is the space where the remains of Glen Canyon (the rest of it is now underneath Lake Powell) drift into the desert and Marble Canyon begins its deepening chasm, both canyons being upriver from their imposing empress, The Grand Canyon.
This is the launching pad for Grand Canyon float trips, an adventure that requires a permit or a seat on one of the authorized outfitters' rafts or in one of their kayaks.
It is also the place where a quieter and less-publicized experience begins.
Your motorboat trip upriver, "The Backhaul", will be from a boat captain that knows the river and bits of local history. You'll glide through 15.75 miles of gorgeous canyon walls, past wild horses and Horseshoe Bend.
You will be able to see the Glen Canyon Dam from about 0.5 miles away from its southern face, then be dropped off at "Kayak Beach", a sandy spot that has plenty of room to stage your equipment before paddling downstream. There are composting toilets and campgrounds along the river, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Minimum participation per trip is 2, maximum only based on boat availability. Call to inquire about availability prior to payment: 435.680.5818
This is technically a self-guided, self-supported experience. Your boat captain will drop you off, and you will paddle back to Lee's Ferry dock and parking lot.
A few important considerations:
- Plan ahead. After paying, specify your preference for SUP, kayak, packraft. We can do tandem (2-person)kayaks We will do our best to accommodate each request. That said, inflatable solutions afford the best portability. Plan to take 15 minutes for gear setup before you get on the boat! Plan to be on the boat ramp 45 minutes prior to departure.
- Wear layers. Be prepared for the weather, based on the season. Water temperature is usually 50 degrees Fahrenheit/ , year-round.
- Bring plenty of water. We recommend approximately 4 liters or one gallon per person. A water filter would be a great backup, and we sell some great travel filters.
- Sunscreen. We recommend reef- and waterway-safe Beyond Coastal or Stream to Sea, both of which we stock.
- Headwear. Keep that skull in the shade!
- Bring enough snacks/food for a 4-6 hour experience. You may want to stop and take photos, sketch, write, explore one of the many hikes along the river, or just take in the majesty of the space. Those activities take energy and time. Have fuel for your machine - that's YOU.
- Dry bags. We sell great dry bags and dry boxes, some for your phone, some are coolers, some are backpack-style, some are large enough for your sleeping bag, pillow, tent, and ground pad. Make sure your dry bag works and is in good condition.
- If you are planning to camp out, park your vehicle in the overnight lot, which is maybe 200 yards up the road from the Ramp Parking Area. If you are planning to be off the river on the same day, park in the Ferry parking lot near the ramp. National Recreation Area parking fees apply; there is a kiosk about 4.5 miles from Lee's Ferry where you may purchase a short-term or long-term pass.
- Pack out your trash. Bring a small bag, preferably reusable, for rubbish.
- Leave rocks and any artifacts you may encounter alone. Leave the petroglyphs alone. Take pictures, make memories.
- If planning a multi-day trip, plan to paddle everything out that you bring upriver. Pack what you need, but pack as light of a load as you can.
- Rental extensions for kayaks, packrafts, and paddleboards are typically $45/day for this trip. Arrangements will be made ahead of time.
- Do not put your kayak or other vessel in any body of water, other than Lake Powell, after your river trip. The Quagga Mussel may have hitched a ride on your kayak. Gear needs to be rinsed and dried thoroughly, or cleaned by a park pressure washer, and get a certificate of decontamination before coming back to a non-contaminated waterway. There is a decontamination station at the Wahweap Marina in Page, AZ.
- Your boat pilot is a USCG-licensed captain, but this is a non-guided paddling experience. We love this trip, and one or more Dig team members may choose to also pay for passage upriver and paddle with your group, if there are enough participants (12 or more), but we do not charge for transportation to Lee's Ferry, nor do we charge to accompany any group on the river.
- There are great restaurants in Page (Bonkers, Bird House, Slackers) and Kanab (Escobar's, Sego ), also the food at Jacob Lake Lodge is usually outstanding. The cookies from the bakery... WOW. If you want to grab a meal on your way back to Hurricane, UT, there are plenty of options along the way.
- The fastest way to Lee's Ferry from Hurricane or St. George, UT is via Fredonia, AZ and then over 89-A past Jacob Lake Lodge and on to Vermilion Cliffs.
- A beautiful route that takes more time, but may be necessary due to road closures, is to take the road from Hurricane to Fredonia, then turn left toward Kanab. From there, go to Page, AZ and on to Marble Canyon and Lee's Ferry. This route adds at least 45 minutes to your drive, but it is spectacular and gives you the opportunity to drive over the river near the Glen Canyon Dam, and then again at Marble Canyon, as well as the parking area between the two bridges (fee required) for Horseshoe Bend. When you have time, the .75-mile walk to the rim of the canyon is worth it.
- Any questions? Reach us at bill@digpaddlesports.com or 435-680-5818.
Terms & Conditions
Payment, Refunds, Contingencies:
Payment in full is required during the time of booking. If trip must be cancelled on provider end due to weather or other provider-side factors, a full refund will be issued.
Customer Cancellations:
15 days or more before rental - 100% refundable, 14 days or less before rental: 0% refundable. Our seats are limited, as is the seasonality of the trip.