Paddle through prehistoric paradise.
8:30am, AZ time. Be early! :D But seriously, be early.
Lee's Ferry sits between what remains of Glen Canyon (the rest of it is now underneath Lake Powell), and Marble Canyon, both canyons just upriver from their mighty cousin, The Grand Canyon.
It is here that downriver Grand Canyon rafting/float trips stage and embark, a journey 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 journey to a little-known universe begins.
Your motorboat trip upriver, "The Backhaul" will be with our expert boat pilots who know the river intimately. You'll glide through 16 miles of gorgeous canyon walls, past wild horses and the ever-photogenic 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 downriver, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We're starting with 12 spots at 8:30am, AZ time. Click "Add to Cart". Do not click "Book Now", unless you want to come out and paddle some gear at Quail Creek State Park. ;) As the group grows, we may free up another boat or two for more than 12 participants. If you are not part of Jordan's birthday group, please do not book here, rather contact us at bill@digpaddlesports.com or call 435.680.5818 to make reservations.
A few important considerations:
- There is a spot for you to type up some notes as you pay, so specify your preference for single-seat or 2-seat kayak. We'll do our best to accommodate each request. Plan to be 20-30 minutes early for gear setup, using restrooms, filling water bottles, etc. before you get on the boat.
- Boat pilots are on a firm schedule. Be there early. Late arrivals may not have other options that day, and there are no refunds for late arrivals or no-shows.
- This is a self-guided experience with support from our boat captains, as needed. Once you are on the river, boats will do light patrolling throughout the day and can respond to requests for assistance.
- Wear layers. Be prepared for the weather, based on the season. Water temps are in the high 40s to low 50s, year-round. You'll be a little cool going upriver and warm up quickly as you paddle back to the parking lot.
- Bring plenty of water. We recommend approximately 3-4 liters or one gallon per person. It's better to have too much than too little.
- Sunscreen. We recommend reef- and waterway-safe sunblock, which we stock at our Quail Creek rental shop.
- Hat. Keep that skull in the shade!
- Bring enough snacks/food for a 4-6 hour experience. Have the right fuel for your day.
- Dry bags. We do 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.
- One day pack per person, plus a water bottle is good to take with you on the boat.
- Park in the dirt 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.
- Leave rocks and any artifacts you may encounter alone. Do not disturb petroglyphs; it's a federal crime. Take pictures, make memories, leave smiling.
- Winds tend to get stronger in the early to mid-afternoon, and they tend to blow upriver, making a later afternoon return to the Ferry ramp challenging, even for experienced paddlers. We usually try to be out by ~2-3pm.
- There are great restaurants in Page (Bonkers, Bird House, Slackers) and Kanab (Escobar's, Sego), also the food at Jacob Lake Lodge is really good. Options!
- The fastest way to Lee's Ferry from Hurricane or St. George, UT is via Fredonia, AZ and then past Jacob Lake Lodge and on to Marble Canyon. You may also travel through Kanab and then on to Page, AZ, and from Page to Lee's Ferry (~50 min. from Page).
- Any questions? Reach me directly 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: 50% refundable, 7 days or less - 0% refundable.