Paddle through Prehistoric Paradise with Evon Gardner. It's life-changing. So is the canyon! :D
Lee's Ferry sits between what remains of Glen Canyon (the rest of it is now underneath Lake Powell), and Marble Canyon, both canyons being upriver from their mighty cousin, The Grand Canyon.
It is here that multi-week Grand Canyon rafting/float trips 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. It's paddle time!
Your motorboat trip upriver, along with your assigned kayak or stand up paddleboard, will be with our expert boat pilots that 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 along the river, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A few important considerations:
- Plan ahead. After paying, specify your preference for SUP or kayak. We can do tandem (2-person) kayaks or single seat options and will 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.
- 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. Ask your pilot to show you the freshwater springs that pour from the rock.
- Sunscreen. We recommend reef- and waterway-safe sunblock, which we stock at our Quail Creek 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 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 along the river in one of the six camping spots (1st come, 1st served), park your vehicle in the overnight lot, which is maybe 150 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 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. Leave the petroglyphs alone. Take pictures, make memories.
- If planning a 1-day trip, get upriver as early as possible. We recommend 8:30 am at the latest. Winds tend to get stronger in the early to mid-afternoon, and they tend to blow upriver, making an afternoon return to the Ferry ramp challenging, even for experienced paddlers. 10:00 am departure is doable for most, if you start your kayak portion at Petroglyph Beach. Let's discuss it and get you a clear picture of your options.
- 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.
- There are great restaurants in Page (Bonkers, Bird House, Slackers) and Kanab (Escobar's, Sego ), also the food at Jacob Lake Lodge is good.
- 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 Marble Canyon.
- 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, as well as the parking area (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 leesferry@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.