Join Jen, Michelle, and Bill at Lee's Ferry (named after Jen's great, great, great-grandfather) down the Colorado River. This experience will blow your mind!
Lee's Ferry sits at the end of 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 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.
Your motorboat trip upriver, "The Backhaul" will be with our expert boat pilots that know the river well. You'll glide through 16 miles of gorgeous canyon walls, past wild horses, bighorn, osprey 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 our equipment before paddling downstream. There are toilet facilities along the river.
After the paddle, we also plan on stopping at Navajo Bridge which allows you to walk out 800 feet above the majestic Marble Canyon. And our final stop of the day, as we head back to the St. George area, will be at the fabulous Jacob Lake Lodge to grab a bite, as you will be ready for a great meal (dinner is not included in price).
This is a cram-a-lot-into-one-day adventure! You will be tired...but you will be fulfilled!
Boat seats go quickly. Call and let's get you situated: 435.680.5818
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.
- 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 snack for a 5-6 hour experience. You may want to stop and take photos, sketch, write, explore one of the hikes along the river, or just take in the majesty of the space. Those activities take energy and time. 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. Make sure your dry bag is in good condition.
- You'll park in the dirt lot just "inland" from 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.
- We pack out our trash.
- Leave rocks and any artifacts you may encounter alone. Leave the petroglyphs alone. Take only photo and video, make memories.
- We may head upriver with staggered departure times, depending on boat availability. We'll target between 6:00am and 10:00am for departure times. 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. Paddlers on the 10:00 am departure will start your kayak portion at Petroglyph Beach, where a short walk (~200 yards) to an ancient panel is a must. From Petroglyph Beach, the paddle out to the Ferry ramp is about 10 miles.
- There are great restaurants in Page (Bonkers, Bird House, Slackers) and Kanab (Escobar's, Sego ), also the food at Jacob Lake Lodge is good. If you want to grab a meal on your way back to St. George/Hurricane, there are some options.
- 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.
- Your preferred departure time will be prioritized. Due to weather forecast updates or other factors, we may need to adjust. We appreciate your flexibility.
- Note: This is a self-guided experience. You are responsible for your own fitness, safety, and equipment while you are in the canyon and on the river. We facilitate the backhaul and gear, but do not guide you down the river.
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 and the other 50% will be given as house credit for rentals at DIG Paddlesports, 7 days or less - 0% refundable.