Horseshoe Bend Float Trip
The Horseshoe Bend Float Trip is a half-day smoothwater rafting excursion on the Colorado River that passes directly beneath the 1,000-foot cliff you have seen in a thousand photographs. You start at Lees Ferry, forty minutes from Page, where a motorized pontoon raft takes you upstream through Glen Canyon. You stop at Petroglyph Beach to see Ancestral Puebloan rock art. Then you turn off the motor and float back downstream, passing beneath the Horseshoe Bend overlook as the canyon walls rise straight up on both sides and the tiny figures of visitors peer down from the rim.
This is not whitewater rafting. There are no rapids, no paddling required, and no experience necessary. The water is calm, emerald-green, and cold — 46–56°F year-round, released from the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam. The trip is suitable for children as young as four and adults of any fitness level. You sit on the pontoon raft, the guide handles the motor, and the current carries you back to the boat ramp.
The float trip is one of the best-value activities in Page. For roughly $130, you get three and a half hours on the river, a guided narration of the geology and history, a stop at ancient petroglyphs, and a perspective on Horseshoe Bend that is impossible from the overlook. It is also one of the most efficient uses of a morning or afternoon — the trip departs from Page, returns you to your hotel by mid-afternoon, and leaves time for Antelope Canyon or the overlook in the same day.
What the Trip Includes
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5 hours on the river; 5 hours total including transport |
| Distance | 10 miles (upstream by motor to Petroglyph Beach, downstream by float) |
| Season | March 15 – October 31 |
| Departure times | Spring/Fall: 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. | Summer: 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m. |
| Meeting point | Wilderness River Adventures office in Page (check-in 45 minutes before departure) |
| Age minimum | 4 years |
| Physical effort | None — you sit on the pontoon raft and the motor does the work |
| Adult price | $129.00 |
| Child price (4–15) | $113.82 |
| Additional fees | $15/person Glen Canyon NRA entrance fee (age 16+); 9.9% tax; gratuity not included |
| What is included | Round-trip bus from Page, backhaul boat ride upriver, motorized pontoon raft, professional guide narration, cold water and lemonade, USCG-certified life jacket |
| What to bring | Hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, light layers (spring/fall), shorts and light clothing (summer) |
| What is NOT included | Food, snacks, alcoholic beverages, hotel pickup, gratuity |
What You Will See
The Bus Ride to Lees Ferry
The trip begins at the Wilderness River Adventures office in Page, where you check in 45 minutes before departure. You board a bus for the 45-minute drive to Lees Ferry, following Highway 89 south through the Navajo Nation and then Highway 89A west across the Navajo Bridge — a 467-foot steel arch that spans the Colorado River 470 feet above the water. The bridge is an engineering landmark and a preview of the scale you are about to experience from river level.
The Backhaul Upriver
At Lees Ferry, you board a smaller backhaul boat — a motorized shuttle — for the ride upstream to Petroglyph Beach. This 10-mile ride against the current takes roughly 45 minutes and gives you your first look at the canyon walls from water level. The water is emerald-green and clear, the cliffs are red and vertical, and the silence is broken only by the motor and the wind. Your guide points out geological formations, explains the history of the ferry crossing, and prepares you for what is coming.
Petroglyph Beach
The backhaul drops you at Petroglyph Beach, a sandy shoreline where Ancestral Puebloan people carved images into the desert varnish of the canyon walls roughly 800 to 1,000 years ago. You have time to walk the beach, examine the petroglyphs, and stretch your legs before boarding the pontoon raft. The guide explains the meaning of the images — spirals, animals, and human figures that remain visible despite centuries of weathering.
The Float Through Horseshoe Bend
This is the centerpiece of the trip. You board the pontoon raft — a stable, flat-decked boat with bench seating — and the guide starts the outboard motor for the upstream leg. After reaching the turnaround point, the motor goes silent and you begin the float back downstream.
The current moves you at a walking pace. The canyon walls rise 1,000 feet on both sides, and the water is so clear you can see fish and rocks beneath the surface. As you approach the Horseshoe Bend section, the canyon tightens and the walls steepen. You look up and see the rim where visitors stand at the overlook — tiny figures against the sky, 1,000 feet above. From this angle, the bend is not a photograph — it is a geological event. You understand why the river carved this curve over millions of years, and why the cliff is 1,000 feet high instead of 100.
The guide explains the geology: the Navajo Sandstone, the Entrada Formation, the role of water and time. You may see bighorn sheep on the cliffs, herons fishing in the shallows, and the occasional river otter. The water temperature stays 46–56°F year-round — cold enough to shock you if you jump in, but refreshing on a 105°F summer afternoon.
The Return to Page
The raft returns to the Lees Ferry boat ramp, where the bus waits to drive you back to Page via Highway 89A. The return route crosses the Navajo Bridge again and passes the Vermilion Cliffs — a 3,000-foot escarpment that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau. You are back in Page by early afternoon, with the rest of the day free for Antelope Canyon, the Horseshoe Bend overlook, or Lake Powell.
Horseshoe Bend from the River vs. the Overlook
Most visitors see Horseshoe Bend from the cliff-top overlook — a 1.5-mile hike from a parking lot to a 1,000-foot drop. The float trip offers a completely different experience. Here is how they compare:
| Factor | Overlook Hike | Float Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $10 parking fee | $129 adult ($113.82 child) + $15 park fee + tax |
| Time | 90 minutes total | 5 hours total |
| Physical effort | 1.5-mile hike, 200 ft elevation gain | None — you sit on the raft |
| Perspective | Looking down from 1,000 feet | Looking up from river level |
| Crowds | Heavy — hundreds at midday | Light — 10–14 per raft |
| What you see | The bend and the river | The bend, the canyon walls, petroglyphs, wildlife |
| Best for | Budget travelers; photographers who want the iconic shot | Families; those who want a deeper experience; travelers with limited mobility |
The verdict: If you have time and budget for both, do both. The overlook gives you the iconic photograph. The float trip gives you the experience of being inside the landscape. If you can only choose one, the float trip is the more memorable experience — but the overlook is free and takes 90 minutes. Many visitors do the float trip in the morning and the overlook in the late afternoon, which gives them both perspectives in a single day.
Booking and Practical Information
How to Book
Reserve online through Wilderness River Adventures (lakepowell.com/adventures) or through third-party platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide. Prices are the same across channels. Book 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season (June–August). Same-day availability is sometimes possible in shoulder season but not guaranteed.
Check-in: Arrive at the Wilderness River Adventures office in Page 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Bring a government-issued ID and your confirmation. Late arrivals may miss the bus with no refund.
Minimum Passengers
The operator requires 8 full-fare passengers to run a trip. If the minimum is not met, the trip is cancelled and you receive a full refund or rescheduling option. This is most likely to affect early-season (March) and late-season (October) departures. Morning departures fill more reliably than afternoon departures.
Weather Policy
Trips run rain or shine. The operator cancels only for safety reasons — high winds, lightning, or extreme weather. Summer temperatures on the river reach 105°F; the water is cold but the air is hot. Spring and fall mornings can be chilly; bring a jacket and long pants. If your trip is cancelled due to weather, you receive a full refund or rescheduling option.
What to Wear
- Summer (June–August): Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, shorts, T-shirt, hat, sunglasses with strap, and plenty of sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water and intensifies. Water shoes or sandals that can get wet.
- Spring/Fall (March–May, September–October): Layers — a light jacket or fleece for the morning bus ride and the shaded canyon sections. Long pants are comfortable on the raft. The water spray can be chilly.
- Year-round: Closed-toe shoes that can get wet. The boat ramp and beach stops involve walking on sand and rock. Flip-flops are not ideal.
What to Bring
- Water: The operator provides cold water and lemonade, but bring extra — 1 liter per person minimum.
- Snacks: No food is provided or available on the trip. Pack a small cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks.
- Camera: The float trip is highly photogenic. Bring a camera or phone with a wrist strap. Dry bags are recommended — splashes are common.
- Binoculars: Useful for spotting bighorn sheep on the cliffs.
- Cash for gratuity: $10–$20 per person for the guide is standard.
What NOT to Bring
- Alcohol: Not permitted on the trip.
- Large coolers: Space on the raft is limited. A small soft-sided cooler is fine; a large hard cooler is not.
- Drones: Prohibited in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Pets: Not permitted on the raft.
How to Combine with Nearby Attractions
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook: The float trip and the overlook are complementary. The float gives you the river-level perspective; the overlook gives you the iconic aerial view. Many visitors do the float in the morning and the overlook in the late afternoon. The overlook is a 10-minute drive from Page and costs $10 to park.
- Antelope Canyon: The two most popular attractions near Page are 10 minutes apart. A typical schedule is Antelope Canyon in the morning (tours run on fixed times) and the float trip in the afternoon, or vice versa depending on your Antelope Canyon reservation.
- Lake Powell: If the float trip makes you want more time on the water, boat rentals and kayak trips are available at Wahweap and Antelope Point marinas. See boat rentals for options.
- Glen Canyon Dam: The dam is 15 minutes from Page and explains why the river below it is calm, cold, and emerald-green. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is a good pre-trip stop.
- Lees Ferry: If you have time before or after your float trip, the historic ferry crossing, Lonely Dell Ranch, and trout fishery are worth exploring. See our Lees Ferry guide.
- Two-day itinerary: The float trip fits naturally on Day 2 of a Page itinerary, between Antelope Canyon (Day 1 morning) and Horseshoe Bend (Day 1 afternoon or Day 2 evening). See our two days in Page guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip?
The Horseshoe Bend Float Trip is a half-day smoothwater rafting excursion on the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam. A motorized pontoon raft takes you upstream from Lees Ferry to Petroglyph Beach, then you float back downstream through the Horseshoe Bend section. There are no rapids, no paddling required, and the trip is suitable for ages 4 and up.
How much does the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip cost?
$129.00 for adults and $113.82 for children ages 4–15. Additional costs include a $15 per person Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee (age 16+), 9.9% tax, and a gratuity for the guide ($10–$20 per person recommended).
How long is the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip?
3.5 hours on the river, 5 hours total including the 45-minute bus ride each way between Page and Lees Ferry. Morning departures return by early afternoon; afternoon departures return by early evening.
Do you need experience for the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip?
No. This is a smoothwater trip — no rapids, no paddling, no experience required. You sit on the pontoon raft and the guide operates the motor. The return float is powered by the current. Children as young as 4 are permitted.
Can children do the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip?
Yes. The minimum age is 4 years old. The trip is family-friendly and requires no physical exertion. Life jackets are provided and required for all children under 12. Bring snacks, water, and sun protection for young passengers.
What is the best time of day for the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip?
The 8:00 a.m. departure is best for cooler temperatures, calmer wind, and better light for photography. The 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. departures are warmer and have slightly more wind. The 3:00 p.m. summer departure is hot but offers golden-hour light on the return float. Morning trips are the most popular and fill first.
Is the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip worth it?
Yes. It is one of the best-value activities in Page. For roughly $130 plus fees, you get 3.5 hours on the river, a guided narration, a stop at ancient petroglyphs, and a view of Horseshoe Bend from water level that is impossible from the overlook. The trip is suitable for almost everyone and provides a perspective that transforms how you understand the landscape.
Can you do the float trip and the Horseshoe Bend overlook in one day?
Yes, easily. The float trip returns to Page by early afternoon (morning departure) or early evening (afternoon departure). The overlook is a 10-minute drive from Page and takes 90 minutes total. Many visitors do the float in the morning and the overlook in the late afternoon for sunset.
What should you wear on the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip?
Quick-dry clothing, shoes that can get wet (river sandals or old sneakers), a hat, sunglasses with a strap, and sunscreen. In spring and fall, bring a light jacket for the morning bus ride and shaded canyon sections. In summer, lightweight clothing is essential — temperatures on the river exceed 100°F.
What should you bring on the float trip?
Water (1 liter per person minimum), snacks or a small lunch, camera or phone with a wrist strap, binoculars, and cash for the guide gratuity. The operator provides cold water and lemonade but no food. Dry bags are recommended for electronics.
Is food provided on the float trip?
No. The operator provides cold water and lemonade. You must bring your own food and snacks. There are no stops for food along the river. Pack a small cooler or bag with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks.
Can you swim during the float trip?
The guide may allow swimming at Petroglyph Beach or during the float if conditions are safe. The water is 46–56°F year-round — cold enough to shock you on entry but refreshing in summer. Ask your guide before jumping in. Life jackets are provided and must be worn when the guide requests.
What happens if the float trip is cancelled?
If the operator cancels due to weather or insufficient passengers, you receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Cancellations within 48 hours by the passenger are typically non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended if you are booking far in advance.
How do you get to the float trip?
The trip includes round-trip bus transport from the Wilderness River Adventures office in Page. You do not drive yourself to Lees Ferry. Check in 45 minutes before departure. The bus returns you to the same office at the end of the trip.
Is the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip the same as Colorado River rafting?
The float trip is one type of Colorado River rafting — specifically, smoothwater rafting on the calm section between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. It is not whitewater rafting. For a complete overview of all river rafting options near Page — including multi-day Grand Canyon expeditions — see our Colorado River rafting guide.
For the ground-level perspective on Horseshoe Bend, see our Horseshoe Bend guide. For tour options at the overlook, visit Horseshoe Bend tours. For the full river rafting overview, see Colorado River rafting. For a complete activity list, visit things to do in Page.
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