Paddling Through Giants: A 15-Mile Paddleboard Journey Under Horseshoe Bend

Paddling Through Giants: 

A 15-Mile Paddleboard Journey Under Horseshoe Bend

VR ADVENTURE Paddle Boarding Under Horseshoe Bend

Would you be willing to be dropped off by a boat at the base of the massive Glen Canyon Dam with just your paddleboard, ready for a 15.5-mile journey down the Colorado River? That’s exactly the adventure I took on, and it was absolutely AMAZING! This is the story of gliding through one of the most beautiful and iconic sections of the river, from Lake Powell to the very beginning of the Grand Canyon, an experience that connects you to the sheer scale of this incredible landscape in a way you can't imagine from above.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: See Horseshoe Bend from the clifftop overlook *before* you do this paddle trip. Having that top-down perspective makes a huge difference. When you're floating underneath it later, you'll have a profound appreciation for where you are and how many people are looking down on you from above!

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE COLORADO RIVER

Grab your VR headset and get ready for a mood boost! This immersive 360° video will transport you to the cool, green waters of the Colorado River. Glide past towering red cliffs, search for wild horses, and feel the peace of this incredible 15-mile journey for yourself.

"...I was hauling my paddleboard up a steep shore cliff and it was brutal getting out and in. Waterhole was pretty, but I think I was burnt out of seeing tall red cliff walls after hours of seeing nothing but tall cliff walls..."

Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona
• 🚶‍♀️ Activity: Paddleboarding / Kayaking
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• ☀️ Best For: Unique perspectives of Horseshoe Bend, relaxing river floats, wildlife spotting.
• ⏳ Recommended Time: A full day. Even though it's downstream, 15.5 miles takes time to enjoy properly.
• 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Petroglyph Beach, Horseshoe Bend from below, sunsets at Lee's Ferry.

My Paddleboarding Story

My journey began with a boat ride from Lee's Ferry upriver to the base of the Glen Canyon Dam, organized by the great people at Kayakhorseshoebend.com. I brought my own paddleboard to avoid a time restriction. As the boat pulls away and leaves you in the quiet of the canyon, the scale of the adventure truly hits you. The 15.5-mile paddle downstream to Lee's Ferry isn't exhausting, as the current does most of the work, but it's a long and incredibly scenic day.

Along the way, there are designated stops. The first is at a beach with some cool petroglyphs, a perfect spot to stretch your legs. Throughout the paddle, I was constantly on the lookout for wildlife, hoping to spot Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, or even the wild horses that sometimes come to the river's edge. The main event, of course, is paddling through the iconic Horseshoe Bend. Seeing it from water level is a perspective few get to experience, and it's absolutely breathtaking.

Near the end, I was anxious to find the entrance to Waterhole Canyon from the river. I pulled out where I thought it should be and had a brutal time hauling my gear up a steep cliff. A little farther downstream was a much easier cove! The short hike into the canyon was beautiful, though after hours on the river, I was a bit "cliffed-out." The day ended at Lee's Ferry, and I highly recommend staying for sunset. The way the light illuminates the cliffs is something truly special. It was an unforgettable adventure I would absolutely do again.

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

• ♦️ Bring Your Own Board: If you have your own paddleboard or kayak, you can get a small discount and won't have a time limit. Just be aware you'll need to have it cleaned at a station if you use it in Lake Powell later.
• ♦️ Look for Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled on the canyon walls and shoreline for Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, and Wild Horses.
• ♦️ Petroglyph Stops: There are at least two stops with petroglyphs. They are marked and make for great, short breaks to see a piece of history.
• ♦️ Finding Waterhole Canyon: If you plan to hike into Waterhole Canyon from the river, look for a small cove a little past the initial GPS coordinates. It makes for a much easier landing spot.
• ♦️ Stay for Sunset: The sunsets at Lee's Ferry (your take-out point) are magical. Plan to finish your paddle with enough time to relax and watch the cliffs light up.

VR Video Treasure Hunt!

• 🔎 The Dam Wall: At the very beginning, can you get a sense of the immense scale of the Glen Canyon Dam wall from water level?
• 🔎 Petroglyph Beach: Find the moment where I stop to check out the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock walls.
• 🔎 Under the Bend: Can you spot the tiny dots of people standing on the overlook high above as I paddle through Horseshoe Bend?
• 🔎 The Back Current: Look for a moment where the water swirls near the shore, creating a back current you have to paddle out of.

YouTubeVR Link for Lake Powell to Grand Canyon in VR360 

Paddling Lake Powell to Grand Canyon 0

Paddle Boarding Lake Powell to Grand Canyon

Conclusion

There's no better way to feel the power and grandeur of the Colorado River than to be on it. This 15.5-mile journey is more than just a paddle; it's a meditation. It's a day of being humbled by the immense red rock walls, of feeling the cool water flow beneath you, and of connecting with a landscape in its purest form. If you're looking for an adventure that is both relaxing and awe-inspiring, this is it. I captured the experience as best I could in my VR Getaway, so I hope you'll transport yourself here and feel the magic.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes Your Way!

Shauna

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