Most visitors stand at the rim, snap a photo, and move on—but what if you could paddle beneath that iconic curve, camp on the riverbank, and drift through towering sandstone canyons carved by time itself? In this immersive guide, I’ll take you on a two-day Arizona paddle boarding road trip that starts in Phoenix and ends 16 miles down the Colorado River, right below one of America’s most recognizable natural landmarks. From ancient ruins and lava fields to wild horses and waterfalls, this is more than just paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend—it’s a journey through silence, stone, and soul.
The Road North: An Arizona Paddle Boarding Road Trip from Phoenix
The adventure to paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend doesn’t start at the river—it begins with a road trip. Leaving behind the sprawl of Phoenix, the landscape quickly shifts from cacti-studded desert to windswept volcanic plains and painted mesas. This Arizona paddle boarding road trip is an experience in itself, unfolding like a geologic storybook with every passing mile.
🚗 Road Trip Stops from Phoenix to the Vermilion Cliffs
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Just north of Flagstaff, this otherworldly landscape is the result of a volcanic eruption over 900 years ago. Walking through lava flows and black cinder fields is like stepping onto another planet. - Wupatki National Monument
A short drive from Sunset Crater, Wupatki is home to well-preserved Native American ruins that whisper stories of ancient desert civilizations. The pueblos and ball courts sit starkly against the red earth—a must-see for history and culture lovers. - The Painted Desert
A sweeping canvas of pastel hues, the Painted Desert offers a surreal backdrop of layered sedimentary rock. Pull-offs along the highway offer panoramic views that feel almost too perfect to be real. - Navajo Bridge
Spanning the Colorado River, Navajo Bridge offers the first up-close glimpse of the canyon you’ll soon be paddling through. It’s also a great spot to stretch your legs and, if you’re lucky, spot a California condor soaring overhead. - Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
These massive, rust-colored escarpments rise like a fortress along U.S. 89A, setting the scene for the remoteness and majesty to come. It’s the kind of place that humbles you without saying a word.
🛏️ Staying at the Historic Cliff Dwellers Lodge
By late afternoon, we pulled into Cliff Dwellers Lodge, a rustic outpost tucked at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs. The lodge itself strikes a balance between desert simplicity and warm hospitality. The lodge dates back to the 1920s, when early settlers Blanche and Bill Russell set up a trading post here near Soap Creek. That original Cliff Dwellers rock house still stands nearby—weather-worn, yet proud—serving as a tangible reminder of frontier grit.
🍽️ Dinner at the Lodge
After inflating our paddle boards and organizing our dry bags for the river, we headed to the on-site restaurant, which proved to be a highlight in its own right. The menu was thoughtful, the portions hearty, and the execution on point. We toasted the journey ahead with cold drinks and hearty plates, still a little in awe that we were about to launch into such a remote and extraordinary landscape.
🌯 A Quick Bite and a Canyon Drive
Before hitting the road to our launch point, we fueled up on one last creature comfort—a made-to-order breakfast burrito from the lodge restaurant. Simple, hearty, and exactly what we needed. With full bellies and boards secured, we began the scenic drive through Marble Canyon, watching the sandstone walls tighten around us as we descended into the cradle of the Colorado River.
The road twisted and dipped, following the flow of the river. It was quiet, still, and impossibly beautiful. We were headed to Lee’s Ferry, the historic gateway to the Grand Canyon—and the start of our Arizona paddle boarding road trip in earnest.
🏄♂️ My New BOTE Paddle Board
This was the inaugural journey for my new BOTE HD Aero Low Rider (this is a hybrid SUP/Kayak)—and it didn’t disappoint. Lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, this inflatable SUP handled like a dream, even under the weight of fully loaded dry bags and a heavy Kula Cooler. Its extra-wide deck offered excellent balance, and the built-in bungees made gear storage simple and secure. Designed for adventure, the BOTE board was more than just a piece of gear—it was a reliable partner for the 16-mile journey ahead.
🎒 Packing for a River Expedition
River packing is equal parts strategy and restraint. Everything needed to fit securely onto our boards and stay dry. We laid out our essentials with care—sleeping bags, tents, water filtration, meals, first aid, layers for cold canyon nights, and even a dry bag full of firewood for a proper riverside fire. With everything packed down and cinched tight, our boards were ready. So were we.
Day One: The River Welcomes Us
The morning air was crisp and still as we rolled into Lee’s Ferry, a place steeped in both legend and legacy. This is where rafters launch into the Grand Canyon and where our own adventure would begin—upstream. Unlike most who head downriver from this iconic point, we met our Kayak Horseshoe Bend captain to go against the current, hitching a backhaul ride 16 miles upriver to the base of the Glen Canyon Dam.
🛥️ The Backhaul Ride to the Dam
We loaded our gear onto the boat—paddle boards, dry bags, camp essentials, and set off, bundled in jackets as the morning wind curled through the canyon. The backhaul ride itself was nothing short of spectacular. As we motored upstream, the rising sun cast golden light across the canyon walls, illuminating streaks of iron and sandstone carved by millennia of flowing water.
Our captain pointed out key landmarks and potential campsites, peppering the ride with insights only a seasoned river runner could provide. Most of the passengers were day trippers planning to paddle just a few miles downriver. We, on the other hand, had a full two-day paddle boarding trip ahead and planned to camp within the canyon, right beneath the 1000′ towering cliffs of Horseshoe Bend.
🏁 Launching from the Base of Glen Canyon Dam
The boat pulled up to a sandy beach just below the Glen Canyon Dam, where our adventure would truly begin. As the roar of the outboard faded, a profound silence settled over the river corridor. We loaded our gear onto our SUP’s, gave everything one final check, and pushed off into the slow-moving water.
It was a surreal moment, the start of a long-anticipated journey that we had dreamed about for months. Ahead lay 16 miles of raw, cinematic beauty. We were officially paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend, gliding silently over the Colorado River as thousand-foot cliffs rose on either side of us.
Drifting Through Stone: Paddle Boarding Horseshoe Bend Beneath the Canyon Walls
From the moment our paddles first touched the water, the river took over. No roads. No cell signal. Just the quiet current of the Colorado carrying us deeper into the heart of the canyon. Towering sandstone walls closed in around us, while the surprisingly crystal-clear water revealed an abundance of fish swimming just beneath the surface. It was humbling, surreal, and impossibly quiet (until of course a back-haul boat would pass us by), like floating through a cathedral carved by time.
This stretch of the Colorado is unlike any other. With few rapids and plenty of flat water, it’s ideal for SUP (stand-up paddle boarding). Occasionally, we’d dip our paddles in to steer, but for the most part, the river did the work (until the very end, where we had a bit of headwind). I even found myself grinning at the camera and saying, “No paddling required,” as we glided downstream with the help of the gentle current, another reason this stretch is perfect for an Arizona paddle boarding road trip. There were however a number of slower parts of the river that did required some effort. I imagine this could vary depending on how much water they are sending downstream.
🌊 Moments Along the Way
The beauty of this journey wasn’t just in the destination—it was in the unexpected moments that unfolded along the river.
We floated up to a tiny natural waterfall cascading down a rock face, nothing dramatic, but just enough to step off the board, cup my hands, and drink straight from the stream. It was ice cold, pure, and perfectly timed.
Wildlife made subtle appearances throughout the day. A group of wild horses grazed along the shoreline, unfazed by our presence. Later, a bighorn sheep and her calf emerged along the shore, also grazing. Even a bold little chipmunk made an appearance at our campsite, darting between rocks like it owned the place.
Between these moments, I had time to take in the details—the shifting colors of the canyon walls, the way my BOTE board cut silently through the water, and the feeling of complete detachment from the modern world. There were no distractions, no schedules. Just the flow of water and the movement of thought.
🏕️ Closing in on Horseshoe Bend
By late afternoon, we had traveled roughly halfway downriver. We scouted a few potential sites, but one spot stood out immediately: a sandy beach tucked beneath a shady cottonwood tree, just downstream of the bend itself. As the cliffs curved above us, it hit me—we were about to camp at the base of Horseshoe Bend, a place millions visit each year but few ever see from below. There are several camp spots in this area, but if not for a small group leaving just as we arrived, we might not have found the absolute best place to camp.
We pulled in, secured our boards, and set up camp with wide-eyed appreciation. The most iconic landmark of this region now towered silently in front of us. The crowds were far above, unaware that below them, two paddlers were claiming a night in one of the most extraordinary campsites in the Southwest.
Nightfall at Horseshoe Bend: A Camp Like No Other
We arrived at our campsite in the early afternoon, giving us plenty of time to settle in and soak up the surreal setting. Tucked beneath the vertical cliffs just downstream from the iconic bend, our patch of riverbank felt like a private sanctuary—quiet, shaded, and perfectly placed. Most people only view this place from above. We were doing something different. We were paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend, and now, we were spending the night beneath it.
🛶 A Riverside Afternoon, Slowed to Perfection
With camp set and our boards unloaded, we strung a hammock between the outstretched limbs of a cottonwood and took turns sinking into afternoon naps beneath the shade of the tree. Earlier that day, our Kayak Horseshoe Bend captain had mentioned that the dam would temporarily reduce its outflow between 1 and 5 p.m., and sure enough, by midafternoon the river size and flow was significantly reduced. The river slowly receded, exposing new shoreline and revealing just how much the flow could shift. Without the burden of our gear we put our boards in the river and paddled lazily through the calm, taking in the sheer canyon walls from every angle. Then, just as the light began to fade, the water began rising again—eventually lapping higher than it had when we first arrived. It was like watching the heartbeat of the Colorado itself.
Cool drinks and snacks followed, the kind of riverside ritual that turns a good afternoon into a great one. This wasn’t just another stop on an Arizona paddle boarding road trip—this was the moment we’d been waiting for.
🔥 Firelight, Pasta, and Moonshine
As the sun dipped behind the cliffs, we lit a fire with the wood we’d packed in and cooked a gourmet pasta dinner (which was prepared before we left and placed into vacuum sealed bags, all we had to do was heat up in boiling water). With the glow of the fire on the rocks and the canyon slowly dimming, the evening took on a quiet magic.
Then, the moon rose. Almost full and high in the sky, it cast a silver sheen across the entire river corridor. The cliffs glowed faintly, the water shimmered, and no flashlight was needed. The whole place was illuminated by natural moonlight, just one more layer of wonder added to the day.
We turned in around 10 p.m., perfectly content and comfortably warm. The temperatures this time of year were ideal for sleeping—cool enough to bundle up, but not cold enough to chase you deeper into your sleeping bag. Cocooned beneath the stars and stone, we drifted off to the faint sound of the river lapping against the shore.
The Final Stretch: Beauty in the Journey’s End
Morning came gently. The first light warmed the cliffs behind us, and the Colorado River, now flowing steadily again, sparkled as it slipped past our camp. We packed up slowly, not quite ready to leave a place so still, so soul-stirring. After breakfast and a final sweep of the site, we pushed off for the final leg of our journey.
This was the last stretch of our Arizona paddle boarding road trip, and it didn’t disappoint. The cliffs began to pull back slightly, offering broader views of the river corridor, but the sense of scale and solitude remained. The paddle was easy, smooth, and meditative. At times, we drifted without a sound—no wind, no chatter, just the rhythmic splash of water breaking around the board. The last mile or so however was a bit arduous as we hit some head winds, by that point I was ready for the paddle to end.
🐾 Encounters Along the River
Along the way, we stopped briefly at Ropes Trail, where ancient petroglyphs are etched into the canyon walls. Though we didn’t hike the trail this time, we did meet a solo hiker emerging from the path, sun-baked and smiling after a short day trip down from the rim.
🏁 Return to Lee’s Ferry
Eventually, the take-out point at Lee’s Ferry came into view. The same spot we had departed from now marked the end of our two-day odyssey. We pulled in slowly, reluctant but grateful, our boards lightly scraping the beach we’d left not long ago. The journey had looped back, but we weren’t the same paddlers who had launched from this shore.
This wasn’t just about paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend. It was about disconnecting, slowing down, and experiencing a place that millions of people visit—but only a few truly feel.
Planning Your Own Horseshoe Bend Paddle Board Adventure: Tips and Takeaways
If the idea of paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend has you dreaming of drifting between canyon walls and camping beneath the stars, the good news is—it’s entirely doable. This adventure is wild, remote, and soul-stirring, but it’s also accessible with a little planning and preparation. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen.
🚗 Getting There
Your Arizona paddle boarding road trip starts in Phoenix, with a scenic 5-hour drive north. Consider making it a journey by stopping at landmarks like Sunset Crater, Wupatki National Monument, the Painted Desert, and Navajo Bridge. We recommend staying at Cliff Dwellers Lodge, just15 minutes from Lee’s Ferry and nestled beneath the towering Vermilion Cliffs.
🛶 Backhaul Service
To begin your river trip, you’ll need a backhaul shuttle to take you from Lee’s Ferry upriver to Glen Canyon Dam (or before if only doing a day trip). We booked through Kayak Horseshoe Bend, and they were fantastic. The boat ride is roughly an hour and offers a stunning preview of the route you’ll paddle back down. Make reservations in advance, especially during peak season (spring and fall).
🏄♂️ Paddle Boards & Gear
Bring a high-quality inflatable paddle board that can carry both you and your gear. As you read, I used the BOTE HD Aero Low Rider, which performed beautifully—stable, responsive, and built for adventure. NOTE: Be sure to get a river fin, once in a while you could hit a low spot.
Gear Checklist:
- Dry bags (multiple sizes)
- Sleeping bag and lightweight tent
- Water filtration system or plenty of water
- Meals, snacks, and cooking gear
- Firewood (optional but highly recommended)
- Layers for cool nights
- First aid kit and repair kit
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Wet wipes
- River shoes or sandals
🏕️ Camping Info
There are several primitive campsites along the river, but camping at Horseshoe Bend is next-level (Mile 7-7.5) – Camping at Mile 8 is also a great spot. No permits are required for overnight trips at this time, but always double-check with the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for the latest rules. Practice Leave No Trace principles—pack it in, pack it out. FYI, there are bathrooms at the campsites, which is really nice!
📅 Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are ideal. We went in May, when daytime temps were warm (mid-80s) but manageable, and nighttime temperatures were perfect for sleeping under the stars (around 60). Midday dam releases can affect water levels, so ask your backhaul operator about scheduled flow changes—they can actually enhance the experience if timed right.
💡 Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a SUP or kayak trip—it’s a journey into one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in North America. From paddling beneath sandstone giants to falling asleep under a near-full moon, every moment on this river felt like a gift. If you’re ready to trade overlooks for immersion, and postcards for memories, then this Arizona paddle boarding road trip is calling your name.
If you have any questions about paddle boarding Horseshoe Bend, or camping along the Colorado River, please leave a comment below, happy to help. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…
