Wilderness River Adventures offers backhauling on the Colorado River, letting you paddle 15 miles downstream at your own pace through Glen Canyon’s spectacular canyonlands. Discover how this service helps craft personalized river trips for experienced paddlers.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
varies—self-paced over several hours to multiple days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed to paddle and carry light camping gear while managing changing river conditions.
Wildlife
History
Lees Ferry historic significance as the only safe Colorado River crossing for hundreds of miles has made it a hub for river trips since the mid-20th century.
Conservation
Wilderness River Adventures emphasizes Leave No Trace principles, coordinating with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to minimize environmental impact on fragile desert river habitats.
Wilderness River Adventures - Horseshoe Bend Rafting
Wilderness River Adventures offers backhauling on the Colorado River, letting you paddle 15 miles downstream at your own pace through Glen Canyon’s spectacular canyonlands. Discover how this service helps craft personalized river trips for experienced paddlers.
Wilderness River Adventures - Horseshoe Bend Rafting operates from Page, Arizona, offering river transport and float options on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. The business provides two primary trip formats: backhauling services that transport kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards 15 miles upriver for self-paced paddling and riverside camping, and a Half-Day Rafting Trip that covers 10 miles of Colorado River with views of Petroglyph Beach and the cliffs at Horseshoe Bend.
Trips pass notable Glen Canyon scenery and include interpretive information about Ancestral Puebloan culture at accessible sites along the route. Backhauling allows paddlers to start upriver and return downstream under their own power, enabling multi-day camping or day trips through canyon scenery. The Half-Day Rafting Trip provides a shorter option that highlights geological formations, river access points, and historic rock art.
All trip descriptions and distances reflect the business’s published offerings for the Horseshoe Bend area. Operating from Page, Arizona, the company focuses on providing river transport and float experiences on the Colorado River corridor through Glen Canyon. Information on reservations, equipment requirements, trip logistics, and seasonal availability is available through the business’s official channels. Wilderness River Adventures - Horseshoe Bend Rafting’s services support paddlers, rafters, and outdoor travelers seeking access to Glen Canyon waterways from Page, Arizona.
Reservations are required for both backhauling services and the Half-Day Rafting Trip, and customers receive detailed pre-trip instructions, gear lists, and meeting logistics directly from Wilderness River Adventures - Horseshoe Bend Rafting when booking through their official contact channels.
Location
Page, AZ
Operates from Page, Arizona
Tours Offered
2 trips
Backhauling and Half-Day Rafting
Trip Lengths
10 and 15 miles
Half-day 10 mi, Backhaul 15 mi
Key Sights
Horseshoe Bend & Petroglyph Beach
Glen Canyon landmarks on route
Choose backhauling or a half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River from Page, Arizona — check availability and booking details with Wilderness River Adventures - Horseshoe Bend Rafting.
Load Your Craft Securely
Ensure your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is safely strapped to the raft for transport upriver to avoid damage or loss.
Pack for Variable Weather
Prepare for hot sun during the day and chilly nights near the river — layered clothing is key for comfort.
Bring a Reliable Water Filter
Natural water sources abound but always treat your water to stay safe during multi-day trips.
Plan Campsites in Advance
Map out your ideal stopping points along the river to take advantage of scenic riverside campsites.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A properly fitting PFD is required for safety on the river.
Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Shield yourself from Arizona’s intense sun during daylight paddling.
summer
Waterproof Dry Bags
Keep your gear dry while paddling and camping along the river.
Warm Layers for Evenings
Temperatures can drop sharply at night along the river banks.
fall|spring|winter