Spend a private day exploring Glen Canyon’s highlights—from the curve of Horseshoe Bend to Lee’s Ferry and a canyon hike—guided logistics, park permits and a gourmet picnic included. Expect desert panoramas, interpretive history, and varied terrain on a 6–8 hour outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the van before the temperature has climbed and the canyon walls are still cool to the touch. The guide sets down a thermos of coffee, points toward a rim where the Colorado River cuts a perfect horseshoe through sandstone, and for a moment the place is just wind and rock and the soft creak of desert life waking up.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable walking for several miles, some uneven footing and short scrambling; suitable for most active adults.
Wildlife
History
Lee’s Ferry served as a key crossing and supply point for early river expeditions and agricultural settlements; Glen Canyon Dam, completed in 1966, reshaped water management and the landscape by creating Lake Powell.
Conservation
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon face water-level and invasive-species challenges; visitors are encouraged to minimize footprint, avoid trampling cryptobiotic soil and carry out all waste.
Reserve your spot on the Glen Canyon Full Day Private Tour & Hike today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring 2–3 liters of water
Desert heat and sandy hikes dehydrate quickly—carry and sip water throughout the day; the guide will have spare, but come prepared.
Wear shoes with good tread
Cathedral Wash includes slickrock and loose sand; trail runners or hiking boots provide grip and ankle support.
Plan for sun and wind
Wide-brim hat, sunscreen and a wind shell are useful—temperatures swing and sun exposure is constant on exposed overlooks.
Time photography for soft light
Horseshoe Bend and Lee’s Ferry photograph best at sunrise or late afternoon when shadows add depth to the canyon walls.
Hat and sunscreen
Protects from intense sun exposure during canyon stops and hikes.
summer
Hiking shoes or trail runners
Provide traction on sand, slickrock and loose talus found on Cathedral Wash.
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3L)
Sustains hydration for the full day in arid conditions.
Light layers and wind shell
Morning cool and afternoon wind are common—layers let you adjust comfort quickly.
spring