Glen Canyon Smooth-Water Float: Colorado River Day Trip from Sedona or Flagstaff
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 hours (door-to-door)
Fitness Level
Moderate; you should be comfortable standing, stepping in/out of a skiff, and walking on sand.
Overview
Spend a day drifting under canyon walls on a calm stretch of the Colorado River, with hotel pickup from Sedona or Flagstaff, a boxed lunch on a petroglyph-studded beach, and up-close views of Glen Canyon Dam. This small-group float balances relaxed river time with geology, Indigenous history, and practical logistics for a full-day outing.
Glen Canyon Smooth-Water Float: Colorado River Day Trip from Sedona or Flagstaff
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There’s a particular quiet that takes over when a touring van pulls away from Sedona’s red rocks and the road opens toward the high desert. By the time you step onto the river—inflatable skiffs bobbing gently against a vast, sun-bleached shoreline—the Colorado slows and seems to breathe. The canyon walls lean in like patient listeners; the river, tamed here below Glen Canyon Dam, carries you forward with a steady, unthreatening hand.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Sun protection is non-negotiable
The river reflects a lot of sunlight—bring SPF 30+, sunglasses with a strap, and a wide-brim hat.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures can swing between chilly mornings and hot afternoons; a light windbreaker is useful.
Hydrate and carry snacks
Although bottled water and a boxed lunch are provided, pack extra water if you’re prone to dehydration in dry climates.
Car seat law for kids
Arizona requires children 8 and younger to use a car seat or booster—guests must supply their own.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Great blue heron and riverine waterfowl
History
Glen Canyon Dam, completed in the 1960s, reshaped the Colorado River and created Lake Powell; the canyon holds long human histories evidenced by petroglyphs and ancient travel routes.
Conservation
Water levels in the Colorado Basin fluctuate with drought and demand—pack out all trash, avoid disturbing archaeological sites, and follow guide instructions to limit impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hat and polarized sunglasses
Protects eyes and skin from intense desert sunlight and glare off the water.
summer specific
Light layers and windbreaker
Mornings and late afternoons can be cool; a packable jacket helps with river breezes.
spring specific
Sturdy sandals or trail shoes
Easy on/off footwear that grips sand and rock when you step ashore for lunch.
summer specific
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps camera, phone, and small essentials safe from splashes and sand.