How to Canoe Up Glen Canyon From Lee's Ferry, Arizona

Between Glen Canyon Dam and Lee's Ferry, the only part of the Grand Canyon accessible by car, is a 15-mile stretch of river popular with canoe enthusiasts. For starters, the water is clear, deep, and perfect for paddling. Secondly, the red sandstone walls of the canyon rise up on both sides of the river, creating breathtaking views. Canoeing this section of the Colorado River is an invigorating, magical experience not to be missed.

Things You'll Need

  • Canoe
  • Paddles
  • Map of the river
  • Potable water
  • Trash bags
  • Camping supplies
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Instructions

  1. Canoeing Options

    • 1

      Before getting started on your canoeing adventure, pay the entrance fee to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. You can purchase either a seven-day vehicle pass or a seven-day individual permit. Visit the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website for ticket pricing.

      No permit is required to camp for free along the river, and you may camp at one site for up to 14 days. Campgrounds are located at the 6-, 7.5-, 8- and 9-mile marks, Ferry Swale and Ropes Trail (powerline camp). Each site is only a short distance from where you anchor your canoe and at least 10 feet above the waterline.

    • 2

      Canoe up the river from Lee's Ferry to Glen Canyon. Although no whitewater is in this area, canoeing upriver can be challenging because it involves paddling against the current. On some of the wider bends, the current naturally pulls your canoe out to the middle of the river and turns it around. To avoid this, stay on the inside of the river bends, point the nose of your canoe toward the port (left) side, and use your paddles to fight the current.

      When you are ready to rest, stop at the campsites located on your map of the river.

    • 3

      Another, less strenuous option is to have the ferry haul you up-river to Glen Canyon, where you can paddle leisurely for about six hours back down the river. You must make reservations with Colorado River Discovery for a back haul, or tow, from the ferry. Pickup times from Lee's Ferry vary according to the season. From March 1-April 30 and Oct. 1-Nov. 30, pickup is at 3 p.m. From May through September, the ferry comes at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Colorado River Discovery website lists the various costs for a back haul.

      For more information about reservations and availability, you can call the Colorado River Discovery offices at 888-522-6644 or 928-645-9175.