Colorado River · Lake Powell · Glen Canyon
See the Bend from the Water
Guided raft trips, kayak adventures, and Lake Powell boat tours that put you on the very river you looked down at from the overlook.
What you can only see from the river
From the overlook, you see the bend from 1,000 feet above. From the river, you see the same walls from within — pale sandstone rising 800 feet around you, the canyon silence broken only by your paddle or the raft's gentle churn.
The Colorado River through Glen Canyon is calm, rapid-free water. No white-water experience needed. Kids as young as 4 are welcome on the raft trips.
River & boat tours from Page, AZ
Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip
Board a comfortable pontoon raft at Lees Ferry and drift 15 miles through the last intact stretch of Glen Canyon — past Horseshoe Bend — to the edge of the Grand Canyon. Calm water. Suitable for ages 4 and up.
- See Horseshoe Bend from the river (wave to people on the rim)
- Petroglyph Beach stop for swimming and ancient rock art
- Expert naturalist guide covers geology, history, wildlife
- No white water — calm, smooth Colorado River
- Departs from Lees Ferry (~1 hour from Page)
Kayak Horseshoe Bend
Get a backhaul boat ride from Lees Ferry up to the base of Glen Canyon Dam, then paddle your own kayak or SUP downstream through Horseshoe Bend at your own pace. First-timers welcome.
- Paddle through the bend at river level — a perspective almost no one gets
- Single or tandem kayaks available, or bring your own
- Wildlife: bighorn sheep, eagles, herons, condors
- Optional: camp at designated river sites overnight
- Free Backcountry River Permit required (sign up at Lees Ferry kiosk)
Antelope Canyon Boat Tour
Cruise from Antelope Point Marina up Lake Powell to where the walls of Antelope Canyon plunge into the water. An open-air tour boat travels through towering canyon walls with cool lake breezes.
- Departs from Antelope Point Marina (~30 min from Page)
- See slot canyon walls from the water — unique perspective
- Lake Powell's turquoise water and red canyon backdrop
- Calm, flat-water lake cruise — suitable for all ages
- Evening departures available — great for photography
What you need to know
Getting to Lees Ferry
Most river tours depart from Lees Ferry, approximately 1 hour south of Page, AZ. Your tour operator will provide detailed directions and meeting point instructions when you book. Do not attempt to arrive independently without confirming the exact launch site.
Backcountry River Permit
As of June 1, 2023, all watercraft using the 16-mile stretch between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry must register for a free Backcountry River Permit at the self-serve kiosk above the Lees Ferry Parking Lot. Your tour operator will explain the process.
Time zone note
Page, AZ is on Mountain Standard Time year-round — Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The Navajo Nation surrounding Page DOES observe DST. If your tour or marina is on Navajo land, confirm the correct arrival time with your operator.
What to bring
Sunscreen, hat, water shoes or closed-toe sandals, at least 1 liter of water per person, a change of clothes. Camera in a waterproof bag or case. Light jacket for early morning departures — the river canyon is cool even in summer.
Antelope Point Marina
Lake Powell boat tours depart from Antelope Point Marina, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Page. If you're staying at Lake Powell Resort, add 15 minutes to your drive time. Confirm your check-in time when you book — they operate on Navajo time.
Booking in advance
Peak season (May–September) fills fast. Book your river tour at least 2–4 weeks in advance, or as early as possible. If you arrive without a reservation, same-day spots are available but not guaranteed. Winter tours may require a minimum group size.
Not ready for the water?
Hike to the overlook instead
The self-guided 0.6-mile trail from the parking lot is free to hike and open sunrise to sunset.