The Mighty Colorado River

For many visitors to Lake Powell, the focus is entirely on lake activities, such as boating, swimming, and boat tours. But, there’s another body of water nearby that you should add to your “must-see” list.

The best way to get to know and see the mighty Colorado River is on a half-day rafting tour. Join Wilderness River Adventures for a gentle float down the river with sightseeing stops at some of the most awe-inspiring sites.

Horseshoe Bend Half-Day Rafting Tour

The half-day horseshoe bend rafting tour starts at Wilderness River Adventures headquarters in Page, Arizona. You’ll take a ride to the base of Glen Canyon Dam, where you’ll board a roomy, 32-foot raft. All you have to do is sit back and relax.

Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy:

• Stories about the history of the Colorado River
• A stop on the beach with a short hike to see a petroglyph panel
• Views of the iconic Horseshoe Bend
• Small animal sightings, such as rainbow trout, nesting birds, and bighorn sheep

At the end of your rafting trip, you’ll deboard at Lee’s Ferry and take a bus back to the river headquarters. Keep looking out the window for beautiful views of Vermillion Cliffs, Marble Canyon, and Navajo Bridge during your return trip.

River Rafting FAQs

For many first-time river rafters, there can be some anxiety about what exactly the adventure will look like, what to bring, what to leave at home, and whether or not you’ll get wet. We’ve got the answers to all of your burning questions.

What should I bring?

One of the most common questions people ask is what to bring with them on their river rafting trip. First and foremost: bring your sense of adventure and fun. This river rafting trip is all about seeing the sites in a new and different way.

On the morning of your tour, you’ll want to check the weather. In the spring and fall, the weather can change quickly, and you may need an extra layer, a sweater, or a rain jacket.

In addition to that, you may want to pack:

• Sun protection: hats, sun shirts, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Lunch or snacks
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Medication
• Personal items such as keys and wallets

What should I leave at home?

There are a few things that you should leave at home. You’ll pass through a Homeland Security site to get to the raft launch site. That means you may not bring:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Cigarette lighter or matches
• Knives or utility tools
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Firearms or ammunition

In addition to these items, please note that you cannot bring a hard shell cooler with you.

Do I need rafting or swimming experience?

Your half-day rafting trip along the Colorado River will be calm. You won’t encounter any whitewater rapids. Because the water is calm, you won’t need to swim. All guests are provided with life jackets, and all guides are trained in water rescue. Life jackets are optional for adults but mandatory for children twelve and under.

Because the water is so calm on the river, this is the perfect trip for anyone, people of all ages and abilities. Feel free to bring the entire family along with you.

Can wilderness river adventures accommodate those with disabilities?

Wilderness River Adventures offers ADA-accessible float trips. They have specialized equipment to accommodate those who need a modified river rafting trip. Before booking your trip, please call Wilderness River Adventures at 928.645.6906 to discuss your individual needs, and they’ll help figure out how to accommodate those needs.

Will I get wet?

While there may be the occasional splash or spray, it’s unlikely that you’ll get wet on this calm rafting trip.

What should I wear?

The first step in picking what to wear: choose something comfortable. During your rafting trip, you’ll spend most of your day outside and in the sun. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes for the weather, protect yourself from the sun, and are in layers. Layers are great options to take off or add.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning a trip to Lake Powell for a rafting adventure down the Colorado River, you’ll want to stay for a few days. There’s so much to do in the area and so many beautiful natural sites to see. You’ll want to be located right at the heart of the action for your stay. To do that, book your room at the Lake Powell Resort.

The Lake Powell Resort is located in Page, Arizona at the Wahweap Marina. You’re within walking distance of dining options, a beach, boat rentals, and boat tours from the resort. Whether this is your first rafting trip or you’re a pro, you’re in for a treat as you raft down the calm waters of the mighty Colorado River and see the majesty of Horsehoe Bend.