Paddle Home from Above Horseshoe Bend: The One‑Hour Backhaul That Gets Your Boat to Lees Ferry

MARBLE CANYON TRANSPORTATION FIELD GUIDE

Paddle Home from Above Horseshoe Bend: The One‑Hour Backhaul That Gets Your Boat to Lees Ferry

A one‑hour backhaul by Kayak the Colorado that ferries your rental boat to Lees Ferry above Horseshoe Bend and retrieves it after you paddle back.

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Paddle Home from Above Horseshoe Bend: The One‑Hour Backhaul That Gets Your Boat to Lees Ferry.

Duration
1 Hour
Location
Marble Canyon
Operator
Kayak the Colorado
Category
Transportation
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Enjoy a hassle‑free kayak trip on the Colorado River: the operator transports your rental boat to Lees Ferry, runs a covered transfer up river above Horseshoe Bend toward the dam, and retrieves your craft when you finish paddling back to your car at Lees Ferry.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SERVICE

Full backhaul and retrieval

The operator will bring your rental kayak, canoe, or SUP to Lees Ferry at the start of your day and retrieve it when your adventure is complete, removing the logistics of boat shuttling so you can focus on paddling.

THE ROUTE

Launch above Horseshoe Bend and paddle back

Transfers run from the dock at Lees Ferry up‑river above Horseshoe Bend toward the dam, giving paddlers the option to return at their own pace along the Colorado back to Lees Ferry.

THE COMFORT

Covered, comfortable boat transfers

The service uses comfortable, covered boats to move people and rental craft efficiently so you start your paddle fresh and end back at your vehicle without the shuttle hassle.

What the day feels like

What the Backhaul Feels Like

The experience is straightforward and logistical: a short covered‑boat transfer takes you and your rental upstream above Horseshoe Bend toward the dam, you disembark with your craft, then paddle at your own pace downstream, finishing at Lees Ferry where the operator collects your boat.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this backhaul works — and who should think twice.

1
Day paddlersWell suited for paddlers who want a single easy logistics solution: pricing is per person and boat shuttling is handled by the operator.
2
Families with young childrenNot ideal for families with very young children—children under 5 are not permitted, and there are no youth discounts.
3
Groups traveling with rentalsAppropriate for groups using rental craft because the operator transports and retrieves rental boats, but note that pricing is per person and there are no youth discounts.
4
Budget‑minded travelersPlan on per‑person pricing; there are no youth discounts, so factor individual rates into group budgets.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Rental kayak/canoe/SUP is not included; operators will transport your rental to Lees Ferry and retrieve it when you finish. Bring any personal paddling gear and provisions appropriate for a day on the river.

Logistics & Boat Handling

The operator handles boat transport to Lees Ferry and the post‑trip retrieval of rental craft, simplifying start/finish logistics.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is kayak rental included with the backhaul?

No — rental kayak/canoe/SUP is not included. The operator will transport and later retrieve your rental craft at Lees Ferry.

How long is the backhaul transfer?

The backhaul service is a one‑hour transfer.

Are children allowed on this trip?

Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this service.

Are there youth discounts?

Pricing is per person and there are no discounts for youths.

Where does the transfer start and end?

Transfers run from the dock at Lees Ferry up‑river above Horseshoe Bend toward the dam; paddlers finish by returning to their car at Lees Ferry where rentals are retrieved.

Who operates the backhaul service?

The service is operated by Kayak the Colorado.