Half-Day Float, Bus To Lees Ferry

A smooth-water half-day float on the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, with a bus from Page to Lees Ferry, then gliding past Petroglyph Beach and Horseshoe Bend. Food and drinks are not included.

Overview

This half-day trip from Page puts you on a calm stretch of the Colorado River, with no whitewater at any point. The whole experience lasts five hours, starting with check-in at Wilderness River Adventures Headquarters and a bus ride of about an hour to Lees Ferry, where the boats launch. From there the trip covers roughly ten miles of smooth water.

The order of the day is simple. The raft motors up to Petroglyph Beach first, where a short walk leads to an archeological site with ancient rock art. Then comes the float past the towering cliffs of Horseshoe Bend, with the guide sharing stories of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area. Wildlife watching is part of the appeal: rainbow trout, nesting birds, and bighorn sheep are all possible sightings. The return bus passes the Vermilion Cliffs, Marble Canyon, and Navajo Bridge.

Because the water is flat and the pace gentle, the trip suits families and people of all abilities, including children, though kids under 4 are not permitted. It also works for travellers who want canyon scenery without paddling effort. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own snacks and water.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check-in at headquartersArrive at Wilderness River Adventures Headquarters in Page 45 minutes before departure, since trips leave promptly at the scheduled time.
2. Bus to Lees FerryA bus ride of about an hour carries the group from Page to the river put-in at Lees Ferry.
3. Petroglyph Beach stopThe raft motors up to Petroglyph Beach, where a short walk leads to an archeological site with ancient petroglyphs.
4. Float past Horseshoe BendDrift beneath the soaring cliffs of Horseshoe Bend while the guide tells stories of the Ancestral Puebloan people, with views of Glen Canyon along the way.
5. Bus return to PageThe ride back passes the Vermilion Cliffs, Marble Canyon, Navajo Bridge, and other geologic features before ending at the headquarters.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details shape how this day goes, from check-in timing to what the weather can do.

• Bring your own food. Food and drinks are not included and gratuity is separate. Several reviewers treat this as a relaxed half-day outing, so packing snacks and a reusable water bottle makes the long stretch comfortable.
• Dress for extremes. The listing warns that temperatures can swing from around 45 degrees Fahrenheit in spring and fall to over 105 in summer. Layers, jackets, and long pants suit the shoulder seasons; shorts, brimmed hats, sunglasses, and wet-tolerant shoes suit summer.
• Calm water, low effort. This is a motored float with no rapids, which the listing describes as suitable for all abilities. Reviewers repeatedly call the ride smooth and relaxing, so no paddling skill or fitness level is required.
• Guides carry the story. Many reviewers mention guides who are knowledgeable and full of stories about the area's history. Expect narration on the river as the guide points out sights along the way.
• Life jackets for kids. USCG-approved life jackets are provided and are mandatory at all times for children aged 12 and younger while boats are underway. Adults may choose whether to wear one.
• Photo chances. The listing recommends bringing a camera and binoculars. Reviewers describe plenty of photo moments and views from the water that give a different angle on the canyon.

Common issues. Food and drinks are excluded, and children under 4 cannot join. There are no refunds within 48 hours of departure, and trips run rain or shine unless the operator cancels for what it considers a prudent reason. Some reviewers and past guests felt the listing could be clearer that this is a calm float rather than whitewater, so anyone expecting rapids should adjust expectations. Check-in is 45 minutes early with prompt departures, so late arrival carries real risk.

Before You Book A Raft