FIRST TIME Kayaking Down the COLORADO RIVER! | Glen Canyon Backhaul - What to Expect | Arizona

Cactus Atlas is taking to the water! For one of our first kayak trips, we do the Glen Canyon Backhaul and paddle from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry down the Colorado River. The views were stunning and we learned the ropes of the experience.
Inspired by fellow KZbinrs and armed with a new kayak, we take to the Colorado River to do the Glen Canyon Backhaul from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry. We had many reservations and questions about the backhaul service provided by Kayak the Colorado. Is our kayak too large? How much help do we get? Where is the launching point? How long will it take?
Thankfully, this experience is about as easy as can be. The backhaul taxi service takes kayakers either 10 miles up to start at a Petroglyph panel or just below Glen Canyon Dam which makes for a 15-mile trip. The full-length experience took us about 6 hours to paddle down while taking opportunities to pull ashore and walk around a bit.
There are several campgrounds along the way and vault toilets are available.
Just remember to wear your sunscreen!
VIDEO FILMED: 07/15/2023
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ CATHEDRAL WASH - • Hiking Lower CATHEDRAL...
⚪ LEE'S FERRY - • How LEE'S FERRY, AZ Go...
⚪ NAVAJO BRIDGE - • Exploring the VERMILIO...
JERRY ARIZONA
⚪ Kayaking Marble Canyon - Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry - • Kayaking Marble Canyon...
⚪ Kayaking the Colorado River in a storm - Glen Canyon Back Haul - • Kayaking the Colorado ...
▬▬ L O C A T I O N I N F O ▬▬
⚪ LEE'S FERRY - www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisi...
⚪ KAYAK THE COLORADO - www.kayakthecolorado.com/
⚪ Directions to LEE'S FERRY LAUNCH - goo.gl/maps/iiqoXFstovhJWkJB9
▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
00:00 Preparation for the Trip
05:20 The Backhaul Taxi Service
11:55 Glen Canyon Dam Launch
24:54 Descending Sheep Petroglyphs
28:33 Horseshoe Bend
33:18 Onward to Lee's Ferry!
45:48 OOPS!!
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - www.amazon.com/shop/thecactus...
⚪ See where we've been - www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mi...
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
(As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

[@650gringo]

The wife and I did it in a canoe and stayed all night at the Six Mile Camp. The river was flowing very swift that day and we had our hands full a few places, to keep from getting free swimming lessons. We did it in October, the weather couldn't have been better. On a moon-less night looking up through the fine mesh roof of our tent, it was a treat to see the Milky Way in it's glory and occasionally even a satellite would float across the night sky. Yes, as you said so well, this was one of if not the best things I have ever done in my life. Great video!

[@650gringo]

And a PS< Most KZbinrs call this Marble Canyon, which is wrong. You get extra brownie points for calling it correctly, Glen Canyon.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Okay... you've now convinced us that this is beyond a bucket list activity. Seeing the Milky Way among those cliffs by the Colorado River sounds like an ultimate way to relax. Amazing!

[@coolvegas69]

Glen & Amy, thank you for making this channel. Glen’s passion for the desert & your excellent editing skills. Wholesome but, fun! Thank you!

[@CactusAtlas]

Aw, thank you so much! We're just doing what we love but are so glad it brings enjoyment to others. 😊

[@Liana-tq7oe]

We learned how to stop sunburn pain during a vacation in the Bahamas. A cold beer and 2 aspirin. Works like magic.

[@CactusAtlas]

😂 I can imagine it does.

[@shazart1111]

Beautiful scenery, interesting history too, thoroughly enjoyed your 'float' Glenn 😊 Thank you both for a lovely peaceful, informative adventure on the Colorado 🕊️

[@CactusAtlas]

Many thanks! 😊

[@jeffreydeboer4414]

The descending sheep is proof that Santa Claus exists! Even back then! Its his reindeer! Great video by the way. Never thought of kayaking before, but I just might now!

[@CactusAtlas]

😂 I can see the little sleigh behind in my mind's eye. Kayaking the Colorado and seeing Horseshoe Bend from below still ranks as one of the best experiences. 👍

[@cathymaxcy3391]

Yep, feeding the lizard was the highlight for me. The first time I tubed the Salt River I burned my legs bad. Had to use all kinds of numbing creams and ice packs to survive. But, it didn't stop me from tubing. Do it about twice a year and love it! Since we (my frineds and I) don't live in the Phoenix area we usually stay two nights at the Apache Junction KOA. The night after tubing we have a big BBQ and everybody brings food to contribute to the feast. Fun is had by all.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh I can tell you that it isn't stopping Glenn from doing more kayaking either. 😂 Your tubing trips sound awesome! Camping and barbeque with friends? Now THAT is a great time! 👍

[@IamKiener]

I started watching Jerry AZ this year and saw his Glen canyon video. I knew I had to do it after that. Went down the youtube rabbit hole and watched a ton of videos on Glen Canyon and found myself a new favorite youtuber. Love your content keep up the great work. Your an inspiration to many.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh wow! That's awesome! Thank you so much! 😄 Did you end up taking a trip on the Colorado or make plans to?

[@IamKiener]

@@CactusAtlas havn't gone yet but are in the process of making plans for the fall when it cools down a bit. But after watching a ton of your videos, the wife and I have made plans to visit Monument Valley area memorial day weekend. We got a hotel in Mexican Hat and are going to check out everything around there from goosenecks to valley of the gods and even have a day trip planned up the Moki Dougway to Natural Bridges National Monument. All of wich we would have never known about without your videos. Thanks again Glenn like I said you are an inspiration to many! Keep making awesome content.

[@DanFalandys-lt9mw]

OMG! This looks absolutely spectacular I just told my wife we MUST make a plan for this Thank you Glen for the video and the inspiration. Im sold 👍 Loved your comment about it being a "special moment " I can imagine saying that same thing

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! I hope you have a great time if or when you go. 😄👍

[@patriciashirley7095]

Glen, it's wonderful to be out doing what you hate sun burns no matter how much we use cream and cover up the sun will burn us especially in the desert Stay on the shade side see ya on the river. I'm following you I'm not rushing to get out there anytime but I will when California is in the cooler months ahead. Great kayak

[@CactusAtlas]

It's a really delightful and relaxing experience. Highly recommend! 😊

[@desertTooHot]

28:22 Communes with wild animals. Glenn is a Disney princess confirmed.

[@CactusAtlas]

Lol. I dig it!

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

What a fun day 😀 and you made a friend with the lizard 🦎

[@CactusAtlas]

Kind of odd, right? Wasn't expecting making friends that day. It's hard picturing steamboats on the Colorado River but they were there!

[@DiscoverexplorerS]

I love the smile that is on your face through most if not all of this video. Truly, this is a great adventure. Thank you for sharing your adventure and some of the details. Loved it when you hand fed the Chuckwalla!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Who knew you could hand feed a Chuckwalla, right?! 😂

[@parkerjwill]

Chuckwalla ate from your hand! Haha awesome.

[@CactusAtlas]

Not the most expected thing, right? 😂

[@SwiftyTravels]

This was such an incredible tour! I loved taking this journey with you guys! The camera setup was superb!! So sorry to hear about your burn!! 🔥😬- such an inspiration- this type of adventure would be so much fun! Absolutely loved it! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks Swifty!!! 😉. You and your fam needs to do this one! Four-corners-ish, so maybe doable for you? Just went for my second outing to a place called emerald cave near Vegas this past weekend. Kayaking is my new jam I think!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Those are to show which way to find game. This are saying this way to happy hunting.

[@rubyreyes1624]

Oh my, thanks for the memories! My hubby and I were gifted from my brother: a flight over the Grand Canyon, an amazing full tour of Antelope Canyon and this exact smooth river trip from the dam to Lees Ferry. A huge bus picked us up, had a break at Cameron Trading Post and finally dropped off back at the Grand Canyon Airport. That was over 25 years ago. Since I lost my wonderful hubby back in Dec '22 this was such a beautiful reminder of how blessed I was to have had so many amazing adventures. I love your videos. You and I have a great love and appreciation for Arizona and southern Utah. I think it'd be a blast to run into you and your family out on a trail! Keep up the great work. While I really appreciate Jerry Arizona's adventures, your excursions are more realistic for me.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, goodness. Thank you so much. You're too kind. 🙏 That sounds like an AMAZING trip that you had! You definitely saw some of the highlights in that area. So very sorry for your loss but happy we could refresh some memories for you. 😊

[@rubyreyes1624]

@@CactusAtlas Me too!!

[@jonh4301]

Looks like a great trip! Very impressive to see Horseshoe bend from the bottom. Columbia has a line of PFG pants and shirts that are lightweight and sun protective that work well. The pant legs zip off to convert to shorts if you no longer need the protection. Much easier than reapplying sunscreen.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks for the tips! Was wondering if there were some pants like that out there. I started to look but wasn't having much success in the short time I had. Appreciate it! Thank you! 👍

[@laureljaneg]

Loved this! I will rewatch and watch Jerry Arizona as well. Almost 20 years ago now that I think about it, I went on a four-day river rafting trip with a friend on the Rogue river in Oregon. The guides prepared Meals. We camped in tents along the river final night with an a lodge, only accessible by horseback, hiking, or boat.I was very careful because I did not want to get sunburnt. I got a long, sleeved, gauze, dress and reapply sunscreen Frequently did not get burned. I do tend to burn easily, especially my first exposure for the summer season like I did this year. That looks fabulous. I’m planning on being in Arizona next year in June for a music festival then I’m thinking of doing something similar ! I hope that you put aloe vera on your burns. That always helps me.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh yes... we slathered aloe and aloe moisturizers on Glenn's burns and he's doing better now. Just a lot of peeling and flaking. But I think he learned his lesson to take care of himself and not be so consumed with filming at all times. 😅

[@leshaylynn5057]

I don't see you as the Homer Simpson of channels 😂 I discovered your channel and Jerry Arizona's channel around the same time and love both of your channels for different reasons. I love his channel for the videography and adventure. But I love your channel for the information and learning with you as you travel! I really appreciate all the details you share. Keep doing you because you have a "baller" channel 😂

[@CactusAtlas]

Well, thank you so much for your kind words. Means a lot. 😊

[@debramaertens893]

Great video! You’ve added to my bucket list with this one.

[@CactusAtlas]

Fantastic! It's a tremendous experience. Just gotta make sure to cover all skin with sunblock. 😅

[@SidetrackAdventures]

What an amazing trip. I've done some white water rafting but have always wanted to try kayaking. Seeing the steamboat was was really cool too. Great video as always.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! It's really cool seeing evidence of the steamboats that would go up and down the river. Makes it a little more real since it's hard to imagine.

[@Riverboundsports]

Just got to watch the full video, and what a great looking trip! We enjoy following your adventures.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you so very much! We've been super happy with the kayak and are very grateful for the help you provided. ☺️

[@marshmallows5641]

Now this is living life!

[@CactusAtlas]

Such a good time. 😊

[@jackwright485]

Nice that you were able to film two condors on the girder under the new Navajo Bridge. We saw seven of them when we were there in May. Love your videos!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! We were wondering if they were condors and assumed so. Glad to know we suspected right. Thank you! 😊

[@jasperrabbit8132]

one of my favorites!!

[@CactusAtlas]

😄🙌

[@brianfow4666]

Your videos never disappoint, but this is one of the best. Thank you!

[@CactusAtlas]

Wow, thank you! That means so much to us. 😊

[@SueMayotte-bp7zr]

Great video! Having done 3 rafting trips on the Colorado, a word of advice for future trips, bring a sarong. They are less than $20 and you can use it to cover up to prevent a sunburn and you can soak it and wrap it around yourself to keep cool. It is well worth spending the money.

[@CactusAtlas]

That is a fantastic idea. We were looking to see if there were any lightweight UV type of pants similar to shirts but a sarong type of item would be terrific. Especially if it's a bit wet to cool down with. Thank you! 😄👍

[@joycemeadows9837]

Awesome! Bucket list :)

[@CactusAtlas]

It really is! Definitely a different way to experience the river and Horseshoe Bend. 😄👍

[@scotts3938]

That was amazing and spectacular! Makes me want to do it. Thanks for showing me something I wasn't aware of and I will put on my bucket list. What a great adventure. Your video is definitely the closet thing to being there.

[@CactusAtlas]

Why thank you! The trip is certainly bucket list worthy. Certainly recommended and easy enough for anyone wishing to do it if the weather is good. 👍

[@BFK78]

What an epic trip! I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, you definitely should! It's one thing to stand at the side of the Colorado (or an overlook such as in the Grand Canyon or Horseshoe Bend), it's quite another to actually be on it floating down and looking back up the canyon walls. 😄

[@sikuq]

Very nice video. Really enjoy the 4K picture quality. Thank you.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@CeeBee-outdoors]

Spectacular scenery! I really enjoyed coming along with you on this adventure. Sorry about your sunburn! Ouch.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! 😄

[@lzwnn]

Glen and Amy, you guys rocked it! This was such a relaxing and enjoyable experience to share with you. The best part was seeing the smiles throughout as you enjoyed the trip, the scenery, the history. So sorry you got burned! My brother in law once got third degree burns on his legs from inner tubing for several hours. I hope yours weren’t that severe and that you bounced back quickly.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much!! Glenn's burn took a while to heal but he seems to be all good now. Even went kayaking again. 😅 Hope all is well!

[@melissaallen9277]

This is awesome. Really looks like a wonderful adventure. (Also, hello from West Virginia. Glad you enjoyed the white water here.)

[@CactusAtlas]

It was so nice to try something different. Can't wait to kayak some more! 👍

[@ENJIMEEREBAY]

Glen, thank you for a plesant Colorado River trip! I visited this area last year and have enjoyed all the videos you produced for this area. God bless.

[@CactusAtlas]

Our pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@MGC1957]

Thanks for the river adventure. I think the music mix is cool as well.

[@CactusAtlas]

Our pleasure, and thank you! We appreciate hearing that. 😄

[@jameshouse1268]

Thanks for a great video summary of an epic adventure. We’ll hopefully be planning the trip for this Fall and staying at Lee’s Ferry campground. You gave so much useful insight and great information.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, that's fantastic! You're sure to have a tremendous time. And thank you so much! Glad we could be helpful. 😊

[@jeniferokeywsu]

Thigh sunburns are no joke! I loved this video. It was such a neat adventure to share. It was unique to a typical cactus atlas video but I loved it! Added it to my bucket list. Thanks Glen and Amy!

[@CactusAtlas]

Glad you enjoyed it! We both had a lot of fun making this one. 😊

[@gstiles7]

How about the USS Shagatsea or Glenn's Little Dingy. 🤣What a fantastic trip. It's nice to throw in an "adventure" trip once in a while. So, the next one should be repelling, then you can answer the question of whether "by water" is the only way to get to the petroglyphs! Is it strip mining that you were thinking of? I foresee the Cactus Atlas sponsored by Noxzema!

[@CactusAtlas]

Haha! Should be sponsored by aloe after this last week. 😂😂 Glenn's Little Dinghy. I kinda love it. 🤣🤣

[@courtneymassey784]

Great video- I love the perspective of being on the water and the history you shared. We were in this area last year but were at the top of the canyon- now we’ll have to come back and do a kayaking trip!

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! You won't regret it! 😄 And if you enjoy history, that area is full of it. So so so much there.

[@carolguezen5829]

What an amazing trip. I will have to add this to my bucket list. Would love to experience camping along the shores...and a bit of fishing😊

[@CactusAtlas]

Sounds like a great time, right? And the water was so easy it makes it enticing to go back. 😅

[@phillipmurrieta1]

Great video! I live in Las Vegas, NV, and found your channel when i was exploring around Flagstaff. Keep up the great work.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you so very much! Welcome aboard! 😄

[@Hystatic517]

Awesome video, I live in Texas and after seeing this I think I'm going to go and explore and do this. Thanks for the video and the idea.

[@CactusAtlas]

Woohoo! Definitely do it. It's a fantastic and memorable experience. 👍

[@bvs9631]

Beautiful trip. Nice easy ride. Epic! Sorry for your sunburn. 😢 Been there done that. No fun

[@CactusAtlas]

Sunburn is all good now. Totally worth it though for such a fun experience. 👍

[@H.pylori]

This is a documentary-worthy video for TV. I had work to do, but watched the entire video. I did the Colorado river raft trip with a company "Arizona River Rafters" 50 years ago. That was an amazing trip. Unfortunately no go pros then to document my trip, only slides. Well done, thumbs up, already subbed.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh gosh, thank you so much! 😊 Slides are pretty cool too. Work remarkably better than just memory I find. 😅

[@LoriBH]

That was a wonderful video, Glenn and Amy! We did this kayak trip in late May 2022, although our trip was a bit shorter because we were dropped off at the Petroglyph Panel. It was amazing to see how much higher the water was for you this year! Love your enthusiasm for nature and adventure, Glenn-you are no Homer Simpson, and I think your narration and videography is superb! P.S. As another commenter mentioned, Columbia sells UPF 50 clothing, as does a company called Coolibar-handy to have for desert dwellers like us, and when we kayak, we always bring quick-dry beach towels and drape them over our legs while in the water. You were a trooper to do that trip in the heat of July! 😎

[@CactusAtlas]

Appreciate the tips! Thank you! Will certainly look into some of the clothing. Kayaking is a whole new thing so lots of things to get used to. 😅

[@sub-normaloverlanding7201]

I will this weekend i am doing the paddle

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! Hope you have a great time and don't end up as burnt. 😂

[@manuelcastro2130]

WoW, great eposide! Dont know how i missed this episode. I was at the top a couple of years ago and was wondering where the folks on the river were coming from. I am a Grand Canyon junkie and cannot get enough. Hiked to the bottom of the Colorado River once. Must do again!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks so much! If you get an opportunity, definitely give the kayak trip a try. Much like hiking inside canyons, it truly changes the perspective of things. 😄👍

[@TacoSyndicate]

I just did this trip about 3 weeks ago. AWSOME!

[@CactusAtlas]

Isn't it amazing? One of the best experiences so far... Can't wait to do it again! 😄

[@TacoSyndicate]

@@CactusAtlas It was a good time. It wore me out.

[@rducut]

We were there in April and camped at mile 9. From above the water looks green but i was shocked to find out that it was crystal clear from below. We padelled back to lee's ferry the next morning and it was wonderful. The last 5 miles were tough because of the wind but it was a great experience.

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! Camping down there would be amazing. Likely saves from getting burned too. 😂

[@therobdeez]

Watching this video and several others in anticipation of my trip next weekend. Getting a tow up to the dam and kayaking back in some Orus. Stoked you included the petroglyphs. Definitely want to check those out. Our tow is at 10:30am so I’m wondering if we should get dropped off before the dam. I want to do the whole thing but also don’t want to be paddling in the dark!

[@CactusAtlas]

It's hard to say how long a trip might take as there are many factors that can affect things - the flow of the river, water level, wind, time spent on shore, etc. Most website say it takes between 5-8 hours so the whole trip might be tight but could be doable.

[@racheldanabennett]

Your wife’s editing is what makes your channel different then the other, I have seen his and I find it almost negative. I can’t wait to do this trip with my husband

[@CactusAtlas]

Wow, thank you! That means a lot to me as it is so easy to compare one's work to others on KZbin. Thank you again. And I hope that you and your husband get to do this trip. Glenn really had a blast doing it despite the burn. 😊

[@troutstalker23]

Thanks Glen and Amy, another awesome video. Is that the proper spelling for both names?

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! I do spell my name, Amy, and Glenn is with two Ns. 😊

[@hendrsb33]

Congrats for making the Glen Canyon trip, through it's REALLY magical to do a multi-day camping trip, even in the summer where you can cool off by jumping in the river. It is possible to paddle upstream, but it's an epic slog as long as you keep to the eddies on either side of the river. My recommendations: Lake Powell (if you can stay clear of the speedboats), Black Canyon (just below the Hoover Dam), Green River and San Juan River. There's nothing like kayak camping.

[@CactusAtlas]

There was a couple who were paddling upstream this day. My hats off to them! We have a TON of kayak trips that we want to do. Camping included! Especially going back and camping around Horseshoe Bend. 👍

[@hendrsb33]

@@CactusAtlas The night sky is incredible if you camp on a moonless light, given if you're far enough away from light pollution from Page. The stars are like sprinkled cutout against the blackness of the cliffs. Sadly, I haven't been there since 2020, during the pandemic and watching you on the river really made me wanna get back there. I did 3 days in the Glen and another 3 days on Lake Powell. Powell was shut down to motorized boat traffic and I felt as if I had the whole lake to myself. I will likely NEVER have that experience again. I work as a tour guide in Sedona and I try to impart journeys like these to the people I meet. It gives you a whole new perspective on what it's like to be away from the city and out in nature. Maybe our lives wouldn't feel so crazy if we regularly get out to see and interact with places like this.

[@CactusAtlas]

The night sky is a big draw admittedly. I can only imagine what your Lake Powell experience was like. Kinda jealous..! 👍 And nice! Sedona is an amazing area to be a guide!

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

Wow 😎 a steam boat crash site 👍

[@jcorn56]

Glen, great info. Do you mind sharing links to where you purchased your inflatable kayak camera mounting hardware?

[@CactusAtlas]

Glenn just bought them on Amazon. It was easier than going back to the store we bought the kayak at. 😅 All the gear mounted on the kayak is by YakAttack. We used the MightyMount Switch and then a variety of the different camera mounts. We keep track of all the gear we use in a link in our descriptions. 👍

[@richardbeee]

I was trying to shout through the screen about the sun. Same thing happened to me🙂

[@CactusAtlas]

Funny how easy it is to forget about an area that never burned before. 😅

[@richardbeee]

@@CactusAtlas I don't anymore.🙂

[@singingnomad5099]

Wow! Now I HAVE to do this. 😅 Thanks for letting us know this is available and doable. I’m 62 but in good shape - can I do this ya think?

[@CactusAtlas]

It's pretty gentle so there's a good chance you'd have no issue. Wind can be a challenge though.

[@griz3722]

Sorry if I missed this in the video, but what month did you do your float?

[@CactusAtlas]

Summer of last year. July, I think? Filming dates are listed in our descriptions.

[@michaelboyle4119]

What time of the year was this trip We are going this summer to do it . But we are going to try and take three days and camp along the way . Some friends might be joining us .

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, gosh. I know it was in summer. We should have the exact date in the video description. 😊👍