Kayaking Marble Canyon - How to plan your trip

Learn how to kayak camp one of the most incredible locations in the Grand Canyon - Marble Canyon! Also known as Glen Canyon due to proximity to the Glen Canyon Dam.
Find out how to kayak Marble Canyon, including how to get there, how to plan your backhauling service, campsite locations, and where to hike. The trip begins in Lee's Ferry and winds through Horse Shoe Bend.
For more information on kayaking in Arizona check out www.copperstarkayak.com.

[@fillyrra]

Very helpful video in planning our trip later this year. Thanks for sharing!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Excellent! Have a great time!

[@ibcontent]

Had a small sailboat and did a week on the lake 2 different years. LOve that area. This is next for me. You have pointed out several important things to me... Thanks so much!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@aukedrabbels3444]

On my bucketlist 👌😊 Greetings from the netherlands!

[@pvclassic]

This is awesome. Love your editing. Gave you your first of many likes on this great video, I'm certain to share it. Monetization is in your future.

[@stevenhulbert7540]

Thank you for the video, great shots! New to kayaking, worried about motion sickness. Nice calm water, I can imagine it gets windy.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Thank you! The canyon can get windy but I’ve never experienced it while on the water, only late at night. Hope you can make it out!

[@richb8303]

On the 'to do list'. Thanks for the info.

[@darrenmcdonald6182]

Never done anything like this but I am now free to do all this and cannot wait to explore 🙏 UK based so this is like another world to me

[@copperstarkayak8072]

It’s one of the most amazing places I ever been. Happy to hear you’re ready to explore

[@bodyxbyzoe8205]

I did this kayak this week and it was one of the most incredible experiences! Just absolutely breathtaking...

[@copperstarkayak8072]

One of my favorite places!

[@skipstang]

Would LOVE to do this trip! May I ask what kayak you used? Have a few smaller boats, not sure they are up to this task. Thank You!!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

I use sit on top kayak. Specifically a malibu 2 ocean kayak. I prefer sit on tops but a sit inside will work too.

[@TomLombardi]

Great video, thank you!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Thank you!

[@nicholasmurphy2890]

Great videos man!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Thank you! Hopefully they help!

[@julieboisvert1681]

Wow! Definitely putting this on the list. Can you hammock camp in any of the camp areas or not enough trees?

[@calfan6807]

Kudos to you for your great video! Did the winds pick up in the afternoons while in Marble Canyon? If it was windy, did the water become choppy? During the time that you were on the water, how many other paddlers did you see? Thank you for your anticipated response. Godspeed to you in your travels.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

It only got really windy in the middle of the night, but that may not always be the case every time of the year. There were only a few other paddlers. Although with more people going outdoors these days it may be more busy now. I hope you make it out! This place is beautiful! Thanks for your kind words!

[@matomlin24]

Great video Brian, I will be relying on this when a group of us are making the trek from Scottsdale to kayak Marble Canyon/Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell on June 1 & 2. I watched all of your vids on kayaking in AZ and curious what you are using to shoot your video? Your vids have excellent PQ and editing. I just recently upgraded to a GoPro Hero 11 and will be relying on that and our iPhones for capturing video and still pics. If using a GoPro any tips/suggestions on settings, mounts, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Thanks for watching! I’m still shooting on a GoPro 7. I’m sure the 11 is awesome. I just use that and my iphone. For drone footage I have a DJI Mavic Mini 2. For video editing I’ve used Adobe Rush and iMovie. For mounts I use YakAttack. Other than that just simple lightweight tripods around the campsite. You can get those pretty cheap on Amazon. But that’s about it! Have fun in Marble and Powell! It’s beautiful out there!

[@matomlin24]

@@copperstarkayak8072 Thanks for the quick feedback! This trip has been a Bucket List item for many of us- can't wait!

[@jennifers7792]

This is Amazing! Thank you! What are the best months to do this trip? Can it be done all year?

[@jennifers7792]

Copperstar Kayak Thank you! We are planning to go next year in October. I’m so happy I came across your video. Thanks again!

[@kellyruder2460]

Great video! About how long does it take to kayak if you don't make any stops? Also, is there a sign that identifies Slot Canyon?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. I honestly can’t say how long it would take, but I would recommend planning for the better part of a full day. There are no signs marking the slot canyon hike but you can ask your backhauling service to point it out on the way out. Have fun!

[@larryfranklin3480]

Great Info ...I am trying to figure out what all I need to bring ... Would love to see a list of items you brought to make the trip doable . How much water do you bring do you bring , Do you boil Water ?.... Thank you

[@copperstarkayak8072]

For equipment I pack basically the same way I would backpacking except I have two sets of clothes - those I wear kayaking and can get wet and of course dry clothes. Footwear is especially important. Have shoes for kayaking and sry ones for camping. For water, I pack a couple gallons of water but also bring a life straw water filter with gravity bag. The water jugs are backup, I use the water filter exclusively. I always bring a bottle of water purification tablets as double backup.

[@UKCANOEING]

How wide and deep is the river? Very informative video, pleasure to watch.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Thank you! On average it’s about 300-400 ft wide. I’m terms of depth I’m not sure what castling but definitely overhead.

[@jameshouse1268]

This looks like an amazing trek! Would a 2 person Intex inflatable kayak be appropriate to use?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

It is incredible for sure! Personally I’m a little nervous of the inflatables because of punctures and a trip like this you would not want to be stranded. Also, the water is dangerously cold, low 40s, so if you do run into trouble and in the water it could be a problem. I wouldn’t do this with an inflatable but some are more daring than me. The companies that provide backhauls also rent kayaks so you may want to look into renting a hard kayak from them as well. Hope that helps!

[@jameshouse1268]

Thanks so much for the advice and info! I appreciate your experience.

[@TomLombardi]

You've inspired us! We're going this Friday Oct 7th! I have two questions, my wife is not crazy about drinking filtered river water, is that your primary source? We're camping one night, I think I can pack a 2 gallons in each kayak? Great video, Thank you!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

So four gallons total for two people one night? That should be plenty. I usually bring one gallon person per day for drinking water, but then use filtered water for cleaning, cooking. Have fun! I can’t wait to get back up there!

[@TomLombardi]

Thanks so much for your reply, this is been weighing heavily on my mind. Makes sense, filtered water for clean up and back up. Thanks again for the video. Can’t wait!

[@AZWonders]

I’ve heard there are a few fresh water springs along this stretch. Can you provide any tips on where to find them?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

I know of one. It’s just downstream from Ropes Trail Campsite, which is the campsite closest to the dam. It’s about a 1/4 downriver from the campsite and will be in your right if you’re heading downstream. It’s kind of small but will be hard to miss. Your backhauler will be able to point it out as well. Have fun!

[@anandj43]

Thank you so much for this video and it inspires me to take a trip. I have a 6 yr old. i plan to keep him with me in a double kayak. Are the rapids too rough for kids? Or can we just rent a bigger canoe where my wife and my kid are in the same boat rather than separate kayaks for my wife and me+kid. Just concerned about rapids for my kid and bigginer kayakers like my wife.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

There really aren’t any rapids to speak of, vary calm waters. But the water is very cold! Also, anytime you’re paddling you and your kids must wear life vests. I personally make zero exceptions to this for myself and those that kayak with me. And I don’t mean having your vest strapped to your kayak, I mean actually wear it. As far as having your 6 year old with you, I wouldn’t do it. Again, these waters are very calm but if for some reason someone goes over hypothermia can set in very quickly. The water in this river is in the low 40s. Personally I wouldn’t take someone that young on this trip. The water is just too cold and you’re too far away from help. Also, the river is very wide in some sections which would make it easy to get separated from someone if they went in. Others may feel differently, but for me I just wouldn’t feel comfortable taking someone who wasn’t old enough to fend for themselves if something happened and they, or all of you, ended up tipping on the water.

[@anandj43]

@@copperstarkayak8072 great detailed response. That helps me decide it’s a go/nogo with kids. appreciate the help and experience sharing. Best.

[@matomlin24]

Brian, I have a quick question on editing your videos. You stated you are using iMovie and I have played around with it and it is incredibly easy to use. How are you importing your video from your GoPro into the iMovie program for editing? Wondering if your are using a Mac as iMovie is not available for PC, which I have and I do not have a Mac but do have an iPhone and an iPad. I'm new to this but I'm assuming I can import the video to my iPad, which I can then use to edit in iMovie. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Yes I’m using a Mac. Not sure how to import from GoPro to the ipad. You could probably insert the video card into your PC and upload video files to either iCloud or Google Drive. Then you could probably access them on the ipad from there. Also, I have used PCs I’m the past and used Adobe Rush. I think there’s a monthly subscription fee for Rush. Hopefully that helps!

[@matomlin24]

@@copperstarkayak8072 Thank you for the suggestions!

[@jaredsummerville775]

Did you have to reserve the camp sites prior or pay a fee to get on the water or other reservations besides the take back boat service?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

No need to reserve a campsite but there is a parking fee. I can’t remember how much it was but there is a toll booth at the entrance to Lee’s Ferry where you pay the fee. Thanks for watching! Have fun!

[@barbiecain8010]

Are there any rapids to go down? We will have our dog with us so hoping for a nice gentle float!

[@copperstarkayak8072]

It’s all very gentle. Nothing to worry about

[@Maryam-ue3vw]

Great video, thank you! How to book a campsite?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

It’s first come first serve to camp along the river. There is an established camp site at Lees Ferry which requires reservations but everything else along the river is open.

[@matomlin24]

@@copperstarkayak8072 FYI: The Lees Ferry Campsite is also first come/first served and does not take reservations.

[@MjVanCamping]

Great video. I have my own kayak but I have a friend that doesn't. Can we arrange to rent one for him out there from an outfitter?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

You can! The same guys that shuttle you up the river also rent kayaks. I 100% recommend them , used them multiple times - www.kayakthecolorado.com. You’ll have a blast!

[@MjVanCamping]

@@copperstarkayak8072 awesome! Thanks!

[@6yjjk]

I've been looking at Lake Powell for a while, without realising that this was just downstream! Maybe a stupid question, but: Other than hitch-hiking in, is there a reasonable way to do this without a car? I'd be coming from Europe with an inflatable kayak, and having a rental car sitting there racking up daily costs while I go off exploring seems like madness.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

First let me say thank you for traveling so far to visit our beautiful state! As far as travel to the river, I’m not sure on how you could do that without a car.

[@650gringo]

This is also a trout hatchery and anglers come from all over the world to hook that big ten pounder who is hiding there somewhere. We needed a canoe to carry all our camping gear. I don't know how you could carry all the necessities on a kayak. September weather was nice.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

We try to pack as light as we can. Not as light as backpackers but we try to use the same mentality. We have sit on top kayaks which gives a lot of storage space compared to many sit insides. I like trying to pack minimally but with a few creature comforts. I think fall is the best time to go!

[@bossqian]

Is it possible for Standup paddle boarding? difficult with kids? thanks, really like your video.

[@copperstarkayak8072]

I would not recommend a paddle board. The water is super cold, 40’s. I’ve done it with teenagers but not sure I would recommend any younger unless they are in the kayak with you and or curse wearing a vest. It’s way too easy to get separated if you’re in different kayaks.

[@bossqian]

@@copperstarkayak8072 thank you!

So how do you get back to the parking spot?

[@julie2002]

at the end is the parking lot where you started. The boat (which you’ll have to reserve a month ahead) takes you at the beginning of the river and you kayak or paddle board down back to the parking lot.

[@jcorn56]

How long would it take to kayak from the drop off point down to Lee’s ferry?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Probably 5-7 hours depending on how fast you paddle and if you stop for hikes and sightseeing. I would recommend taking your time it is really beautiful down there. A heads up, the river flow does slow down as you get closer to Lees Ferry so preserve your energy. You don’t want to paddle hard when the river is moving you along at a good pace and then be gassed when you get to the end. Have fun!

[@afxtal]

What seasons are good for this trip?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

I’ve only been in fall and it’s perfect. Spring would be nice too. Middle of summer is way to hot in my opinion. I believe it’s closed in winter. The only thing I would worry about in spring is rain. Have fun!

[@kellykat99]

Could an inflatable kayak handle this trip?

[@GerhardtRaven]

Can I take my dog on this trip? Is this doable in November?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

I think there is a point in November when the shuttles stop running for winter. You should call the shuttle company I refer to in the video and ask. As for the dog, I can’t say. I’m not a dog owner and not sure of your dogs comfort level in the water. What I will say is the current is very, very mild but the river is wide and cold. It’s also very deep. If you got separated from your pet you could find yourself in a challenging and scary situation.

[@michaelboyle4119]

What does it cost to do a trip like that .

[@copperstarkayak8072]

The shuttle from the back haulers is about 75 a person. That does not include a kayak rental. Parking at lee’s ferry is about 30. There are no camp site fees. Hope that helps!

[@craighusted1511]

Do they rent kayaks at Lee’s Ferry?

[@julie2002]

Yes there’s several!

[@everettjesse3230]

Do you need a permit to camp in the canyon?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

Great question - nope! If you camp at the established campground at Lee’s Ferry you do, but anywhere along the river you do not. Unless something has changed in the last 6 months but I doubt that it has.

[@Maryam-ue3vw]

So, I guess camping is first come fist serve?

[@julie2002]

@@Maryam-ue3vw yes but there’s plenty of space

[@TacoSyndicate]

How much is parking?

[@copperstarkayak8072]

It’s been a little while since I was out there but I think it was around 30 bucks. Thanks for watching!