Colorado River float trip: Smooth water through Glen Canyon

Drift past Painted Desert views and historic Navajo Bridge on a serene float.

A 12-hour tour from Sedona combines a smooth water float on the Colorado River through Glen Canyon with a scenic drive back via Oak Creek Canyon, one of the top ten drives in the United States. The day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, a picnic lunch, bottled water and time to walk across the historic Navajo Bridge and browse Native artwork at Cameron Trading Post. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Glen Canyon Dam3h
2. Navajo Bridge15m
3. Cameron Trading Post30m
4. Oak Creek Canyonpassing by

Colorado River float and scenic stops

• Drive through Oak Creek Canyon
• Float on Colorado River
• Disembark river point
• Walk across Navajo Bridge
• Visit Cameron Trading Post

The experience

The river portion is the centerpiece: you float smooth water through the canyon walls of Glen Canyon below the dam, then disembark and have the chance to walk across the historic Navajo Bridge that spans the Colorado River itself. The bridge crossing is optional but memorable. It sits 467 feet above the water and connects the two sides of the canyon in a single span.

On the drive back to Sedona, you travel through Oak Creek Canyon, a route that consistently ranks among the top ten scenic drives in the United States. The road winds through red rock formations, the San Francisco Peaks come into view, and you pass through the Painted Desert. A stop at Cameron Trading Post, located in Navajo Nation, gives you time to browse and buy Zuni, Hopi or Navajo Native artwork before heading home. The full day runs 12 hours from pickup to drop-off.

A professional guide leads the tour in English, and the operator provides bottled water throughout the day. Bring layers for temperature changes on the water and a towel. The picnic lunch is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sedona are part of the booking, so you don't need a car or separate transportation to the river.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sedona.
• professional guide in English.
• smooth water float through Glen Canyon.
• picnic lunch.
• bottled water.
• time to walk across Navajo Bridge.
• stop at Cameron Trading Post in Navajo Nation.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Angels Gate Tours

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Sedona means you don't need a car or separate transportation to reach the river, and the full-day structure (float in the morning, scenic drive back in the afternoon) fits the route without backtracking.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is the Colorado River like on this float trip?

The float is smooth water, not whitewater or rapids. You drift through the canyon walls of Glen Canyon below the dam, which means the current does the work and no paddling or experience is required.

Can I walk across Navajo Bridge during the tour?

Yes, you have the opportunity to walk across the historic Navajo Bridge after you disembark from the river. The bridge spans the Colorado River and is open to foot traffic during the tour stop.

How long does the full day take, and what time does it start?

The tour runs 12 hours total from hotel pickup to drop-off in Sedona. Your hotel pickup time will be confirmed when you book, as the exact start depends on your location in Sedona.

Is Oak Creek Canyon really one of the top ten scenic drives in the United States?

Yes, Oak Creek Canyon is recognized as one of the top ten scenic drives in the United States. You drive through it on the return to Sedona, and the route passes through red rock formations, the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert.

What can I buy at Cameron Trading Post?

Cameron Trading Post is located in Navajo Nation and sells Zuni, Hopi and Navajo Native artwork. You have time to browse and purchase during the tour stop before returning to Sedona.

Is lunch included, and do I need to bring anything?

A picnic lunch is provided as part of the tour. Bring a towel for the river and wear layers, as temperatures can change on the water and at higher elevations during the drive.