Horseshoe Bend: Rafting Trip from Page with Petroglyph Stop

Summary

Raft the Colorado under Horseshoe Bend cliffs see ancient petroglyphs up close

You’ll float beneath towering cliffs at Horseshoe Bend on this rafting trip from Page, Arizona—with stops to see ancient petroglyphs only reachable by water. A local guide shares stories as you glide along the Colorado River before returning by shuttle through dramatic canyons. It’s more peaceful—and more surprising—than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen, you can almost hear the river telling stories,” our guide Mike said, squinting at the sun bouncing off Glen Canyon’s walls. I remember thinking he was half-poet, half-raft captain. We started in Page, Arizona—just a quick bus ride to Lee’s Ferry, but it felt like leaving regular life behind. The air inside the bus had that faint desert-dust smell mixed with sunscreen and coffee. I sat next to an older Navajo couple who nodded quietly when we passed Vermillion Cliffs—they pointed out a hawk circling above and smiled like it was an old friend.

The raft itself was bigger than I expected, sturdy but low enough that you could trail your hand in the Colorado River if you wanted (I did; it was colder than I thought). Drifting toward Horseshoe Bend, those cliffs just kind of loom over you—no photo really gets it right. Mike told us about the Ancestral Puebloans who carved their stories into stone here long before any of us showed up. At Petroglyph Beach, he traced his finger along a spiral etched into the rock and asked if we could guess what it meant. Someone joked about aliens; Mike just grinned and said nobody really knows for sure.

There was this quiet moment floating downstream where nobody talked for a while—just water slapping against the raft and that dry canyon wind. Sunlight made patterns on the red rocks above Horseshoe Bend, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small or so calm at the same time. After three hours on the river (with one much-needed restroom break), we climbed back onto the bus for Page. The drive back felt different—everyone a little sunburned and quieter, watching Marble Canyon slide by outside the window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting and sightseeing at Horseshoe Bend

• Check in and safety orientation
• Board bus to Lee’s Ferry
• Board raft and start river trip
• Stop at Petroglyph Beach
• View Horseshoe Bend cliffs
• Float and enjoy Glen Canyon views
• Raft arrives at Lee’s Ferry
• Bus shuttle back to Page headquarters
• Arrive back at headquarters

Top questions

How long is the Horseshoe Bend rafting trip?

The rafting portion lasts about 3 hours on the water, plus travel time between Page and Lee’s Ferry.

Is transportation included from Page?

Yes, round-trip shuttle service between Page headquarters and Lee’s Ferry is included.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

The trip is suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical effort required during rafting.

Are there restroom breaks during the rafting trip?

Yes, there is a restroom break at Petroglyph Beach about halfway through.

Can wheelchair users join this tour?

The raft and most areas are wheelchair accessible but buses are not ADA compliant; guests must meet guides at Lee’s Ferry if needed.

What will I see during this day trip from Page?

You’ll see Horseshoe Bend from below, Glen Canyon cliffs, ancient petroglyphs at Petroglyph Beach, Marble Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Navajo Bridge.

Is lunch provided on this rafting trip?

No lunch is included; light refreshments are available for purchase at check-in headquarters in Page.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle transportation from Page to Lee’s Ferry and back again after your float beneath Horseshoe Bend, an interpretive local guide throughout your journey on the Colorado River, all necessary safety orientation and equipment—and time to explore ancient petroglyphs only accessible by raft before returning in comfort to town.