Okay, if you’re heading to Page, Arizona and trying to figure out what’s actually worth doing (besides the obvious Antelope Canyon and the overlook at Horseshoe Bend), let me just say: the Horseshoe Bend rafting tour with Wilderness River Adventures was such a fun surprise.
It’s one of those experiences that’s super relaxing, insanely scenic, and honestly just a really cool way to see the canyon from a totally different angle.
What This Tour Is Like
First off, don’t picture intense whitewater rafting where you’re getting soaked and screaming the whole time — this is not that.
This is more of a peaceful float down the Colorado River, with these massive canyon walls around you the whole time. The water is calm, the vibe is chill, and you can actually sit back and enjoy it.
The tour starts in Page, then they shuttle you out to Lees Ferry, which is this historic launch point on the river. From there, you hop on the raft and spend the next few hours floating through Glen Canyon.
It’s basically the definition of “wow, this is unreal.”
The Scenery Is Next-Level
I’m not exaggerating when I say we were just staring around the whole time like… how is this real?
You’re floating between these towering red rock cliffs, the water is this crazy clear blue-green color, and it feels so quiet and peaceful out there.
At one point, we stopped at Petroglyph Beach, which was really cool — there are actual ancient carvings in the rocks. It’s one of those moments that makes you realize how much history is out here.
And yes, you do get to float right through the area near Horseshoe Bend, which is pretty wild considering most people only ever see it from the crowded overlook above.
Our Guide Pat Was the Best
One of the best parts of the whole trip was our guide, Pat.
Pat is a former Grand Canyon Ranger, and you can tell immediately — the guy knows everything about this place.
He was pointing out things we never would’ve noticed, explaining how the canyon was formed, sharing stories about the river, the dam, the history of the area… it felt like having a personal tour guide and history expert all in one.
And he did it in a way that wasn’t boring or lecture-y — it was more like listening to someone who genuinely loves the canyon and wants you to love it too.
Why Wilderness River Adventures Is Worth Booking With
Everything was super organized and easy. The staff was friendly, the shuttle was smooth, and the raft itself was comfortable.
It just felt like they’ve been doing this forever (because they have), and they really know how to make it a great experience without it feeling rushed or touristy.
Other Tours Wilderness River Adventures Offers
One thing we didn’t even realize until after the trip is that Wilderness River Adventures offers a bunch of other really cool river experiences, not just the Horseshoe Bend float.
So if you end up loving being out on the Colorado River (and you probably will), there are definitely more options to add to your Arizona bucket list.
Grand Canyon Rafting Trips
If you want something bigger and more iconic, they also run Grand Canyon rafting tours, which are basically the ultimate river adventure.
The Grand Canyon has been on our list forever, and this trip honestly made us want to come back and do one of their longer, more intense rafting adventures through the canyon.
It’s definitely a totally different vibe than the calm Horseshoe Bend float — more of a full-on bucket list experience.
Backhauling Service for Kayaks and Paddle Boards
They also offer something really unique called a backhauling service, which is perfect if you want to do your own self-paced river trip.
Here’s how it works:
They’ll transport your kayak, canoe, or paddle board (up to 16 feet) about 15 miles upriver, from Lees Ferry all the way up to Glen Canyon Dam.
Then you get to enjoy an exhilarating, self-guided float back down the Colorado River at your own pace.
Honestly, that sounds like such a cool option if you’re more of a DIY adventurer but still want the convenience of having the logistics handled for you.
Tips If You Go
A few quick things I’d recommend:
- Bring sunscreen — the sun is no joke out there
- Wear layers — it can be cooler on the water
- Definitely bring your camera or phone… you’ll want pictures
- Bring snacks or a light lunch
- If you like learning fun facts, actually listen to your guide (Pat was full of them)
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Page and want something that’s outdoorsy but not exhausting, adventurous but not intense, this is such a good option.
The Horseshoe Bend rafting tour with Wilderness River Adventures was one of the most relaxing and beautiful things we did on the trip — and having Pat as our guide made it even better.
It’s the kind of experience that makes you stop and think, “Wow… Arizona is unreal.”
Highly recommend adding it to your Page itinerary.
