6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Horseshoe Bend, AZ

Discover the stunning Horseshoe Bend, Arizona.

Imagine gliding across tranquil waters surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

The best places to paddle board in Horseshoe Bend are calling your name.

Join us as we uncover these hidden gems, perfect for your next adventure. Are you ready?

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Planning Your Paddle in Horseshoe Bend

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 99 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 2 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes: Paddle Lake Powell and WazSUP Kayak Rental. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Horseshoe Bend

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Colorado River

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Horseshoe Bend Parking Lot (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, mild currents, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, various birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon, and surrounding red rock formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution on the river, life jackets are recommended

The Colorado River in Horseshoe Bend offers a stunning backdrop for paddleboarding. With the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon within reach, paddlers can explore the mesmerizing scenery as they glide down the river.

Be prepared for a tranquil and awe-inspiring experience in the heart of the Arizona desert.

#2 Lake Powell

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Wahweap Marina, located near Page, AZ (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, can be windy at times
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Antelope Canyon, Navajo Canyon, rock formations, and cliffs
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic and follow local regulations

Although not directly in Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell is a short drive away and offers some of the most surreal paddleboarding experiences. With its crystal-clear water and remarkable red rock formations, Lake Powell provides countless inlets and canyons to explore on your board.

Make sure to visit Antelope and Navajo Canyons to fully immerse yourself in the striking natural surroundings.

#3 Lees Ferry

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Lees Ferry Launch Ramp (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river water, mild currents, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, occasional wildlife sightings
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Vermilion Cliffs, Paria Canyon, and surrounding desert vistas
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, use caution on the river

Lees Ferry is another nearby spot on the Colorado River that offers a stunning paddleboarding experience. Located just north of Horseshoe Bend, this launch site provides a great starting point to explore Vermilion Cliffs and Paria Canyon.

With its serene waters and striking desert landscape, Lees Ferry is a paddleboarding destination worth exploring.

#4 Page Shores Beach

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Lone Rock Beach Road (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Nearby rock formations, Glen Canyon Dam
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, be aware of water levels

Page Shores Beach, located on the shores of Lake Powell, offers a calm and picturesque spot for paddleboarding. With its sandy beach and proximity to nearby rock formations, this location is perfect for a relaxed day on the water.

Take in the stunning views of Glen Canyon Dam in the distance as you explore the waters around Page Shores Beach.

#5 Big Water Boat Launch

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Big Water Marina and Launch (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake Powell shoreline, nearby red rock formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, be mindful of boat traffic

Big Water Boat Launch, located along the southern shores of Lake Powell, is another great access point for paddleboarders. This location offers an opportunity to launch your board and explore the magnificent shoreline of Lake Powell.

Take in the mesmerizing views of red rock formations and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the area as you paddle along.

#6 Antelope Point Marina

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Antelope Point Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake Powell shoreline, Antelope Canyon
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, be mindful of boat traffic

Antelope Point Marina, another popular Lake Powell location, provides easy paddleboarding access to the lake’s stunning shoreline. Glide through pristine waters, marvel at Antelope Canyon, and enjoy the picturesque scenery that surrounds you.

A day of paddleboarding at Antelope Point Marina is the perfect way to experience the area’s beauty while staying active and soaking in the sun-soaked views.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case