lake powell boat tours 2023

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IT'S BREATHTAKING BY BOAT...

Antelope canyon boat tours.

Tour Lake Powell… avoid the land-tour crowds, bask in the Navajo Sandstone’s orange glow, and experience wonders only the water provides as you glide deeper and deeper into the world’s most famous and beautiful slot canyon.

*the size of boats able to launch is subject to lake level

Antelope Canyon

Info on canyon here…

small boat / pwc

valet launch & retrieve $40

ANTELOPE CANYON BOAT TOUR

One of Lake Powell’s best kept secrets, you can tour Antelope Canyon by boat. Experience it by  water – it’s a Lake Powell hidden gem.

Check-in time:  45 minutes prior to your tour time

Duration:  1 hour

Adults:  $50

Children:  $30 (ages 4-12)

Current Tour Hours

Navajo canyon boat tour.

Experience Lake Powell with a seasoned local. Reach out and we’ll get you on the next Navajo Canyon Tour.

Duration: 2 hour

Adults:  $75

Children:  $45 (ages 4-12)

*only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Customer Reviews

More Adventures...

Houseboat rentals, small boat rentals, rv campground, additional details.

• Entrance Fee:  Be aware we are located within the Navajo Nation land and an entrance fee of $30.00 is required to enter. (National Park Service Pass, Golden Age Pass, Senior Pass will get you in free of charge.
• Tours:  Tours are weather permitted and can cancel due to extreme weather. Once the tour begins there are no stops along the way or upon arrival.
• Cancellation Policy

If cancellations are made at least 48 hours prior to the tour date, the ticket price will be refunded, excluding the booking fees. For cancellations, made within the 48 hours, all fees are non-refundable. For tour groups of 10 or more people, cancellations need to be made 72 hours prior to the tour date for a complete refund, excluding booking fees. Antelope Point Holdings, LLC. reserves the right to reschedule or cancel boat tours due to adverse weather, lake conditions or insufficient number of people. In the event of a cancellation or rescheduling by us, your payment will be refunded, or applied to another trip at your discretion.

Questions? We have answers.

If we are running late, will the boat wait for us.

No, our boat will depart on time. We will move your tour to a different time or day if space allows it.

Will you hold seats for us?

Seats are only guaranteed if you make a reservation either online or over the phone providing all payment information.

With the low water levels, are you still operating?

Yes, if we need to cancel we will contact you. Low waters are not effecting our operation.

Why do we have to check-in 45 minutes prior?

Getting down to our office requires getting a golf cart ride down, cart service is busy and they may not be available right away.

Where do I go?

If it is your first time at our prestigious marina, you should first park your vehicle at our customer parking, locate guest services at the turnaround, and ask for assistance to your destination. Most of our facilities are down on the lake and need cart transportation.

How close are you to Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is a 15 minute drive away with a vehicle.

Antelope Point Holdings LLC Is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and a Lessee of the Navajo Nation

• Tel: +1.928.645.5900

537 Marina Parkway HWY N22 B Page, AZ 86040

On the Shores of Lake Powell, The Navajo Nation – In the Grand Canyon State of Arizona Copyright © 2024 Antelope Point Marina | All Rights Reserved.

• Surf's Up Lake Powell Guided wake and water sports experience. Book Now!

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“best wave on Lake Powell”

Connor Burns 5x Current World Champion

Enjoy the sites &Sunsets

Feel Free and Unburdened

Skim on Lake Powell’s pristine, clear water on our luxurious 2024 centurion ri245 surf boat captained by your licensed professional.

4 hour experience 

6 hour experience

8 hour experience

Sunset Cruise

New 2024 Summer and Winter hours 

surf’s up guided experiences 

2 hour sunset cruise, check out world famous antelope canyon, stop for ice cream at antelope marina, and there’s plenty of time left to surf wahweap bay, hit the waves and enjoy the sights of antelope canyon, navajo canyon and warm creek bay  , explore exclusive canyons and bays up lake where few get to access these tranquil waters with time to dine at our floating restaurant or grab an ice cream cone.

USA water ski and wake sports certified Instructor.

Guided water sport experiences, best 2024 surf boat rental.

All New 2024 Gear

We’re equipped to make your experience top of the line with style and safety including ronix vests, mono, kanuk, and hyperlite surf and skim boards . we now offer wetsuits for early and late season experiences..

This was by far the best trip our group has ever had, and it’s all thanks to Captain Mike and Surf’s Up Lake Powell. This is a 5 star company with a 10 star captain. Captain Mike was extremely friendly, helpful and kind…Unbelievable customer service.I highly recommend Surf’s Up Lake Powell for any group that’s looking for a fun time on the lake with zero experience with boats and water sports. They made it easy and it was a memorable experience. Will definitely come back again!

Absolutely an awesome experience! Super easy to book. Called Capt Mike to ask a few questions which he easily answered and asked us a few a few in return to better customize our experience! It was amazing having an experienced boat captain driving the boat (2023 Centurion RI245) while we maximized our time on the water, if you are on the fence it is well worth it! Highly recommend, AAA+++ experience. Next time we are at Lake Powell we will be riding with Capt Mike at SurfsUp Lake Powell! Thanks for the unforgettable experience!

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• Stories to Inspire Your Travel

Scenic Boat Tours of Lake Powell

Why hire a tour take in the high contrast of lake powell's placid, cool blue waters and colorful warm shores without worrying about logistics..

Written By Austen Diamond

Can you say panoramic? Of course you can, and of course you live for that sort of thing — that’s why you’re visiting the lovely  Lake Powell . But can you say “panoramic” in five languages? While on one of the many Lake Powell boat tours offered from Wahweap Marina in Page, Arizona, (near  Horseshoe Bend  on the Colorado River and  Antelope Canyon ) you’ll have the option to hear an audio tour, with the included audio set, in one of five languages: English, German, French, Italian, and Japanese. So you might learn a thing or two (It’s “panoramica” in Italian, by the way).

Photo: Austen Diamond

Why hire a tour? Take in the high contrast of Lake Powell's placid, cool blue waters and colorful warm shores without worrying about maps or logistics. It's for boat lovers, lake lovers, sightseers and tourists from all over the world; it's for people who want to get on the water but don’t want to take all day for a boat tour and folks who don’t want to deal with the logistics or cost of renting their own boat. You’ll board a vessel with folks from all over the world to see the sites that the lake has to offer. The Panoramic Lake Powell Tour offered by ARAMARK at the Wahweap Marina is an excellent option, and heads across the state line to visit some of Utah’s majestic buttes only seen from the water.

A Grand and Relaxing Evening Tour

The Panoramic Lake Powell Tour takes you by a double-decker boat out to Gunsight Bay and back. This is an excellent option for those who don’t want to deal with the logistics of renting their own boat (or they can’t, for whatever reason) and would prefer to sit back and relax, and take in some views.

As you head out of the marina, you approach Castle Rock (get your cameras ready) and pass east through the Castle Rock Cut, which grants you quicker access to Utah and beyond. The audio set provides historical information about the Native Americans who once called this area home, about the first explorers of the Colorado River — like John Wesley Powell (the lake’s namesake) — and the eventual damming of the river that created this massive body of water and reservoir for the West. Enjoy some refreshments and a nice cool breeze as you coast across the water. While this tour doesn’t stop to let you out of the boat (some of the longer Lake Powell boat tours do), you will venture far and be able get close to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of canyon country. Note the “bathtub ring” which marks the lake’s high point at one time, and take panoramic photos once you reach Gunsight Bay. The boat then turns around, and you can take it all in again. This tour departs at 5 p.m. and returns at 7 p.m.; the two-hour duration is an ideal amount of time to get a softer sun and long, beautiful shadows from the area’s rock formations for your excellent pictures. It's also a good fit for road trips through the region with a  base camp to adventure  in Kanab, Utah.

On scenic boat tours of Lake Powell, enjoy the shimmering water under your boat and the glamorous red rock buttes as the wind rushes through your hair.

For longer visits to Lake Powell, see our  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area  page and  Rainbow Bridge National Monument .

(Once you're hooked on the Lake Powell by boat experience, you may want to return to volunteer for the National Park Service's  Trash Tracker Program , multi-day trips helping NPS keep the shores of the scenic reservoir clean.)

"The two-hour duration is an ideal amount of time to get a softer sun and long, beautiful shadows."

GPS Coordinates, Parking and Regulations

GPS Coordinates: (36.995547, -111.486511) Park at the Lake Powell Resort main parking area, and meet in the lobby 30 minutes prior to departure for all tours. Boarding begins approximately 15 minutes before scheduled departure time. Check  availability  here. Travelers generally take Lake Powell boat tours during the warmer months of the year, April through October. The water temperature will be most mild during the summer, but be forewarned that temperatures can peak over triple digits. Start planning your Lake Powell sightseeing tour today!

Check Dates and Book

Panoramic Lake Powell Tour  

Offered by ARAMARK at the Wahweap Marina

About the Author – Austen Diamond

Austen Diamond is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Salt Lake City. Starry skies, sagebrush and endless red rock trails drew Diamond west from Knoxville, Tennessee, more than a decade ago. After earning accolades for his writing, he picked up a camera to tell stories of Utah's modern pioneers, subcultures and events. Now as a photographer, he blends craftsmanship and authenticity in telling visually arresting stories.

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Lake Powell Experience 

2 hr guided photography boat tour featuring Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and Wahweap Bay.

2 hour Antelope Canyon Photo Tour

Private water sports boat tour.

Includes: wake boarding, wake sports, water skiing, knee boarding, swimming

2 hour  Sunset Photography Boat Tour

Capture Golden Hour and stunning silhouettes of the surrounding mesa and butte landscapes.

(Available March - July)

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Captured by our Passengers  

"Highlight of our entire trip even above the Grand Canyon plane ride! A must do for anyone in Page! You won’t be disappointed."

2hr Antelope Canyon Photo Tour

Unleash your inner photographer as you embark on our small group guided photography boat tour through Antelope Canyon, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of its natural rock formations and captivating lighting conditions. Antelope Canyon is renowned as one of the most iconic destinations for photographers, and our excursion ensures that you can capture its stunning essence without the hassle of large crowds on enclosed boats. We provide open bow boats with limited passenger capacity, prioritizing your comfort and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the panoramic views that unfold before you. Our exclusive photo excursion offers the opportunity to capture the scenic walls of Antelope Canyon, the majestic Glen Canyon Dam, and the breathtaking beauty of Wahweap Bay. Our friendly captains will be there to assist you in capturing incredible photos and portraits. They might even let you curate the playlist for an added personal touch. Your photos and footage are guaranteed to make a lasting impression on your social platforms! Additionally, during the warmer months from June - September, you are welcome to bring a towel and take a refreshing swim in Antelope Canyon.  

$159 per passenger  

Private Water Sports Boat Tours

Say goodbye to the hassles of boating as we take care of everything for you. No need to tow your boat to the lake, launch it, or navigate unfamiliar waters. We will meet you at the dock and provide a skilled captain, refreshing drinks, and an unforgettable experience aboard our Axis wake surf boat. Our private water sports tours are fully customizable to cater to your interests, whether you want to learn how to surf, wakeboard, kneeboard, or water ski while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the spectacular canyons on Lake Powell.

With over 40 years of combined boating experience on Lake Powell, our captains are here to share their unique perspective and show you the lake like no one else can. Rest assured, our captains are not only US Coast Guard licensed, insured, and permitted by the National Parks Service, but they also hold certifications in USA water sports instruction, CPR, and first aid. So, sit back, relax, and let us handle all the details while you make lasting memories on the water. 

Starting at $1299

Lake powell experience, [email protected], call or whatsapp, +1 (928) 640 - 1360, follow | tag | leave review.

Lake Powell Boat Tours

Rainbow bridge national monument.

One of the natural wonders of the world, Rainbow Bridge has been formed by erosion of the sandstone by water flowing from Navajo Mountain towards the Colorado River. It is the largest natural bridge in the world at 290 feet/88 meters tall and 270 feet/83 meters across. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is considered sacred by the Navajo culture as a symbol of deities responsible for creating clouds, rainbows, and rain--the essence of life in the desert.

Rising up at the edge of Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge may be reached by  private boat tour or power boat rental . Rainbow Bridge is located 50 boat miles northeast of Wahweap Marina. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by Aramark Leisure, offers boat cruises daily from Wahweap Marina... tour offerings, schedules and pricing are listed below.

RAINBOW BRIDGE CRUISE

For tour questions, please call: 1(888)896-3829.

For those looking for a relaxing way to spend the entire day on Lake Powell and to experience the geologic and spiritual wonder of Rainbow Bridge, this tour offers you the opportunity to relax and take it all in. Your US Coast Guard licensed Captain and crew will host you as you skim along the smooth waters of Lake Powell, 50 miles up the original path of the Colorado River, from Wahweap Bay to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. En route, your crew will share with you, via public address system and personal discussions, many compelling stories rich in the cultural and natural history of this region. You will sail pass numerous famous landmarks, and witness first-hand the power of wind and water and their role in sculpting the remarkable landscape. The 3 hour up Lake Journey permits you time to explore why Glen Canyon is such a special place.

At Rainbow Bridge National Monument, you will walk a maintained, fairly easy trail round-trip 1.25-mile hike to Rainbow Bridge. The bridge itself reaches 290 feet into the sky, and it 270-foot span is supported on each side by its own canyon. While the bridge is visually amazing, your visit to the monument is also your opportunity to stand in the shadows of native peoples who have celebrated the spirit and sacredness of the place for centuries. You may wish to take the time to explore many of the meanings the monument has to share.

You will spend about 1 hour at the Bridge then make your return hike to the tour vessel. After departing, as your crew winds the vessel back through the canyons and waterways, you may hear more stories regarding this region's human and natural history.

While the tour returns to Wahweap via the same route, the homeward journey permits you to hear more of the crew's stories, spend time talking to others, relax and absorb for yourself the day's experience, or make your own additional discoveries as the vessel heads for port.

RAINBOW BRIDGE TOUR RATES: *park entrance required with fee or pass

Tour schedule: please call (888)896-3829 for assistance.

NOTE: This tour lasts approximately 8 hours. Due to fluctuating water levels, this tour may take longer than planned. The winter tours will run if there is a minimum of 15 passengers booked on the trip 48 hours prior to departure. Please call 1(928)645-2433 within 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure to check on the trip status.

NAVAJO CANYON BOAT TOUR

Spend half of a day on Lake Powell exploring the richness of color found in this region by taking a tour of the Lake's "Navajo Tapestry". This tour leaves Wahweap Bay, following the original path of the mighty Colorado River to Navajo Canyon, located on the Navajo Nation.

During your journey to the side canyons, your US Coast Guard licensed crew will share with you, via public address system and personal discussions, many compelling stories rich in the cultural and natural history of this region. You will pass a number of famous landmarks, including Glen Canyon Dam.

Approximately four miles past the Dam your crew will point out the entrance to Antelope Canyon by water. This high-walled Navajo Sandstone side-arm of Lake Powell is famous for not only its coloration but also for its slot canyons, found at its head, about two miles east. During heavy summer rain, this canyon is known to experience flash flooding, due to its narrow width and high walls. Antelope Canyon has become a popular kayak destination !

You will sail another 6 miles up the lake to Navajo Canyon, an exciting example of "Navajo Tapestry", the mix of colors found on its sandstone walls. Deep purples, burnt reds & oranges, and shiny blues are created by a natural mineral process, resulting in a "tapestry" of visual experience. This special patina takes centuries to form and is in a constant state of change.

While the tour returns to Wahweap via the same route, the homeward journey permits you to hear more of the crew's stories, spend time talking with others, relax and absorb for yourself the day's experience, or make your own additional discoveries as the vessel heads for port.

2024 NAVAJO CANYON BOAT TOUR RATES:

2024 tour schedule:.

CANYON PRINCESS DINNER CRUISE

For tour questions, please call: 1(888)896-3829.

While relaxing on the Canyon Princess guests enjoy the breathtaking sunset on Lake Powell in the Captain's choice of Wahweap Bay and surrounding areas. Guests have a choice of pan seared chicken breast, marinated beef tenderloin, honey bbq grilled salmon or roasted heriloom carrots with cauliflower mash. Entrees are chosen by the guest during the dinner cruise. Premium cash bar on hand. Call Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas to book your Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise at 928-645-1150.  

friday and saturday only

NOTE: This tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Due to fluctuating water levels, this tour may take longer than planned. The winter tours will run if there is a minimum of 25 passengers booked on the trip 48 hours prior to departure. Please call 928-645-2433 within 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure to check on the trip status. 

NOTES REGARDING ALL BOAT TOURS:

• Boat tours are operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by Aramark, which is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. FOR ADDITIONAL UP TO DATE TOURS NOT LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL 1-888-896-3829.
• NPS entry fee to the recreation area is NOT included in tour prices.
• Restrooms/toilets are available on board all tour boats. (Smoking is NOT permitted while onboard.)
• 48 hrs. notice is needed for all confirmations or cancellations for refunds.
• Child prices are for ages 3 to 12 years old.
• Children aged 2 and under are free but require a boarding pass.
• No pets allowed unless registered aid training animals with papers.
• There is NO Air Conditioning on any of the tour boats.
• All trips include complimentary water, coffee, and lemonade
• First come, first served on all seating (Upper deck is open & lower deck is enclosed w/ windows)
• Individual audio sets are included with every tour and are available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin and Japanese.
• Boat trips depart on AZ Mountain Standard time
• Check in at tour desk 30 minutes prior to departure time to pick up boarding pass cards.
• Required minimum of 15 adult fares on all trips for boat tour to go
• "No shows" are charged the full amount of the tour

For Tour questions, please call: 1(888)896-3829

Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed & Breakfast 1055 S American Way Big Water , Utah   84741 1(435) 675-5828 [email protected]

Book Direct and Save 10% on 2 CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS, 15% ON 3 OR MORE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS!

Make your online reservation on this official website and discover the benefits of booking direct, including:

• Best rate guaranteed: You will not find a lower rate on any other booking site, guaranteed.
• Secure online reservations: This website utilizes an industry-leading reservation system that ensures all personal information is encrypted and secure.
• There are no Booking Fees or any hidden fees applied when you book directly on this website.
• The best visual and descriptive information for the property can be found right here. It provides the most comprehensive descriptions of the property and amenities, special offers, nearby points of interest, and more. Use this website as a guide when planning your stay at Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed & Breakfast.
• Click here to view  Reservation Policies & Booking Conditions .

Book direct on www.dreamkatcherslakepowell.com to enjoy the best possible experience at our top-rated Lake Powell bed and breakfast

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Winter Lodge & Boat Tour

• Special Offers
• Specials & Packages

Step aboard one of our tour boats and we will take it from there.

Relax... prepare to cruise through Antelope Canyon. This tour offers some of the most breathtaking views of the lake. Don't forget the camera!

• 1-night stay at Lake Powell Resort
• 2 tickets for the Antelope Canyon Tour
• Valid December 1, 2023 - February 28, 2024

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Last updated: January 20, 2023

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Contact info, mailing address:.

c/o Glen Canyon National Recreation Area PO Box 1507 691 Scenic View Dr Page, AZ 86040

928 608-6200 Receptionist at headquarters of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Office hours are weekdays 7am - 4pm MST.

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Where We Went Next

Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Lake Powell

There are so many things I wish I knew before visiting Lake Powell for the first time during our three-week Arizona-Utah road trip . I failed to put much thought into researching logistics because I was just so entranced by the sheer beauty of the lake.

It honestly never crossed my mind that visiting Lake Powell could be anything but pure magic. After all, all the photos I had seen made it look like a dream.

Don’t get me wrong, Lake Powell is stunning and 1000% worth visiting. However, I do think that in order to fully enjoy your trip it’s important to know what to expect before you go.

In other words, learn from our mistakes.

While adventuring around Lake Powell we encountered one mishap after another. These mishaps make for great campfire stories now, but they were quite the headache at the time.

In this guide, I cover an array of things I wish I knew before visiting Lake Powell. This guide will prepare you for any activity and make sure you have a great time camping, boating, off-roading, or just swimming.

Table of Contents

A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Lake Powell: Things I Wish I Knew

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). Thank you in advance for your support!

Common Questions about Lake Powell

Is lake powell free.

Lake Powell is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Visitors with an America the Beautiful Pass don’t have to pay the entrance fee. If you plan on visiting any of the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks like Bryce Canyon or Zion during your trip, I recommend getting this pass.

Otherwise, the entrance cost is $30 per vehicle; good for 1-7 days.

What is the Best Way to See Lake Powell?

There are so many different ways to enjoy the lake. Lake Powell truly has something for everyone, whether you wish to experience the lake’s grandeur from the water or from atop Wahweap Lookout.

Visitors can choose to boat, jet ski, kayak, swim, or simply play along the shores.

However, to truly see the lake and understand its size and beauty I do think renting a boat is the best way to take full advantage.

I go into further detail later regarding what to expect boating on Lake Powell, as well as things I wish I had known before we went.

Let’s just say, It’s not your typical sit-back and unwind lake outing.

Guided Tour s at Lake Powell

You also can save yourself a good amount of logistical planning by opting to book a guided tour.

Guided tours range from boating on Lake Powell and visiting the Dam to exploring Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Where to stay at Lake Powell

Luxury hotels

• Lake Powell Resort – Beach resort with outdoor pool, near Wahweap Marina
• Page Home, Pet-Friendly – Page accommodations with kitchens and patios
• Marble Canyon Lodge – Riverfront hotel with restaurant, near Colorado River

Mid-range hotels

• Ticaboo Lodge – Ticaboo hotel with outdoor pool
• Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat – Page tentalow in mountains
• Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell – Page hotel with restaurant

Unique and most affordable stays

• Tranquil Zen Retreat – Page Arizona border town with Amazing Mesa Views
• Lee’s Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs – Patio with a mountain view
• Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel – Surrounded by views of the Glen Canyon Rim

How Much Time Do You Need at Lake Powell?

How much time you need to spend at Lake Powell really depends on how much of the lake you want to see and how you want to see it.

We spent one full day boating on Lake Powell and barely scratched the surface. The lake is incredibly expansive and covers over 186 miles. Ideally, we would have loved to rent a boat for more than one day. Doing so would have allowed us the freedom to pull over at night and camp along the shore.

This sort of multi-day boating trip allows visitors to venture deeper into the canyon, escape some of the crowds, and visit destinations such as Rainbow Bridge .

Keep in mind that if you also want to kayak, explore the off-roading trails, or primitive camp across Wahweap Bay you’re going to want to up your days spent at Lake Powell.

Do You Need a Boating License for Lake Powell?

Surprisingly, you do not need a boating license to rent or operate a boat on Lake Powell.

Having said that, please consider your own confidence level and expertise before attempting to operate a boat in a very large and busy body of water.

Cole’s skills were put to the test on more than one occasion, and he’s been running boats for years. The lake is highly trafficked, the water level can drastically change in a matter of seconds, and the canyons can be extremely narrow to navigate.

The History of Lake Powell

Before you can truly enjoy Lake Powell it’s important to understand its history. Even the pure existence of the lake is controversial.

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir that was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon. Glen Canyon Dam was constructed, the canyon was flooded, and the recreational hot spot now known as Lake Powell was born.

The Current Water Crisis at Lake Powell

Unfortunately, the water level at Lake Powell is continuing to decline.

Recently Lake Powell’s water level hit a record low of only 25% capacity. While low water levels put the summer hot spot at risk for closure, it more importantly threatens the water source of more than 22 million people.

How in the world we will engineer our way out of this one, I don’t know. What I do know is that if seeing Lake Powell is on your bucket list, I suggest you make the trip sooner than later.

You can track the current lake levels here .

Things I Wish I Knew Before Camping at Lake Powell

There are several things I wish I knew before visiting Lake Powell, so let’s start with camping. I had romanticized camping in front of Lone Rock at Lake Powell for some time, so you can imagine my dismay when I realized it just wasn’t going to happen during our trip.

Lone Rock Beach Campground

Lone Rock Beach Campground is the area that allows cars to drive on the sand and set up camp along the shoreline.

The fee is $14 per vehicle and sites are undesignated, first-come, first-served style. Naturally, the most highly sought-after spots are the ones right along the water.

What I didn’t realize, and wish I had known, was how difficult it was to get to these spots. Vehicles were stuck in the sand, spinning out, or being pulled out by friendly neighbors all around us.

Cole looked at me with that, no-way-we’re-driving-down-there-look, and I immediately knew we weren’t going to have a front-row seat to Lone Rock after all.

I wish I had known more about the wind and the sandy driving conditions before visiting Lake Powell.

We could not even unfold the layers of our tent because the wind was so strong, it felt like the wind was going to rip it straight out of our hands. Everyone else was sheltered safely within the walls of their RVs, without any worry of being blown away. We were the only two newbies trying to set up a camping tent.

We originally thought maybe the windy night was just back luck, but apparently, strong evening winds are a common thing at Lake Powell. The more you know, right?

We gave a good fight, trying to enjoy the view from our camp chairs, but the flying sand was too relentless. We finally decided to pack up and head towards Beehive Campground.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Swimming at Lake Powell

We visited Lake Powell in July, smack dab in the height of summer temperatures. I wanted nothing more than to plunge myself into the lake ASAP.

This brings me to the second thing I wish I knew before visiting Lake Powell: it’s not very conducive to swimming.

The shores of Lake Powell are rockier than they are sandy. Cole and I were unable to swim near Lone Rock. A steep bank, shallow water, and rocky bottom impeded our easy access to the water.

After attempting to swim in another location, the water turned out to be shin-deep as far as we could see. We ended up laying on our stomachs in the water instead.

While we’re on the topic, the water at Lake Powell is freezing.

Regardless of how incredibly hot the temperature is in Utah during your visit, jumping in the water is still a shock, albeit a welcomed one, to the system.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

In summary, the most fun we had swimming at Lake Powell was cliff jumping — an adventure that requires a boat. This brings me to the third thing I wish I knew before visiting Lake Powell: Boating logistics.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Renting a Boat on Lake Powell

There are so many things I wish we knew before boating Lake Powell, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Renting a boat was a non-negotiable for me. I wanted to explore the lake, weaving through the narrow canyons, and soak up the sunshine from the bow.

It’s Busy

We rented a boat through a great, local family who helped us launch it from Wahweap Marina. Luckily they gave us some local knowledge of the lake and things to be on the lookout for.

For starters, Lake Powell is busy. There are boats just about everywhere. At times it felt more like we were on a highway during rush hour.

While this may not seem like a big deal on a wide-open calm lake, the narrow canyons of Lake Powell make for a different story.

The Water Depth Changes Drastically

Other boats are not the only thing you need to be on the lookout for. Lake Powell is a flooded canyon, after all, meaning what’s under the water is constantly changing. Add in the current low water levels on top of the unpredictable underwater geology and things can get tricky real quick.

When boating in Lake Powell, it’s important to be on high alert for the water depth, monitoring it closely.

Finding a Place to Moor the Boat is Hard

Additionally, we were surprised by how hard it was to find a safe place to moor the boat. We desperately wanted to swim but most of the lake is surrounded by cliffs and the entire sandy shoreline was full of large houseboats.

We did eventually find a place to swim (and serendipitously stumbled upon some cliff jumping) but it wasn’t easy.

The Water is Choppy

Lastly, and extremely important, if you plan on being the one operating the boat, the water is choppy.

Again, we thought maybe conditions were just abnormally rough on the day we went out. Later, a group of locals confirmed that these conditions were pretty typical for the lake.

The high volume of boat traffic and narrow canyon passages added to the churning of the lake. The result? White-capped waterways and high winds.

Did we still have a blast? Yes. But were we on high alert most of the time? Also yes.

Things to Know Before Off-Roading Around Lake Powell

Finally, on the long list of things I wish I knew before visiting Lake Powell: Off-roading safety.

Since we were able to camp at Lone Rock Beach Campground, I convinced Cole to let us drive around Waheap Bay to search for some primitive campsites.

While we did eventually find the campsite we were looking for, it came at a huge cost.

Off-roading around Lake Powell can be tricky because the lake level is always changing. It may look like the terrain is dry and safe to drive on. However, it could be a dried lake bed: dry on the surface and wet underneath.

While searching for the perfect, secluded camp spot we were unfortunate enough to hit a sinkhole in our Jeep. Within seconds our Jeep went from cruising on dry desert to being two feet deep in mud and sinking quickly.

You can imagine the panic that sets in when you’re two hours from civilization, without cell service, and watching your rental car sink into a lake.

Again, what we were sure was something that only happened to us, turns out, happens almost weekly. When we did finally get cell service and were able to call for help, the truck that came to our rescue knew exactly where to find us.

Apparently, many people off-road in the area commonly find themselves in sinkholes disguised as trusty off-roading terrain.

Yes, our Lake Powell trip was riddled with unexpected mishaps, but yours doesn’t have to be!

Lake Powell is beautiful and full to the brim with adventure, but it can take you by surprise if you’re not prepared. Let me know if you have any further questions about Lake Powell in the comments.

Happy Adventuring!

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