Halls Crossing Boat Ramp: Open For Business?

The Halls Crossing Boat Ramp, located at the Halls Crossing Marina on Lake Powell in Utah, is open to vessels of all sizes. The ramp is accessible via Highway 276 and is the lone motorized launch point in San Juan County. The marina offers a range of amenities, including fueling facilities, launch ramps, a free boat pump-out station, a convenience store, a snack bar, and full boat repair services. It is open year-round, although operating hours vary seasonally.

Halls Crossing Marina's facilities and services

Halls Crossing Marina, located on Lake Powell in San Juan County, Utah, offers a range of facilities and services for boaters and visitors. The marina is accessible via Utah Highway 276 and is situated about 95 miles upstream from Glen Canyon Dam. Here is an overview of the facilities and services available at Halls Crossing Marina:

Boat Launching and Ramp:

Halls Crossing Marina features a boat launch ramp that is open year-round and can accommodate all types of vessels, including houseboats. The ramp is long and adjusts to changing lake levels. A courtesy dock is available at the ramp with a time limit of 10 minutes to reduce congestion. A wakeless zone is marked with buoys and signs, requiring boaters to travel at a wakeless speed.

Fueling Facilities:

The marina provides fueling facilities for boats, including a fuel dock and gasoline.

Pump-out Stations:

Halls Crossing Marina offers pump-out stations for boats, including a free boat pump-out station.

Convenience Store and Snack Bar:

The marina has a new 6,000-square-foot Marina Store that offers a larger convenience store and snack bar. The store provides a wide range of products and seating on the upper deck.

Boat Repair Services:

Full boat repair services are available at the marina, ensuring that boaters can get the assistance they need while on the water.

Campgrounds:

Halls Crossing Marina features campgrounds with family units, providing visitors with a place to stay and enjoy the surrounding natural environment.

Parking:

The marina offers parking options, including 14-day parking at the top of the ramp and boat trailer parking.

Restrooms and Comfort Stations:

Restroom facilities, including seasonal restrooms and flush toilets, are available at the marina for visitors' convenience.

Ferry Services:

The State of Utah maintains a ferry service between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, capable of carrying cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers. This ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Park Services:

The National Park Service maintains a Boater Contact Station at Halls Crossing that is periodically staffed during the summer months. Entrance passes and information are available at the Halls Crossing Entrance Station.

The location of Halls Crossing Boat Ramp

Halls Crossing Boat Ramp is located at the Halls Crossing Marina, on US Highway 276, Lake Powell, Utah. The marina is about 95 miles (153km) upstream from Glen Canyon Dam, across the lake from Bullfrog Marina. The boat ramp is the only motorized launch point in San Juan County.

The Halls Crossing Marina is the main launch ramp in the area and is large enough for multiple boats, including houseboats, to launch at the same time. The ramp is long and changes when the lake level changes. The courtesy docks have a 30-minute time limit. There are fuel docks and a pump-out station just upstream of the ramp, and 14-day parking is available at the top of the ramp.

The marina is open year-round, although operating hours vary by season. The National Park Service maintains a Boater Contact Station at Halls Crossing that is staffed periodically throughout the summer. The marina offers boaters fuelling facilities, launch ramps, a free boat pump-out station, a convenience store, a snack bar, full boat repair services, and campgrounds.

To get to the Halls Crossing Boat Ramp, take US Highway 276 North for 45 miles from the intersection with US Highway 95. The State of Utah also maintains a ferry between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, which can carry cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers. This ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The status of the Charles Hall Ferry

The Charles Hall Ferry, which is maintained by the State of Utah, is not open. The ferry service between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing is not expected to reopen in 2023, according to the Utah Department of Transportation. This means that drivers travelling between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing will need to use alternative routes, such as Utah State Routes 276 and 95.

The Charles Hall Ferry is not the only way to cross the lake, however. The Halls Crossing Boat Ramp, located at the Halls Crossing Marina on Lake Powell, is open to vessels of all sizes. The ramp is available for all vessel launching and can accommodate multiple boats, including houseboats, at the same time. The ramp is long and changes with the lake level. The marina is open year-round, although operating hours vary by season.

The National Park Service (NPS) has provided information on the status of the boat ramp on its website. According to the NPS, the boat ramp is open, but the launch ramp may be inoperable due to changing lake levels. If you already have a boat on the lake at the Halls Crossing Marina, you can still access it. The NPS recommends checking the Low Water Webpage for the most up-to-date information on ramp conditions before your arrival.

In addition to the boat ramp, the Halls Crossing Marina offers a variety of services for boaters, including fuelling facilities, launch ramps, a free boat pump-out station, a convenience store, a snack bar, full boat repair services, and campgrounds. The marina is located approximately 95 miles (153 km) upstream from Glen Canyon Dam, across the lake from Bullfrog Marina. The NPS maintains a Boater Contact Station at Halls Crossing that is staffed periodically throughout the summer.

The impact of low lake levels

The Halls Crossing Boat Ramp in San Juan County, Utah, is open to vessels of all sizes. The ramp is located at the Halls Crossing Marina on Lake Powell and is accessible via Highway 276. The marina is open year-round, although operating hours vary seasonally.

Lake Powell's water levels have been impacted by years of extended drought, and the low lake levels have had several consequences. Firstly, they led to the closure of the Halls Crossing Boat Ramp in 2021. The ramp was later reopened due to an increase in water levels caused by an historic winter that brought enough spring runoff to allow boats to launch again.

Low lake levels can also impact the accessibility and functionality of boat ramps. In the case of Lake Mead, the National Park Service noted that low water levels could affect six boat launch ramps, requiring temporary infrastructure solutions. The fixed launch ramp levels need to be extended to allow boats to back into the water, often using fabricated metal pieces as a short-term solution.

Additionally, low lake levels can cause congestion at boat ramps as boaters may need to wait for construction crews to install temporary infrastructure. This was the case at Lake Mead, where boaters were advised to expect delays and changes in launch locations.

Overall, the effects of low lake levels can have significant implications for recreational boating, requiring adaptive measures and potentially causing disruptions and closures to boat ramps and related services.

The National Park Service's role

The National Park Service plays a crucial role in managing and maintaining the Halls Crossing Boat Ramp and the surrounding area. The Halls Crossing Boat Ramp, located at the Halls Crossing Marina on Lake Powell in Utah, is a popular destination for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. The National Park Service's involvement is essential to ensuring the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of this recreational area.

Firstly, the National Park Service is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the boat ramp itself. This includes regular inspections and upkeep to ensure the ramp is safe for all vessel launching. As the ramp is long and affected by changing lake levels, the National Park Service provides important updates on ramp conditions, which boaters are advised to check before their visit. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and ensures a positive experience for visitors.

Secondly, the National Park Service plays a vital role in managing the environmental impact of boating activities in the area. They have implemented decontamination protocols for all boats exiting Lake Powell to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as quagga mussels, to other bodies of water. The National Park Service educates boaters on the importance of always cleaning, draining, and drying their vessels and gear. This proactive approach helps protect the delicate aquatic ecosystem of Lake Powell and beyond.

Additionally, the National Park Service maintains a Boater Contact Station at Halls Crossing, which is periodically staffed during the summer months. This provides a valuable resource for boaters, offering information, assistance, and any necessary permits or passes. The National Park Service also offers a range of entrance passes, such as the Glen Canyon Weekly and Annual Passes, which allow visitors access to the lake with their private motorized vessels. These passes help manage visitor numbers and ensure the sustainability of the recreation area.

Moreover, the National Park Service works closely with the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to monitor and respond to changing water levels in Lake Powell. They provide regular updates on the lake's elevations, ensuring that boaters and visitors are well-informed and can take necessary precautions. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and allows visitors to plan their trips effectively. Overall, the National Park Service's role is critical to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area while promoting safe and enjoyable recreational activities at Halls Crossing Boat Ramp.

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