Exploring Lake Powell: Houseboat-Free Options

Lake Powell is a reservoir in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah, with its southern tip in Arizona. It is a popular destination for houseboat vacations, but there are many other ways to enjoy the lake and its surrounding areas. Visitors can go hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, camping, and more. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning sandstone landscapes, and its unique geography makes it ideal for panoramic views and nature photography.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

For those interested in exploring Lake Powell by kayak or paddleboard, there are several rental companies and tour operators located in the nearby town of Page, Arizona, just a short drive from the lake. These companies offer high-quality, well-maintained equipment and guided tours to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

One of the most popular destinations for kayaking and paddleboarding at Lake Powell is Antelope Canyon. This world-renowned slot canyon can be accessed from the lake, offering paddlers the opportunity to experience its breathtaking beauty from a unique perspective. The Antelope Point Public Boat Ramp serves as the perfect launch point for exploring Antelope Canyon, with its stunning red cliffs and tranquil waters.

In addition to Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell also offers over 2,000 miles of shoreline to explore, including hidden coves, towering rock formations, and sandy beaches. The lake's crystal-clear blue waters and sprawling shoreline provide the perfect setting for a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure.

For those looking to rent equipment or join a guided tour, companies such as Kayak Powell and Lake Powell Paddleboards offer a range of options to suit different needs and experience levels. Kayak Powell provides customised tours and solo float trips, allowing visitors to create their own itinerary or explore the area at their own pace. Lake Powell Paddleboards, a family-owned business, offers flexible booking and a 24-hour cancellation policy, making it easy for visitors to plan their trip.

Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a first-time paddleboarder, Lake Powell offers a unique and unforgettable experience on the water. With its stunning scenery, calm waters, and abundance of exploration opportunities, it's no wonder that Lake Powell is a favourite destination for paddling enthusiasts from around the world.

Fishing

• March, April, and the first two weeks of May: Big catches are more likely during this period.
• Late April and May: Best for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass, which are usually found along the rocky shorelines.
• Spring: One of the most active times on the lake, as the warm water brings the spawn.
• Summer: A pleasant time on the lake, as the temperatures are still warm but there is less traffic.
• Fall: All species provide good fishing action during these months.
• Winter: Walleye can be hard to find, so fishing for them is best in May and June.

If you are fishing near the dam, you will need to get an Arizona stamp. However, as of 2014, only a Utah fishing license is needed to fish in Lake Powell, even if you are fishing in the Arizona portion. You can purchase a fishing license at Styx Market on Lake Powell Blvd or at the Marina at Wahweap.

• Put a piece of hot dog on a weighted hook off the back of your moored houseboat to catch a catfish.
• Carp and bluegill tend to come looking for houseboats, hoping for an easy meal. Use standard baits, jigs, or even table scraps.
• Crappie are mostly found in brushy areas in the backs of canyons.
• Smallmouth and largemouth bass are usually caught by anglers trolling in deeper water.

There are no limits on striped bass and walleye; anglers are encouraged to catch and harvest as many of these fish as possible. The smallmouth bass limit is 20, the largemouth bass limit is 5, and the black crappie limit is 10. Please honor all limits and check for current rules and regulations before your trip, as these may change due to fluctuations in fish species populations.

Hiking

Lake Powell is a hiker's paradise, with 28 scenic trails in the area. The trails cater to hikers of all skill levels, with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. Some trails are great for families with children, while others are best navigated with a local guide.

South Lake Powell offers a variety of hiking trails, some accessible by land and others requiring a boat ride across the lake. Here are some of the notable trails in this area:

• Navajo Canyon: The longest side canyon on Lake Powell that is not a river arm. It offers hikes of up to 12 miles round trip, and you can also explore Choal Falls. Kayaking is the best way to access the canyon's hikes.
• Rainbow Bridge: Said to be the largest known natural bridge in the world, Rainbow Bridge is considered sacred by Native Americans. Access to the bridge used to be difficult, requiring long backpacks through rugged canyons, but now it is much easier to hike up to the impressive rock span thanks to the lake's waters extending close to the bridge. You can take a private boat or a tour boat from Wahweap Marina.
• Labyrinth Canyon: Located on Padre Bay, this canyon takes a winding path to the south. The bottom slot is sandy, and the canyon narrows towards the end, leading to a beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming.
• West Canyon: A strenuous but non-technical hike through a beautiful slot canyon that combines boating and hiking. It is best accessed from Wahweap Marina, and you can boat as far as possible up the canyon before securing your craft and continuing on foot.
• Cha Canyon: A moderate hike through a scenic, narrow canyon located in one of the more remote regions of Lake Powell. A small stream flows through the canyon, allowing vegetation and plant life to flourish. The hike also features narrow slots, waterfalls, and Ute Indian rock art.

North Lake Powell also boasts impressive hiking trails, including:

• Aleson Arch: A 100-foot span between Iceberg and Rincon. Park your boat at the back of the coven and look for a break on the right side of the rock ledge to find the trail. It offers an easy hike to the top of the mesa, and early morning hikes provide the best lighting for photographs.
• Smith Fork: A beautiful slot canyon above Lake Powell, up-lake from Bullfrog Marina. You can boat through its winding, narrowing concourse and then hike into the slot from the water's edge. The hike is fairly easy at first but becomes more challenging as you go up the canyon.
• Black Hole of White Canyon: A semi-technical adventure hike located in the Hite Marina area above Lake Powell. This hike is popular with families and youth groups but is challenging and includes an element of danger. To get through the canyon, you must swim through long, cold pools of water and scramble up/down dryfalls and chokestones.
• Burr Trail & Pedestal Alley: A marked junction with Burr Trail can be found about 4.4 miles north of Bullfrog Visitor Center on Highway 276. From there, go about 4.8 miles to the Pedestal Alley parking area, where the trailhead is located across the road.

Camping

Lake Powell, nestled on the border of Utah and Arizona, is a vast reservoir that was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon after the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s. With over 2,000 miles of shoreline, it is a haven for water enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone who appreciates breathtaking desert landscapes.

There are several campgrounds in the area that offer different levels of amenities and access to the lake. Here is a list of campgrounds, from decent to best:

Jacob's Chair Trailhead Dispersed Camping

Address: UT-95, near Blanding, UT 84511

Cost: Free

This campsite is located about 90 miles northeast of Lake Powell and offers a true backcountry experience. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), so camping is free, but there are no facilities. The campsites are spread out, providing privacy, and the terrain is relatively flat, making it suitable for tents and small RVs. The lack of light pollution means you'll be treated to spectacular night skies.

Farley Dispersed Camping

Address: Farley Canyon Road, near Halls Crossing, UT 84533

Cost: Free

Farley Dispersed Camping is located closer to the lake, offering free camping along the shoreline of its northern reaches. While the campsites are primitive, with no hookups or restrooms, you can launch a kayak or paddleboard directly from your campsite or try fishing. The area is accessible via a dirt road, which is generally passable for most vehicles in good weather.

Bullfrog Marina RV Park & Campground

Address: Highway UT-276, Bullfrog, UT 84533

Cost: Approximately $30–$50 per night (varies by site type)

Bullfrog Marina RV Park & Campground offers a range of amenities, including clean restrooms, showers, a laundromat, and a convenience store. The campground has a mix of tent sites and RV spots with full hookups. The marina is also just a short walk away, where you can rent boats, jet skis, or join a guided tour of the lake.

Wahweap RV & Campground

This campground is located in the heart of all your "down-lake" activities and adventures. It offers easy access to restaurants and boat tours.

Halls Crossing RV & Campground

This campground is just steps away from food, fun, and the Village Store.

Page Lake Powell RV Park and Campground

Address: 849 Coppermind Rd, Page, AZ 86040

This campground offers luxurious covered wagon glamping and two-bedroom park houses, as well as traditional tent and RV camping. It is just minutes away from world-famous Lake Powell and surrounded by Arizona's scenic desert landscape. The campground is also close to restaurants, retail stores, galleries, Horshoebend, Antelope Canyon Tours, Glen Canyon, and hiking trails.

Exploring Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Arizona, attracting over one million visitors a year. It is a highly sought-after destination for photographers worldwide due to its otherworldly beauty. The canyon is characterised by reddish-brown Navajo sandstone that gracefully bends and curves as it stretches through one and a half miles of slot canyons just outside Page, Arizona, near the Arizona-Utah border. It is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, located 10 minutes east of Page.

There are two parts to the canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, each requiring separate tour bookings. The upper canyon is the most famous and photographed, attracting professional photographers aiming to capture the beams of light shining through the sandstone. It is wider at the bottom like an inverted "V", allowing for spectacular shots of the sun. The upper canyon is also more popular due to its accessibility, as it is at ground level with less than a 2% incline.

The lower canyon, while less famous, is equally spectacular and tends to be less crowded. It is twice as long as the upper canyon, giving visitors ample time to enjoy its beauty. However, accessing it requires climbing down several flights of steep stairs, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or a fear of heights.

To visit Antelope Canyon, you must book a tour with an approved Navajo guide in advance, as tours tend to sell out, especially during peak seasons. Tours range from $50 to $100 per person, with discounts available for children and military members. The optimal time for photographs is generally between 11 am and 1 pm from March to October, when shafts of light shine down from the openings above.

When visiting the canyon, it is important to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and layered clothing. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, apply sunscreen, and protect yourself from the sand with a hat or handkerchief. Leave your bags and purses behind, as they are prohibited in the canyon. Additionally, be mindful that there are no trash cans or bathrooms in the canyon.

Antelope Canyon is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe of its beauty and unique geological features. With its mesmerising play of light and shadow, it is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Lake Powell area.

Frequently asked questions