Lake Powell Vacation Update Castle Rock Cut Opens Pass

Lake Powell, also known as the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, was created as a consequence of the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, completed in 1966. It took the following 17 years to complete the filling of the lake from the water of the Colorado River.

The lake stretches from the Dam in Arizona up the Colorado River through Utah, past the San Juan confluence to Hite for a total of 186 miles. Including all of the numerous canyons filled with water, Lake Powell has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline. That is more shoreline than the entire west coast of the United States. Consequently just the size alone makes in a wonderful place to get off and be by yourself and enjoy nature.

Anyway you do it, Lake Powell is a must for an adventurous vacation. There are several different ways to see the lake. From a tent, camper, trailer, or motorhome to the luxury of a houseboat, this lake offers something for everyone.

For the past few years, due to the drought conditions and shortage of water in the upper western United States, the lake has been at a lower water level. This has resulted in the closure of the waterway throught the Castle Rock pass, making the route up river an additional 3 hours long.

Recent news has been given of the opening of the Castle Rock shortcut.

More water level news indicates that the fishing is going to be ideal this year. The largemouth bass population is strong this year, it is at the "top of the peak."

There are several options for camping on the lake if you want to do so. When we first started going to the lake we took sleeping bags, tents, and rough camping supplies, loaded them in our little ski boat and headed up the lake. At that time there were not any marinas that had a supply of gas or water so we had to haul all of it ourselves.

Today there are six different marinas along the way that supply gasoline and minimal groceries.

Wahweap Marina is located closest to Page, Arizona, and is operated by ARAMARK, the park concessioner.

Antelope Point Marina is approximately 5 miles uplake from the Glen Canyon Dam, but is accessible by road from Page, Arizona like Wahweap. It is the newest marina to be built on the lake and has several additional conveniences which are not available at other marinas. My favorite are the shaded gasoline docks.

Dangling Rope Marina is only accessible by water, located approximately 50 miles up lake near the Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Halls Crossing Marina is located directly across the lake from Bullfrog Marina about 95 miles upstream from the dam. A ferry service is available that runs between the two closely located marinas.

Hite is currently not in operation for boat launching or any water-based facilities. They do have a land based gas station and convenience store. There is also a ranger station there.

You may camp anywhere along the shoreline of the lake unless stipulated by the National Park Service, but if you camp within 1/4 mile of the lake you must have a porta-potty or bathroom services of some kind. There are floating restrooms on the lake but they are limited.

After we did the "camp along the shoreline" adventure we blazed the trail and found a camp area called Lone Rock Beach. When we started camping there it was only accessable by a dirt road and you needed a four wheel drive vehicle to make it in. Today, it is accessable by paved road, and although considered dry-camping some bathroom facilities are available. The fee to camp there is $15 a night and there are no reservations needed, it is on a first come first serve basis.

Also available near the Wahweap Marina is the Wahweap Developed Camping area. This campground has designated campsites and is not located directly on the lake. You have a view of the lake but must drive to get to it, or take a long walk. Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer season. Although not my first choice for camping, it has nice facilities like hook-ups and bathrooms. Beware in the summer because it is away from the water it can get pretty hot, especially in July and August.

There are also developed camping facilities that are located near the lake in the Page, Arizona area if you want to be closer to the action in town. Camping and RV parks are available throughout the area.

In the Wahweap Marina area Page, located in Arizona,is the closest city of any substantial size. there are several different hotels and motels in the city ranging in quality.

The closest hotel accomodations to the lake is the Lake Powell Resort. It is from this location that a variety of tours are available to take. All the tours would be totally worth taking but if you had to choose one, it would be the cruise to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. This is a must see location.

Rainbow Bridge is "higher than the nation's capitol and nearly as long as a football field." It is the largest natural bridge in the world formed by erosion of the sandstone by flowing water from the Navajo Mountain towards the Colorado River. It is considered sacred by the Navajo culture, as a symbol of deities responsible for creating clouds, rainbows, and rain. It is located 50 miles upriver, accessible by boat.

Of all the different ways to see the lake and it's splendor, houseboating is the ideal way. There are several different options for houseboating, ranging from rental to shared ownership. I personally have only houseboated on a shared ownership boat but have had several friends who have rented boats from the different marinas. This year when I was there I was very impressed with the facilities at the Antelope Point Marina. They are a little more expensive than the houseboats at Wahweap but the actual boats are an upgrade and the service at the marina is impeccable.

Once you have reserved your boat, food might be another concern. I have found an excellent way to stock the boat with food is to order groceries online. I have used Basha's Grocery Store, their "Groceries on the Go" section with Lake Powell delivery. They have a very user-friendly way to order the groceries and for a minimal charge they deliver them directly to the boat from Page.

Driving the houseboat is a little tricky and could be a challange for some but in all cases it is better if done when there is little or no wind. A pilot or hired driver is available to maneuver the boat in and out of the slip where it is housed.

When you arrive at your destination of choice on the lake a secure anchoring system is recommended. Two anchor ropes tied off of each side of the boat, preferable attached to the back of the boat is suggested wih the anchors secured firmly on the shore, attached to the ropes. We have found this to be the best system, with the bow of the boat resting on the shore. The weather is very unpredictable on the lake, especially in July and August when it is their monsoon season, so a secured boat is a relief when the wind comes up.

There is no better way to see the entire lake than with a houseboat. My family has a ski boat that we pull behind the houseboat and once anchored we use it to do all kinds of fun activities on the lake. If you don't have access to your own boat, rentals of boats or personal watercraft are available on some of the links that I have posted.

The lake provides all sorts of varied activities that will amused just about anyone who goes on the trip. The fishing is world class as well as the wake boarding, tubing, and water skiing. The scenery is phenomenal offering views never to be seen like it anywhere on this earth. The temperature of the water is moderate to warm in the summer season making swimming a delight and a welcome relief to the hot weather. Cliff diving is also a fun diversion, when common sense is used. Hiking and kayaking is top rate because of the narrow canyons at the end of the larger canyon arms. Or, if you just want to relax and enjoy a good book while laying in the sun, go for it, and work on your tan.

When you are there make sure you take in the tour of the Glen Canyon Dam. It is an awesome piece of architecture.

Whatever your pleasure is, Lake Powell will be the vacation of a lifetime. Perhaps you will love it so much you will go for the next thirty years like me. It is a wonderful family tradition that we will keep forever with memories that will last twice that long.