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What should we plan on doing during our Lake Powell vacation? We want to see as much as possible.
Lake Powell is almost 200 miles long and has over 1,800 miles of shoreline. Unless you have a boat that can cruise at
over 30 miles an hour, you aren't going to see much in three or four days. If you want to explore the narrow canyons, you'll need something small enough to navigate throught the
winding passages.
In the past, visitors had to choose between comfort and speed and some opted to chug along (in relative comfort) at 10 m.p.h.
or so, seeing very little of the magnificent beauty of the area. Even if you had a week or two to explore, you had to budget for the high cost of fuel that many older boats
consumed. This year, that has all changed.
What is really exciting is the new class of luxury cruisers which offer comfort and convenience, but can move at around 50
m.p.h. or more. You will have toilet facilities, fresh water, sleeping area, stereo, etc. -- and be able to waterski behind tsome models. These come in a variety of models
from deck boats, cuddy cabin cruisers and sport cruisers. This means one boat for sightseeing, waterskiing, fishing and overnighting -- at quite a cost savings. You'll
probably save money on fuel, too. You can see these boats at www.doopowell.com and www.skylite.net.
Every trip should include a trip to Rainbow Bridge, the world's largest stone arch. Unfortunately, Rainbow Bridge is
about 50 lake miles away from Wahweap Marina and unless you want to waste an entire day getting there and back, you'll need a powerboat or cruiser. You will hear over and over again
how the big fish are "biting in the backs of canyons", so you'll need a smaller vessel if you plan on angling for the big one. Most deck boats are ideal for fishing.
Great places to explore include the canyons around Antelope Island, West Canyon and those off Padre Bay.
If you plan on hiking, you'll need a boat which can get you up to the shore and allow you change locations for a good starting
point. There are a number places to hike along Lake Powell, with the discovering being half the fun.
What fun things can you recommend for the kids? Do we have to spend a fortune?
If you have children, you're probably on a budget, so I have kept that in mind. First on your list should be the free
tour of Glen Canyon Dam. Not only is it educational, most kids seem to love it (this is a required tour for every visitor to our home). .
You will also want to visit the John Wesley Powell Memorial Musuem in Page. There is a small donation requested at the
door. You can view the exhibits or see any number of videos on the history of the area.
In Page near Lakeview Elementary School is the Nature Trail (you can pick up guides at the Museum). You'll see wildlife
and have fabulous views of the Lake. If you appreciate the trail system, please pass along your compliments.
A spectacular viewing area is Horshoe Bend at the city limits. You can obtain directions from the Museum (there's a
pullout for parking). This is a short hike to a 280 degree bend in the Colorado River. There's no entrance fee. There's also no fence, so if you have little ones, we
don't recommend it.
Along the lines of a paid tour, we believe a ground tour to Antelope Canyon to be your best bet. The cost is reasonable
and there are a number of competing companies which keeps the cost down. See our web pages at: slots.htm or visit www.antelopecanyon.com.
Most kids will enjoy a day at Picnic Beach near Wahweap Marina. Except for the entrance fee into the park, it's
free. This beach was set aside for families to enjoy swimming, so you shouldn't have to worry about personal watercraft, vehicles, etc. Many local families use this
beach. There's no life guard and no restrooms. We recommend you pack a cooler and bring something to sit on, such as a blanket or chairs. Lake Powell Resort offers fun
activities for children below the lodge, including a water slide and beach umbrellas for the adults.
Fishing is great and you don't need a boat. There is a fishing dock near the marina store at Wahweap Marina.
Because the dock is in Arizona, you won't need a Lake Powell stamp. You'll need a license and supplies, but there's no cost to fish from the docks. We recommend you purchase your
bait, supplies and license in Page (you'll save money). You can get these items at Stix Market. Fred's Liquor store sells licensess if need to purchase soda pop (they will
give you free ice).
The National Park Service offers some wonderful educational programs, you can get more information at the Museum.
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