Lake Powell experience

[tlperrine]

The Admiral and I are contemplating a trip to Lake Powell later this year. Has anyone had experience on this lake? Thanks in advance, Terry

[Hamin' X]

Using the search function at the top of the page, I found this in about 2 minutes:

September Lake Powell Trips

You might start there until someone else that has been there comes on board.

~Rich

[Chinook]

We cruised on Lake Powell for about 2 weeks in April 2004, and really enjoyed the experience. At the time, the Lake was very low, about 130 feet below full pool, which had significant impacts on cruising. Only one launch ramp, at Wahweap near the dam, was usable, and it had been extended several times to reach the water. It was a half mile walk from water's edge to top of ramp. Quite a sight watching big semi trucks launching huge houseboats down this ramp. Long term parking was limited, but we were lucky enough to find space, for a price. I checked, and water level is currently about 80 feet down, which is certainly better than when we were there.

Water level impacts cruising in several ways. On the lower lake, some shortcuts can only be passed if the water is high enough. Otherwise, you must go the wrong way, following the old river channel. Rock hazards are always a worry with changing lake levels. There aren't any reliable aids to navigation. You have to be alert at all times. The beautiful red rock formations along the shoreline are somewhat diminished by lower lake levels. Reservoir waters deposit a whitish substance (calcium carbonate?), which gives a bathtub ring look to the rock formations. With the very low waters we experienced, it detracted from the appearance. Another problem with low lake levels is the distance you are from the high water mark, and the natural vegetation of the area. We explored up numerous interesting side canyons, but had to stop at great distance from the high water level shoreline. We had to walk upstream, through silty and sandy bottoms, grown over with weedy vegetation, before reaching the more varied and interesting natural desert plant communities. There were a few compensating factors as a result of low water levels. More sand bars were exposed, which gave us more options for overnight mooring. Also, some places which are normally flooded were exposed for the first time in years. One such place, up Escalante Arm, is called the Cathedral of the Desert, and it was fantastic. Imagine cruising your MacGregor into a slot canyon, with vertical to overhanging side walls extending hundreds of feet above water level, and following a narrow passage way into a dead end alcove about the size of a baseball infield. There was a waterfall at the head of this alcove, and light entered above from a very limited opening to the sky. Fascinating place.

Mooring overnight on Lake Powell is unique. Because it's a fluctuating reservoir, with lots of rock ledges on the bottom, and sand deposits which don't provide very good holding, we only felt comfortable anchoring out in a traditional fashion on one occasion. Most of the time we set a stern anchor, brought the bow up to the sand beach, and then buried our bow anchor in the beach sand. I would run 1 or 2 bow lines to rocks or shrubs when possible. Houseboats, which are present in great numbers, use this mooring technique. We have a rope ladder and a small plastic step which helps us step off the bow and onto the beach.

Sailing is a tricky business there. The wind can come up very suddenly, with great strength. With all the side canyons, it also changes directions abruptly. We only sailed downwind, usually with just the jib, which could be furled quickly if necessary.

There are many spectacular sights to see there. Highlights for us were Rainbow Bridge (check out overnight mooring possibilities in the short deadend canyon on the left, just before you reach Rainbow Bridge.) Escalente Arm was also special. Fuel will likely be very expensive. There is one marina, strategically located about halfway up the lake, which can only be reached by water. Gas cost $4 per gallon in 2004, and I imagine it's way above that now.

Boat traffic wasn't all that heavy in April. Water was a bit chilly still. Air temps were quite pleasant. Once summer hits, I understand boat traffic gets very heavy, and the heat can be very uncomfortable.

Good luck, I hope you can make the trip.

[K9Kampers]

Here's what Chinook is talking about. Pretty neat!

Cathedral In The Desert

[Chinook]

Good photos and description of the Cathedral in the Desert. Water level was actually a little higher when we visited. At the waterfall, someone had attached a short length of rope. I got off the boat in the dinghy and rowed over to the waterfall, while my wife idled the Mac slowly in circles. I was able to climb up the crack with the aid of the rope to the top of the waterfall. Once there I was able to walk a considerable distance further up the slot canyon. I walked along the perfectly flat floor, which was composed of a fine silty sand. It's a very unusual place. If I can locate them, I'll try posting a picture or two. I have one from the top of the waterfall, looking down at our boat. The immensity of the place comes through when you see how tiny the boat is in relation to the alcove it is in.

[Chinook]

Here are some pics of Lake Powell. First is us and another Mac approaching Rainbow Bridge. The next 4 are of the Cathedral in the Desert. First two are approaching the winding slot canyon entrance, and the next 2 are inside. One shows dinghy at base of falls, and last shows our boat in the alcove, at the base of cliffs, taken from top of the falls.





http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w316 ... kPowel.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w316 ... at0008.jpg

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[Night Sailor]

The place is definitely beautiful and worth visiting, and I intend to go back in the next year or two.
I was there in July for one week, a few years back. Water level was 90 ft below pool. Only thing I can add to Chinook's excellent post is that during summer season, the traffic is very heavy and noisy, and due to the steep walls and somewhat narrow passages, the water can be quite choppy from bow waves relfecting after hitting the canyon walls then crashing together in the center again. Especially when the big diesel, high speed ferry goes by. Sailing is not a lot of fun in the chop and flaky winds if you are trying to reach or beat. So plan for lots of motoring.
July heat was not bad during the day, and was plenty cool at night.
I would not advise going without at least one, preferably two spare props and keys, washers, wrenches to change them if you are going to explore the side canyons away from noise and traffic. Lots of rocks and sand bars have grooves in them from collisions with motor skegs. Fortunately I didn't add to them.
Just as in most places, some of the gazillion rental houseboat skippers are driving a boat for the first time so be extra careful around them.
Hope this helps.

[bscott]

A bimini and lots of sun screen is mandatory

bscott

[Hamin' X]

Here is a good article on Lake Powell from Mad Mariner:

Cruising Lake Powell

Although it is about houseboating, it is still useful.

~Rich