Lone Star Travelers Blog » Glen Canyon

Antelope Canyon

joanie7 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:29:11 +0000

Visit our Antelope Canyon Photo Gallery

There are many slot canyons in Northern Arizona and Utah. One of the most famous slot canyons known worldwide is Antelope Canyon 3 miles north east of Page Arizona located on the LeChee Chapter of Navajo Nation Land. Created by water and wind over millions of years the twisting narrow sandstone corridors open into chambers of ethereal beauty. Many Navajo people believe entering Antelope Canyon is a spiritual experience as entering a sacred place of worship and leave with the wondrous feelings of the beauty of Mother Nature. Here is what you need to know to experience Antelope Canyon for yourself. First, all visitors to both the upper and lower canyons must be accompanied by a Navajo Guide. You may sign up with one of the four authorized tour companies in Page Arizona or you may drive out to Antelope Canyon yourself, pay admission and sign up for a tour at the entrance. From Page take Hwy 89S approximately 2 miles until it intersects with Hwy 98 E. Drive about a mile on Hwy 98 and you will see the dirt parking lots on two sides of the highway. The upper canyon is on the right and the lower canyon on the left hand side of the highway. The upper canyon is at a higher elevation and accessible by 4 wheel drive tours. The upper canyon tour is approximately 1 1/2 hours over mostly flat terrain. When the sun is directly overhead beams of sunlight radiate from openings at the top of the nearly vertical walls and move across the chambers in rich shades of color from red to orange to purple. The lower canyon is a walking tour of approximately 1 hour in length. Metal stairways are fixed to the sandstone allowing you to descend to the twisting narrow floor of the canyon commonly referred to as a corkscrew. Some passages are very narrow and footing is not always solid and level. If you choose to tour the lower canyon you will be rewarded with fewer tourists. Many people tour both the lower and the upper canyons on two separate tours. Photography tours of approximately 2 1/2 hours are available. Although not a photography workshop a guide will point out highlights of the canyon and help you find composition areas. Tip: The entrance gate is open from 8AM-5PM Mountain Daylight Time every day of the week. The last tour departs around 4PM. Arizona with the exception of Navajo Nation Land does not observe daylight savings time so it will be 1 hour later at the canyon. Warning: Slot canyons experience frequent flash floods. If your guide advises you not to enter the canyon or to immediately exit due to storms in the area follow his directions without question. It does not have to be raining at the canyon for flash flooding to occur.

Visit our Antelope Canyon Photo Gallery

Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Trail

joanie7 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:42:34 +0000

Visit our Paria Rimrock-Toadstool Photo Gallery

The Paria Rimrocks hike near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a pleasant 1.5 mile round trip jaunt taking you to the hoodoos and balanced rocks. Actually located in the Grand Staircase Escalante this is a fairly easy hike that the whole family can enjoy. To find the trailhead from the Glen Canyon Dam drive 30 minutes north on highway 89. Just after you pass Utah mile marker 19 turn off the highway in to the dirt parking area. Be sure to sign the register before you head up the wash. About halfway out there is an area that requires a little rock scrambling. You may require a boost if your hiking skills are rusty however most people make it without difficulty. When you arrive the sight of various balanced rocks jogs your sense of logic as the hoodoo gardens fill your imagination with mystical wonderings as only nature can. If you have the time continue beyond the hoodoos, scramble down into another wash and follow it back out to your car. There are no designated trails so you want to check your compass and make sure you are headed in a westerly direction towards the highway and the parking lot. As with any hike in Canyon Country be sure you bring enough water, wear sturdy shoes, apply sunscreen frequently and don’t forget your hat. Tip: Maps are available at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Big Water which you will pass on the way to the trailhead.

Castle Rock Cut at Lake Powell

joanie7 — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:34:32 +0000

Good news for boaters headed to Lake Powell this summer. Spring runoff is expected to open Castle Rock Cut by June 2008 and it is expected to remain open until 2010. Due to drought conditions Castle Rock Cut has not been usable since 2003. Boaters launching from Wahweap Marina or Lone Rock Beach save about 12 miles on the way to popular areas such as Rainbow Bridge, Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay. Snowpack in the upper Colorado River basin is expected to give Lake Powell it’s highest level in years. Castle Rock Cut is passable when the lake level is at 3,618 ft or better. The expected drop in water level next winter is projected at 3,828 ft which is excellent news. The National Park Service released an environmental assessment in February 2008 examining the possibility of further deepening the Castle Rock Cut so it would be passable to boats at lower lake levels. That project is currently on hold since there is not enough time to put the excavation equipment to work before lake levels rise this year.

For more information on Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell please go to our website lonestartravelers.com

Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell

joanie7 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:29:42 +0000

Visit our Rainbow Bridge Photo Gallery

“How do I get to Rainbow Bridge?” This was a question we answered many times as volunteers with the National Park Service at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There are two ways you can get to Rainbow Bridge while you are visiting Lake Powell.

Most people journey the 50 miles up lake to Rainbow Bridge by boat, either your own or a tour boat. If you go on your own be sure you have a map of the lake. You can purchase one at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam. If you wish to go on the tour boat it is an all day trip leaving from the Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell Resort 5 miles north of the dam. It is an approximate 3 hour cruise to Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridge in the world. You will have an hour and a half to hike the 2 1/2 mile round trip from the floating dock to view the bridge, an incredible site at 290 feet high with a span of 275 feet. Many Native Americans consider Rainbow Bridge to be sacred and ask that you are respectful and do not approach too closely.
The other way to get to Rainbow Bridge is to follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and hike the 28 mile round trip from the Navajo Mountain Trading Post to Rainbow Bridge. A permit is required from the Navajo Tribe. You must carry food and water for the two day trek out and the two day trek back plus carry out what you pack in. An alternative is to hike out and make arrangements for a ride on the tour boat back to Wahweap Marina. Note: Please see my posts archived in the Glen Canyon section of this blog and visit our website for photos and more suggestions of things to do while you are visiting the Lake Powell area.

Where to get on the Internet in Page Arizona

joanie7 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:06:30 +0000

While you are vacationing in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, perhaps staying at Lone Rock Beach, The Lake Powell Resort or a local motel you will eventually want to check your e-mail and other important things on the internet. There are three public places where you can do this.

The Page Public Library. Located at 479 S. Lake Powell Blvd. This is part of business loop 89 that circles the city.
Bean’s Coffee House located in the Dam Plaza at 644 N. Navajo, also part of business loop 89. WiFi connection while you drink your cup of java or if you didn’t bring your laptop they have computers that you may use for a fee.
The Lake Powell Resort on Lake Shore Drive 4 miles north of Glen Canyon Dam. You must pass through the fee station into the Glen Canyon National Recreation. WiFi connection is available in the lobby of the resort or near the laundry at the RV Park. We found both of these spots unreliable especially on weekends when many people were attempting to secure a connection.

The Wave

joanie7 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:19:37 +0000

Also known as North Coyote Buttes this hike is internationally famous. Travelers from all over the world come to Southern Utah just to take this hike. You must have a permit to hike to the Wave. When my husband and I volunteered with the National Park Service in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area last summer this was one of the most frequently asked questions. ”What do I need to do to hike the Wave?” First you need a permit. The highly sought after permits are only $5 per person. The trick is securing one. You may apply online 3 months before your trip. The chances of receiving a permit for the popular Spring and Fall hiking seasons are only 10%. The other option is a walk-in permit. You must go in person at 9AM to the Paria Ranger Station (located on Highway 89 half way between Page Arizona and Kanab Utah or 30 miles from Page Arizona. You will be entering the lottery drawing for a permit to hike the following day. Due to the fragile and delicate nature of the geographic features permits are limited to 10 people per day. One person per group submits his name to the lottery for permits for all of the hikers in that group. (limit 6 hikers per group,) Only 20 permits total will be issued for North Coyote Buttes. 10 with the on-line lottery and the additional 10 at the ranger station. Or you can show up at the Paria Ranger Station the same day that you want to hike and if the 10 permits were not given out the day before, which is unlikely, you may receive one for that day. We did not take this hike because we had our three BWD’s with us for the summer. Those of you who have BWD’s know what I’m talking about. For those of you who don’t they are the Big White Dogs (Great Pyrenees.) If you are lucky enough to be awarded a permit you may pay $5 for your dog’s permit and he may go with you. Be careful in the warmer months as the sand and slick rock radiate a tremendous amount of heat. You must bring water both for yourselves and your dog and pack out all waste both human and canine. Note: If any of you have hiked North Coyote Buttes to the Wave please leave me a comment I would love to hear about it. If you want to do this hike and have questions please ask! If I don’t know the answer I can probably find it out! Happy Hiking! www.blm.gov/az/asfo/paria/coyote_buttes

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

joanie7 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:22:25 +0000

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is truly a magical place. If you are in the process of making your summer vacation plans and are heading west to tour the Grand Circle of National Parks and Monuments including Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Mesa Verde and more you definitely should put Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on your “must visit” list. It is the 6th largest National Park Unit in the lower 48 states. It is one of 18 National Recreation Areas under jurisdiction of the National Park Service. (Lake Mead was the first.) During the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960′s it was agreed that the National Park Service would administer the reservoir (Lake Powell) for public use thus Congress established Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. I invite all of you to read my blog and link into our website for in depth and inside information on things to do in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area including where to camp or find lodging, good hiking choices and a couple of restaurants that the locals frequent. Trust me on this one. My husband and I spent four months last summer in Glen Canyon National Recreation area volunteering with the National Park Service. Time and time again we heard visitors comment “How come I didn’t know about this place?” ”If I would have known I would have allowed more time to visit here.” ”You mean I can actually join a smooth water float trip here down the Colorado River through the canyons for a half day and later swim or boat in Lake Powell!” ”I had no idea I can hike anywhere in the back country and find my own adventure without the crowds.” If you have questions please leave me a comment and I may have the answer, if not I can probably find out and get back to you. Happy Travels!

Where to stay in Page Arizona and Glen Canyon National Recreation near Lake Powell

joanie7 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:36:05 +0000

If you choose Page Arizona as your base to explore Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Grand Circle you will have a choice of more than two dozen hotels and motels to stay in. If you want lakeside lodging there is only one choice and that is the Lake Powell Resort, formerly known as the Wahweap Lodge. Many of the 350 rooms have lake views. All other hotels and motels are in the city of Page, Arizona which is mid point if you are on a road trip touring the Grand Circle. The Grand Circle encompasses 7 National Parks including Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon National Park. 8 National Monuments including Monument Valley and Navajo National Monument are within reach as well as numerous state parks. Call 1-800-528-6154 for lodging any time prior to arrival. Or from the greater Phoenix Area call 1-602-331-5258.

Easy Day Hikes in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

joanie7 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:02:30 +0000

If you only have a few hours in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and would like to enjoy a few short easy hikes there are several to choose from.

The Agua Tierra Loop Trail is a nature trail beginning at the Lake Powell Resort Lodge. Ask for a free guide at the Wahweap Ranger Station or the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. This is an easy fun and informative nature walk for the whole family. The 11 stops in 0.6 mile (1 km) explore the relationship of Agua-Tierra (Water-Earth) illustrating the effects of water and erosion.
Another great hike is The Hanging Garden Hike. The free hiking guide describes the Hanging Garden Hike like this “leads you to a luxuriant Hanging Garden: A desert oasis on the mesa top high above the Colorado River and Lake Powell.” Request the guide at Carl Hayden Visitor Center 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Once you have the guide head east, cross the Glen Canyon Bridge on Hwy 89. A left turn will access the parking area. This is a one mile (1.6 km) round trip fairly easy enjoyable hike.
Next get back on Hwy 89 heading towards Page. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is located on Scenic View Drive off Hwy 89 approximately 2 miles South of the dam. Again there is a free viewing guide available. Spend 10 minutes walking downhill, there are some stone steps and a partial handrail leading to a viewpoint allowing a long view of the Glen Canyon Bridge and the Glen Canyon Dam. Watch your step as you climb the rocks for a vantage point looking directly down at the green moving waters of the Colorado River.
Once back on Hwy 89 continue heading south approximately 5 miles to highway marker 545. Access to the parking area will be on your right hand side (west) This is the Horseshoe Bend trail, a 1.5 mile roundtrip slug through soft sand to a spectacular view point 1,000 feet high above the Colorado River. This 270 degree turn or bend in the Colorado River is one of the most photographed by day trippers. Use caution approaching the soft sandstone edge and keep a sharp eye on your children as there are no guard rails.
Your final choice may be the Rimview Trail maintained by the City of Page. You may hike or bike (no motorized vehicles of any type) the 8 mile trail circling the city offering scenic lookouts along the way. Depending on your level of experience and how many times you stop to enjoy the view bikers may spend 1-3 hours total on the trail.
Now if you want to enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area but do not feel like hiking at all head back up Highway 89 North past Page. A short drive past the dam will take you to the Wahweap Scenic Overlook. Have your camera ready to capture this sweeping view of Lake Powell. Parking is easy even if you drive up in your RV and there are shade shelters for your comfort.

Slackers Quality Grub, Page Arizona

joanie7 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:52:45 +0000

Slackers is one of the hottest restaurants in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Located in Page Arizona it is a favorite with the 3 million tourists who visit Lake Powell every year as well as locals who enjoy the sports bar interior and the patio dining area. The specialty is char broiled burgers.