Lone Star Travelers Blog » Lake Powell

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.

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.

Paria Outpost Restaurant Near Lake Powell

joanie7 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:14:12 +0000

Eat where the locals go. The Paria Outpost Restaurant on Highway 89 between Page Arizona and Kanab Utah is a destination in itself. The 30 mile drive from Page Arizona on a Friday or Saturday night from March thru October will bring you to a reasonably priced all you can eat buffet featuring Texas smoked barbeque. Tip: The correct pronunciation of Paria rhymes with Maria.

Camping in and around Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

joanie7 — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:00:58 +0000

You have five choices for camping in and around Lake Powell on the southern or downlake end of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Starting with the most primitive and basic you may camp in the back country. You must be at least 100 feet from a paved road and outside of alcoves and archaeological sites. You may not camp in roadside pullouts, picnic areas or on posted beaches near developed areas. You may hike in or drive. Many roads require 4-wheel drive vehicles. You may not mountain bike except on vehicle roadways, no off-road travel. In roadless areas you may hike in and primitive camp. No bicycles or off road vehicles permitted. Tip: If you will be overnight hiking in the Escalante Canyon Area it is recommended that you obtain a free permit at the Escalante Visitor Center. 435-826-5499 Always sign in at the trailheads.
You may camp anywhere along the shores of Lake Powell except in developed marinas. The majority of Lake Powell is accessible only by boat. You must have a portable toilet unless toilets are available on your vessel or are within 200 yards of your campsite. It is recommended that you anchor on a beach for the night as high winds can move boats into rocks. Do not camp under rocky overhangs as rain can cause rock slides and down pouring rain can sink a vessel.
You may camp at Lone Rock Beach. For more information visit our Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell blog entry.
You may camp at the Wahweap RV/Campground located 5 miles from the Glen Canyon Dam or 8 miles from the city of Page Arizona. This is a developed campground at Wahweap Marina managed by the concessioner Aramark. There are 139 full hook-ups situated in several camping loops. You may walk to the lake shore from the campground. There are also 112 tent or non hook-up sites. Your Golden Age/Access card will apply in this area only for 50% discount on camping. Reservations can be made by phone. Toll Free: 800-528-6154 Outside U.S.: 602-278-8888 Wahweap Office: 928-645-1059

The Page Lake Powell Campground. This is an in town campground and does not have a lake view. It does have full hook-ups with cable or without as well as electric and water sites only or tent sites with no hook-ups. They offer full amenities including an indoor heated pool. Some sites have shade and there is ample parking space for extra vehicles or boats.