Need advice - First time north of Rainbow Bridge

[Lake Bum]

I feel like you're going to be over-propped for the elevation at Powell. It will NOT run the same as the desert lakes by Phoenix. Probably a 21 pitch would be a fitting setup. I'm not trying to discourage you, but this is a LONG day. If at all possible, bring supplies to stay overnight. If you don't, you're going to be running back down lake in the chop, or even worse......Monsoon storms. Morning glass both directions sounds way more relaxing anyways

 

[VikingRanch]

We have fairly regularly run to the Escalante, though usually from a camp in Oak. We have gone all the way from Wahweap in a day, but we camped in the Escalante and stayed a couple days to explore. Above about Rock Creek the water is a lot better even mid day. It is a long run if the storms kick up. Left Oak once and drove into a gale. Was a really long 45 miles of wild water and wind. We’re running a 24’.

 

[VikingRanch]

I feel like you're going to be over-propped for the elevation at Powell. It will NOT run the same as the desert lakes by Phoenix. Probably a 21 pitch would be a fitting setup. I'm not trying to discourage you, but this is a LONG day. If at all possible, bring supplies to stay overnight. If you don't, you're going to be running back down lake in the chop, or even worse......Monsoon storms. Morning glass both directions sounds way more relaxing anyways

When we bought ours it had 22 props on it. The owner reported it was great on the desert lakes even with a full load of people. We survived our first season struggling onto plane and went to 20 pitch. Kinda wish I went for 18, though this last trip was just my wife and I and the boat performed magnificent. Our kids are approaching adult weight and want to bring their friends, dreaming of a bigger engine.

 

[Sampson767]

I appreciate the responses! We know we're in for a long trip. The goal is Escalante, but we're prepared to call an audible if something happens. We'll definitely have supplies to stay overnight just in case!

I have been checking the weather everyday, that is one of my top concerns. Looks like a chance of storms Friday and that tapers off through the weekend, so perhaps Sunday would be the best day.

You're probably right that the 23P is a bit much prop for Powell. Unfortunately I'm not able to get another prop just for this trip, I'll have to make do. I'll report back on how it does.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Meatwagon]

We are also arriving on Sep 1st in Page. We will do some quick fishing Fri and we haven't decided Sat or Sun for the trip up lake. I will let you guys know what we decide!

If you have a GPS with a triplog set it when you launch Friday with a full tank of fuel and check the distance traveled when you pull out and refill the boat. It should give you a fair idea of mpg. I would take 60gal in my boat for a trip to the escalante like your considering.
I have no experience with inboard or i/o , but I have never needed to reprop my outboards for Powell and our AZ desert lakes.
Play it safe and have a great trip.

 

[PowellBride]

CITD- we went up the Escalante last week with the intention of seeing CITH for the first time in 20 years. We got to where you have to make that hard right, but my depth finder wasn’t working, we saw 2 boats go in just ahead of us. Not knowing what was around that corner, or how wide it was if you encountered boats coming the other way, we opted not to go further.

Any add details on what to expect at that hard right and beyond would probably be helpful for a first time visitor

 

[sparkin5280]

CITD- we went up the Escalante last week with the intention of seeing CITH for the first time in 20 years. We got to where you have to make that hard right, but my depth finder wasn’t working, we saw 2 boats go in just ahead of us. Not knowing what was around that corner, or how wide it was if you encountered boats coming the other way, we opted not to go further.

Any add details on what to expect at that hard right and beyond would probably be helpful for a first time

You're talking about Cathedral in the Desert right? I think that's what CITH meant. When you make that last hard right turn you're in the main chamber. I've seen three or four boats in there but it gets tight quickly. With all the sand that washed out when the lake was lower, sticking to your left as you go in you're probably sitting in around 20 or 30 ft at this water level. If you hug the right wall where the sand Bank was not washed out I bet it's starting to get pretty shallow. This is what it looked ike when you turn the corner in late Jine at 3580'. That area that's in the Sun is probably going to start showing some sand here in the next couple of months unless things have shifted around while the lake was up.

I'm taking some noobs there probably around the 18th or 19th of September I can report back then.

 

[JFRCalifornia]

CITD- we went up the Escalante last week with the intention of seeing CITH for the first time in 20 years. We got to where you have to make that hard right, but my depth finder wasn’t working, we saw 2 boats go in just ahead of us. Not knowing what was around that corner, or how wide it was if you encountered boats coming the other way, we opted not to go further.

Any add details on what to expect at that hard right and beyond would probably be helpful for a first time visitor

It's too bad you didn't go all the way in. The "chamber" around the hard right corner is pretty big--maybe 400 feet to the end, probably 50-80 feet wide, can easily accommodate two passing boats. It's actually a little wider closest to the waterfall, so it makes a convenient cul-de-sac turnaround like a dead end street in a neighborhood. Depth at this lake level is 20-25+/- feet.

Photo attached from August 15, lake level 3577, showing somebody’s boat in there for scale… waterfall height is about 30-35 feet from jumping rock to water.

 

[Sampson767]

Excellent pictures! PowellBride you are spot on with additional details, being so far away from wahweap I wouldn't take any chances so having first hand knowledge and pictures is priceless. We are adventurous but shallow water scares the heck out of me! Really appreciate everyone's input!

Of course the weather is NOT cooperating this weekend, I've only had 2 real storms on the west side of Phoenix this summer and I've been hoping and hoping for more, and OF COURSE on the weekend we planned for Powell were supposed to get 1"+ of rain. Looks like Sunday might be a little calmer so that's our planned expedition day! If all goes well we'll be in the escalate area from around 9am-12, if you see a white/black Reinell 186 and a white/ red sea ray 190 with a bunch of gas cans strapped on the back swing by and say hello! Would love to meet some wordlings.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Rob’SleekCraft]

Excellent pictures! PowellBride you are spot on with additional details, being so far away from wahweap I wouldn't take any chances so having first hand knowledge and pictures is priceless. We are adventurous but shallow water scares the heck out of me! Really appreciate everyone's input!

Of course the weather is NOT cooperating this weekend, I've only had 2 real storms on the west side of Phoenix this summer and I've been hoping and hoping for more, and OF COURSE on the weekend we planned for Powell were supposed to get 1"+ of rain. Looks like Sunday might be a little calmer so that's our planned expedition day! If all goes well we'll be in the escalate area from around 9am-12, if you see a white/black Reinell 186 and a white/ red sea ray 190 with a bunch of gas cans strapped on the back swing by and say hello! Would love to meet some wordlings.

Thanks everyone!

So how did it go?

 

[Trix]

Come on, Sampson, Wordlings want to know!

 

[sparkin5280]

Maybe they're still stuck up in the Escalante??

 

[Sampson767]

Haha we are not still stuck in the Escalante! We made it safe and sound and it was an incredible trip! All thanks to you guys!

I apologize for the delayed write up, I am bad at forum etiquette! I also had my best friends wedding last weekend so that took all my time.

Write up and pictures coming soon! Here's a tease

Thanks!
Sam

 

[Sampson767]

Wow! What a trip that was. A special weekend we'll never forget! We appreciated the pictures and knowledge shared on here dearly, it took the trip from great to exceptional.

9/1
We got a decent start Friday getting on the road around 8am. It's a 4.5hr drive to Page from the west side of Phoenix, figure 5hr with the stop at Maverick in Flagstaff so i was hoping to get some fishing in after we checked into the hotel. Well Mother Nature had different plans, and quite a large storm rolled through from 2-4pm. That’s alright with me, we've barely had any rain this summer so I enjoyed it. Snapped a classy shot of my truck and boat in front of the hotel, Murica’ I even saw a waterfall appear coming off the mesa across the golf course next to the hotels, sorry no picture. We decided to relax at the hotel, do some shopping at Stix and get some dinner with Dad. We had Slackers, a burger joint in Page. It was good but it was a long wait. We talked about getting out early Saturday and getting through Maytag to Padre and then to Last chance hopefully before the holiday madness started. Well I talked about it, my Dad takes things a little slower lol. I wasn’t going to mess with Labor day traffic.

 

[Sampson767]

9/2
Plan for Saturday was to do some fishing, explore around the south end and make sure the boat was ready for the expedition. My wife and I had a quick hotel breakfast and we’re on the way to Stateline at 7am. I already purchased a year pass in June so no need to go to the manned Wahweap gate. I was shocked to see Stateling gate wasn’t manned even on the Holiday weekend. Had to do some loading at the ramp so we were on the water at 745. Wasn’t too bad, no wait, just a steady stream of boats launching. Beautiful wonderful short walk to the parking lot! Uneventful ride through Maytag, it was choppier than I had hoped but it was well past 8am at that point so I must've been late. I assured my wife that the waves do actually calm down overnight. Perhaps I was lying? Haha. We cruised past Warm creek up the channel to Padre. The water was much better as we entered Padre, love cruising right around the Butte in calm water. We picked a shaded cove to the west of Padre and stopped to swim, fish and wait for my dad. He was going to be about an hour behind us and we would wait to hear him on the radio. We were targeting bass. Running cranks, raps and LC pointer, salt n pepper assassins, poppers, drop shot, neds and wacky rigs. Fishing around rocky points and submerged timber produced smallmouth at a decent rate, mostly tiny though. Stripers were elusive, I would see what I thought were schools on the graph but nothing. Getting tired of waiting for my dad we decided to head to Last Chance. I found out later that my dad had a dead battery in his boat, he had backed into the water and was floating before he figured it out lol. Of course when I asked him if he had started it on muffs before the trip he said no That's classic for my Pops.

By the time we left Padre the lake had become quite a bit busier but luckily the ride to Last Chance was ok. Once we were in the bay we only saw a few boats. I was pleasantly surprised for a holiday weekend. Last Chance is one of my favorite places, I love the view up lake and up the bay. We trolled along the back of last chance and into a few side canyons, I was seeing fish everywhere but they didn't bite on assassins, raps or pointers. After a while of no luck we finally heard the cackle of the radio and my dad yelling SAM loudly, I figured something must be wrong or he's been trying to hail us for a while, but no it was his first try and they were halfway up Last Chance We met up and had some lunch on a beach in a side canyon. Weather had been perfect so far, clouds and sun with a light breeze. While we eat we notice the clouds building and getting darker to the south. After about 30 min the breeze turns and starts blowing out of the south, we figure we’re in for in and the cove we’re in is as good a place as any. The clouds get closer and we hear some thunder, I was excited for my first Powell storm! It started sprinkling and that's all it did, looks like the storm went to the northwest and just missed us. It was gorgeous out with the breeze and rain.

We started back around 330pm into some breeze and chop, we were able to cruise on plane comfortably though. Still not as many boats as I was expecting. Made it to the entrance to Maytag with relative ease. While we were cruising the clouds towards Antelope were building and getting quite dark. Maybe we would be in for some action yet! As we entered Maytag the skies opened up and we had wind driven rain most of the way to Antelope! Once I became comfortable with my boat in the storm it was some of the most fun of the trip for me, I’m a huge storm nerd Although after we saw a lightning bolt strike somewhere in Antelope Marina I was a little more timid. Then as the rain lessened the thing I’ve always wanted most from Powell next to a fat striper happened… First one gentle brown trickle, then another, and another.. Soon we were surrounded by rivulets uncounted. Some just a small steam and others a torrent of brown water, falling hundreds of feet to the water below. It was amazing to watch the brown water spread at the base of the canyon wall. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life, I enjoyed it thoroughly. You can see my silly face lol. We made it back to Stateline without any other weather or other issues. Loading up was easy peasy, hardly busy at all. Heading back to page we saw an incredible waterfall coming over the bridge! One fantastic day with no issues and some life long memories. Now onto the main event, the Expedition!

Techy boat notes: Our Reinell 186FNS did fantastic on the lake with the 23P prop. Not sure if the hull is something special or what, but we were cruising on plane over everything but the roughest wake and having a great time, no complaints from the Wife! I'd say 5% or less performance loss from the valley, just hit the throttle and go. Cruising at 30mph turning 3200rpm. Only when I had the 26gal of gas onboard for Escalante did I notice a slightly slower on plane time but it was almost negligible. Saturday we did 84 miles GPS indicated and I put 21Gal in the boat, 4 MPG. I know MPG isn’t the most accurate measurement but I was very satisfied with this info and was extra confident in our gas storage for Escalante.

 

[Sampson767]

 

[Sampson767]

9/3
Big expedition day!

We planned on starting as early as possible and we did alright, left the hotel at 615am. Still had to load up the boat with some stuff and strap the gas cans down so we didn't get on the water until 645 or so. Following the theme of the weekend I was surprised at the light traffic at the ramp, it seemed like we got up early enough to avoid the bulk of it! Maytag was better then Saturday but still wavy, so now my wife definitely doesn't believe me when I say it actually gets calm haha. I’d love to be out here at 6am but unfortunately it's difficult to get everyone on the same page. We cruised out of Maytag and up the channel we go! Through Last Chance there were enough boats and wake to still keep me on my toes, but once we passed Gregory Butte on the right the lake was beautiful glass. Really enjoyed this part of the trip, smooth open lake for miles and miles and I was able to relax at the helm and take it all in. Gorgeous weather, amazing sights, boat was flawless, couldn’t have asked for a better trip up lake! I was very excited to get past Forbidding canyon as that's as far as I’ve ever gone.







As we passed the ol’ dangling rope spot I felt a little sad, I truly miss the soft serve and the chili dog I had in 2019 wasn’t bad either! I remember being a little kid and dangling rope was the coolest thing to me, just in the middle of absolute nowhere and I could get some ice cream and feed the carp. I hope someday my kids will get to enjoy something like that again on this lake. On the other hand WOW, I think I saw 3 boats from Rainbow to Escalante so I could see why some people want it to stay closed. Many intriguing canyons branch off from the main channel as we head up to Escalante. We wanted to explore them all but time constraints kept us going straight north, I guess we’ll just have to plan another trip We passed reflection and the San Juan and we’re officially further than any of us had ever been on Powell! Continued up the channel past Hole in the Rock, we’ll stop by there on the way back. As we rounded the last bend I could see Escalante in the distance beckoning me with her (Her? Him? They? Idk anymore…”) deep canyon walls and meandering side canyons. We made it! I felt a deep sense of adventure and accomplishment, all the work leading up to the trip had paid off.


Had to take the obligatory pic of the buoy! Then we took some time to swim, fish and relax after the long haul on the shoreline to the right heading into Escalante. Caught our best SMB of the trip here, SMB were easy enough to catch on drop shot, wacky rigs. We enjoyed our little break but in hindsight we should’ve gone straight to CITD. As we were relaxing and fishing, probably 5 or 6 boats cruised past us into Escalante and you can guess where they were going. After a quick break we headed up into Escalante and wow, what a special canyon. I can see why it's such a destination! Every turn reveals something breathtaking. Incredible mooring locations for houseboats, that would be a dream! We decided to head to CITD before it gets too busy, unfortunately we were too late. You could hear people's music blasting out of the “chamber” a mile away. I enjoy a party as much as the next guy, but that's not really my scene and not what I enjoy on the lake. But we didn’t come 75 miles up the lake to not see CITD! So we peaked around the corner and got our first taste of Labor Day shenanigans. There were 4 large cruisers barged up on the left side and 2 other ski boats floating around in the middle with 20+ people swimming around. Just way too packed for my taste. We idled in a little and snapped a pic and got out of there. What a unique place and well hidden around that bend! Would love to see it when it's quiet and peaceful.





We decided to make for Davis Gulch and La Gorce arch quickly before it became too busy as well. Saw some amazing beaches right under hundreds of feet of cliff, Escalante is so cool! I was a tad bit nervous meandering through the treetops in the back of Davis and was hoping for a decent spot to beach our boats. Every turn I thought we had reached the end but it kept going and getting shallower! Finally rounded the last bend in 3ft of water and saw where the stream meets the lake. There were 3 boats up there already but plenty of room to beach on the right side, this is at 3574~. The water was quite shallow going to 1.5ft at times as we idled up to the sand bar. This is where the knowledge from the forum really came in handy, I probably wouldn’t have braved the landing if I didn't already know it was a soft bottom. With the trim all the way up we shut the engine off and glided onto the beach. I was pleasantly surprised that the boat was floating no problem, very shallow draft on these small runabouts. Also my ‘ducer isn’t adjusted for depth so really it was 2ft+. As we were getting ready for the trek the groups from the other boats had returned, so when we got started we were the only ones there.

Davis Gulch is such an awe inspiring canyon and does prove there are positives to a lower lake level sometimes. It would’ve been awesome to boat right up to the arch but being able to walk the canyon and see the walls all the way up is an eye opening experience, absolutely stunning. We walked through the silt from the boat to the spot where the creek was flowing in, the willows have taken over the dry areas and they are thick. The walk was mostly easy with some soft spots n such. We really enjoyed this part, my Wife and I could walk up a canyon like that for miles! I loved going through the shaded areas and feeling the water temps drop to almost cold water on your toes. I convinced our group to go around to the back of the arch and like everyone said it's TOTALLY worth it! It’s slightly thicker back there but still no issue. Breathtaking views of the bend around the back of the arch! My Wife and I were having a blast, I think we found our new favorite Powell thing! It’s something we both enjoyed so much and it was definitely the highlight of the trip. Unfortunately the day was getting on and we didn’t have the time to check out the small waterfall and pool further up the stream that JFR mentioned. That's alright, gives us a goal for next time











We headed back to the boats and decided it was time for lunch. Since we were already beached we decided to put some gas in our boats. I had 26gal with me and I put in 15.5gal into the boat and was close to full. I was so impressed with the mileage I was getting! We picked a shaded cove in Davis for lunch. Seemed like a great spot until 3 of the big cruisers came flying down Davis and turned it into Maytag. Then of course 5 minutes laters they came flying back out and tore it up again. Just seems like a terrible idea to come down canyons at speed that are only 50-100ft wide in places but I guess they were having fun. After lunch it was time to start heading back down the lake, but not before a couple more sights.

We stopped at Hole in the Rock on the way back to get a picture and to soak in the history for a second. It’s hard to imagine what that would’ve been like 100’s of years ago when there was no lake, what a climb! We saw one group hiking up. Man that looks like a challenge but something we would enjoy, add it to the list for next time!



JFR mentioned a few narrow canyons to venture down so we had to check those out on the way back to Wahweap. We went down Reflection, Twilight and Cathedral. Triple wow! The twists and turns are so much fun! You never know what's around the next bend. Twilight impressed with its narrow shaded passages, I actually pulled some SMB from the spot we stopped at too! Cathedral just kept going and going! We’d come through a very narrow passage into a bigger bay again and again. Could definitely spend some time here exploring at different water levels but alas! It was time to head home.

Once again had no real issues coming down the lake at 430pm, again pleasantly surprised at the lack of Labor Day traffic. That is until we hit the narrows and Maytag. Holy crap! Hard to believe that water could get so torn up, it was much rougher then yesterday even with the storm. We ended up stuck in a convoy of all different sized boats speeding up, slowing down off plane. It was pretty annoying but there wasn’t another option, I tried busting out of the wake and making my own way but it got scary quick so I just got back in line and took it slow. It was really bad until Antelope Point, after that it was normal Maytag. We got to Stateline ramp at 6:45 p.m. as the sun was going down.




What a day! 160 miles and 7hrs 15min travel time and we loved every minute of it. Our small runabouts handled it like a champ. I’m so grateful that the weekend went to plan and wasn’t hampered by bad weather or Labor Day crowds. Thank you guys so much for the information shared in this forum, it really made the trip one we’ll never forget!

I’m already planning the next trip! My dad and I are coming back to take revenge on the elusive stipers and catch the eclipse Oct 13th weekend, but more on that in another post.

P.S. Once again sorry for the delayed post! I hope the pictures make up for it : )

 

[Sampson767]

 

[mcpltret]

9/3
Big expedition day!

We planned on starting as early as possible and we did alright, left the hotel at 615am. Still had to load up the boat with some stuff and strap the gas cans down so we didn't get on the water until 645 or so. Following the theme of the weekend I was surprised at the light traffic at the ramp, it seemed like we got up early enough to avoid the bulk of it! Maytag was better then Saturday but still wavy, so now my wife definitely doesn't believe me when I say it actually gets calm haha. I’d love to be out here at 6am but unfortunately it's difficult to get everyone on the same page. We cruised out of Maytag and up the channel we go! Through Last Chance there were enough boats and wake to still keep me on my toes, but once we passed Gregory Butte on the right the lake was beautiful glass. Really enjoyed this part of the trip, smooth open lake for miles and miles and I was able to relax at the helm and take it all in. Gorgeous weather, amazing sights, boat was flawless, couldn’t have asked for a better trip up lake! I was very excited to get past Forbidding canyon as that's as far as I’ve ever gone.

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As we passed the ol’ dangling rope spot I felt a little sad, I truly miss the soft serve and the chili dog I had in 2019 wasn’t bad either! I remember being a little kid and dangling rope was the coolest thing to me, just in the middle of absolute nowhere and I could get some ice cream and feed the carp. I hope someday my kids will get to enjoy something like that again on this lake. On the other hand WOW, I think I saw 3 boats from Rainbow to Escalante so I could see why some people want it to stay closed. Many intriguing canyons branch off from the main channel as we head up to Escalante. We wanted to explore them all but time constraints kept us going straight north, I guess we’ll just have to plan another trip We passed reflection and the San Juan and we’re officially further than any of us had ever been on Powell! Continued up the channel past Hole in the Rock, we’ll stop by there on the way back. As we rounded the last bend I could see Escalante in the distance beckoning me with her (Her? Him? They? Idk anymore…”) deep canyon walls and meandering side canyons. We made it! I felt a deep sense of adventure and accomplishment, all the work leading up to the trip had paid off.
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Had to take the obligatory pic of the buoy! Then we took some time to swim, fish and relax after the long haul on the shoreline to the right heading into Escalante. Caught our best SMB of the trip here, SMB were easy enough to catch on drop shot, wacky rigs. We enjoyed our little break but in hindsight we should’ve gone straight to CITD. As we were relaxing and fishing, probably 5 or 6 boats cruised past us into Escalante and you can guess where they were going. After a quick break we headed up into Escalante and wow, what a special canyon. I can see why it's such a destination! Every turn reveals something breathtaking. Incredible mooring locations for houseboats, that would be a dream! We decided to head to CITD before it gets too busy, unfortunately we were too late. You could hear people's music blasting out of the “chamber” a mile away. I enjoy a party as much as the next guy, but that's not really my scene and not what I enjoy on the lake. But we didn’t come 75 miles up the lake to not see CITD! So we peaked around the corner and got our first taste of Labor Day shenanigans. There were 4 large cruisers barged up on the left side and 2 other ski boats floating around in the middle with 20+ people swimming around. Just way too packed for my taste. We idled in a little and snapped a pic and got out of there. What a unique place and well hidden around that bend! Would love to see it when it's quiet and peaceful.

View attachment 24882
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We decided to make for Davis Gulch and La Gorce arch quickly before it became too busy as well. Saw some amazing beaches right under hundreds of feet of cliff, Escalante is so cool! I was a tad bit nervous meandering through the treetops in the back of Davis and was hoping for a decent spot to beach our boats. Every turn I thought we had reached the end but it kept going and getting shallower! Finally rounded the last bend in 3ft of water and saw where the stream meets the lake. There were 3 boats up there already but plenty of room to beach on the right side, this is at 3574~. The water was quite shallow going to 1.5ft at times as we idled up to the sand bar. This is where the knowledge from the forum really came in handy, I probably wouldn’t have braved the landing if I didn't already know it was a soft bottom. With the trim all the way up we shut the engine off and glided onto the beach. I was pleasantly surprised that the boat was floating no problem, very shallow draft on these small runabouts. Also my ‘ducer isn’t adjusted for depth so really it was 2ft+. As we were getting ready for the trek the groups from the other boats had returned, so when we got started we were the only ones there.

Davis Gulch is such an awe inspiring canyon and does prove there are positives to a lower lake level sometimes. It would’ve been awesome to boat right up to the arch but being able to walk the canyon and see the walls all the way up is an eye opening experience, absolutely stunning. We walked through the silt from the boat to the spot where the creek was flowing in, the willows have taken over the dry areas and they are thick. The walk was mostly easy with some soft spots n such. We really enjoyed this part, my Wife and I could walk up a canyon like that for miles! I loved going through the shaded areas and feeling the water temps drop to almost cold water on your toes. I convinced our group to go around to the back of the arch and like everyone said it's TOTALLY worth it! It’s slightly thicker back there but still no issue. Breathtaking views of the bend around the back of the arch! My Wife and I were having a blast, I think we found our new favorite Powell thing! It’s something we both enjoyed so much and it was definitely the highlight of the trip. Unfortunately the day was getting on and we didn’t have the time to check out the small waterfall and pool further up the stream that JFR mentioned. That's alright, gives us a goal for next time

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We headed back to the boats and decided it was time for lunch. Since we were already beached we decided to put some gas in our boats. I had 26gal with me and I put in 15.5gal into the boat and was close to full. I was so impressed with the mileage I was getting! We picked a shaded cove in Davis for lunch. Seemed like a great spot until 3 of the big cruisers came flying down Davis and turned it into Maytag. Then of course 5 minutes laters they came flying back out and tore it up again. Just seems like a terrible idea to come down canyons at speed that are only 50-100ft wide in places but I guess they were having fun. After lunch it was time to start heading back down the lake, but not before a couple more sights.

We stopped at Hole in the Rock on the way back to get a picture and to soak in the history for a second. It’s hard to imagine what that would’ve been like 100’s of years ago when there was no lake, what a climb! We saw one group hiking up. Man that looks like a challenge but something we would enjoy, add it to the list for next time!

View attachment 24896

JFR mentioned a few narrow canyons to venture down so we had to check those out on the way back to Wahweap. We went down Reflection, Twilight and Cathedral. Triple wow! The twists and turns are so much fun! You never know what's around the next bend. Twilight impressed with its narrow shaded passages, I actually pulled some SMB from the spot we stopped at too! Cathedral just kept going and going! We’d come through a very narrow passage into a bigger bay again and again. Could definitely spend some time here exploring at different water levels but alas! It was time to head home.

Once again had no real issues coming down the lake at 430pm, again pleasantly surprised at the lack of Labor Day traffic. That is until we hit the narrows and Maytag. Holy crap! Hard to believe that water could get so torn up, it was much rougher then yesterday even with the storm. We ended up stuck in a convoy of all different sized boats speeding up, slowing down off plane. It was pretty annoying but there wasn’t another option, I tried busting out of the wake and making my own way but it got scary quick so I just got back in line and took it slow. It was really bad until Antelope Point, after that it was normal Maytag. We got to Stateline ramp at 6:45 p.m. as the sun was going down.

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What a day! 160 miles and 7hrs 15min travel time and we loved every minute of it. Our small runabouts handled it like a champ. I’m so grateful that the weekend went to plan and wasn’t hampered by bad weather or Labor Day crowds. Thank you guys so much for the information shared in this forum, it really made the trip one we’ll never forget!

I’m already planning the next trip! My dad and I are coming back to take revenge on the elusive stipers and catch the eclipse Oct 13th weekend, but more on that in another post.

P.S. Once again sorry for the delayed post! I hope the pictures make up for it : )

nicely done. good plan & execution.

 

[nzaugg]

Sounds like a great adventure! Thanks for sharing.