Planning a summer week on Powell

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Michael850

Michael850

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The wife and I just bought a new 24’ foot MAXUM with all the bells and whistles ( gps sonar ) and want to take a few days exploring further up the lake. We’ve been to Powell before but only in a smaller 19’ and never been past buoy 49. So im seeking as much info as possible regarding the obvious and not so obvious as well as what to see and what to avoid Thanks all.
 
I can't think of anything to avoid aside from bad weather (hi winds). The Naxum is a very capable craft and only limited by its fuel capacity so I,d say see everything but get to know your fuel range so you don't get caught short.
 
Meatwagon said:
I can't think of anything to avoid aside from bad weather (hi winds). The Naxum is a very capable craft and only limited by its fuel capacity so I,d say see everything but get to know your fuel range so you don't get caught short.
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Is your boat totally self contained
 
bw56 said:
Congratulations on the new boat! I can't think of anything more fun than a summer week at Powell with a new boat. I can't help with information above mile marker 49. My runs have always stopped at Rainbow Bridge.
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wayne gustaveson said:
Where do I start???? There is a lot to see and do. Perhaps you could take a look at the hikes page and get an idea of what the landscape looks like lakewide.

Hiking

Report on the hikes you've done at Lake Powell
wayneswords.net wayneswords.net
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what can I expect north of halls crossing ?? I can carry 70 gallons of fuel. What canyons do you recommend we explore??
wayne gustaveson said:
Where do I start???? There is a lot to see and do. Perhaps you could take a look at the hikes page and get an idea of what the landscape looks like lakewide.

Hiking

Report on the hikes you've done at Lake Powell
wayneswords.net wayneswords.net
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our boat carry’s 70 gals of fuel. We were thinking of going as far as Hite. Or maybe Escalante canyon. We would be ok with 2 nights on the boat.
Ben johnson said:
Is your boat totally self contained
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yes it’s self contained. Is fuel available at halls crossing?? Or bullfrog ??
 
A rough estimate of fuel consumption for outboards and inboard out drives would be about 3 mpg or in your case roughly 210 mile range. I would be willing to bet you would probably do better than that, but it's a starting point. From wahweap to dangling rope is about 40 miles than another 50 miles to hall's/bullfrog which both have fuel. Above that no fuel. What you need to consider is the side canyons along the way ( San Juan or escalante river arms) between fuel stops. A good map of the lake will give you an estimate of miles up and down side canyons river arms. Wish I had 70 gal tank and another 2.5ft. Up on my bow. You should have no trouble going anywhere you want to if you watch the weather and the fuel gauge. Have a great trip.
 
Thanks. Do you have any side canyons you’d recommend? Is there a restaurant at halls crossing?? Does bullfrog or halls crossing take credit cards??
 
Personally I'd love to see everyone, as for up lake restaurants at hall's or bullfrog I couldn't say as I usually launch out of wahweap. I am sure some north enders will respond to that question. I don't know who started the rumors about the gators, lions and bears in the San Juan arm, but it's a pristine and gorgeous place for sure. I myself am still looking forward to exploring the escalante river arm and hoping for hi water to see it in its full glory.
 
Michael850 said:
Thanks. Do you have any side canyons you’d recommend? Is there a restaurant at halls crossing?? Does bullfrog or halls crossing take credit cards??
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Defiance House up Forgotten Canyon is pretty neat if you want to stretch your legs, its a pretty easy ~1/2 mile hike, depending on water level. BF and Halls both have small grills, burgers, dogs, pizza and the like. They have always been open in May when we go. Fuel is available at both and they accept cards. If you're running a Hummingbird I would highly recommend getting the Lakemaster chip. Enjoy!
 
I don't know for sure what power you have but if you can hold the rpm's down to 3,000, or lower while you are sightseeing, you have plenty of fuel to explore the Rainbow Bridge (Forbidding Cyn), the Escalante, which is my favorite area and the lower reaches of the San Juan. Make sure you don't pass any chance to gas up, unless you are on the way back from some familiar location. The Defiance House Restaurant at Bullfrog is a nice break up lake, and Iceberg and Slickrock are good to explore. Be safe and have a great time with the new canoe !!!:cool::cool:
 
Meatwagon said:
Personally I'd love to see everyone, as for up lake restaurants at hall's or bullfrog I couldn't say as I usually launch out of wahweap. I am sure some north enders will respond to that question. I don't know who started the rumors about the gators, lions and bears in the San Juan arm, but it's a pristine and gorgeous place for sure. I myself am still looking forward to exploring the escalante river arm and hoping for hi water to see it in its full glory.
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Those are rumors? I,m sure I've seen at least a few crocodiles, not alligators.
 
botnb said:
I don't know for sure what power you have but if you can hold the rpm's down to 3,000, or lower while you are sightseeing, you have plenty of fuel to explore the Rainbow Bridge (Forbidding Cyn), the Escalante, which is my favorite area and the lower reaches of the San Juan. Make sure you don't pass any chance to gas up, unless you are on the way back from some familiar location. The Defiance House Restaurant at Bullfrog is a nice break up lake, and Iceberg and Slickrock are good to explore. Be safe and have a great time with the new canoe !!!:cool::cool:
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We have a mag 350 and at around 3000 rpm it does pretty good on fuel like you said at that rpm. We’re definitely thinking about Escalante and the San Juan arm as well as Navajo canyon. We’re thinking of spending the night on the boat at halls crossing. Fueling up. Then some sight seeing.
 
Just my opinion but I love the middle portion because there is much less traffic and the scenery is awesome no matter which canyon you go in. The North end differs greatly from the south end and middle lake has it all. Everyone has a different opinion of what they like to see or do on Powell. Some like the flat lands and some like the walls, it will depend on what blows your skirt up. I know our boats are different but I can run the full length of the lake with my 62 gallon tank so I am sure you will be able to go between fuel stops with touring along the way. Just don’t pass any fuel stops and you will be in great shape. Let us all know what is your favorite part when you get back, and take lots of pictures to share. Hope you have a great trip!
 
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Dworwood said:
Just my opinion but I love the middle potion because there is much less traffic and the scenery is awesome no matter which canyon you go in. The North end differs greatly from the south end and middle lake has it all. Everyone has a different opinion of what they like to see or do on Powell. Some like the flat lands and some like the walls, it will depend on what blows your skirt up. I know our boats are different but I can run the full length of the lake with my 62 gallon tank so I am sure you will be able to go between fuel stops with touring along the way. Just don’t pass any fuel stops and you will be in great shape. Let us all know what is your favorite part when you get back, and take lots of pictures to share. Hope you have a great trip!
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That’s some great advice. We will share when we get back. And we are sure looking forward to summer
 
There is a hotel at Bullfrog with a restaurant, but you will need to get a shuttle from the water to restaurant. It's got a bit more than the hotdogs the marina stores offer, but it wasn't hornet dining the last time I was there, some 10+ years ago.
Depending on the time of year, the water can have a LOT of debris on the very northern mist 20-30 miles (Hite to Good Hope).

We love the SJ, but it can be very remote and isolated. More so in the early and late season. As a rule, The SJ doesn't have the high canyon walls that are more common from the Rincon to Good Hope. If you go north of Bullfrog, Knowles and Cedar are 2 of my favorite canyons.
 
The restaurant at BF when open is pretty good and has a good variety to choose from. I think it will open around the first of March but have not been able to find a definite opening date. It is a long walk to get from the dock to the restaurant for sure but if it is open it is worth going to in my opinion if you can get a ride. To clear this up a little, once they open for the season they have regular hours, I am not sure when the opening date is.
 
At Bullfrog, there is a shuttle available from the executive dock (and probably the rental dock also) up to the hotel/restaurant. If the shuttle isn't in full swing, you might be able to get one of the dockers to take you up on a 4-wheeler. At Halls, the General Store is a pretty well stocked convenience store. So, if you're tight on time, it saves you the trip into Bullfrog Bay (since Halls is in the main channel). Both have fuel.
 
BartsPlace, do you know when things open up in the spring? The restaurant and hotel front desk.
 
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