Planning a trip to Lake Powell - Advice/Tips?

[Matt Garcia]

Hey everyone I was hoping I could get some advice on Lake Powell, the marinas there and renting a houseboat. My family and I are planning on driving/ flying up there in either August or September. I have read a few threads posted on here but wanted to get more insight just so we can make the best out of our vacation.

I have read a few good things about Antelope point and I have also read some bad things about towing your boat through the narrows. Any other advice for a first time trip out there would be beneficial. Also, is there anything other than the obvious that I should bring on my "must have" list?

Thanks,
Matt

[Moki]

Matt,
We just got back from Lake Powell tonight. We didn't do a house boat this time, but just stayed at a hotel in Page, but we launched from Antelope Point every time. The advantage of Antelope Point is that when the water is low (like it is now), it gives you better access to go up the lake and you avoid the narrows. If you are looking for a good place to stay close to the the marina, there is a sandhill up Navajo canyon, that gives you a full sandy beach, a nice protected place for your houseboat, and shade in the afternoon. The downside is that it can be crowded, depending on when you go. You will find less crowded canyons the further you go away from the Marina.

These are not all inclusive, but here are some other tips:

-Go in September, it won't be so hot and not as crowded
-Drink lots of liquids - its dry and hot and you are still around 4000 feet above seal level, (sorry but not too much alcohol, it will leave you dehydrated)
-Wear lots of sunscreen
-Buy a photographic satellite map (much better than the map they will give you when you enter the park)
-Read a good book on the history of the area and the dam, it will make your trip more enjoyable. http://www.powellguide.com/lake_powe...book_video.htm
Take the dam tour, it's pretty dam interesting
Watch for odd waves or light colored water - typically a barely submersed rock - sometimes people will tie jugs onto rocks or other hazards such as submersed tree, but they are not always marked.
-Carry extra gas containers with you when you go exploring other canyons
-Take a GPS with you to find places on your satellite map.
-Carry a spotlight on your boat in case you are caught after dark.
-Have rain jackets on your boat, the rain storms can come quickly
-Have fun and be prepared to be amazed!

[Moki]

Here is a picture of the sandhill in Navajo Canyon:

[Wake Havasu]

Go to Wayneswords then to their Buelletin Boards and read, read, read.



Another good resource to examine is:

Fred's Guide To Lake Powell

[dogbert]

Re: Planning a trip to Lake Powell - Advice/Tips?

Originally posted by Matt Garcia
Hey everyone I was hoping I could get some advice on Lake Powell, the marinas there and renting a houseboat. My family and I are planning on driving/ flying up there in either August or September. I have read a few threads posted on here but wanted to get more insight just so we can make the best out of our vacation.

I have read a few good things about Antelope point and I have also read some bad things about towing your boat through the narrows. Any other advice for a first time trip out there would be beneficial. Also, is there anything other than the obvious that I should bring on my "must have" list?

Thanks,
Matt

You planning to take your boat?

[Matt Garcia]

Re: Re: Planning a trip to Lake Powell - Advice/Tips?

Originally posted by dogbert
You planning to take your boat?

Yes.

[Paublo]

We have spent a week there every year for the last 11 years and it is our family's favorite thing to do. They prefer it over trips to Hawaii, Southern Calif, etc. Moki's advise is very good. Unless there is a significant savings in houseboat costs, it is much easier to go out of Antelope Marina right now. With a real wet (snow up north) winter, that could change for next year and Waweap could be just as close. Sept. is a great time to go with warm water, the big crowds have left, and the higher temps are over.

Your big decision is to houseboat or not. If your group size is small (5-6 or less), I would consider staying in a motel and going up the lake to different canyons every day. You will save a lot of money and don't have to hassle with the houseboat issues- slow moving, towing the Tige, storms, finding the right spots and the hassles of moving. This way you see more of the lake. If you have a bigger group, then the houseboat is the only way to go. It can be a real chore worrying about the houseboat and the Tige if you are the only guy.

It will be worth the trip, but be warned- it is very adictive.

[Original Wing Nut]

My favorite place on earth

Of everything I have done it's my favorite. Moki has great advice and so do others. I think that the first Powell trip should be on a houseboat. I do both the motel and houseboat every year. Totally different trips. There is something to having a clean bed, pool, hot tub, good food, etc.. close by, but you can't beat being on the lake. Sunset, sunrises, early morning sets, late evening sets are all parts you may miss from your room in town. Being your first trip plan at least a week, You can only see maybe 20% of the lake in a week. Plan ahead on the must do's, before you know it you'll be on your way home and planning your next trip back.

[gman]

Matt, You may also want to consider going out of Bullfrog. Its probably a little longer drive for you, but its nice. LESS PEOPLE. You will get a chance to see a little more of our beautiful country. I think its worth the extra ride. Its also beautiful comming from Bullfrog to the Escalante and San Juan Rivers (you have to ski/wakeboard these) and then going to Rainbow bridge. Some nice beaches to stay in on the San Juan further in. Done this twice. Bring your wallet for gasoline. Houseboats take a lot of fuel. You will need fuel, water and pump out the houseboat at Dangling Rope and then more fuel when you bring the houseboat back. Enjoy it. Its really a wonderful place. Hope you have fun.

[Matt Garcia]

Awesome guys thanks for the replies. I cant wait!

So far there are 7 confirmed people going, maybe 8 or 9. We plan on going in September and we definitely want to do the houseboat trip.

My question is what/how do you guys go about reserving a houseboat? I read little about renting a houseboat on this website, http://www.lakepowell.com/. But it seems the marinas the launch from are Bullfrog & Wahweap. In order to rent a houseboat do I need to make a reservation now for next September?


Thanks
Matt

[Wake Havasu]

Sooner the better selection you'll have.

Check on Wayneswords for alternatives to renting from ARAMARK.

ARAMARK boats get beat up pretty well.

Antelope Marina rents, maybe check their prices too.

http://www.antelopepointlakepowell.com/

Search and ask at wayneswords for any timeshare boats that may be for rent.

Fuel costs:

Figure one gallon per mile plus generator time.

Last summer I rented a 59 footer for one week and it was 1400.00 in fuel alone.

[Paublo]

You may find someone besides Aramark or Antelope Point that will rent to you, but you are taking a big chance. Those are the only companies that can legally rent a boat or houseboat on Lake Powell. Anyone else who does, risks losing their right to be on the lake. Giving a deposit to someone operating that way is very risky. Be careful.

[LovinPowell]

They are now taking houseboat reservations at Antelope Point for next year. These are the newest houseboats that are available for rent. Steve Carothers is the rental manager, we have rented houseboats from him for 25 years, he is great. If you would like his phone number, send a pm and I'll get it to you. You can't go wrong with him.

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by LovinPowell
They are now taking houseboat reservations at Antelope Point for next year. These are the newest houseboats that are available for rent. Steve Carothers is the rental manager, we have rented houseboats from him for 25 years, he is great. If you would like his phone number, send a pm and I'll get it to you. You can't go wrong with him.

Next time I rent a house boat I’ll try Antelope as the ARMARK ones are beat.

And Antelope’s save a good hour (not to mention fuel) in travel to the lake for a boat that maxes out at 9 mph!

[Tequilasun]

My advice...Take your camera.

Housboating is fun. Wait till you spend a week on that thing then go to the bathroom on shore. You will have a bit of a sea leg aiming problem..maybe that's just me!