Our resort and houseboat itineraries were created by our seasoned staff, and are designed to guide you through a weeklong Lake Powell experience. You can pack it all into your visit, or pick and choose the activities and destinations that best suit your group's interests - and sound like the most fun!
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Here is a 7-day houseboating vacation itinerary when sailing north out of Bullfrog Marina, UT.
From center dock, turn left out of the breakwater in Bullfrog Bay heading toward Halls Crossing Marina (approximately 3.1 miles). When approaching Halls Crossing Marina, you’ll notice docks with white roofs. These are commonly referred to as the “covered slips.” The main channel of the lake then intersects with Bullfrog Bay at Halls Crossing Marina.
To head up lake, turn left. Going north is a good option if you’ve had a late start in the day. These canyons are the closest to the marina that offer beaches and hiking. Because they are so close, there will be many houseboats camped within a 5-mile radius of the marina. That means there is no guarantee any camping spots will be open. You might want to send your powerboat ahead to find an available beach.
Option 1: Moki Canyon is at Buoy 99 and features several beach options. It is the first canyon on the right going north from Halls Crossing. At higher lake levels, ruins and pictographs are easily accessible.
Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 1 to 1.5 hours
Option 2: Crystal Springs Canyon at Buoy 104 has a few beaching options. This is the second canyon on the right to the north of Halls Crossing Marina. This canyon is very serene and quiet, with high canyon walls and lone beaches. The beaches here are very popular in the summer, especially since they are only wide enough to fit one houseboat. With a winding passageway and sandy beaches, Crystal Springs Canyon is ideal for peace and quiet, but not for wakeboarding or other water sports.
Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 1.5 to 2 hours
Option 3: Located at Buoy 106, Forgotten Canyon offers several beaching options. This is the third canyon on the right when north of Halls Crossing. It’s very popular with hikers and boaters due to the length of the canyon and access to the Defiance House ruins and pictographs. At higher water levels, the ruins are accessible by boat and a short walk. At lower levels, it’s a moderate hike that’s about 2 miles each way. The journey takes about 2 hours. There are also floating restrooms located at the mouth of the canyon.
Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 1.5 to 2 hours
Once you’ve secured your campsite and anchored your houseboat for the evening, explore side canyons if daylight is permits. Utilize your powerboat to explore Hansen Creek, Warm Springs, and Smith Fork Canyons. There’s a gorgeous hike at the end of Smith Fork that lasts about 2-3 hours.
Note: It is best to stay out of slot canyons if there is any weather or has been any weather that could cause flash flooding.
Option 1: Cedar Canyon offers a variety of beach options. There is great fishing in this canyon along with good shelter from weather. The canyon goes on for days and is easy to explore and climb.
Time by houseboat from the Center Dock: 2 to 2.5 hours
Option 2: Seven Mile Canyon has a few beaches. There is also some hiking back in the canyon with narrows and dry falls that stop you from going too far.
Time by houseboat from the Center Dock: 2 to 2.5 hours
Camping in any one of these areas offers excellent opportunities for exploration. Notable areas nearby include Warm Springs Canyon and Knowles Canyon.
If you are due back today, give yourself at least 3.5 hours to get back to the Center Dock—2 hours for the drive and 1.5 hours to refuel and unload.
If you are due back on the fourth day, consider traveling down to Hansen Creek Canyon at Buoy 104 to stay for the night. This will put you closer to the marina and create more time for your return the next morning. Allow 3 hours to get back to the Center Dock—1.5 hours for the drive and 1.5 hours to refuel and unload.
If you choose to continue up the lake, proceed via the main channel to Good Hope Bay. This will take about an hour. Because it is one of the largest bays on the lake, there are a lot of beaches, great fishing and plenty of room for water sports. Note: There are many submerged rocks near the shoreline. Take extra precautions when beaching your houseboat, as the water is murky.
After you’ve found a beach, start exploring. Ticaboo Canyon has no beaches but is great for fishing. At the end of the canyon, you can hike up to a small slot canyon. Red Canyon has many beaches and can be accessed from the highway. There may be some vehicles, but there is not much shelter from the weather here. You can continue on to Blue Notch Canyon, which has beaches, but the canyon is not very big. Further ahead you’ll find White Canyon, Farley’s Canyon and Trachyte Canyon, all of which great for fishing. Note: Use caution when traveling past Red Canyon. There are many submerged logs and sticks.
Any of the canyons listed above make for great camping on your fourth day. If you are due back on the fifth day, you may want to consider going about halfway back to cut your drive time. It will take about 4 hours to get back to Bullfrog Boat Rentals from here. If you return as far as Forgotten Canyon, you will have about a 2-hour trip on the fifth day.
Continue to hang out and enjoy the area. If you are due back, remember to give yourself time to fuel up and unload by the designated time. This will add at least 1.5 hours to your return trip.
Head back down lake to split up the drive back. Stay in Knowles Canyon at Buoy 108. There are some beaches in here with great fishing and serene hiking. There is running water but it is not potable. There are some beaches located here with great fishing, serene hiking and running water (not potable). There are also opportunities for bird watching in the shade of the cottonwoods.
Time by houseboat to the Center Dock: 2 to 2.5 hours
Wake early enough to make it back by the designated time. Allow 4 hours—2.5 for the drive and 1.5 to fuel and unload. Go out on the main channel and head down lake. In between Forgotten Canyon and Crystal Springs Canyon, you will see a couple of sand stone mounds on the left canyon wall. Look hard to spot the Moki Steps ascending the canyon wall. This is one way the Anaszi Indians gained access to the top of Glen Canyon. Note: Do not attempt to use the steps. They are very steep, slippery and dangerous; and there is nothing at the top.
As you re-enter the marina, you will find fuel located on the right side of the covered slips.
Visit these unique attractions for some shorter trips that still offer amazing experiences.
- Forgotten Canyon: Popular with hikers and boaters due to the length of the canyon and access to the Defiance House ruins and pictographs. Time: 1.5 hours by houseboat or 30 minutes by powerboat.
- Hansen Creek: A wide, winding canyon that offers plenty of hiking, fishing and camping opportunities. Time: 1.5 hours by houseboat or 30 minutes by powerboat.
