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 south out of Bullfrog Marina, UT.
From center dock, turn left out of the breakwater in Bullfrog Bay heading towards Halls Crossing Marina (approximately 3.1 miles). When approaching Halls Crossing Marina, you’ll notice the docks with white roofs. These are commonly referred to as the “covered slips”. The main channel of the lake intersects with Bullfrog Bay at Halls Crossing Marina.
To head down lake, make a right at Halls Crossing Marina. If you’ve had a late start in the day, Halls Creek Bay makes a good place to stay. This is located around Buoy 93 and is the first canyon on the right. The area is often congested, so please use caution when driving through.
Halls Creek Bay is great for water sports, fishing and hiking. When hiking, wear lots of sun block and take an ample supply of water. There are a few hikes in the back of this canyon, but they are moderate to difficult in the heat. Research each of them before you head out.
Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 45 minutes to 1 hour
If there is light left in the day, this is an ideal time to explore. Head back out to the main channel and take a right. You will then see another canyon about 200 feet down lake on the right side. This is Losst Eden Canyon. Follow it to the back where the channel gets very narrow. Use caution and go slow—this is area usually very full of people.
If you continue further back, Lost Eden Canyon opens up to a big cave that you can drive into. You can only see this when the water is lower and is one of the few shaded spots on the lake. Note: You will not be able to get a houseboat back here—only kayaks, personal watercraft or a powerboat.
Time from Halls Creek Bay: 15 to 20 minutes
Head out of Halls Creek Bay and go right down lake. There are many canyons to explore.
Option 1: At Buoy 88, Lake Canyon features only one beach. It is in the back of the serene canyon, though there is often very rough water along the way. There are no sandy beaches to absorb the boat wakes so they continue to bounce off the canyon walls. Send your powerboat first to scout the spot. Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 1.5 to 2 hours
Option 2: Annie’s Canyon at Buoy 84 offers a few beaches in the back of the canyon. There are also opportunities for hiking. Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 2 hours
Option 3: The Rincon starts at Buoy 78 and has many places to beach. There is a floating restroom located around Buoy 77 on the left side. The Rincon is a great place for camping, fishing, water sports and exploring. Note: Do not camp within 200 yards of the restroom. Time by houseboat from Center Dock: 3 to 3.5 hours
Explore Slick Rock Canyon where you can view ancient ruins. Do not try to go around the fence as it protects the ruins from further damage by people. The ruins have been semi-restored but are not strong enough to walk in. The hike takes around 2 hours round trip. There are some beaches, but it is more of a cove.
Iceberg Canyon has great fishing and a natural lake in the back of the canyon. Long Canyon and Bowns Canyon are nice and serene, with a small waterfall at the end of Bowns
If you are due back today, you will want to give yourself at least 5 hours—3.5 to drive back and 1.5 to refuel and unload by the designated time. If you are due back on the fourth day, you may want to consider heading back up lake to one of the closer canyons. This will make for less travel time the next day.
If proceeding down lake, head toward the Escalante River Arm at Buoy 68. This is a great place to hike, camp, fish and enjoy some peace and quiet. There are many beaches located in this river arm, and another floating restroom at the mouth of the river. Time by houseboat from center dock: 4.5 to 5 hours
There is some great hiking in Davis Gulch Canyon. The hike back to Bement A rch is about an hour. Lagorce Arch is also located in Davis Gulch and is only a few minutes walk. Also visit The Cathedral in the Desert up Clear Creek Canyon. This is most visible when the water is low and is truly worth the effort.
The day before you are due back, consider boating up lake and staying somewhere closer to the marina.
Each day, hang out and enjoy the serenity of the lake. For a bit of history, head to Hole in the Rock to see where Mormon settlers came through. There is a buoy that identifies the spot at marker 63.
On your final day, give yourself enough time to get back, refuel and unload before the designated time. Fueling and unloading usually requires about 1.5 hours, but can take longer.
RAINBOW BRIDGE
You can make it to Rainbow Bridge from Bullfrog Marina, but it will take an entire day. Head south on the lake. You will pass Forbidding Canyon on your way to Dangling Rope Marina. Here, refuel and pick up some snacks or refreshments. Head north again to Forbidding Canyon. As you wind back into the canyon, you’ll pass a wakeless buoy line. Take the next left turn. Carefully proceed through the very narrow passage at a slow, safe speed. This will take you to a courtesy dock provided by the National Park Service where you can secure your boat to a walkway. Note: A houseboat can travel to this area.
At the end of the walkway, you’ll find a dirt path that takes you to Rainbow Bridge—a breathtaking rock formation. It is one of the world’s largest natural bridges and one of the most photographed natural formations in the west.
This day of travel will allow you and your passengers to enjoy magnificent views of the carved and varnished red rock formations surrounding Lake Powell. The hike is between 1 to 2 miles depending on lake levels.
Visit these unique attractions for shorter trips that still offer breathtaking experiences:
- Iceberg Canyon: Six chasms with deep oranges and lush greenery, fantastic fishing, a natural dam, and Anasazi ruins. Three hours by houseboat, one hour by powerboat.
- Annie’s Canyon: A beautiful canyon that begs to be explored but offers no camping options. 35 minutes by powerboat, 1-2 hours by houseboat.
- Slick Rock Canyon: A beautiful site that offers ruins, boating, fishing and hiking opportunities. 1-2 hours by houseboat, 35 minutes by powerboat.
- Lake Canyon: A serene canyon that features one beautiful, secluded beach but requires you to navigate rough waters.
