This trip is a go. I have 4 committed experienced sea-kayakers and 3 to 4 who are interested.
The event is to travel to Lake Powel in Utah/Arizona for a Kayak/Canoeing/Boating Event departing from Hall's Crossing on September 23rd or 24th. The trip will go into October, 2023. We chose this time of year as it should be less crowded, the air temperatures are more reasonable (very hot during the summer) and the water is warmer after heating up all summer.
This would involve about 2 days travel to the put-in (about 6 hours SE of Salt Lake City), at least 7 days of kayaking and camping and 2 days return. I ( Daryl) would recommend at least 7 days for a self-support trip. I often build in days to stay on shore if the water is rough from winds (safety first!). You may add-on other pieces to your vacation: there is spectacular scenery in this area with options to explore slot canyons, mountain bike, hike and visit Anasazi and Navajo native sites. The area is also close to Canyonlands NP in Utah, Moab (mountain biking mecca), Grand Staircase National Monument, etc. I have travelled in this area quite extensively over many years so I know a number of great sites but I have not paddled this lake yet. On my bucket list! Refer to the Lake Powell Link for a trip log done by another group. This log describes the area I would plan to paddle.
I am looking for a committment to the trip at this date. I know things can come up that may prevent your participation.
Kayak Camping - This will be self drive to Lake Powell. Set out from Hall's Crossing. You must have a kayak or canoe (preferably with a spray cover you could put on if the wind blows up). You will need to bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one with sufficient room for your camping gear and food for 7 days. We will explore various arms of the Upper Lake and camp each night at a different campsite and/or pick strategic camps where we could stay for a few days and explore various canyons and hiking sites. Think of this as a flooded Grand Canyon. All costs are for your own account. Camping along the lake is free but there is a 30.00 USD per week charge for parking a vehicle at the put-in.
Hall's Crossing, The campground at Hall's Crossing charges 53.37 USD for, I believe, full RV hook-up. There are tent sites that should be a lot cheaper but I have to call them for rates.
The self guided trip would start from here. We can reserve these campsites.
Some caveats:
1) Kayaking in this area may require strong paddling ability at certain times, if the wind blows up and the water becomes rough. There will be stretches where the shoreline consists of rock walls where landings aren't possible so we will have to continue on until we can find suitable landings and suitable campsites.
2) There is also the possibility of blowing sand while camping. True Grit! Cheap facial exfoliation!
3) Self supported trips in this area require you to carry out all garbage and waste - yes even that waste (although there are floating outhouses and dump stations at various locations along the lake). We can carry a secure potty!
4) Sunrise at this time is approximately 6:30 am with sunsets around 6;30 pm, so it gets dark early. Average air temperatures range from 88F in Sept to 77F in Oct during the day. The water temperature can range from about 74F in September to about 64F in October. Average nighttime temps, low of 50F in Sept to 39F in Oct.
Potential Route:
Launch from Hall's Crossing in Utah, paddling several days down towards Rainbow Bridge (if possible), then back to Halls Crossing. There may also be an option to take a water taxi down to Rainbow Bridge and paddle back (as they did in the trip log). Keep in mind that conditions may delay or extend the timeframe so be prepared. I always carry some extra food should this occur. So it may be early to bed, early to rise! Typically, from what I have read, the winds are calmer during the morning.
If the water is clear, you may see some submerged historical sites. There are also many opportunities to hike into historical native sites. Kelsey's book, listed below, provides valuable info.
If you have questions please contact the event host Daryl, by email: dewalz@telusplanet.net.
Daryl has 40 years experience sea kayaking in various locations from Alaska to the Caribbean.
Final details can be worked out with a meeting of the potential attendees in person or through a zoom meeting. I would suggest a local paddle with experienced sea-kayakers so they can share their knowledge with those who may be less experienced. We could also have a dry run on packing a sea-kayak. There is a bit of an art to it!
I (Daryl) have secured the following reference materials:
"Glen Canyon National Recreation Map," by National Geographic, and
"Boater's Guide to Lake Powell: Featuring: Hiking, Camping, Geology, History & Archeology," etc. by Michael R. Kelsey, 6th Edition.
A forum for this event is accessible to members: Go to Activities in the top menu of the club website, scroll down to Forums and click on Lake Powell. We can communicate through the forum and I will post further info there.