Boating

This enormous reservoir is often described as one of the best places in the world for water sports. Skiing, wake boarding and cliff diving are extremely popular at Lake Powell. Many people tow their own boats to the lake. Others rent ski boats and equipment at the major marinas. Many who houseboat on the lake also rent, or bring a ski boat. Anchor the houseboat somewhere and use it as base camp, then use the ski boat to explore and play.

Skiing is allowed in most areas on the lake, except right around marinas, docks, floating restrooms and a few other spots where boats must operate at wake-less speeds.

GUIDES

Lake Powell consists of a series of wide bays and side canyons, connected by the main channel. (The main channel is the area over the old riverbed.) Water in the main channel often becomes choppy because of boat traffic.

Several large bays are very popular for skiing and playing. Some have nice sandy beaches. Popular spots include:

Warm Creek Bay

Padre Bay

Rock Creek Bay

Halls Creek Bay

Side canyons offer some protection from the wind and often have the best conditions for skiing. It is great fun to ski full-throttle up a twisting side canyon. But beware because side canyons can become very narrow. There may also be submerged obstacles in bays and canyons. The park service tries to mark obstacles in popular areas on the lake, but the water level can change rapidly and so it is impossible to mark all of them, all of the time. Boaters need to take responsibility to avoid obstacles.

The water is often glassy during the early morning – perfect for skiing. Wind sometimes comes up in the afternoon and can make the water choppy.

The water sport season at Powell extends from April into October. Some enthusiasts push the season by wearing wetsuits. The lake never freezes and so water sports are possible year-round. In spring, water in the lower lake warms more quickly with cold water flowing in from the rivers keep the upper lake cool. By mid-April the lower lake is usually warm enough that most people enjoy getting wet.

RESOURCES