Lake Powell spans across the borders of Utah and Arizona. Prior to 1963, this magnificent body of water was part of the natural flow of the Colorado River until the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. Prior to the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, the mighty and muddy Colorado River dominated that area. Noted as the most treacherous waterway in the northern hemisphere, the river meandered through Utah and Arizona, cutting its way through the soft sandstone to the floor some 700 feet below. Lake Powell received its name from Major John Wesley Powell, a famous early explorer. He began his river journey at Green River City in Wyoming down to the mouth of the Virgin River in Arizona near the Grand Canyon. Powell conducted the first scientific and geological survey of the canyon in 1869.

The cool azure blue waters of Lake Powell meander for 186 miles through majestic sandstone rock formations, towering canyon walls and vibrant red rock buttes. The shoreline is seemingly endless in scope, stretching for nearly 2,000 miles, a distance greater than the entire Pacific coast of the United States. Forever Houseboats at Antelope Point Marina hosted our houseboat rental. Antelope Point Marina located just outside of Page Arizona has full service houseboat rentals and a great staff. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the young energetic staff of Glen Canyon National Recreations Area. They confirmed our reservations, helped unload our belongings and shuttled us to the boat.

At check in with Antelope Point Marina, the Assistant Manager Jim Slude, was very helpful in completing our reservations. Once we received our instructions from the Navajo local and technical assistant Travis Tuney on operation of the 70’ vessel that would be our home for the next few days we were headed out on the lake. We traveled about 1½ hours, approximately 40 miles to a secluded beach where we set anchor and settled into the comforts of home. The wind on Lake Powell go from dead calm to 40 mph+ in a short period of time so the staff secured this big vessel very well with 4 strong anchors, which we were able to assist with.

This 70’ vessel is equipped with all the comforts of home and more, living room, dinning room, kitchen that includes upper and lower stove, dishwasher, trash compactor, fridge and all needed dishes and utensils. This luxurious houseboat also includes 4 bedrooms, each with a television and DVD/VHS player. There are two bathrooms each equipped with its own shower. Two Satellite TV systems are included, one system for the bedrooms and another system for the other three televisions; located in the living room that also includes an incredible sounds system, the front deck, which also includes a large gas grill, and flight deck. The flight deck stretches the length of the vessel and includes, a small fridge, icemaker and small bar with stools, a radio/CD player, hot tub and a small water slide add to the amenities. We also had the option to drive the vessel fromthe flight deck.
The houseboat layout is very stylish and comfortable and the two couches can be let out for more sleeping room. TV, entertainment center and lights are solar powered; two generators run the remainder of appliances and pumps that give you the comforts of home. With a capacity of 300 gallons of fresh water, a nice warm shower is not a problem after a day of hiking or rinsing off after an evening soak in the hot tub. Houseboats also contain recycle bins to store all recyclable materials.

With sit on top kayaks available to us so, we were able to paddle a short distance along the beach before the wind picked up in the late afternoon. The next day, we were met by, General Manager of Antelope Point Marina Steve Carothers and fishing Guide Rusty. They arrived with a powerboat, lunch and a wonderful, adventurous itinerary for the day. We traveled to the northern shores of the lake stopping at Dangling Rope Marina to fuel up. Our destination, Aleson Arch, named after the man who first discovered in before the dam was built while on a river trip on the Colorado River, was about a1½ hours boat trip. Once we reached the side canyon, it is about 30 minute strenuous hike with a 200 to 300 foot elevation gain.

When we reached the Arch we were rewarded with stunning views of the lake and wide views of the surrounding areas. Steve is very knowledgeable of area history, knows the lake well after working here for over 25 years and is sure to make everyone comfortable and happy throughout the day. After the hike and a short stop to refuel, Steve had another stop that included a visit to ancient Native American ruins that is only accessible from the lake. During this short hike I took the time to do a little fishing with Rusty. Although the fishing was slow, due to the recent change in water temperature, the potential for hooking up with largemouth, smallmouth and stripped bass as well as walleye in this lake is tremendous and unmatched in this part of the country. Later that afternoon we traveled to Clear creek, an arm of the Escalante River to have lunch beneath towering sandstone walls that reveals some of the amazing beauty the lake has to offer. With a short hike we were treated to side canyon views that can only be found in Lake Powell.:
As the afternoon wind picked up, which it often does on the lake, we forwent our mid-day fishing and headed back to the houseboat, the ride across the lake was adventurous and enjoyable. We gave our goodbyes to Steve and Rusty, fired up the hot tub, relaxed and had and enjoyable dinner. After a good soak in the hot tub, and a very good night sleep, it was time to remove anchors and head back to the marina. We called Antelope Point Marina and they sent someone out to help break anchor and drive the boat back to the Marina, where again, a friendly staff helped unload our gear, for the trip home.

As a company, Forever Resorts believes in offering a helping hand to others as they take on the difficult challenges of moving beyond environmental compliance. By working with local communities near their properties, Forever Resorts supports non-profit environmental organizations through a donation program. By sharing their technical expertise and lessons learned, many additional companies will be trained and benefited within the hospitality, tourism and marine industries as well as their government partners in national and state parks, forests, recreational areas and communities where they operate.

Visit www.foreverhouseboats.com for you Lake Powell Houseboat vacation.

Phil Henderson is BOM’s Senior Field Editor