mcmars

I would appreciate assistance in choosing an activity while in Lake Powell for two days. We are two active adults with two 14 year olds ( boy and a girl). Which activity would you recommend: Raft tour, Rainbow bridge Boat tour or renting a boat and exploring lake powell on our own. Finally which antelope canyon tour: Overland or chief tosi? Thank You

Myer

For Antelope Canyon there's no reason to take a tour.

I was there 3 years ago and this is what I did.

I was coming from Bryce and going to the Grand Canyon.

Right after crossing the bridge I went to "The Best Dam View".

Then I drove down Rt 89 to the sign for Horseshoe Bend. I parked in the lot and took the 3/4 mile hike (esy, level but no shade) to a spectacular view of the Bend. Should not be missed.

I then backtracked a bit, went east on Rt 98 past the trading post towards the power station (about 2 miles). I pulled into the marked Antelope Canyon parking lot, paid the parking fee and then bought a "guide" ticket.

The guide drives you in a truck for about 10 minutes to the Canyon. Our guide was a Navajo community college student who knew a lot about the history of the canyon, best spots to take photos, etc.

You spend about an hour there and it's amazing.

You just want to be at these sights when the sun is high in the sky for the best effects.

I didn't have to book in advance. Went when I was ready to go.

If you are into pohotography, take a tripod and a plastic bag for you camera during the dusty ride.

lvk

I would recommend renting a boat and exploring on your own. The water toys (wakeboard, tube, waterski) are fun too, if you feel comfortable towing. You could take the power boat over to Rainbow Bridge and explore it on your own, having fun along the way. I think it would be more fun for your teens than being stuck on a large tour boat all day.

I also recommend bringing a very good pair of binoculars, so you can read the marker buoys. It is hard to comprehend how vast the lake is. Those buoys, along with the map (which should be provided to you by the marina where you rent your boat) will help you with your orientation.

Bill_H

Raft tour, Rainbow bridge Boat tour or renting a boat and exploring lake powell on our own

All of these are good but I think you have them in the right order, assuming 'raft tour' means the flatwater rafting below the dam. At least I enjoy rafting more. Rainbow bridge is a looong boat ride, but still a good day trip and an interesting place. 'on our own' is fine if you are doing a multiple day houseboat trip but I wouldn't do it starting from Wahweap marina.

Finally which antelope canyon tour: Overland or chief tosi?

Agree 100% with myer on this, no need for a formal tour, just show up at the entrance and have a Navajo ferry you to the entrance. I used to go there often (before it got so popular) and never had a guide.

Myer

If you want to see my photos of that trip go to:

www.travelwalks.com

Select the 2007 trip to Bryce, Zion, GC and Sedona.

There are a bunch of photos taken at the Page sights.

DebitNM

I would strongly caution you against doing the boat tour of Rainbow Bridge from Wahweap. It is a VERY long, hot, borrowing ride for your teens [and may be for you too]. The ride there was ok, but the return trip seemed to take forever. It is nice to see Rainbow Bridge, but rent a boat and do it on your own.

DebitNM

boring, not borrowing.

spirobulldog

Debit, tell me more about renting a boat and doing it on my own. We will be there summer 2011 and trying to figure out the best way to see it. I have only navigated a boat once or twice and would hate to get lost on a big lake. How long does it take to get there in a rental? I would be worried about running out of gas.

DebitNM

I don't know specifics about renting but these should give you some idea:

http://www.lakepowell.com/powerboats-jetskis.aspx

http://www.skylite.net/index.html

http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/trav...ev_068074.html

Here's an interesting report:
http://www.theboatingexperience.com/...l_arizona.html

There is a marina not far from Rainbow Bridge, "Dangling Rope" where you can refuel for trip back.

Bill_H

It's 100 miles up and back to Rainbow. Have any of you ever ridden in a small boat for 100 miles? I'm guessing it's not a lot of fun after a while, based on riding 40-50 miles in an open panga in Mexico.

You can burn thru 50-60 gallons of fuel and the cost of fuel is high up there as well.

lvk

You could also rent from Antelope Point Marina rather than Wahweap, which would cut your trip down a bit, especially if the Castle Rock cut is not open.

I think the best thing to do would be to start out as early as possible and head straight to Rainbow Bridge. This way you would know exactly how long it takes to get there and how much time you need to get back to the Marina. (The tour boat takes 2 hours each way) If you get hot or bored, stop the boat and go for a swim. A stop at Dangling Rope (either before or after) for refueling and ice cream cones is a must.

spirobulldog

Sounds like I better stick with the regular tour.

Southwestfan

I did not see a time of year that you are looking to do any or more than one of the activities you mentioned - some are seasonal - and to spiraldog - I will share my experiences with you - I just happened to read this blog today as I have just planned another trip to the Lake Powell area - I have rented three times boats and did our OWN thing - it is a long distance - but you can stop along the way at Antelope Canyon - Navajo Tapestry - or go down some isolated slot canyons yourself where you see no one else but beautiful small slot canyons - we have done it three different ways - we always stay at a bed and breakfast in Big Water Utah - and one time rented a boat from a boat rental company in Big Water - its cheaper if you tow your own boat and launch it - another time we rented from Wahweap and last time from Antelope Point which is closer to Antelope Canyon and Navajo Tapestry area - we had the bed and breakfast do our bookings for us - was quite easy - as for Rainbow Bridge Tour - its expensive - and to us was boring - with a lot of other people around - Antelope Canyon Upper and Lower can be done on your own - or a tour guide - we went with Roger Ekis tours - was great - and the Colorado Raft trip is a blast - but be prepared for a bus ride back to the beginning location - so much to choose from is why we keep coming back each year for another activity - you can even go on a dinner cruise on the lake which we are having the B&B book and have paperwork for us on this trip - the thing to look out for is book well in advance - we booked 7 months ahead and glad we did - almost everything in the area books - lots of tourists from Europe and Asia come through the area each year.

Enjoy Lake Powell - we always have done that - we usually stay in the one spot for a week - and alternate activities - in fact we got that tip from someone else on here - we hate moving our luggage around every day or so - so one day at Lake Powell - the next day to Zion - the next day at Lake Powell - the next day to Bryce - try it - youll like it.

Dayle

spirobulldog,

I haven't been to Rainbow Bridge myself, but I have done a 4 day houseboat trip on Lake Powell. I'm not sure the long trip to Rainbow would be worth it for you. You could stop at Natural Bridges and see some very impressive bridges much more easily without such a big time commitment. (I know you are limited this upcoming trip).