I'm planning a trip to S. Utah for our family of five (kids ages 17, 13 and 10) for the end of July. I have read all the messages posted in this area but still have a few questions I'd like help with. All advice will be greatly appreciated.

1) We are thinking about renting a houseboat on Lake Powell for 2 nights. I've noticed that most of the people who post trip agendas to this site do not include this. Those who do include Lake Powell, don't rent houseboats. I'm trying to choose between a few days in Moab or on a Lake Powell houseboat.

2) How hot does it get in July? We have never been to this part of the country so we don't know what to expect. Any advice on how to prepare/plan for heat and altitude?

Thanks!

I forgot to include this:

How much time should we allow for the north rim of the grand canyon? It seems as this is a very small part of most agendas. Are there cabins to stay in there?

Regarding the North Rim, I've stayed up there for 3-5 days at a time, tent camping or staying in the lodge cabins. It's a gorgeous place, not nearly as heavily visited as the South Rim. I find it easier to relax there than at the South Rim. Now may be too late for summer reservations. It is fairly cool at the top, even in July, because it's at about 7500 feet, if I remember correctly. Daytime temps may hit the 80s, and it may get below 50F at night.

Moab will get a lot hotter in the day, but since it's high desert, it should cool off nicely at night. Early mornings should be pleasant. (I've only been there twice in July; both times were more than 20 years ago.)

I'd probably choose Lake Powell over Moab that time of year, just to be able to jump into the water when I was hot. I know people who rent houseboats at Lake Powell several times per year. I've heard children complain that there just wasn't that much to do on a houseboat. 2 nights may be short enough so the novelty won't wear off. There may be a minimum rental period.

A word of caution: several people have died of carbon monoxide poisoning/drowning, because the exhaust for the boat's generator is vented near the ladder at the back of some houseboats. Don't run the generator when anyone is in the water.

Renting a house boat on Lake Powel is one of my dream vacations!

Here is a link to a place that rents houseboats on Lake Powell.

http://www.lakepowell.com/houseboats/default.html

They have link to take a vitual tour of their houseboats. It's really cool.

I noticed that the shortest days on the rates is 3 days. I don't know if you can rent them for only two days.

http://www.lakepowell.com/2003rates.html

Houseboats go very slow and you won't see a lot of the canyon unless you also rent a powerboat. If you can't rent a houseboat you might consider staying in a motel & renting a powerboat for the two days and go out to Rainbow Bridge and do some sightseeing in all the different canyons. Houseboats can't go in all the narrow canyons.

Deciding between Lake Powell and Moab area would be a hard choice even for me to make and I've been to both many times. In Moab there is so much to see and do. A day rafting trip on the Colorado River from Moab is fun to do on those hot summer days. Hike in early morning and late evenings and tour around in the air conditioned vehicle during the hot part of the day. Renting a 4 x 4 Jeep (which now come with air conditioning) is also a fun thing to do in the Moab area.

July is HOT but it is a dry heat and IMHO, not as hard to tolerate as humid heat. We are talking 100 degrees or better at both Lake Powell and Moab area. Drink plenty of water!

Utahtea

Hi JCee,

I've done a 4 day houseboat trip on Lake Powell. Here's my opinion: I wouldn't do it again without at least a speed boat and preferably multiple wter toys, such as water skis, wakeboards, seadoos, etc. After 2 days, we were bored and this was 4 adults.

Yes, the houseboats are very slow and they suck down the gas big time! At today's prices I wouldn't even want to think about it! On the other hand, reservations might be easier to get this year (normally you have to book months in advance) due to poor economy, low water levels and gas prices.

You won't see much of Lake Powell with a houseboat. Last I checked, 4 days is the minimum. Also, check out in detail the houseboat conditions due to the low water levels. Lake Powell is only 60% full, an all time low due to 5 consecutive years of severe drought in the west. Ferry docks are high & dry. I don't know how they are gasing up the houseboats.

Low water means more beachs for anchoring, but also miles of mud flats and sand bars.

I would definitely choose Moab this year! See Lake Powell on a pre-reserved boat day trip to Rainbow Bridge.

In Moab, you have SO many possibilites, and the kids will be MUCH happier. Be sure to do the Firey Furnace hike in Arches. Your kids will love it & it's a great mid-day or afternoon hike! Why? Because it's 20 degrees cooler in the shade of the "fins". You will need to reserve a day in advance!

Regarding lodging on the GC north rim, there are lodge rooms, motel rooms, and cabins inside the park. Call Xanterra at 303-297-2757; not sure if their toll free number 888-297-3175 still works. Web site www.grandcanyonnorthrim.com has rates and calendar for availability, but even if the dates you want show nothing available, call anyway.

Thanks to all for great advice!