Southeastern

Preferred Links

Recapture Reservoir, just north of Blanding is picturesque and popular for boating and fishing.

Lake Powell

Part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell has two-thousand miles of serpentine shoreline and hundreds of intriguing red rock canyons and inlets waiting to be explored. The combination of water and sandstone cliffs streaked with mineral deposits called “desert varnish” is a visual experience unmatched in the world.

Six major marinas make Lake Powell a year-round boating destination.

The Lake Powell Ferry, with regular service between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing Marinas, affords the opportunity to experience the lake as well as a scenic drive.

Houseboats, speed boats and other personal watercraft can be rented at Lake Powell. Despite its rugged setting, Lake Powell has gracious dining, gift shops, and upscale lodging.

River Recreation

Commercial outfitters offer one to six day trips in Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River northwest of Moab. To the south, below the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers in Canyonlands National Park, the wild rapids of the Colorado’s Cataract Canyon lie waiting to challenge even the most experienced whitewater rafters and kayakers.

The Colorado eventually empties into Lake Powell, behind Glen Canyon Dam. Guided whitewater trips are also offered on the Colorado River below the dam through Grand Canyon to Lake Mead.

The launch point for trips on the San Juan River is the town of Bluff. The San Juan is southeastern Utah’s “best behaved” river. It’s known for rock art panels and other remnants of ancient Pueblo Cultures, such as the Anasazi. The San Juan has rapids, but none with much potential for danger. Many San Juan River trips end at Mexican Hat, named from a sombrero shaped balanced rock near town. Other rafters continue through the “Goosenecks of the San Juan“, a series of entrenched river bends. Approximately fifty river miles later, the San Juan joins the waters of the Colorado in Lake Powell.

Permits are required for private trips on the Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Contact the BLM for more information on permits for Westwater Canyon and the San Juan. The National Park Service issues Cataract Canyon permits.

Please note that Utah/Coast Guard regulations apply to all powerboats used on public waters. The use of motors is not allowed in some areas except in emergencies. State law requires minors, 12-17 years old, to complete a personal watercraft education class before using any PWC. Call 801-538-2628 or 800-743-3792 for details. For more information on laws and rules relating to boating on Utah waters, contact the Division of State Parks at 801-538-7220