Swimming Vacation Lake Powell
Trip details:
- Duration: 4 Days (3 Nights)
- Tour Type: Lake and Canyon Swimming
- Average Daily Swim: 3 miles (5 kms)
- Escort: Powerboats, Kayaks
Overview
Lake Powell in Arizona and Utah makes an excellent playground for safe adventurous open water swimming. Imagine swimming within the scenic canyons, and looking at the painted sky that changes from mesmerizing sunset to a star-filled sky by the end of the day. Join us as we set out for this unique swimming vacation tour.
This unique tour appeals to all levels of swimmers (please check our FAQs for details and swimming distances on our itinerary), looking for a swimming adventure surrounded by spectacular scenery. Our different escort boats and kayak provide safety and enjoyment to our guests. Non-swimmers or friends are welcome to join the group, but please let us know this in advance before the trip.
Tour Highlights:
– Swimming and boating in Lake Powell´s warm waters through scenic canyons, surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Glen Canyon National Park,
– Hiking and exploring the Navajo Indian trails,
– Enjoying the clear sky with unforgettable sunsets,
– Relaxing on the boat as we drive to locations,
– Experiencing swimming and kayaking through the amazing canyons.
Local Operational Policy
Our treks ensure that in the team of guides there is at least one team member who has in-depth experience and knowledge of the local waters, the main swimming routes and the alternatives as well as a fluent local language speaker.
What is included in the price?
Fully guided adventure tour with comprehensive safety escort, 3 nights accommodation in Page, breakfasts, national park and river usage fee, boat rides, three lunches on the lake, snacks and drinks while you swim.
What is not included?
Transportation to and from our meeting point (marina on the lake), evening meals, any additional tours or attractions.
Equipment
We provide silicone swim caps. Please bring your own water drinking bottle marked with your name on it and any other items for your swimming (wetsuit, goggles, fins, etc).
Kayaking and Photography
This tour also offers an excellent opportunity for people who like to kayak and do scenic photography. Apart from swimming and kayaking we also do hikes and spend time on the boat driving to and from our locations.
Lake Powell Swimming Video Trailer
Lake Powell Swimming Testimonials
Lake Powell Canyon Adventure
Lake Powell Canyon Swimming
Accommodation
Accommodation in Page, Arizona, USA
We stay at Clarion Inn Hotel which provides excellent amenities, quality service and a great central location for the hotel’s guests. Page, Arizona offers stunning mountain vistas and canyons, lush hanging gardens and gorgeous Lake Powell. Guests enjoy complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and hot American breakfast. Free parking is available for small and large vehicles.
Rooms available: Single, Double, Triple, Quad
Extended stay
If you arrive earlier or want to stay longer, please contact the hotel directly at +1-928-6459-000 or visit other online sites for alternative options.
A lot to see and explore
There is a lot to see and do in this area if you wish to extend your stay and explore the area around the Wild West!
Some of the local attractions
Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Rafting the Colorado river, Glen Canyon Rim, Rimview Trail, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Monument Valley.
Clarion Inn Photos
Itinerary
Brief itinerary:
Day 1: 6:30 pm Greet and Meet with the swimming guide and the whole group at the hotel lobby (Page, AZ).
Day 2: Morning swim in the Labyrinth Canyon, hike to Boundary and Dominguez Buttes, afternoon swim in the Face Canyon.
Day 3: Morning swim in the Last Chance bay, lunch in the bay, an afternoon swim in the West Canyon.
Day 4: Morning swim in the Navajo Canyon, lunch in the bay. The tour finishes around 1 pm.
Full itinerary
Day 1
6:30 pm get together in the hotel lobby where you will meet the rest of the group and have a tour briefing by your guiding team. For those arriving late in the evening, we arrange another short briefing the next morning at 7:30 am. Please contact us for this request.
Day 2
Following our morning breakfast, we will gather all our swimming gear and head out for our first day on the lake. After 15-minute drive we will stop at the marina (a daily routine) where we are going to board our powerboats. From there we will head towards North-East to Utah´s Lake territory until we reach Labyrinth Canyon. The Canyon itself takes us to Arizona territory. Passing by on the east side is dominating Padres Point. Straight ahead is a great view of Tower Butte, famous Glen Canyon landmark noted for its nearly identical symmetry on all four sides. It rises 800 feet from Wild Horse Mesa, its flat top 5,282 feet above sea level. We will swim 1 mile – 1.5 miles out of the canyon towards Dominguez Butte. We are going to swim in the canyon between the Boundary Butte and Tower Butte. Our escort boats will pick us up and we will travel to a peaceful spot inside the canyon for lunch.
The early afternoon will be devoted to a short hike between Boundary Butte and Dominguez Butte. You will see some amazing high rock formations and narrow parts formed by the power of natural water. After our hike, we are going back in the water to swim our next mile and a half straight south into the Face Canyon. We are going to swim by serrated sandstone formations of unusual shapes and colors. When we are finished with swimming, our powerboats will take us back to the marina and to our hotel transportation. Dinner in Page.
Day 3
Powerboats will take us 27 miles up the lake into Last Chance bay where we often spot the famous Lake Powell mountain lions. Several high, sheer walls offer us an incredible swim venue for our 1.5 mile coastal loop passing several arches and cliff drops. We usually swim all the way until our lunch spot inside the bay. Usually, there are no other visitors around as we enjoy the spectacular views and listen to the peaceful sounds of nature.
While we enjoy the stunning views and the fresh air on the warm sandstone, our chef will serve us a well-deserved lunch. Before our afternoon swim, we do a short hike in the West canyon to retrace our swim and take in the magical views of the bay.
Our second 1.2 mile-swim will be in the West canyon. We take a slow boat ride deep into the canyon towards the very end where we get ready to swim and enjoy the magical views. Boat ride back to the marina while we enjoy the beautiful sunset and red rocks on Lake Powell. Dinner is recommended at the World´s Largest Floating Restaurant at Antelope Point Marina.
P.S. In case of strong winds we will use an alternative plan (location) for this day.
Day 4
On our final day we will travel for a swim and exploration of the Navajo Canyon which is known as the longest tributary of the Lake Powell and home of the Navajo Indian Reservation. Lake Powell is adjacent to the Navajo Nation, the United States´ largest Native American Tribe. Our base will be in the middle of the canyon surrounded by the sandy beaches and Navajo trails. We are going to do a morning 1.8-mile-swim around one of the canyon´s meanders and walls which reach up to 600 feet high.
Before the lunch, we are planning to hike up the Miner’s Stairs, one of the oldest Indian routes called the First Navajo Trail. You are going to see several finely cut steps in the slick rock as the trail emerges from the water. Once we reach the rim, we will have the entire view of the inlet. After lunch in the canyon, we head back to our marina. Transfer to the hotel. Trip finishes around 1 pm.
Extra time in the area
If you have extra time to spend in the area, here are some other tourist attractions: Rafting the Colorado river, Horseshoe Bend (no fee), Antelope Canyon (Lower part $28 USD, Upper part $45 USD), Navajo Nation, Grand Canyon, Brice and Zion National parks, Monument Valley.
Itinerary changes
Please note that our swims are carried out in the natural environment and we rely on the current weather conditions. Therefore, sometimes on-trip changes in the planned itinerary are required.
Swimming info
Swimming Distances
| Swimming Locations | Distance |
| Last Chance Bay | 1.5 miles (2.5 kms) |
| West Canyon | 1.5 miles (2.5 kms) |
| Face Canyon | 1.2 miles ( 2.0 kms) |
| Labyrinth Canyon | 1.5 miles (2.5 kms) |
| Ice Cream Canyon | 1.3 miles (2.2 kms) |
| Navajo Canyon | 1.2 miles (2.0 kms) |
Temperatures:
| Month | Water Temp. (°Fahr./Cels.) |
Air Temp. (°Fahr./Cels.) |
| May | 71/22 | 80/26 |
| June | 75/24 | 90/32 |
| September | 78/26 | 88/31 |
| Early October | 74/24 | 80/26 |
Keep in mind that you can skip any of the swims if you want and stay on our escort boat. The weather at Lake Powell (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area) is typical for the high deserts. Summers are extremely hot with little, if any, shade. We run our swimming tours on the shoulder season to avoid high heat and enjoy less visitors on the lake.
Group size
Up to 16 guests (unless agreed differently), plus guides and boat captains.
Equipment
Walking Conditions
In order to enjoy your walks in the canyons and mainland, we advise you to bring comfortable walking shoes for summer temperatures.
Essential Equipment
In addition to normal items, we recommend the following:
– 2 pairs of swimming costume,
– 2 pairs of swimming goggles, 1 clear & 1 tinted (anti-glare) recommended,
– Lightweight towel for boat practical use (changing outside),
– Sun Hat, Sunglasses, Suncream,
– Small Daypack,
– Waterproof sun cream and jacket / fleece / windstopper,
– Walking shoes and sandals or aqua shoes,
– Lightweight and light-colored clothing for the lake.
We provide shared water bottles while swimming, silicone swim caps, and safety tow floats for better visibility! If your swimming depends on other items (wetsuit, fins, designed swim cap), please bring them with you. If you prefer to have your own drinking water bottle for walks and time on the boat, please bring it with you. It is very important to drink enough water and other fluids throughout the whole trip.
Swimming awareness
Your safety is of utmost importance to us. In the event of adverse weather conditions at any of our swimming locations, we may need to adapt our itinerary. Our team always includes local guides who know the safest and most picturesque places to swim, so rest assured you won’t be missing out!
Swimming in the lakes and canyons is a unique experience, but you may come across certain life such as fish and insects. The water in the canyons can be deep and the bottom cannot always be seen. If you suffer from Anaphylaxis or any other allergic reactions, it is important to inform us at the time of booking. Also, please bring with you any personal medical supply you may need while on the trip.
Travel info
Start Point: 6:30pm in Page, Arizona. Greet & Meet with your swimming guide.
Address: Clarion Inn, 751 S Navajo Dr, Page, AZ 86040, United States
Google Map Link
Start Time: 6.30pm on 1st day
Finish Point: Page, Arizona
Finish Time: 2am on 4th day
Passports and Visas:
If you travel from outside of Unites States, please check with your authorities if and what type of Visa/permits do you require to enter U.S. border. Visa regulations do change, so be aware of this.
Vaccinations:
There are no specific vaccination requirements for this trip, but you should ensure that your tetanus and polio are up to date.
Extra Expenses:
You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, entertainment, souvenirs, and gratuities. The local currency is the US dollar and ATMs are widely available.
Group Size:
Up to a maximum of 16 people (unless agreed differently), with 2 swimming guides, a local boat pilot and boat escorts. The number of escort staff (guides) may change and vary depending on the group size.
Page, Arizona is centrally located to many of the spectacular National Parks, Monuments, Historical sites and Indian ruins in the Grand Circle region.
To get to Page, you can fly daily straight into Page Airport (PGA) with Great Lakes Airlines – www.greatlakesav.com from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX) or use any of the surrounding airports and then drive. There are some private landing strips at Page (AZ), Bullfrog (UT), and Halls Crossing (UT).
Once at the Page airport, you can take a taxi to the hotel for $5 USD (the distance is less than a mile). Contact Destination Services – Mr. Drew Schmidt at +1 928 645 2789.
AVIS Rent a Car service (ph: 928 645-2024) is available at the airport and in town, walking distance from the hotel.
You can also fly into a nearby town Flagstaff. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) provides air service from/to Phoenix via U.S. Airways. Several flights leave Pulliam Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on a daily basis. Once at Flagstaff airport, you can rent a car and drive to Page (Lake Powell) in 2 hours.
Directions
From Phoenix, Arizona
From Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, AZ, there is a 5 hour drive to Lake Powell. This drive allows you to experience a diverse landscape through the Sonoran Desert, up into the Colorado Plateau, the Painted Desert, and Glen Canyon as you enter Page, Arizona
From Las Vegas, Nevada
From Las Vegas (Nevada) McCarran Airport, there is a 4 hour drive to Lake Powell. This drive will take you out of the bright lights of Las Vegas and through a beautifully diverse landscape towards Glen Canyon National Park. You will travel through the Virgin River Gorge and the Grand Staircase before entering Page, AZ.
From Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is located approximately 3 hours from the Lake Powell. Driving this stretch is a great way to experience the landscape of the Colorado Plateau through Flagstaff and the Navajo Nation/Painted Desert.
From the Grand Canyon
Lake Powell and Page, AZ are located about 2.5 hours from the south rim and 2 hours from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
From Salt Lake City, Utah
Lake Powell is located at the southern border of Utah-Arizona, so you will travel south on I-15 for about 6 hours passing by beautiful Bryce and Zion National Parks.
Reviews
“Amazing experience which gave me friends for a lifetime!”
~ Sigrid, (The Netherlands), Sep 2019
“Stunning views, boat rides, and canyon swimming. Walks are easy and the highlight was the Rainbow bridge! We all loved it. Nina, Martin and Emily were fantastic hosts!
~ Sherry, (Florida, USA), Oct 2019
“Magical open water experience. Everyone who loves adventure swimming should do it!”
~Nancy, (Chicago, USA), Sept 2019
“I can’t think of a better place to swim. A must for open water swimming lovers!”
~ Jonathan, (London, UK), Sept 2018
“Incredible lake swimming experience combined with scenic boat rides and beautiful hikes (Rainbow Bridge). I cannot wait to return!” Strel team was brilliant!”
~ Patricia, (Toronto, Canada), Oct 2018
“I was very honored to meet and swim with Martin Strel – Big River Man. Not only that, the trip was beyond my expectations and I swim a lot everywhere I go. Every open water swimmer should do this trip – put it on the bucket list to do! You won’t regret it”
~ John (Florida, USA), Oct 2018
“I have done this trip 3 times and it is never the same. It gets better every time I return. For me, a magical place to swim.”
~ Kathy (California, USA), Sept 2017
Lake-Powell-Swimming-Review-Alison (Sept 2018)
Photos
Videos
