Lake Powell in Utah

Trip Overview

Lake Powell - Farley Canyon & Fourmile Canyon

I was worried as I looked at photos of Hite online that the places I had paddled in 1999 were above ground. The lake was 100 feet below full pool. I wasn't sure if there would be a lake to paddle as far north as I wanted to go on the lake. After talking to a helpful ranger at Hite, I realized we could reach water after driving into Farley Canyon via 95 (630).

So we grabbed a few bags of ice at Hite and headed out. Taking a truck is nice; I wouldn't want to be in any of those canyons after they got a lot of rain; they can get very sloppy in no time at all.

We paddled an hour or so the first evening before we lost sunlight. Since the water is so low, the marina at Hite is closed, which makes for quiet, relaxing paddling. It was gorgeous, but hot. Swimming late at night cooled us down enough to sleep.

The following day we paddled around The Horn and looked for the next campsite. The only real downside was the Russian thistle, which has taken over land which was previously underwater, and it makes finding camping spots tricky. Fourmile Canyon has a sandy, hidden campsite in a little cove, so we stopped early and fished and swam the day away there. Two motor boats came into the canyon while we ate dinner, but otherwise, it is quiet.

We headed out the next day. We paddled around eight miles or so, which would have been easy had it not been for the heat! This was a relaxing trip in a quiet, seldom-seen section of the lake.

Accommodations:

You're on your own. There are portable toilets set up along the raod, but other than that, nothing.

Directions:

From Hanksville, UT, head south on 95. After passing Hite, look for dirt roads heading west (right). 630 takes you into Farley Canyon.

Resources:

DeLorme's Utah Atlas & Trails Illustrated Map - Glen Canyon NRA