Lost Eden Canyon on Lake Powell

Trip Overview

Launched from Halls Crossing Utah ramp and paddled downlake and then to Lost Eden Canyon and back on Lake Powell. We had no idea of the spectacular nature of this canyon before we paddled into it. The research we had done about the area was disappointing because many of the areas we wanted to paddle into were now dry canyons far up the side of cliffs as the water level was very much lower than when the reports were written. We spotted a few powerboats a mile or so away headed back into this canyon. When they didn’t return, we decided to give it a try. Wow! An incredible paddle into narrow channels flanked by 100 foot cliffs of colored sandstone. The channel eventually opened out and there was a massive overhang we paddled back under. 3 or 4 of the powerboats were back under there but it was so huge an area, we had plenty of room. In the narrow channels, the few powerboats that passed us were friendly folks who cut their speed way back to avoid wakes. It was a Sunday, so we thought we’d head back there again a few days later and have the place to ourselves. Unfortunately, hordes of jet skis and powerboats apparently headed to a huge party overtook us halfway. They didn’t slow down and churned the water in the channels to washing machine froth. After a few near accidents, we paddled into an alcove waited til they went back in and headed back out to the lake.