In April of 2024, I was in the area and did a 4 day backpacking loop down Trachyte Creek. Of course, Trachyte Creek is a very beautiful canyon, and there weren't too many cows this time, and the water ran cool and clear. On the 2nd afternoon, I went past the mouth of Swett Creek and ended up hiking a few miles the rest of the way down Trachyte Creek looking for Lake Powell. Made it pretty much all the way to the river - the lake wasn't there anymore. There were some really odd creatures in the mudholes out on the mud flats that I couldn't identify. They looked like big bugs or tadpoles from outer space and they did a funny dance. I continued the loop by going up Swett Creek, and if you haven't been there, I guess there is a little bit of a tuff spot. I didn't really notice it too much many years ago and with my dog. There is a chockstone you have to get up and around, and after nine years of aging body and aging memory, and a new ice-cold, crotch deep pool at the bottom, and with a full backpack, it was more difficult. Almost didn't make it up, but third try's a charm! Also, to return to my vehicle, I walked the high benches above Gold Creek and upper Trail Creek, camping at Woodruff Spring, and that gave my hike some good variety and provided excellent views of the Trachyte Country and Henry Mountains, and I recommend doing it that way.
Our group of four backpacked to Rainbow Bridge over three days in April. I enjoyed this hike quite a lot. The last day was rather cold and few people were on the boat which we took back to Page. It was my first time on a tour boat but it was fun.
I have explored the Lake Powell/Glen Canyon region extensivly during the last few years. It is a very beauteful alien landscape, and despite heavy tourism and the Glen Canyon Dam, there are many amazing wilderness areas to discover. A favorite trip of mine was boating down Lower Glen Canyon to Lee's Ferry in my kayak that was ferried up the colorado river. All in all it is an incredible place, and I highly reccomend coming here and exploring/boating/canyoneering/rock climbing.
Quite an adventure to drive all the way out here! Hiked the short, steep route through the Hole in the Rock down to the lake and back just because its there. Love to explore the other side next! Too bad about Glen Canyon, though. I agree with so many others in that the creation of Lake Powell is one of the greater mistakes our nation has ever made. Oh well, guess it is what it is now- might as well enjoy it.
forgues9999 - Feb 12, 2013 9:44 am Date Climbed: Apr 15, 2010
Made my first (very brief, one-day) visit to Lake Powell in November 2009. Got to spend a couple more days there, hiking, exploring and playing tourist, in March 2010.
ncst - Oct 21, 2009 3:28 pm Date Climbed: Oct 6, 2009
Wish I had a boat
I camped at Lone Rock beach, with a bad start after my car got stuck in the sand. Fortunately there plenty of RVs and 4WD around to get me out!
farrisgl - Mar 10, 2009 3:23 am Date Climbed: Jul 4, 1992
Beautiful place - love the long narrow canyons...
Owned a houseboat share at Bullforg for 6 years. Loved the place but hard to get to once we moved to California form Colorado. Loved the small canyons in a small rubber raft or jet skii. Went back for miles when with canyons only a few feet wide. When we ran out of water, went for a hike.
A gorgeous place to houseboat, waterski, fish, etc. I wasn't a climber at the time but I do remember the amazing rock formations, cliffs and canyons. Love to go back as a climber and see what's up.
I've been all over the lake and canyons in the area, but only once by boat! The area has some nasty (or good) technical climbs and canyons.
shanrickv - Oct 15, 2006 1:32 pm Date Climbed: Oct 9, 2006
Now a tradition!
I spent an unbelievable week on the lake in a houseboat with my wife and 4 kids. We spent time scrambling and hiking around places like Labrinyth Canyon, Oak Bay, Last Chance Canyon and an unnamed cove we gave the name of "Cowpie Point." The explanation is a long one, but a trip report will follow. We will definitely be back.
Dan the Jones - Sep 19, 2006 3:49 am Date Climbed: Apr 20, 2006
Every two years
Did over 100 miles in 6 days on the lake, exploring Indian ruins and slot canyons. Second time there and can't wait to go back
tarol - Sep 15, 2006 11:36 pm Date Climbed: Oct 1, 2000
I wish...
...I could've floated down Glen Canyon before it was dammed. Oh, well, maybe I'll get my chance yet someday! I've driven most of the roads, hiked many of the trails, have visited Rainbow Bridge, and have taken a few other boat tours of Lake Powell. Every year I try to go back and do more as I love this area!
MTfred19 - Oct 23, 2024 1:14 pm
It Wasn't ThereIn April of 2024, I was in the area and did a 4 day backpacking loop down Trachyte Creek. Of course, Trachyte Creek is a very beautiful canyon, and there weren't too many cows this time, and the water ran cool and clear. On the 2nd afternoon, I went past the mouth of Swett Creek and ended up hiking a few miles the rest of the way down Trachyte Creek looking for Lake Powell. Made it pretty much all the way to the river - the lake wasn't there anymore. There were some really odd creatures in the mudholes out on the mud flats that I couldn't identify. They looked like big bugs or tadpoles from outer space and they did a funny dance. I continued the loop by going up Swett Creek, and if you haven't been there, I guess there is a little bit of a tuff spot. I didn't really notice it too much many years ago and with my dog. There is a chockstone you have to get up and around, and after nine years of aging body and aging memory, and a new ice-cold, crotch deep pool at the bottom, and with a full backpack, it was more difficult. Almost didn't make it up, but third try's a charm! Also, to return to my vehicle, I walked the high benches above Gold Creek and upper Trail Creek, camping at Woodruff Spring, and that gave my hike some good variety and provided excellent views of the Trachyte Country and Henry Mountains, and I recommend doing it that way.
mountaingazelle - Apr 17, 2017 8:52 pm Date Climbed: Apr 7, 2017
RainbowOur group of four backpacked to Rainbow Bridge over three days in April. I enjoyed this hike quite a lot. The last day was rather cold and few people were on the boat which we took back to Page. It was my first time on a tour boat but it was fun.
PanamaRed - Jul 11, 2016 8:54 pm
Many adventures!I have explored the Lake Powell/Glen Canyon region extensivly during the last few years. It is a very beauteful alien landscape, and despite heavy tourism and the Glen Canyon Dam, there are many amazing wilderness areas to discover. A favorite trip of mine was boating down Lower Glen Canyon to Lee's Ferry in my kayak that was ferried up the colorado river. All in all it is an incredible place, and I highly reccomend coming here and exploring/boating/canyoneering/rock climbing.
MTfred19 - Jul 3, 2014 4:14 pm Date Climbed: Apr 17, 2014
Hole-in-the-Rock!Quite an adventure to drive all the way out here! Hiked the short, steep route through the Hole in the Rock down to the lake and back just because its there. Love to explore the other side next! Too bad about Glen Canyon, though. I agree with so many others in that the creation of Lake Powell is one of the greater mistakes our nation has ever made. Oh well, guess it is what it is now- might as well enjoy it.
forgues9999 - Feb 12, 2013 9:44 am Date Climbed: Apr 15, 2010
Been there once beforeand liked it so much, planning a longer stay.
Jerry L - Jan 25, 2012 8:54 pm
Nice HikingHiked and kayaked this area and had a great time.
americanswiss - Mar 9, 2011 3:17 am
PowellI'm for draining it.
cp0915 - Apr 8, 2010 10:11 am
Finally!Made my first (very brief, one-day) visit to Lake Powell in November 2009. Got to spend a couple more days there, hiking, exploring and playing tourist, in March 2010.
ncst - Oct 21, 2009 3:28 pm Date Climbed: Oct 6, 2009
Wish I had a boatI camped at Lone Rock beach, with a bad start after my car got stuck in the sand. Fortunately there plenty of RVs and 4WD around to get me out!
farrisgl - Mar 10, 2009 3:23 am Date Climbed: Jul 4, 1992
Beautiful place - love the long narrow canyons...Owned a houseboat share at Bullforg for 6 years. Loved the place but hard to get to once we moved to California form Colorado. Loved the small canyons in a small rubber raft or jet skii. Went back for miles when with canyons only a few feet wide. When we ran out of water, went for a hike.
edevart - Aug 19, 2008 5:51 pm
Lake Foul.As much as I hate Lake Foul as an idea, it sure makes a good booze cruise.
Seeing photos of what lies beneath just crushes me.
McCannster - Jul 5, 2007 2:14 pm Date Climbed: Aug 11, 2001
Lake PowellHouse boating trip, very fun. Hiked Iron Top Mesa near Bullfrog Marina, cliff jumped, went to Rainbow Bridge, explored, did it all!
MelbaToast - Jan 2, 2007 6:32 am
Houseboat AdventureA gorgeous place to houseboat, waterski, fish, etc. I wasn't a climber at the time but I do remember the amazing rock formations, cliffs and canyons. Love to go back as a climber and see what's up.
Scott - Oct 16, 2006 9:56 pm
All overI've been all over the lake and canyons in the area, but only once by boat! The area has some nasty (or good) technical climbs and canyons.
shanrickv - Oct 15, 2006 1:32 pm Date Climbed: Oct 9, 2006
Now a tradition!I spent an unbelievable week on the lake in a houseboat with my wife and 4 kids. We spent time scrambling and hiking around places like Labrinyth Canyon, Oak Bay, Last Chance Canyon and an unnamed cove we gave the name of "Cowpie Point." The explanation is a long one, but a trip report will follow. We will definitely be back.
Dan the Jones - Sep 19, 2006 3:49 am Date Climbed: Apr 20, 2006
Every two yearsDid over 100 miles in 6 days on the lake, exploring Indian ruins and slot canyons. Second time there and can't wait to go back
tarol - Sep 15, 2006 11:36 pm Date Climbed: Oct 1, 2000
I wish......I could've floated down Glen Canyon before it was dammed. Oh, well, maybe I'll get my chance yet someday! I've driven most of the roads, hiked many of the trails, have visited Rainbow Bridge, and have taken a few other boat tours of Lake Powell. Every year I try to go back and do more as I love this area!