Winter Activities in Lake Powell
Winter Fishing & Boating
Anglers and boaters delight in year-round activity on Lake Powell. The water does not freeze over, except at its northernmost point. Houseboat owners use the winter to get their vessels ready for summer use. Houseboat rental companies stay open for those willing to brave the cold in exchange for first pick of sites, supreme solitude and prime stargazing from a top-deck hot tub.
Fishers reap the most rewards on the wintry lake, including fishing tournaments in the late winter, a 250-mile out-and-back Winter Solstice Run (via Uplake Adventures in Big Water, Utah) on jet skis, and plenty of striped bass, crappie and walleye that rise out of water depths to enjoy cooler water near the surface. Boat rentals are available at both Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas during the winter.
Winter Hiking
Lake Powell hikers benefit from cooler temperatures and, again, fewer crowds in the winter. Glen Canyon National Recreation Center presents off-trail hiking accessed by land, water-accessed hikes and technical slot canyon hikes. Whereas summer explorers dodge challenges like no shade, extreme heat and dangerous wildlife, winter trekkers enjoy ideal conditions.
Winter Off-Roading
Off-roaders gas up their engines and hit the trails in side-by-sides, UTVs, ATVs and OHVs like Jeeps and Land Cruisers. According to Captain Ray at Ticaboo Resort, these thrill-seekers benefit from the occasional 60- and 70-degrees weather spurts.
If undisturbed is what you seek, Lake Powell in the winter delivers.
Hiking trails are open year round for winter trekkers.
Hiking through the Henry Mountains.
The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
Lone Rock Campground
Photo: Austen Diamond
Winter Camping & Lodging
Along Lake Powell’s 1,960-mile shoreline, campgrounds and houseboats rentals offer the closest lake lodging options, however, some campsites have limited amenities through the cold season. As nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, visitors will be happiest with access to heat and electricity. Defiance House Lodge sits conveniently on Bullfrog’s North Shore and Wahweap Campground supplies RV hookups, plus fire rings, showers, laundry facilities and free wi-fi.
Nearby towns offer the most amenities for accommodations. Kanab offers the biggest Utah hub for visitors to establish a basecamp en route to Lake Powell’s Wahweap Marina and Dixie National Forest. Ticaboo, Utah is 13 miles from North Lake Powell’s Bullfrog Marina and Bordertown Page, Arizona is just 8 minutes from Wahweap Marina.
More Winter Inspiration
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Blazing Sandals in North Lake Powell
It’s not unreasonable or out of the ordinary to go UTVing, paddleboarding and canyoneering all in the same day (or weekend) at Lake Powell.
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Escape Tourist Hotspots on a Quiet Winter Getaway to Kanab
From sand sledding to toadstool hiking, escape The Wave’s impossible lottery odds and enjoy other winter red rock adventures in Kanab.
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Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
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Hiking Lake Powell
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is not known for developed, maintained hiking trails. However, off-trail hiking is available just about everywhere. Just bring plenty of water and navigation tools.
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
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Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
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Must-Do Lake Powell Guide
Lake Powell sits within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. With two marinas, 1.2 million acres and its stunning location in Southern Utah, there's no shortage of activities.
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Scenic Boat Tours of Lake Powell
Lake Powell boat tours are one of the best ways to explore the breathtaking sights of this man-made wonder. Learn all you need to know to book your own tour!
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Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands
Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
