FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: ANSWERED
What is the proper apparel for my kayak expedition on Lake Powell?
For single day excursions with Hidden Canyon Kayak we recommend water shorts or swim suits not only for swimming but also in case you find yourself out of your kayak and in the water. Cotton or SPF rated shirts, a hat or visor along with plenty of sun cream are helpful on hot summer days were temperatures can range from 85 to 95 degrees F. For cooler days we recommend a light jacket to stay warm while travelling in the boat to our kayaking destination and possibly rain gear for days where rain is probable. Participants on Multi-Day expeditions should be prepared for warmer days and cooler nights in the spring and fall with including socks and sneakers while in camp. Summer months are warm during the days and nights, and provide a great opportunity for sleeping out under the stars or inside a tent. To find current temperatures and forecasts for the Page/Lake Powell Area click on the link below to NOAA…
What is provided by Hidden Canyon Kayak?
Each trip with Hidden Canyon Kayak you are provided with a hearty and delicious lunch along with a variety of soda to quench your thirst. An important factor in any outdoor environment is the need to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Fresh drinking water is always provided on the boat however to reduce our trash and impact on the environment HCK does not supply water bottles so you will need to bring your own. Since some of our kayaking excursions will take place away from the support boat, we recommend for each person to have at least one quart of water each. For overnight and multiple day trips HCK will provide three full meals each day along with sleeping bags, dry storage bags, chairs, tents, sleeping pads, and daytime dry storage bags, along with all of the necessary kayaking equipment.
What do I need to bring on my trip?
Each person attending any trip with Hidden Canyon Kayak should have at least one quart size water bottle to stay hydrated and happy during your trip. On single day expeditions sleepwear and toiletries are not necessary; however a light coat is helpful on cooler days. Of course sun protection is also an important factor on your trip which includes suncream, proper clothing, a hat and possibly sunglasses. Overnight and multi-day excursions include the same gear listed above for day-time activities but also sleepwear and toiletries excluding toilet paper. Other important items to bring along are flashlights or head lamps for moving about camp at night time and also raingear incase of precipitation. Early spring and late fall trips can have colder temperatures were a warm jacket and pants along with wool socks help to combat the cold. Water temperatures during March and April can also be cold and raingear is defiantly a necessity to prevent the water from making you cold and neoprene gloves aid in keeping hands warm from paddling. Water temperatures are still warm into November which provides warm and enjoyable paddling.
How do I get to the Stateline Launch Ramp?
If you are arriving to Lake Powell from the south (Phoenix, Flagstaff, Grand Canyons North and South Rims and Page Arizona) on state highway 89 you will travel across Glen Canyon Bridge with Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell to your right hand side. After crossing the bridge you will reach Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s Southern Entrance in .5 miles and take a right. After traveling .2 miles you will reach the Glen Canyon National Park Service Toll Station were you will pay your entrance fee into the park. After paying your entrance fee you will travel on Lake Shore Drive for 3.7 miles with the shores of Lake Powell to your right. Upon reaching a four way stop you will continue straight through the intersection and travel .6 miles to the Stateline Launch Ramp and turn right into the parking lot.
If you are traveling from the north (St. George, Zion, Bryce, Kanab Utah) along Highway 89 you will reach the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area north entrance 2.3 miles from the Utah to Arizona State Line on your left hand side. Continue for .4 miles until reaching the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Toll Station were you will pay your park entrance fee. After paying your toll into the park you will drive 1.3 miles were you will reach a four-way stop were you will turn left and travel .5 miles to another four-way stop were you travel straight through and arrive in Stateline Launch Ramp parking lot. *Note: the total distance between the South and the North Entrances to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is 3.1 miles apart, so if you find yourself going further or have lost sight of Lake Powell, your probably headed in the wrong direction.
What do I do upon reaching Stateline Launch Ramp?
Once you have arrived at the Stateline Launch Ramp parking lot you may proceed down the launch ramp to the lake level and the boat dock. Here you will find the Hidden Canyon Kayak Support Vessel, if you can’t find the support vessel look for a rubber pontoon boat with colorful kayaks on its upper deck. Once you have found the boat your guides will instruct you to unload your gear and then park you vehicle at the top of the ramp in the parking lot.
Will there be hiking on our kayak trip?
Each and every trip with Hidden Canyon Kayak is different depending on many various elements like weather, time of year, water temperature, lake levels and the expedition area. The guides of Hidden Canyon Kayak will always develop an agenda to better fit the groups’ needs and abilities so that you can enjoy your time on Lake Powell. View Map
Do I need prior kayak experience to go on a trip?
No. On single day expeditions Hidden Canyon Kayak provides safe and stable “sit-on-top” FEEL Free Kayaks are great for first-timers and also intermediate kayakers. For advance kayakers on a single day trip who have experience and are comfortable paddling in “sea touring kayaks” Current Designs or P&H Kayaks can be made available for your trip. Please request for an advanced kayak when booking a daily trip with Hidden Canyon Kayak. For most Overnight, Multi-day, and Custom Trips “sea-kayaks” are used to increase traveling speeds and distances to experience more of Lake Powell.
How far do I have to paddle in a day?
Single day excursions will use “sit-on-top” kayaks that can average around 4 to 8 miles throughout the entire day. Due to a longer traveling distance on daily trips to reach Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the length and time spent kayaking decreases to around 2 to 4 miles of paddling. More advance kayakers on Overnight and Multi-day expeditions using “sea –kayaks” on average travel about 6 to 10 miles per day. Of course each adventure can vary depending upon weather, time of year, group abilities, and lake levels.