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Hike The Hidden Trails Of South Lake Powell
Whether you're hiking with family or following a local guide for more challenging routes, you'll be immersed in the scenic beauty of the area with breathtaking vistas of Lake Powell around every turn.
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Navajo Canyon is the longest side canyon on Lake Powell that is not a river arm. A narrow riverine canyon, it offers hikes that are up to 12 miles round trip. Be sure to explore Choal Falls while you're there. The mouth is near Buoy 10 in Arizona and kayaking is the best way to access the canyon's hikes. Keep your eyes open - you may see horses along the flat streambed.

Labyrinth Canyon (North East of Wahweap Marina)

Located on Padre Bay, Labyrinth Canyon takes a winding path to the south. The bottom slot is sandy and both sides of the canyon can be touched when you extend your arms. The canyon narrows toward the end, culminating in a beautiful sandy beach that's perfect for swimming.

Cha Canyon (North East of Wahweap Marina)

Cha Canyon is a scenic, narrow canyon located in one of the more remote regions on Lake Powell. A small stream flows through the canyon, allowing vegetation and plant life to flourish. Narrow slots, waterfalls and interesting Ute Indian rock art make this a unique hike.

The mouth of Cha Canyon is located 11 miles up the San Juan arm of Lake Powell. That is a long way from any marina so carry plenty of fuel and supplies. The San Juan arm of the lake is roughly halfway between Bullfrog and Wahweap. The closest fuel is at Dangling Rope, which is closer to Wahweap.

West Canyon (North East of Wahweap Marina)

West Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon that combines boating and hiking. Located about 25 miles up lake from Glen Canyon dam, this hike is best accessed from Wahweap Marina. Boat as far as you can up the West Canyon before securing your craft. The slot soon narrows and a stream spreads across its floor.

This hike requires you scramble up small waterfalls and wade or swim through various pools of water. The West Canyon hike is challenging but not technical. The canyon becomes more difficult as you get up high, becoming technical on the upper end. You just hike as far as you feel comfortable and then return the way you came in.

Rainbow Bridge (North East of Wahweap Marina)

Rainbow Bridge is said to be the largest known natural bridge in the world. It is an imposing site, well worth the effort required to see it. Native Americans consider the bridge sacred and it is easy to understand why. It's a beautiful rainbow frozen in stone.

Access to the bridge was very difficult through most of its history, requiring long backpacks through rugged canyons. But now Lake Powell's waters extend up close to the bridge, making it relative easy to hike up to the impressive rock span. You can take a private boat to the bridge, or hop on a tour boat out of Wahweap Marina.

Mouth of Forbidding Canyon, leading to Rainbow Bridge, is located in an arm of Forbidding Canyon, about 50 miles up lake from the Glen Canyon Dam. That's a long boat ride so be sure to have plenty of fuel and supplies. (The closest fuel is at Dangling Rope.) Courtesy docks at high water extends right up under Rainbow Bridge. But normally the water ends 1-2 miles below. Courtesy docks have been set up about 2 miles from the bridge. An easy trail extends from the docks to Rainbow bridge. More Details at NationaParkService.com