FAQ

What are your hours and location?

We are located in the town of Page, Arizona and are NOT located on Lake Powell itself. Our office is at 910 Coppermine Road (see map). The building is located down this hill from the fire station and in the same parking lot as the CONOCO fuel station. Parking is in the front parking lot. Boat loading at the rear of the building. We are located about 15 minutes away from Antelope Point and Wahweap Marina. If coming from Flagstaff or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, drive carefully and enjoy the views, its about a 2 hour drive.

Normal business hours are 8:00am-6;00pm Monday-Sunday, 7 days a week. All Rentals must be picked up and returned by 5pm. Please call us at 928-660-1836 so we can check in your rental return.

What are your products and prices?

Please refer to tabs marked "Kayak Tour", "Kayak Rentals" or "Paddleboards" for products and pricing information.

Where is a good place to go with my rental kayak or SUP? Canoe?

Recommended day trips for kayaks & Paddleboards:

1) Lone Rock Beach - When this is available with proper water levels we launch from Lone Rock Beach, a sandy beach on the Utah side of Lake Powell a 25 minute drive from our office. Time needed: 4 hours or more. Paddling distance: 4-8 miles in general, but more is possible. Highlights: Narrow canyons, huge cliffs, great beaches and swimming areas, ample opportunities to explore on land.

2) Ice Cream Canyon & Wahweap Window - Launch from Stateline launch ramp, a 20 minute drive from our office also on the Utah side of Lake Powell. Time needed: 6 hours or more. Paddling distance: 5 to 8 miles in general. Highlights: Long canyon, islands, cliffs, sand dunes, and a hike to the Wahweap Window, an interesting geological feature.

3) Antelope Canyon - Launch from Antelope Point, a 20 minute drive from our office. Time needed: 4 hours or more. Paddling distance: 5 miles in general, but more is possible. Highlights: Long, deep red canyon and an excellent slot canyon hike.

What are some good overnight trips?

There are unlimited options depending on your experience, interests, budget, and amount of time. There are no designated campsites or toilets on Lake Powell and all solid waste must be carried out in an approved container, which we sell. For calculating distances for custom routes you are considering, use a google maps distance calculator and enter zip code 86040. Some of the most common overnight trips include:

1) Colorado River - See Colorado River tab for details. Designated campsites with toilets. No rapids, but cold water. Time needed: At least 1.5 days. Paddling distance: 15 miles. Highlights: Incredible Grand Canyon-esque scenery. Trout fishing.

2) Lone Rock Canyon - Launch from Lone Rock beach, a 25 minute drive from our office. Time needed: 1 night. Paddling distance: 4-8 miles in general, but more is possible. Highlights: Lots of camping options, narrow canyons, small inlets, good hiking and swimming.

3) Ice Cream Canyon & Wahweap Window. - Launch from the Stateline launch ramp, a 20 minute drive from our office. Time needed: 1 night. Paddling distance: 5 to 8 miles in general. Highlights: Lots of camping options, long canyon, islands, cliffs, sand dunes, and a hike to the Wahweap Window, an interesting geological feature.

4) Lone Rock AND Ice Cream Canyon - combine #2 & 3. Launch at Stateline. Time needed: 1 or 2 nights. Paddling Distance: generally 12-16 miles.

5) Navajo Canyon - Launch from Antelope Point Marina, a 15 minute drive from our office. Time needed: 1-3 nights. Paddling distance: 10 - 40 miles. Highlights: Nice camping only 5 miles away at the mouth of Navajo Canyon, which makes an excellent base for day trips into the canyon. Steep, red walled canyon. Opportunity to explore Antelope Canyon (see above). Additional information: Powerboat wakes can make paddling up Navajo Canyon difficult. Once you enter the canyon, there is no place to camp or even exit your kayak for the first 8 miles.

6) Labyrinth Canyon - Launch from Antelope Point Marina, a 15 minute drive from our office. Time needed: 2-4 nights. Paddling distance - 32 miles. Highlights: Very scenic slot canyon, with opportunities to explore on land and water. Nice camping spots in Labyrinth Bay. Additional information: Powerboat wakes can make paddling up the main channel (mile 6-10 especially) very challenging, especially on weekends. High cliff walls on the main channel may make it impossible to reach shore for long stretches of several miles.

7) Labyrinth Canyon with motorboat shuttle - For most paddlers, hiring a motorboat shuttle is required. Contact info later in FAQ. Time needed: 1-2 nights. Paddling distance - 8 to 20 miles.

8) Face Canyon - 18 miles from Antelope Point Marina (6 miles up lake from Labyrinth Canyon). The Canyon is about 4 miles long. For most paddlers, hiring a motorboat shuttle is required. Time Needed: 4+ days without water taxi. Highlights - Scenic canyon with very high walls and good camping within the canyon. Hike to an arch possible.

9) West Canyon - 24 miles from Antelope Point Marina (6 miles up from Face Canyon and 12 miles up from Labyrinth Canyon). The Canyon is about 7 miles long. For most paddlers, hiring a motorboat shuttle is required. Time needed: 5+ days without a water taxi. Highlights - Very long canyon. One of the best hikes on Lake Powell is at the end. Be prepared for wading or swimming though cold water. Usually there are sandbars for camping at the very end of the canyon.

Can I paddle to Rainbow Bridge or The Escalante Arm?

No, unless you have lots of experience and 1-2 weeks. Rainbow Bridge is about 53 miles each way and the canyon entrance can be very tricky, even for experienced paddlers. We recommend joining one of the daily boat tours from Wahweap Marina if you want to see Rainbow Bridge. The Escalante is 70 miles away.

Can I hire a motorboat to take my kayak and gear up the lake and back?

There are two licensed companies on Lake Powell that provide water shuttles: Aramark Executive Services (928-645-1037, out of Wahweap Marina) and Antelope Point Marina (928-645-5900). Expect to pay between $150-$200 per hour for your group. The maximum group size per water taxi is 6, but it may be less depending on the size of the water taxi available. The water taxis charge for the roundtrip time of each shuttle run.

Approximate roundtrip times to various points on the lake:

Labyrinth Canyon - 1 hour

Face or West Canyon - 2 hours

Cathedral Canyon - 3 hours

Rainbow Bridge (Oak Canyon) - 4 hours

Escalante Arm - 6 hours

When the Castle Rock Cut is closed, add 30 minutes to all the above times if you are using Aramark Executive Services.

How do I get to Page, Arizona?

Most people drive. There is no bus or train service serving Page. Great Lakes Airlines offers flights from Phoenix and some other regional cities. Fares are quite reasonable if you book at least 1 month in advance.

Page, Arizona is located on the Arizona-Utah border, in northern Arizona. It is 4.5 hours from Phoenix, 2 hours from Flagstaff, 4.5 hours from Las Vegas.

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When is a good time to visit?

The season is very long here and each time of year has specific advantages.

Spring (March-Early June) offers comfortable temperatures, great fishing, and less boat traffic. Spring is also the best season for hiking because the lake level is lower and shore access at the back of the canyons is generally easier. The chance of rain is low. Weather fronts with strong winds are most common in the spring, so be sure to get an updated weather forecast before heading out and have a contingency plan if strong winds persist. Cold water temperatures make a capsize very dangerous. A wet suit is strongly recommended from March to mid-May and may be required by office staff when difficult conditions are forecast and/or a lack of experience and skills is present.

Summer (Mid June-August) offers great swimming and warm temperatures - perfect for day trips but a bit more challenging for overnight tours. Getting an early start is very important since the mid-day heat and sun can make paddling very tiring. Drink lots of water. While still an uncommon event, be prepared for heavy but generally short-lived rains, usually in the afternoon. If there is a secret season it's weekdays in late August just before Labor Day - temperatures are usually reasonable and there is a drop in boat traffic until the holiday weekend.

Autumn (Sept-early November) is generally considered the best season for longer tours since the weather is warm but not hot and the water still relatively comfortable. September is still "monsoon" season, with short but intense rains possible. Weekdays see much less motorboat traffic than the weekends.

Winter (Mid November - February) is only recommended for those with plenty of cold weather paddling experience and are proficient at cold water rescues. Rescue skills are mandatory. With the right weather window, day trips can be very enjoyable. Even though the motor boat traffic is light, overnight trips are not recommended since the days are short and nights are long.

Average Low/High______ Temperature by Month F (C) _____________Mid-Month Sunrise / Sunset (AZT)

Jan: 20-43 (-7-6) lake water 47 (8) Colorado River water 46 (8) 7:39am / 5:32pm

Feb: 28-53 (-2-12) lake water 46 (8) Colorado River water 46 (8) 7:15am / 6:05pm

Mar: 33-61(0-16) lake water 52 (11) Colorado River water 46 (8) 6:37am / 6:33pm

Apr: 39-69 (4-21) lake water 54 (12) Colorado River water 46 (8) 5:52am / 7:00pm

May: 49-83 (9-28) lake water 62 (16) Colorado River water 46 (8) 5:18am / 7:26pm

June: 57-92(14-33) lake water 70 (21) Colorado River water 46 (8) 5:06am / 7:47pm

July: 66-99 (19-37) lake water 76 (24) Colorado River water 46 (8) 5:18am / 7:45pm

Aug: 65-95 (19-35) lake water 80 (27) Colorado River water 46 (8) 5:43am / 7:11pm

Sept: 54-86 (12-30) lake water 76 (24) Colorado River water 46 (8) 6:08am / 6:34pm

Oct: 44-73 (7-23) lake water 69 (21) Colorado River water 46 (8) 6:33am / 5:50pm

Nov: 33-58 (0-14) lake water 62 (16) Colorado River water 46 (8) 7:04am / 5:17pm

Dec: 22-44 (-7-6) lake water 53 (12) Colorado River water 46 (8) 7:32am / 5:10pm

Is the lake level ok for paddling?

Yes, the lake level is great for paddling and hiking. If you've read that Lake Powell levels have gone down, which is true, keep in mind the lake is still over 400' deep! Some canyons are better at low water levels and others are better at high water levels, but there are always great areas to visit. Refer to lakepowell.water-data.com for current water data.

What is the best type of boat to rent?

It comes down to personal preference, but we generally recommend the following:

- Day Trips: Sit on top kayaks or Standup Paddleboards

- Overnight trips on the lake: Sit-on-top

- Daytrips for experienced paddlers wanting to go long distances: Touring kayaks

- Houseboaters: Sit on top kayaks or Standup Paddleboards

How much gear can fit inside the boat?

If you are used to car camping, then not very much. If you are comparing it to backpacking, then quite a lot. For example, the Tsunami 145 holds 166 liters of gear. In backpacking, 60-80 liters is enough space for a 5 day trip, so our kayaks should be able to hold everything you need if you pack efficiently. In general, it is better to pack your items in more small bags rather than fewer large ones. The spaces in kayaks are very narrow, especially in the front, so getting all the stuff to fit inside is like working a puzzle sometimes. Dry bags come in a variety of sizes, but 10 liter and 22 liter bags seem to be industry standards. Things that do not need to be kept dry do not need to be placed in dry bags - much as sleeping mats and cooking pots. Light bulky items such as sleeping mats can be lashed to the outside of the kayak, usually in the rear. Do not place heavy items on the outside of your kayak. In general, you can expect the following number of drybags to fit inside a kayak:

- Touring Single: six 10 liter bags and two 22 liter bags or five 10 liter and three 22 liter.

- Touring Double: between four 10 liter bags and three 22 liter bags and seven 10 liter bags and two 22 liter bags

- Sit on Top Single: three 22 liter bags and one 10 liter bag

- Sit on Top Double: one 22 liter bag or two 10 liter bags

- Sit on Top Double XL: 3 22 liter bags and one 10 liter bag.

- Canoe: a lot! About 4 jack bags, which are backpack sized drybags we rent.

How difficult is kayaking and standup paddleboarding?

Not very difficult! Most people can figure out the basic paddling strokes within a few minutes, but over time you will become much more efficient. Skills like how to self rescue or an assisted rescue in a touring kayak are more advanced and will require some instruction and practice. Sit on top kayaks are the best type of kayak for beginners because they are more stable and MUCH easier to re-enter from the water. Standup Paddleboards (SUP) take a little more time to master, but most people should be able to learn the basics of SUP in an hour or so. Wind makes all the difference, so try to go on a calm morning when you are learning.

Do I need to be in good shape?

Not necessarily, but you'll be able to do more if you have a decent level of fitness. If you can do everyday activities with ease, such as climbing stairs, then you should be able to find a paddling trip within your capabilities. Somebody with an average level of fitness should be able to paddle a boat at 2 miles per hour in semi-calm conditions, not including rest breaks. Wind will make paddling much more difficult, so get a current weather forecast before heading out.

What are the most important dangers I should be aware of?

A trip to Lake Powell and the Colorado River should be a safe one if you choose a trip within your experience and skill level and take sensible precautions. Cold water in the spring and lightning in the summer are the most serious dangers. It is very important that you know how to re-enter a capsized kayak and pump out the water if you are taking a touring kayak out, especially in the spring. We provide PFDs (lifejackets) with every rental and tour. Pay attention to changes in the weather that indicate strong winds or an approaching storm. In the summer and early fall, keep your hiking excursions into narrow slot canyons brief, especially in the afternoon. Flash floods are a very real possibility and it is difficult to monitor incoming weather when inside the canyons. Be careful when exploring on land since the rock is very soft and slippery and steep drops are commonplace. Scout all jumping locations carefully and limit the height to 15'. Never dive and monitor teenagers in particular. Not as scary sounding but a far more likely danger is dehydration and sunburn. Drink lots of water, cover up, and use sunscreen.

How do I stay safe when paddling in cold water?

Immersion in cold water, which is most likely from March through mid May, is the greatest danger on Lake Powell for paddlers. The following steps will help keep you safe. Remember, your personal safety is your responsibility.

1) Choose the right boat - Sit on top kayaks are the easiest boats to re-enter should you capsize. Doubles are recommended and come with scupper stoppers to keep you fairly dry in calm conditions. Touring kayaks should only be taken by those who know how to re-enter the kayak in the water and empty the water from the cockpit. Double touring kayaks are very stable and much less likely to capsize, but are VERY difficult to remove water from due to their huge volume.

2) Check conditions - Windy conditions will make your paddle much more difficult and dangerous. If wind is expected to increase in the afternoon, get an early start.

3) Match your trip with your skills and physical ability - If you lack the strength to easily re-enter a kayak, only go in warm water months. If you are a total beginner with good physical ability, take a guided tour. If you have intermediate skills, know your route and avoid long open water crossings or areas where cliff's make getting to shore impossible. Overnight tours in cold water conditions are for those with experience and self rescue training.

4) Wear a wetsuit - Anytime the combined water and air temperature is under 120 F, they are recommended. They will give you more time for self rescue in the event of a capsize. We rent wetsuits.

5) When in doubt, stay onshore - If the strong winds come up while you are on the water, seek the nearest shore. Wait for the winds to subside. If you feel nervous about conditions, let us know. We fully refund cancellations over weather concerns from March through early May.

What should I bring or wear?

For your own trips, you are required to bring an approved toilet bag or camp style toilet system with you on all trips, since all human waste must be carried out. There are bathrooms at the lake landings but not on the lake. There are bathrooms on the Colorado River. We recommend that you bring a map, even on short day trips. We sell and rent outfitting supplies such as maps and approved toilet bags in our store.

Do I need a permit to paddle and camp on Lake Powell or the Colorado River?

Yes. The one week vehicle permit you will need to purchase ($30) to enter Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will allow you to park, launch, and camp within the park boundaries. Parking overnight at Lone Rock Beach will cost you an additional $10 per vehicle per night.

Where can I camp?

On the Colorado River, there are designated campsites only reachable by boat. There is a car accessible campground at Lees Ferry. On Lake Powell, you can pretty much camp wherever you can find a spot. There are no designated campsites. Big beaches are popular, but we recommend the smaller pull outs along the rocks. There is car accessible camping available at Lone Rock Beach for $10 per vehicle per night - exercise caution if you do not have 4 wheel drive. There is a full service campground at Wahweap, which is near the lake, and another within the town of Page, just down the hill from our office.

Where can I hike?

The short answer is just about anywhere you can land your kayak. Exploring on shore is a big part of a visit to Lake Powell. The two most popular spots you can reach during a day paddle are Antelope Canyon and the Wahweap Window. The most recommended hikes for longer multi-day excursions include Labyrinth Canyon and West Canyon. The sediment near the landing spots at the back of canyons can be very soft, so take care not to get stuck in the muck. The most comprehensive resource for hiking information at Lake Powell is "Boater's Guide to Lake Powell" by Michael Kelsey. Caveat, double the suggested hiking times, as the author must be very quick. Check the weather before hiking into a slot canyon, especially from July through Sept. Stay out of slot canyons during the afternoon hours over this period.

How much water should I take?

It is important to drink plenty of water. A standard recommendation is one gallon (4 liters) per person per day, but we recommend you double this in summer. The water quality is excellent in both the lake and river. For overnight trips do not carry more than one day of water since water can be treated easily. We sell purification drops or tablets.

What about supplies?

There are two large grocery stores in Page, both with good prices and selection. We offer a broad selection of camping gear for rent and camping supplies for purchase. There are also two sporting goods supply stores in Page.

Is there a way to paddle the Colorado River without paying for a backhaul?

No. The current is swift - even at times at low flow it would be slow and tiring to try to paddle upstream. Lees Ferry is the only access point for watercraft.

Can I join a paddling tour down the Colorado River from the dam to Lees Ferry?

No. We wish you could, but the park does not allow any paddling tour companies, only the big motorized rafts from Marble Canyon Outfitters (928-645-2781).

Where can I find more information about the overnight tours?

Along with the descriptions on the detail page of each tour offering, the gear list outlines what you need to bring on a tour along with answering the most common frequently asked tour questions.

Can I take a dirt road and launch at a more remote part of the lake?

Generally speaking, no. If you get a road update from the BLM office in Big Water, have a map of the dirt roads, and own a high clearance vehicle, then launching at Warm Creek is a possibility. Be prepared for a long boat carry to the water. You'll need to first stop by Wahweap Marina for a mussel inspection sheet. All other locations are not possible.

Is the fishing any good?

Fishing can be excellent both on Lake Powell and on the Colorado River Float Trip. There is a lot of water to cover, however. Make sure you have the required licenses, which can be purchased in Page.

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How do I get my rental equipment to Lake Powell?

First check in to sign paperwork at our office at 816 Coppermine RD Page, AZ 86040. We deliver all you rental equipment for free to the Antelope Canyon and Wahweap Public Launch Ramp areas. Rentals will be at the launch ramp at 8am and rental returns at the launch ramp by 5 pm. If you’re looking to go somewhere else with your rental then all rentals need to be picked up at our office on 910 Coppermine Road and transported to your destination. Pads and straps are included with all rentals and we'll show you how to load your boat on your vehicle. If there is a rack on your car, that could increase the capacity by making stacking more secure and taking weight off the roof. You DO NOT need a roof rack however. Here is a general guideline to how many kayaks fit on a vehicle:

- Small 2 door passenger vehicle - 2 sit on tops or 2 touring singles or 1 double touring.

- 4 door passenger vehicle or SUV - 3 or 4 sit on tops or 3 touring singles or 1 double touring (2 if it is a wider roof, like a minivan).

- Pickup truck with empty bed - 3-4 sit on tops

- RV - No.

- Convertibles - No. We think the answer is obvious, but we still get people who ask.

Can I transport boats on a rental vehicle?

We have a lot of experience in how to safely load boats without damaging your vehicle and we will share our expertise. Our main advice is to make sure your roof is free from sand or grit before loading the boats and not to over-tighten the roof straps. We are confident transporting equipment on your rental car is safe, but ultimately the decision and responsibility is yours to take.

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What if there is bad weather? Can I cancel and receive a refund?

New Weather Cancellation Policy:

All 2022 bookings are subject to a non-refundable booking fee. All cancellations for weather conditions will be provided the option of a “Rain Check” that of which can be redeemed on a tour at anytime in the future with no expiration date as long as the value of the redeemed tour is equal to or less than the “rain check” value. Or the customer may receive a direct refund with the appropriate booking fee deducted as stated below.

Non-refundable booking fee for Adult tickets for the hike and kayak tour is $50 per adult ticket.

Non-refundable booking fee for Adult tickets for the kayak only tour is $45 per adult ticket.

Non-refundable booking fee for Child tickets is $45 per child ticket.

Non-refundable booking fee for a single sit-on-top kayak rental is $20 per kayak rented

Non-refundable booking fee for a double sit-on-top kayak rental is $25 per kayak rented.

Do you require a damage deposit?

Yes, but we do not "run" anything against the card in advance. We require credit card information, ID, and a signed Rental Agreement that authorizes payment for any damages incurred. All rental equipment must be checked in by office staff.

What if we are late in returning rentals? Will we be charged?

While we aren't in this business to collect late fees, nobody likes them, we like to be able to have plans after the work day like anybody else. Late fees help us have a life! Rentals must be returned on the day listed in the Rental Agreement by 5pm. Late returns will be charged $60 per hour ($1 per minute).

Do you offer half day rentals?

No.

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Why should we choose you?

We deliver the most total value. Our rates are competitive with anyone, we use good quality gear and it's well maintained, our service is efficient and friendly, and we share our knowledge of the lake and region to give you a trip to remember. We are family owned and operated, have personally planned and experienced dozens of adventures, and have the passion to help create YOUR next adventure!

If you have a question not answered here, please do not hesitate to email us or call us at 928-660-1836.

Happy Exploring! --- Hidden Canyon Kayak

Our Gear

Our gear is selected for a blend of safety, comfort, and performance.

Touring Kayaks - We generally use the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 on our overnight and full day tours. It is stable for a touring kayak, moves through the water easily, tracks well even without a rudder, has plenty of cargo space, and offers the most comfortable seat on the market.

Sit on Top Kayaks - We use Ocean Kayak Scramblers and Malibu, Feel Free and Perception kayak on our half day tours. These offer plenty of back support and enough performance for day of paddling.

Lifejackets - We use NRS Vista lifejackets on our day tours and NRS Ninja lifejackets on our overnight tours.

FAQ

Our gear is selected for a blend of safety, comfort, and performance.

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