Lake Powell’s Wahweap Main Ramp is being extended this Wednesday, June 30. Steel boiler plates 85-feet long by 23-feet wide will accommodate houseboats and a 45-feet long by 22-feet wide boiler plate will accommodate other vessels. While the boiler plates are being installed on the west side of the ramp, boaters will be able to launch on the east side. Based on current Bureau of Reclamation water level projections, this will extend use of that ramp to accommodate another 5 to 7 feet drop in water levels, to approximately 3555 feet. Glen Canyon’s Wahweap District is accessed via State Highway 89 near Page, Arizona.
Please be aware that due to drought, lower water levels expected over the next several months will impact water access points and boat launch areas on Lake Powell. The park is maintaining boat launch access uplake and downlake with temporary ramp extensions and other measures as lake levels continue to drop but not all ramps will be open. Please check our website often about the status of preferred launch destinations before heading to the lake. Information is available 24-7 on our website about Lake Powell’s fluctuating water levels and the status of water-based visitor services at the Changing Lake Levels page.
The park’s busy season is underway. When planning a trip Glen Canyon visitors can expedite their arrival by purchasing their passes ahead of time at these links: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Site Pass in Arizona - Recreation.gov or Glen Canyon Weekly Boat Pass in Arizona - Recreation.gov. To relieve launch ramp congestion, please ready your boat at a nearby parking lot before driving to launch ramps. Please remember that passengers are prohibited from riding in a towed vessel. After departing the lake, visitors can speed up the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspections for quagga mussels by cleaning and draining their vessels as they wait in line.
Due to significant wind damage, Dangling Rope Marina is closed, and no visitor services are available until further notice. Boaters are advised to plan accordingly before launching, as boat fuel is only available downlake at Wahweap or Antelope Point Marina and uplake at Bullfrog. The distance between the Wahweap area downlake and the Bullfrog/Halls Crossing area uplake is approximately 100 miles. For boaters averaging 20 to 25 mph, the Wahweap to Bullfrog 100-mile trip takes at least 4 to 5 hours without stopping.
We urge visitors to always recreate responsibly, to monitor changing weather conditions and lake levels, and to exercise caution in all visitor use areas. With lower water levels some channels and canyons on the lake will narrow requiring boat operators to be extra aware of their speed and proximity to other visitors. Always approach the shore with caution and watch for shallows and submerged debris.: Safety - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) ; and here: Ten Things You Need To Know Before You Boat. Please follow Leave No Trace principles.
A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. Prior to visiting, visitors are encouraged to become aware of current conditions and updated alerts.
The park wishes everyone an enjoyable and safe experience!
Tags: glen canyon national recreation area lake powell wahweap main ramp construction partial closure ramp extensions low water climate change drought recreate responsibly
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
