FAQs

SUPPORT VESSEL
The "Hidden Canyon" is a custom built, Coast Guard inspected vessel uniquely capable of transporting kayakers and all their gear up lake to the preferred kayaking areas. Canvas and stratoglass enclosures allow all weather seating and twin 130 h.p. 4 stroke outboards add immeasurable to the safety of the trip.

PADDLING GEAR
Our kayaks are single, roto molded, plastic touring models from Current Design and Perception. We use various models to accommodate body and ability differences. Both ruddered and skeg boats are available. Paddles are by Cadence, Big Spoons and Bending Branches. PFD's are Extrasport.

PERSONAL CAMPING GEAR
We provide it all. Tents by Kelty, warm sleeping bags from Coleman and 2 inch thick sleeping pads. In addition there are waterproof bags for your main duffel and your day gear.

CAMP & KITCHEN
Our kitchen set-up is the result of 30 years of Grand Canyon rafting trips; lightweight, incredibly durable and capable of producing gourmet food. All eating utensils plates & mugs are supplied. Additionally, our small size allows us to add a few extras including camp chairs and hot showers.

MEALS
A small group size allows us be incredibly inventive when it's time to cook. Dutch oven baking is our specialty. The support boat allows us the luxury of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads so forget those preconceived notions of camp cooking. We are able to accommodate various dietary needs, and a variety of snacks is made available between meals.
 
BEVERAGES
We carry water, juice, powdered drink mixes & soda. Feel free to bring your own alcohol. Please bring beer in cans.

SAFETY CONCERNS
Experienced Coast Guard Captain and Wilderness Medicine trained guides are supplemented with weather, VHF, and aircraft radios plus cellular and satellite phone communications. We carry a National Park Service approved first aid kit. You must inform us of any special medical conditions or restrictions including food or insect allergies. Please remember to bring your own prescription medicines.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 
We'll teach you the basic paddle strokes and show you how to paddle without fatigue. We discuss safety, group size and practice rescues. You will leave knowing the pro's and con's of different boat types and materials, and the various accessories that are available.

If you have previous experience we would be delighted to extend your skills. Lake Powell's relatively warm, clear water allows you to push yourself without penalty and provides an excellent opportunity for live rescue practice and learning to roll. In addition our captains and guides are available for expedition skills such as charting and navigation. We believe that you'll leave smiling over your new skills and pleased with your success.

PRE-TRIP KAYAK INSTRUCTION
If you have never been in a kayak before and wish to get a feel for the basics before the start of the trip please call us. We will be happy to refer you to a clinic in your area or for a nominal fee can arrange for instruction immediately prior to your trip.

LAKE POWELL WEATHER
The numbers given in the table below are of course averages. Any outdoor venue especially desert areas will have days that differ widely from the average. Additionally, factors such as wind and rain are not mentioned and can be far more influential than temperature.

May-June can be hot, unseasonably cool and/or windy.  July-August is hot with warm lake temperatures with dramatic thunderstorms possible. September-Nov. Expect cool mornings, hot days, occasional frontal systems and shorter days. Dec-Feb has cool temperatures and possible snow, freezing in side canyons and the shortest days. March-April we see warming temps, frontal systems bring blustery winds and lengthening days.

We have chosen to run trips in the spring and fall because we believe this to be the optimum time both boat-traffic and weather-wise. However kayaking Lake Powell can be fun year round. In the spring and fall we believe conditions are better for kayaking here than almost anywhere else in the U.S. at that time.