In the 1960s, the 700-foot-high Glen Canyon Dam, an artificial marvel, transformed a vast stretch of sandstone canyons into a desert oasis, creating one of America’s most unique playgrounds for adventure: Lake Powell.
With nearly 2,000 miles of winding shoreline – more than the entire West Coast of the US – with towering buttes above, twisting waterways, and hidden grottos, the lake is ideally explored by the water. And for one group of six friends, they did just that, and this dramatic landscape was theirs to enjoy for a long weekend.
Their floating base anchored in one of the many epic spots
A Floating Base
Their journey began at Antelope Point Marina in Page, Arizona, where private transfers delivered them to the docks. Awaiting them were our EXP Guides to take them aboard a luxurious houseboat, which served as a home on the water for the entire vacation.
The boat was incredibly comfortable for the friends, with well-appointed cabins and expansive deck spaces. This floating base, specifically designed for life on the lake, allowed the friends to switch off, relax, and enjoy being looked after during the long weekend itinerary.
After a warm welcome from their EXP Guides and captain, the group settled in and gathered on the deck for an alfresco lunch of fresh fruits, salads, and various delicious platters, all perfect for the desert heat. It wasn’t long before temptation was too much, and one by one, they launched themselves down the houseboat’s waterslide and into the refreshing blue lake depths.
Cooling off in Lake Powell
Lake afternoons via jet skis
Into the Canyons
Kayaks and paddleboards were set up for a gentle afternoon of exploration, while others hopped on the jet skis, skimming across the calm stretches of lake in search of hidden spots unreachable by larger boats. Together, the friends navigated the clear waters of narrow canyons, where towering red rock walls soared hundreds of feet above them — the combination of adrenaline and relaxation makes for a perfect afternoon on the water.
The evening welcomed cocktails and a well-deserved feast, during which they only stopped to take a breath from conversation to admire the desert and star-filled skies above.
Rappelling into adventures
Desert Thrills
The next morning brought a more adrenaline-filled activity – an expertly guided hiking and rappelling excursion, leading them across ancient mesas and otherworldly rock formations where they reached the drop-off point. After gearing up with harnesses and other safety gear, the group rappelled a 90-foot drop into a hidden slot canyon.
At the canyon’s end, the kayaks were waiting for them to gently paddle back to base, where they enjoyed lunch and looked back on the action-shot photos from the morning. Later, a few friends continued the adrenaline and took to the wakeboards, carving across mirror-smooth water, while others kicked back with chilled cocktails.
That evening, a local Navajo Code Talker joined them for dinner, sharing powerful stories from World War II when Native American Marines used their language to transmit secret coded messages. The evening was moving and a reminder of the area’s natural beauty and the land’s living history.
Carving up glassy waters
Story time from a Navajo Code Talker
Exploring the lake’s hidden corners
Sacred Wonders and Sunset Feasts
On their final full day, the group ventured to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the largest natural bridges in the world. Accessible only by boat and a short hike, this archway carved from stone is a sacred site to the region’s indigenous tribes.
Back on the water, a fishing excursion was requested. Lake Powell is renowned for being abundant in bass, so the sportfishing fans among the friends wanted to give it a go, luckily, with much success. Back on board, the group took the kayaks for another spin and headed to a recommended cliff-jumping spot, bringing with it some friendly competition. Dinner that evening was set up on land, a private desert banquet with lounging areas for sunset champagne and a table for them to savor the fresh lobster.
As the sun set, the group gave a toast to their long weekend, which wasn’t just about escapism, adventure, and scenery but also the peaceful moments of connection the friends enjoyed again, without the demands of life back home.
Admiring Rainbow Bridge
Dinner banquets, desert style
One Last Leap
The final morning called for one last adventure: jet skiing to the best cliff-jumping spots, where the friends’ competitive streak surfaced once again with impressive mid-air shapes.
Upon their return to the marina, the group said goodbye to the EXP Guides, promising to meet up for another epic adventure sooner rather than later. Then, the private transfers whisked them back to the airport.
The jump is worth the view
