What is your location and hours?
We are located at 816 Coppermine Road in Page, AZ. From the main highway, US 89, either head east on Haul Road across from Walmart and then a left on Coppermine or head east on S. Lake Powell Blvd and take a right on Coppermine. The building is located next to the police and firestation. Look for the orange kayaks outside our door. Parking is available on the street or in the front parking lot. Boat loading is in the rear of the building. Refer to the map tab and zoom in on Page for a more detailed look. We are located about 15 minutes away from Antelope Point and Wahweap Marina.
Normal business hours are 8am-noon and 5pm-7pm Tuesday-Sunday. If you need to pickup or dropoff outside these hours, please let us know. It usually can be arranged. We don't keep regular office hours on Mondays, so please reserve a time to pickup or dropoff a rental.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. 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 contigency plan if strong winds persist. Cold water temperatures are great for fishing but makes a capsize potentially dangerous - a wet suit is strongly recommended.
Summer (Mid June-August) offers great swimming and warm temperatures - perfect for daytrips 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 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.
Winter (Mid November - February) can be a wonderful for day trips for those who are prepared - often the lake is like a mirror and there are no power boats in sight. Try to have a few day window in which to paddle and pick the day with the best weather forecast. Cold water immersion contigency plans and rescue skills are required.
Average Low/High Temperature by Month (F)
Jan: 20-43 lake water 47 Colorado River water 46
Feb: 28-53 lake water 46 Colorado River water 46
Mar: 33-61 lake water 52 Colorado River water 46
Apr: 39-69 lake water 54 Colorado River water 46
May: 49-83 lake water 62 Colorado River water 46
June: 57-92 lake water 70 Colorado River water 46
July: 66-99 lake water 76 Colorado River water 46
Aug: 65-95 lake water 80 Colorado River water 46
Sept: 54-86 lake water 76 Colorado River water 46
Oct: 44-73 lake water 69 Colorado River water 46
Nov: 33-58 lake water 62 Colorado River water 46
Dec: 22-44 lake water 53 Colorado River water 46
Is the lake level ok?
In 2011 lake levels were excellent for paddling. 2012 should be good too. Refer to lakepowell.water-data.com for current data.
What is the best type of boat to rent?
It's a personal choice, but in general we recommend sit on top kayaks for daytrips, touring kayaks for overnight trips or daytrips when the water is very cold, recreational kayaks for when stability it the biggest requirement, canoes for hauling lots of stuff, and stand up paddleboards for a totally different on the water experience. There are some differences between our various touring kayaks - the specifications are as follows:
- Perception Carolina - 14'6' long, 25.25" wide, cockpit 34.25"x20", 54 lbs, rudder
- Perception Shadow - 16'8' long, 22.25" wide, cockpit 35"x18.5", 58 lbs, rudder
- Perception Captiva - 16' long, 25.25" wide, cockpit 34.5"x21.5", 58 lbs, rudder
- Perception Vizcaya - 16' long, 25.25" wide, cockpit 34.75x21", 62 lbs, rudder
- Aquaterra Sealion - 17'2" long, 22.5" wide, cockpit 32.25"x16.25", 57 lbs, rudder
- Aquaterra Chinook NW - 16" long, 24" wide, cockpit 31.5"x17", 57 lbs, rudder
- Current Designs Storm - 17' long, 24" wide, cockpit 32.5x17.5", 64 lbs, rudder
- Current Designs Squall - 16'6" long, 22" wide, cockpit 30"x16", 57 lbs, rudder
- WS Sealution - 16'6" long, 22" wide, cockpit 30"x16", 57 lbs, rudder
- WS Tsunami 145 - 14'6" long, 24.5" wide, cockpit 35.5"x19.5", 56 lbs
- Perception Carolina II - 17.5' long, 28.5" wide, cockpits 34"x19", 92 lbs, rudder
- Prijon Excursion Double - 17' long, 24" wide, cockpits 36"x18", 82 lbs, rudder
Where is a good place to go?
That depends on how much time you have, your level of experience, and your interests. Our map tab on the website is a good resource for getting information on where to go. Highly recommended daytrips include Antelope Canyon (from Antelope Point ramp), Lone Rock and Wiregrass Canyons (from Lone Rock Beach), Castle Rock and Wahweap Window (from Stateline or Wahweap ramps), or the Colorado River from the dam to Lees Ferry (from a "backhaul" out of Lees Ferry). Many of the recommended overnight trips are outlined in our tours tab. We enjoy helping people plan their trip, so just ask us.
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 and lightning 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 - use is required. Pay attention for changes in the weather that indicate strong winds or an approaching storm. In the summer and early fall, keep your 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. Not as scary sounding but a far more likely danger is dehydration and sunburn. Drink lots of water, cover up, and use sunscreen.
What should I bring or wear?
The tours tab has a gear list on the day tours that should provide the information you need. The very bottom has information about group gear. 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 daytrips. 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. These areas are within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Permits can be purchased at the park entrances. A one week vehicle permit costs $15. This will allow you to park, launch, and camp within the park boundaries.
Where can I camp?
On the Colorado River, there are designated camp sites 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 generally recommend the smaller pullouts along the rocks. There is car accessible camping available at Lone Rock Beach - 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.
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 there is no reason to 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 good supply stores in Page.
Can I paddle to Rainbow Bridge?
Unless you are an strong, experienced paddler and have at least a week, you should join a tour. Rainbow Bridge is about 53 miles each way. Our tour uses a water taxi to reduce the mileage to a reasonable amount.
Is there a way to paddle the Colorado River without paying for a backhaul?
Not really. The current is swift - even at times at low flow it would be brutal 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?
We wish you could, but the park does not allow any paddling tour companies, only the big motorized rafts from Colorado River Discovery.
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 longer boat carries to the water. All other locations are highly unlikely unless you have a good knowledge of the area.
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 or Lees Ferry?
All rentals need to be picked up at our office on 816 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. 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 mini-van).
- Pickup truck with empty bed - 3-4 sit on tops
- RV - SOMETIMES we can fit one kayak inside or on the roof, but this is generally not easy.
- Convertible - Hmmm, how strong are your shoulders?
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 to make sure your roof is free from sand or grit before loading the boats for the return trip. We are confident transporting equipment on your rental car is safe, but ultimately the decision and responsibility is yours to take.
How can we transport the boats if we have too many to fit on our vehicles?
If you have a vehicle with a trailer receiver, it may be possible for you to take one of our trailers and hitches, so please ask. While there is no charge for the trailer, you assume liability for all damages. Please let us know what sort of electrical plug your vehicle has.
Can you meet us down at the lake or river with our rentals?
Unfortunately, no. The park prohibits this. Consider joining one of our tours if you are not able to transport the boats on your own.
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How do I make a reservation?
We recommend you use rental form or tour form. The form will prompt you with the important pieces of information we require. You may also call us at 928-660-0778 or email us at
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.
Is a deposit required to make a reservation?
Yes. All rentals and tours require a 25% non-refundable deposit to confirm a reservation. The remaining 75% balance can be paid at the same time or when you pickup your rental. For day tours, the balance is due 3 days prior to departure. For overnight tours, the balance is due 1 month prior to departure. Refer to our policies page for more information.
What methods of payment do you accept?
You will be sent an invoice by email with payment information. Calling us at (928) 660-0778 with your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover information is the preferred method. You may also mail personal checks (USA banks only) made payable to: Red Canyon Adventures, LLC. Mail to PO Box 4780, Page AZ, 86040. Add 2 weeks to due dates to account for check processing. For international customers, you will be sent a Paypal online payment request, which is secure and accepts all major credit cards. For rental balances, cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted.
If I cancel my reservation, do you give refunds?
It depends. For rentals, the 25% deposit is non-refundable. If you paid the full balance when you booked, the 75% balance is fully refundable if you cancel for any reason up through the reserved pickup day. For tours, the 25% deposit is non-refundable. Any additional balances are fully refundable up until one month prior to the departure date. See the tours section for more information concerning tour policies.
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! Unless you make prior arrangements, which are usually possible, rentals must be returned on the day listed in the Rental Agreement by 7pm. Late returns will be charged $15 per hour plus each boat at an hourly rate determined by dividing the daily rate by 10 (so a $45 a day rental is $4.50 per hour).
Can I pick up my rental reservation "early", the night before we are actually taking it on the water?
Yes, but let us know when making the reservation that this is what you want to do. You may pick up your reservation between 5pm and 7pm the evening before your rental day for no additional charge. Customers returning rentals will be given priority service. It is also possible that your rental equipment will be returned between the hours of 5-7pm by a different customer. If that is the case, we will attempt to call you at the number you provide and give you an estimated time for your evening pickup.
Do you offer half day rentals?
No, but we do offer reduced rates for rentals beyond one day.
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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 at
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or call us at 928-660-0778.
Happy Exploring! --- Kat and Jim