Lake Powell Jet Ski Routes

Lake Powell is so big that the hardest part of a jet ski day is choosing where to go. These are our favorite routes from Wahweap and Antelope Point at the south end of the lake, near Page, Arizona, from a quick one-hour loop to the all-day ride to Rainbow Bridge. Renting on the Utah end? See the best rides from Bullfrog and Halls Crossing.

Tap any canyon, beach or landmark on the map below to see the miles, ride time and estimated fuel from each marina. It is also on our Lake Powell map page.

How Distances Work on Lake Powell

Numbered buoys along the main channel mark the miles up-lake from Glen Canyon Dam, so they are the easiest way to judge how far you are going. Wahweap and Antelope Point sit near the dam, at the low numbers. Everything below is measured one way from the south-end marinas.

1. Quick Ride: Wahweap Bay, Lone Rock and Warm Creek Bay

Ride time: 1 to 2 hours. Best for: first-time riders and families.

Stay close to the marina and explore the wide-open water of Wahweap Bay, then cruise toward Lone Rock, the giant sandstone tower on the Utah side (at low water it stands on the beach), and on to the coves of Warm Creek Bay. When Castle Rock Cut is closed at low water, Warm Creek Bay is reached around Antelope Island through the main channel. Lots of room to ride, and the marina is never far away.

2. Half Day: Antelope Canyon and Navajo Canyon

Ride time: 2 to 4 hours. Distance: a couple of miles from Antelope Point to the end of the water in Antelope Canyon, depending on the lake level.

Idle into the wakeless, winding walls of Antelope Canyon by jet ski, then ride to Navajo Canyon for sandy coves and a swim. Add a look at Glen Canyon Dam from the water on the way back.

3. Full Day: Padre Bay and Gunsight Butte

Ride time: 4 to 8 hours. Where: Padre Bay spreads around buoys 19 to 23.

Padre Bay is the largest bay on Lake Powell, about seven miles across and nine miles long, with Gunsight Butte and Navajo Mountain on the skyline. Explore the side canyons around Gunsight Canyon, find your own beach and ride the open water. A great day on the touring Sea-Doo RXT 300 or GTX.

4. The Big One: Rainbow Bridge

Ride time: full day. Distance: about 50 miles each way from Wahweap.

Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural bridges, sits up Forbidding Canyon near buoy 49. When the lake is above about 3,548 feet a courtesy dock connects to the trail and it is a short walk to the viewing area; at lower levels you beach and walk roughly a mile or more. The bridge is sacred to Navajo people, so visitors are asked to view it from the viewing area rather than walk under it. This is a long ride with no fuel along the way since Dangling Rope Marina closed: start early, plan your fuel before you leave and consider a boat or a guide. See Rainbow Bridge or plan a Rainbow Bridge boat trip.

Route Planning Tips

• Fuel: there is no fuel between the south-end marinas and the Bullfrog area, so leave with a full tank and turn back with fuel to spare.
• Wind: mornings are usually calmest. Afternoon wind can build chop in the main channel and Padre Bay.
• Wakeless zones: slow to 5 mph or less near other boats, swimmers and canyon walls and in posted wakeless canyons.
• Stay together: ride in sight of your group. Cell service is spotty once you leave the south end.
• Bring: drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks and a dry bag.

Not sure which route fits your day? Text us and we will help you choose, or see our Lake Powell jet ski rentals and guided tours.