Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon

Outside of Kanab, Utah

Activity: Off-Roading, Day Hike, Exploring the Slots

8.6 miles, 794′ elevation gain, rated Moderate

Date: 4-16-26

The drive into Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon is an adventure in itself. It is as much a part of the event as the actual canyon. You do not want to make this off-road excursion if you are missing any of the following: High Clearance, 4WD, All-Terrain Tires, aired down, downloaded GPS Map and sand driving experience. Also it is important that someone knows your whereabouts and when you should be finishing. There is spotty cell service at best.

I have read of Jeeps getting stuck, tour vehicles as well, (The tours vehicles are not always that capable, but the tour folks do have a lot of experience that is for sure).

I was very apprehensive about making this 8 mile lonely trip through deep fine sand. Getting to this extraordinary slot canyon was something that had to be earned. I have a Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and I was aired down considerably. Sometimes I was in 4WD High and even 4L at times, pretty much as needed. The high clearance came in handy and whenever in the deep sand I tried to always keep my momentum going. Keeping all of that in mind and I did not have a problem. But I will say it was a relief when I finished.

Like many trails this trip would be impossible for most vehicles, but even those with 4WD it might be difficult for some while it is easy for others depending on your rig and your driving capabilities. Many people drive until they are no longer comfortable and then hike, but that is a long, hot hike in deep sand. Others opt to hire a tour or rent a ATV.

Also keep in mind that the red dirt of Utah becomes the slimiest, slipperiest mud you have ever seen when you just add water. It wouldn’t matter much what you were driving in that case because if the weather rolls in you are in deep dodo.

The 4WD ride had pretty scenery and was rather exciting because of the apprehension.

When I arrived at Peek-a-Boo Canyon, aka Red Canyon, a tour guide with a family was just setting out. I let them get ahead far enough so that I could enjoy the slots to myself.

The canyon was fantastic. There were multiple narrow slot sections. Every twist and turn was filled with the deep rich reddish brown color of the sandstone walls and the sky blue above.

With each step my grin widened until finally it extended from wall to wall. The crunch of each footfall echoed off the swirled texture of the walls just as it would have for the ancient Moqui people so long ago.

The way that the light shifted through out the hike changed the coloring of the towering red rock walls. Just a spectacular experience, immersed in the peaceful solitude of Peek-a-Boo Canyon.

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Sandstone Tapestry
Step softly into the mountain’s fracture,
Where smooth rock mimics fluid nature.
You walk the path where wild waters ran,
Deep in a sanctuary untouched by man.
The echoes linger, quiet and deep,
Where the dreaming stones their memories keep.
A squeeze of earth, a flash of bright,
A fragile dance of dark and light.

During my Off-Road outing on roads of silty red sand, through pine and scrub brush, within sight of domes of rock and cliffs of crimson I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon was yet another amazing stop during my roadtrip to Southern Utah. My trip took me to many incredible spots and I encountered a host of stimulating experiences.   My multi state roadtrip led me to captivating places in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. There are more explorations ahead, so please stay with me for more Adventure. It is easy to do with a few simple yet important steps: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above is helpful and can serve as your guide to inspiration. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. To really feel the part checkout SHOP APPAREL for your Adventure Wear needs. 

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

Belly of the Dragon

KANAB

Activity: Day Hike, Sight-Seeing, Spelunking

2 mile, 243′ elevation gain, 1 hour duration, rated Easy

Date: 4-15-26

This quirky sideshow is a fun easy stop along the way to other adventure. If you have not been in a mine shaft or cave then this will be a kick! Well, actually even if you have it is still cool.

Entrance to the Belly of the Dragon

As you take the short jaunt to the opening of the tunnel and approach the Belly of the Dragon it appears rather daunting. You may suffer flashbacks of being 5 years old and entering the cave into Pirates of the Caribbean with the sound track, “Dead Men Tell No Tales” playing in your head.

Once you click on your headlamp and climb up and in you will at least be able to see so you don’t stumble- even if the light from the dim headlamp only adds to the sinister feel. The light casts eerie shadows as it dances on the roughshod rock that has been cut and shaped by flash-floods.

Okay enough with the theatrics, if you are not 5 it is not that scary. Actually you probably will have a big gin from ear to ear because it is quite an amusement.

Not to burst your bubble or anything, but this is not a cave of an Ancient People, a lost gold mine, or a tunnel to the vast treasure of El Dorado’s immense wealth. I am afraid it is really just a culvert beneath Highway 89. But you don’t have to tell the kids that.

I wish that I did not have to say this, but unless you are thousands of years old and of historical significance no want wants to see your name carved into the sandstone. Heck even when we see Petroglyphs no one can be sure the Anasazi didn’t have a conversation like this, “Looks like junior is back to carving up the canyon walls again. Someone really needs to have a talk with that boy. We should bring it up at Tribal Council.”

On the other side of the tunnel I took a bit of a hike. The trail onward starts out in a sandy wash and then wanders into a brushy area. There are multiple overgrown paths probably all going relatively the same direction. There is nothing out there of any substance just some trails in the brush. The main event is the beast and its belly.

This is an out and back trek so if your 5 year old isn’t happy about that then this time knock off all the spooky laughter and ghostly moaning.

If the entrance of the beast’s belly is the throat then what is this exit?

Back into the belly of the beast

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Adventure starts with one step.

Thanks for entering the Belly of the Dragon with me in the Adventure Land known as Kanab. Fun times ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ inside this unique feature. As soon as I saw pictures of this beast I knew that I had to get in its belly. The sandstone colors of Utah are marvelous, the Dragon’s openings is eerily framing by surrounding hills and pines in such an ominous fashion. that you have to take pause. The Belly of the Dragon was but one stop during my journey to Southern Utah. My trip took me to many spectacular places. I have to say I really like Kanab. It is a quaint town perfectly central to so much outdoor adventure.   My multi state expedition took me to captivating places in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. There are more trails ahead, so please stay with me for Adventure. Take these simple yet important steps: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. Let the menu above serve as stimulus for you to hit the trail. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You don’t have to be Indiana Jones to dress for Raiding a Dragons Belly just checkout SHOP APPAREL for your all Adventure Wear needs. 

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

Sand Caves and Moqui Cave

KANAB

Activity: Day Hike, Sight-Seeing, Spelunking

1.5 mile, 121′ elevation gain, > 1 hour duration, rated Easy-Moderate

Date: 4-15-26

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During my epic road-trip adventure to Kanab, Utah from SoCal I felt drawn to the Sand Caves sometimes called the Moqui Caverns by the splendid photography I saw making them look so intriguing. The caves can be seen from the roadway and beckon to you to explore.

At first glance they conquer up thoughts that these were once cliff dwellings of ancient peoples, but that is not the case. These sand caves dug into the Navajo sandstone are actually silica mines for use in glass making.

The hike is short and easy, yet there is a scramble that has been referred to as “Strenuous”. I don’t know that I would call it that, but be informed that there is a scramble and you do traverse along an exposed drop to gain access to the caves, so it might not be for everyone.

Sand Caves

The Sand Caves are a series of sandy bottom chambers with openings, windows if you will, framing the surrounding rugged pine lined hills.

The whole scene is calming and provides a temporary respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world that is if you aren’t viewing the tunnels with large group of tourists. I was lucky in that I had the caves pretty much to myself making it an opportune time to snap off a few photos of this lovely and enchanting place.

Nearby is Moqui Cave which is a museum built into a cave. It is worth the stop as the curator of the quirky little museum is well versed in the many Native American and Pioneer artifacts on display. Just outside is a snack bar that provided me a great Acai Bowl breakfast during my travels two different mornings it was so good.

How fun is this Native American canoe picnic table at the snack bar?

I was intrigued by the architecture of the Moqui Cave Museum. They did a good job capturing an historic feel of this part of the Old West.

“Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.”
– Margaret Lee Runbeck

Thanks for rambling through the Sand Caves of Kanab with me as I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in this picturesque setting. The sandstone colors were incredible, the cave openings were dreamy, framing the surrounding hills and pines in such a delightful manner. This was just one stop during my journey to Southern Utah. My trip took me to many wonderful spots. I really got a feel for Kanab and the outlying area during this road-trip.   My multi state excursion took me to fascinating places in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. There are more explorations ahead, so please stay with me for more Adventure. It is easy to do with a few simple yet important steps: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above is helpful and can serve as your guide to inspiration. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. To really feel the part checkout SHOP APPAREL for your Adventure Wear needs. 

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK

Outside of Kanab, Utah

Activity: Day Hike, Exploring the Dunes

2 miles, 167′ elevation gain, rated Easy-Moderate

Date: 4-15-26

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

One of the many natural attractions to the outdoors enthusiasts haven Kanab, Utah is Coral Pink Sand Dunes. This shifting ocean of pink-ish sand is the playground for Side by Side Razor OHV rigs- racing through the desert dunes carving up the sand. If you don’t have such a rig then they do tours at this location.

My exploration of this “Pretty in Pink” phenomenon started early that morning at my awesome dispersed camping spot managed by the BLM at Hurricane Cliffs. Oh my gosh what a great place to camp with magnificent scenery in every direction. This would serve as my home base for several days of my Road Trip in my Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro from Southern California to Southern Utah. I have been to the Utah National Parks so this trip l wanted to checkout Kanab, Utah and the outlying area.

Dispersed Camping

Upon my arrival at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park I parked near the observation platform, but that certainly wasn’t enough I wanted to experience the dunes close up and personal.

As I stepped on to the coral and pink distinctly shaded sand I was taken in by the color. I have seen plenty of golden dunes, and even some white dunes, but this was a first for pink and coral colored ones.

As I mentioned this park is a favorite of the side by side Razor crowd, but beyond these motorized vehicles it is also fun just to go into the dunes and hike around, and for those that can’t hike there is an observation deck that acts as a viewing station.

‘Pretty in Pink’

For those wanting to get a little crazy you can also rent a sand board and head down one of the two large dunes in the park at break neck speed, (literally).

Sand Boarding

I have been to some of the great US dune locations such as Oregon Dunes, Kelso Dunes in Mohave National Preserve, White Sands National Park and Death Valley National Park’s Mesquite Dunes and Eureka Dunes. Even though I have been in dunes they are always fun and this particular dunes is a little different in the pink hue that it has. If you have not ventured into dunes then I would say this is a must do.

The Coral Pink Dunes are thought to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old formed by eroding Navajo Sand Stone. The park’s giant sandbox cover 3,730 acres and sit at about 6,000′ elevation. The dunes are changed by the wind and surprisingly enough can move up to 50′ in a single year. There is a $15 entry fee to the park.

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“Atop the shape-shifting piles of sand, the wind-drift ripples can be mesmerizing.”

Thanks for wandering through the dunes with me as I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in pink-ish sand. Pink Coral Sand Dunes was just one stop during my journey to Southern Utah. My excursion took me to many exciting places and I experienced a host of thrilling activities.   My multi state roadtrip took me to fascinating places in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. There are more explorations ahead, so please stay with me for more Adventure. It is easy to do with a few simple yet important steps: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above is helpful and can serve as your guide to inspiration. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. To really feel the part checkout SHOP APPAREL for your Adventure Wear needs. 

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

Boyhood Home of Butch Cassidy

NEAR: CIRCLEVILLE, UTAH

Activity: Sight Seeing

Date: 3-13-23

On my road trip to the National Parks of Utah and closing in on Capitol Reef National Park I stopped into a roadside exhibit of one of the Old West’s most notorious outlaws Butch Cassidy’s home when he was a boy. When you are traveling through this country you certainly start to get that “Whole in the Wall” Vibe, which is what the “Wild Butch” named their hideout.

Now I suppose that Butch Cassidy was a somewhat handsome hombre, as far at desperados go, but let’s be real here folks he was no Paul Newman. So, to have your thieving, bank and train robbery holdup escapades splashed across the silver screen by one of the most handsome and best actors of all time that is quite a feat thus cementing his infamous legacy in history. If you haven’t seen the movie ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ then you have robbed yourself of an outstanding flick.

Robert Redford and Paul Newman portraying ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. (Photo by Getty Images)

This roadside exhibit of Robert Leroy Parker, better known by his alias “Butch Cassidy” is a fun break from a long drive. There is the Parker family cabin and stable to checkout where Butch, the oldest of 13 Mormon children, lived from 14 to 18 years of age.

Sheriff Ray Bledsoe:
You know, you should have let yourself get killed a long time ago when you had the chance. See, you may be the biggest thing that ever hit this area, but you’re still two-bit outlaws. I never met a soul more affable than you, Butch, or faster than the Kid, but you’re still nothing but two-bit outlaws on the dodge. It’s over, don’t you get that? Your time is over and you’re gonna die bloody, and all you can do is choose where.

Thanks for joining me as I stepped back in time to see how settlers of the Old West lived and the boyhood home of one of the best known bad guy figures from this era. There is much more to come on this roadtrip to Utah’s National Parks so stick close by doing a few easy tasks. COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Please look into ideas for your own adventure through the above menu. There you will discover that PBTA ventures all over this exciting West of ours, hiking, backpacking, 4 Wheeling, MTB, SUP, canoeing, sailing and so on and so forth… and always enjoying Nature and seeking the Balance it can bring. The menu is categorized mostly by location, but sometimes by activity, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you are looking for top quality Adventure Wear than look no further than my line of PBTA logo items at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trials-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail

MOAB

Activity: Day Hike

2.5 miles, 485′ elevation change, 90 min duration, rated Moderate

Date: 3-17-23

This hike is a must do while in the Moab area. It is in the canyon lands of Utah just outside Arches National Park on BLM land and carries the designation of a National Recreation Trail. These two arches, Bowtie Arch and Corona Arch are fabulous and that is coming from someone that just completed Arches National Park which has more arches than anywhere else and these two are stupendous as well. Plus the bonus is there is no charge and it does not have the big crowds like a National Park.

To gain access to the hike you will make your way along Potash Road which runs along the Colorado River. The hike starts out pretty steep right off the bat out of the trailhead. The trailhead has a good amount of parking and a descent national park pit-toilet style bathroom. As you gain altitude you will have some nice views of the Colorado River below before making your way further back into Bootlegger Canyon.

The hike is made up of slickrock benches and there is a particularly steep and somewhat exposed section that has a chain to aid your climb and right after the chains there is a ladder to navigate. At that point you will have marvelous views of Bowtie Arch and then Corona Arch. The setting with it’s rugged red rock is as if you stepped into one of your favorite Old Time Westerns.

The chains portion of the hike to Corona Arch.

A group of college “Spring Breakers” maneuver a steep section towards Corona Arch.

As you close in on the arches the first one is Bowtie Arch. It is a pothole type of arch. It was formed when a pothole above erodes down into the alcove below. When you view this rather unusual formation straight on it has the appearance of a bowtie and thus the name.

Bowtie Arch, a pot-hole type of natural arch.

Bowtie Arch

Corona Arch is close by and it stands 105 feet tall and 140 feet across. The arch is composed of Navajo sandstone and is sometimes referred to as “Little Rainbow Bridge”. I hiked through and then beyond the arch and perched myself on a slanted portion of the canyon wall and just sat back in awe of this magnificent scene.

Corona Arch stands 105′ and is 140′ across.

Corona Arch

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“Heaven is under our feet as well as above our heads.” – Henry David Thoreau Walden 

Thanks for joining me in Moab while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure. Moab is the quintessential desert canyon playground, a place I have wanted to visit for sometime ever since watching the movie ‘127 Hours’. I tried to get a hold of James Franco to give me a hand with the planning, but got no reply. As I gazed upon this fragile rock formation, seemly balanced in the sky, I couldn’t help but reflect on the Balance that viewing this Monument of Nature brought to me. I took a breath and traced the bridge of rock with my eyes which brought a huge smile to my face. There is more adventures ahead and I invite you to stay with me by doing this: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above shows the many locations that PBTA travels to across this great West. The menu is categorized by location and sometimes activity. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. The hat I am wearing in the video is part of my Adventure Wear Collection, and carries the PBTA Logo. If I sell just 5,000 of them I might pay for the gas for this Utah Road Trip. So hurry over to SHOP APPAREL and pick yours up today.

Happy Trials-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Cathedral in the Desert

GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

LAKE POWEL

Activity: Exploration, Boating

Date: 7-21-21

Sunlight filtered down through the slot in the Canyon. Near the top of the chamber, a domed roof of this saintly cathedral amplifies the sound of trickling water. The sunlight hit a reflecting pool and danced on the surrounding circular walls colored with hues of red, gold, brown and yellow. The beauty of this massive chasm of sandstone, with water gently cascading down the rock face of the 40’ waterfall, cast a spell of solemn reverence on all who saw.

The feeling of inspiring awe was undeniable. This was something that has been called, ”One of the most stunning sites on Earth”. Indeed this is a spectacular natural monument in Glen Canyon. What I did not realize is that few had seen this spot since the 1960’s when the dam flooded Glen Canyon creating Lake Powell. The Cathedral in the Desert had been lost to the lake until the severe drought had recently gave it, and all of us, this breath of fresh air, bringing this holy chamber back to the light of day. A modern story of Paradise Lost and Paradise Re-Found.

A week of House Boating on Lake Powell, under very strange circumstances, had brought us to many spectacular finds. One such find was what we affectionally called the “Toilet Bowl”. This giant skylight in the ceiling was just a matter of years ago a swimming pool rimmed in stone, but now was a 80’ drop from above.

The dramatic drop of water level had closed marinas and actually shut down the lake to houseboat launching and recovery while we were there. In fact, the recreation area as we now know it, is in peril and it’s future unknown due to the sever drought. But this drop of water emptied the lake of most boat travel, giving us the lake practically to ourselves. There were beaches where none had been before, the cavern walls were higher and the channels more narrow and shallow. It was really another lake in some ways. And in this way uncovered the buried treasure in Glen Canyon’s arm of the Escalante, in Clear Creek Canyon- Behold, the Cathedral in the Desert.

We arrived by boat to a place that before was submerged.

You can get a feel for the enormity of this place when you see my friends entering the Cathedral.

With the extreme drop in water level at Lake Powell the Cathedral of the Desert is reborn.

40’ Cathedral of the Desert Waterfall

Waterfalls were meant to be seen in motion click PBTA YouTube Channel.

“Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.” – Betty Smith

Thanks for joining my friends and I as we made an exploration of a place so special that it is almost spiritual, the Cathedral in the Desert while ’Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ at Glen Canyon’s Lake Powell. The spot that I am standing in this picture was under 150’ of water for more than half a century. Now that is the kind of adventure worth pursuing, the balance one obtains from such exposure sets your soul free, and that is what Profound Experiences in Nature can do. For other adventures in nature please stick with me by doing these simple tasks: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. I am not wearing much in the picture, but if I was than I would be wearing Adventure Wear, which you can too by making a purchase from SHOP APPAREL, which carries the PBTA Logo and mantra. It is top quality gear. Once you are outfitted then go to the menu to see the many glorious spots that PBTA ventures to, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

HOLE in the ROCK TRAIL

GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

LAKE POWELL

Activity: Day Hike, Scrambling

2 miles, 225’-1,400’ elevation gain, 2 hours duration, rated Moderate to Hard 

‘Hole in the Rock’ is the exact spot that Mormon Settler Pioneers made their way from the East, across vast desert, to these bluffs and lowered wagons down to the Colorado River below as they forged their way West towards a new life, and a new beginning.

Fun and historic hike, much of it is scrambling. There are plenty of fun obstacles including, but not limited to fat man squeeze, a hole or two to climb through, and a couple of spots that require light rock climbing. Remember it is easier to go up then down when seeking hand and footholds. At the top was a standout view of Hole in the Rock and Lake Powell down below, but beware- the wind was blowing hard towards the edge. Our friend Hank’s hat blew off and we found it a quarter mile down the scramble. 

I guess I should have recorded my hike to have more exacting information, instead I have to report what information I have found. I have heard the hike called Moderate, I have heard it called Hard and also Strenuous. The only way that I can think that it wouldn’t be Hard is because it is not a long hike. I have also seen varied accounts of the elevation gain that started at 225’, which in my opinion is totally off. I would think that it is much closer to the upper range that I have read claiming 1,400’ elevation gain. Even 1,400’ is not a lot of gain on a hike, but the difference is this is a short hike in length so it is a steep scramble. As I have mentioned, there were two spots, that called for what I refer to as light rock climbing. This was a section that you need good hand and footholds. Coming back down I was a little stuck, but luckily I had friends that had my back, well… backside actually. Luckily she was a cute young Doctor so I suppose it is alright, lol. Bring water after all this is the desert and you will be asserting yourself as you climb the steep route, good foot wear is essential, not like our friend John who obviously wasn’t expecting to hike, just water ski during our Lake Powell Trip. But he said it’s fine, his Extreme Athlete son bought the sandals in Telluride, besides they were good enough for Jesus.

We left on this hike later in the day to let it cool down a bit, and to take advantage of shadows casts on the rock crack we were working our way up. It might have been even better to go in the morning, but we were taking advantage of morning glass for wake boarding. There is only so much time to squeeze everything in when you are on adventure…

We were amazed as we followed the steps of history. It was hard enough to hike/scramble this slot, how these early pioneers managed wagons with all of their belongings down this spot I will never know. They were people of strong character, with a never say die attitude.

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  The sign is weathered from the unrelenting elements, but the incredible story can still be read.

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I suppose the Mormon Settlers enjoyed the same type of sunset all those years ago as they made their way down ‘Hole in the Rock’.

“May your rivers flow without end… down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs… where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you-beyond that next turning of the canyon walls.” – Edward Abbey

Thanks for joining me and my Lake Powell Houseboat Trip Adventurers as we discovered ourselves ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ at ‘Hole in Rock’ in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area at Lake Powell. This hike added to the glorious week we spent together taking a break from the hustle and bustle we call everyday life and balancing it with exercise, fresh air and sunshine, togetherness, and bountiful and unique natural beauty. For more adventures please stay with us by doing these few simple tasks: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. You should go to the menu above and checkout the many places that PBTA ventures to. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for all of your top quality adventure wear needs. Of course you will find the PBTA Logo which is the mantra with which to explore our natural world and at the same time ourselves.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Dramatic Black and White Photos of Lake Powell

As Seen Through the Lens of Roger Jenkins

Lake Powell in Black and White Showcases it’s Ageless Beauty

A Powerful and Dramatic Back Drop to the Waters of Lake Powell

The Camera Captures this Strong Image of this Wild Land

This Artist Piece Could be a Day Old or a 150 Years

This Haunting Image Beacons You Deeper and Deeper in the Canyon Despite the Encroaching Storm

Lake Powell is Truly Magnicient Even in Black and White

Violent Monsoon Storm Races Across the Desert

Moonlight sparkling on Lake Powell

Houseboat Adventure on Lake Powell

GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Activity: House Boating, Skiing/Wakeboarding, Hiking/Scrambling, SUP, Kayaking, Swimming, Boating, and Jet Skiing

Dates: July 16-24, 2021

Lake Powell is a special place in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the boarder of Arizona and Utah. It’s beauty and wonder is vast, untamed and ever changing. This was my second time to join friends for a week of fun and adventure aboard their 65’ houseboat.

My friends are experts at this houseboat vacation in the wild as this is their annual pilgrimage to this oasis in the desert, that they have been enjoying for a couple decades.

This particular trip was unique even to them as a decade or more of drought has made severe changes as the water level plummets. The Canyons, it’s walls and rock formations now even taller, the water channels that snake through the rock narrower and more shallow. There were beaches where there had been none before, and there were more obstacles in the water to beware of.

The water is so low it is incredible. One of the major launch areas Antelope Point is closed as the launch ramp is so low that the end has a big drop off. Even where we launched in Page, Arizona they were not allowing rentals to go past Padre Bay. The crazy thing is right after we launched they closed our ramp to all house boats. The level of the lake was falling four inches a day, which is pretty dramatic especially on a lake this size. So we really didn’t have many boats on the lake once we pasted that area. Unfortunately the company that launched our boat said that we must be back a day early. 

One nice benefit is this very popular lake usual buzzing with gorgeous decked out ski boats, fast jet skis, and fully equipped houseboats was relatively quiet and became more sparse the farther we went on our trip, so we practically had the place to ourselves. One drawback is the closures meant we could not refuel far up the lake. We brought a bunch of gas cans with us, cut back a bit on usage, and traveled a little less.

We motored some fifty miles up the lake during our journey stopping at a different spot each night. The hot days were exploration packed with a full array of water toys with which to cool off. The water temperature remained a constant perfect . Rock formations all along our trip were absolutely stunning. The landscape was awe inspiring every where you look. We were always taking excursions. One such event was an arch, hole cut in a ceiling, which probably has a name but we nicknamed it “Toilet Bowel.” Another spot was aptly named Cathedral of the Canyons as it was almost spiritual in it grandeur, such a splendid and impressive place with a wonderful little waterfall.

It was monsoon season so several of our evenings clouded up and we even had a little rain. Near the end of our vacation we had two afternoons of big, powerful, dangerous and frightening thunderstorms.

We also got in a couple of hikes Hole in the Rock and on a little bluff over looking Big Water.

Lake Time, ski time, sun time, paddle time, fun time! Friends, house boating, good food and celebrating. Canyons, plateaus, bluffs, arches, formations. Colorful sunsets, full moon rising, storm clouds, waves, rain.

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We took a couple of ski boats and the jet ski to this formation that we nick named the “Toilet Bowl”. A few of us swam around in the Toilet and climbed up the back of the cave.

Could there be any more beautiful place to wakeboard?

I suppose the Mormon Settlers enjoyed the same type of sunset all those years ago as they made their way down ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Looks like a lighthouse, a beacon of hope for travelers, and in a way it is. The full moon rises over the canyon wall and light spills over reflecting on the cove of our anchorage.

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One of our excursions was basically a sunset booze cruise trying to outrun the waning light and the approaching storm.

We enjoyed a new anchorage and new adventure every night. When the storm arrived we thought we were all snug in our protected little cove until pebbles started raining down on us as the high winds swept crossed the bluff above.

We enjoyed our scrumptious dinners. Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, our friend Hank, kept us well fed on the house boat’s roof top patio with views of the Glen Canyon all around.

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These 2 shots were taken under the full moon in the middle of the night.

Video of our trip on ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ YouTube Channel

“There is no Lake like Powell for beauty, house boating, and water skiing.” – John Forgrave 

Thanks for joining me and our motley crew of fun seekers as we found ourselves ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ at fabulous Lake Powell for a week of wonder and fellowship truly unwinding, completely detached from the work a day world and trading it’s fast pace for about 6-8 knots on a houseboat with toys in tow. For more on our Lake Powell experience as well as more adventures in the wilds of Utah you will want to stayed tuned by performing these easy tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. To explore other adventures throughout the West take a look at the menu above. For top quality Adventure Wear to protect from the sun and carries the ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Logo and Mantra please visit SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure