Farley Canyon

Farley Canyon is one of countless side canyons on Utah's Lake Powell, but offers the perk of being vehicle-accessible with a 4X4.  In years past, Farley Canyon was a popular launch point and camping area.  The low water levels of recent years have caused the shoreline to retreat a couple of miles from the original recreation area.  At present, Farley Canyon is a separate water body from Lake Powell proper but is connected to the Colorado River by a short inflow channel.  

Primitive camping is available at Farley Canyon, and there is a restroom at the adjacent recreation site (may be locked off-season).  As part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, there is a fee of $12/night to camp here.  Camping is permitted both at the recreation area and shoreside below the high water elevation of 3700 feet.  Check regulations and fees, as they are subject to change by the National Park Service.  Quagga mussels--an aquatic invasive species--have also been present in this area.  Be sure to thoroughly clean, drain and dry any vessel or gear that has contacted the water after use.  Also ensure that no water is transported out of this lake into any other body of water.  

   

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 5
    Shoreline Interest: 4
    Use: Low
    Fee: $12/day if camping
    Access: 1+ mi of 4WD 

    with sidehill section before water
    Elev at full = 3700; 

    cut-off from main lake under 3600, 

    good at any water level 
    Rec info 
    Weather 






The access road to Farley Canyon is about 5.5 miles south of the Hite Bridge on Utah State Highway 95.  It is 2.5 miles of improved gravel road to the fee box and restroom structure.  At the current water level, however, a 4 wheel drive vehicle is required to continue to the actual shoreline.  There is a confusing cluster of spur trails that emanate from the large flat area at the end of the gravel, so it is a good idea to screenshot a google maps (or other) aerial image of the area before heading out.  The 4-wheel drive road also features a short but pronounced sidehill section before a steep drop into the Farley Canyon wash.  This elevation of the most difficult section is near the 2019 high water mark and may have experienced erosion or inundation since our visit in spring of 2019.  Be comfortable with your vehicle and the condition of the road before committing to the most difficult section.  The water's edge is 1/4 to 1/2 mile beyond the sidehill section, depending on water level.  

Farley Canyon, looking west toward Colorado River

The photos in this post show a water level of about 3585.  Lake Powell's water levels can fluctuate as much as 50 feet in a year, so the paddle conditions are dynamic.  However, the Farley Canyon inlet from the Colorado River is at an elevation of about 3590 with current sedimentation.  The water elevation of the Farley Canyon inlet won't necessarily coincide with USBR-published water levels below for Lake Powell proper below 3590.

Farley Canyon, looking east

Farley Canyon water's edge

The National Geographic Trails Illustrated map for Glen Canyon NRA shows the the confluence of Farley Canyon and the Colorado River to be about 200 feet deep at the assumed water level of 3640.  If the current conditions still matched the legacy topographical data from which the map was created, Farley Canyon would be contiguous with the rest of the lake and the confluence would be a fully inundated part of the lake.  Instead, the buildup of sediment has raised the Colorado River bed over 100 feet and effectively cut off Farley Canyon from the rest of Lake Powell. 

Colorado River at Inlet

In spring of 2019, a connecting channel between the Farley Canyon and the Colorado River backflowed from the river with several feet of drop.  The channel was incised 5 to 10 feet into the sediment, had a width of 10 to 20 feet, and a depth of 3 to 5 feet with an obvious current into Farley Canyon.  It was possible to paddle upstream but only with vigorous paddling.  This dynamic relationship between the inlet and the river likely changes constantly with river flow and lake level fluctuations.  Depending on season the flow rate and velocity of the Colorado River might not facilitate padding into the river proper. 

Farley Canyon, looking west

Farley Canyon Connecting Channel

Just south of the Farley Canyon Confluence is White Canyon, which offers even more miles of stillwater paddling.  A venture into White Canyon may require up to 1/4 mile of paddling upstream in the Colorado River on the return trip.  This might be a dubious excursion in the late spring during peak runoff, but could be more accommodating with lower flows in the fall.  Although maps and aerial images may suggest that Farley and White Canyons join the river at the same point, the river's current course flows into white canyon before doing a 180 degree meander back to its original course.  

Sunset from Island in Farley Canyon

Farley Canyon offers a unique paddleboarding experience in a remote and surreal setting.  The dynamic nature of the lake and river mean that the current topography may have notable variation from what we observed in June of 2019.  The location is far from services, so travel prepared with the appropriate gear, emergency supplies, and--most importantly--sound judgement.  Have fun exploring and stay safe!