Back to Lake Powell in May - a truly great place to paddle, especially before the summer crowds. We are celebrating our 60th birthdays on the water. My paddling partner is an avid paddler and will do the length again (Wahweap to Hall's). This will be maybe the fifteenth time he has 'gone the distance'. I put in at Hall's and paddle down lake, meeting him at the Escalante. Then we take our time heading back to Hall's, with stops for a couple of great hikes along the way. Probably seven days total - so with drinking the purified lake water, we will 'be' Lake Powell when we take out. Can't wait.

I am very jealous. That is a place I have long wanted to paddle. is the water low enough to see the ruins?

Lake Powell is on our list of paddling destinations to do in the next couple of years. What time of year do you recommend?

Just saw this thread and hope my answer will still be useful to you.

Lake Powell is best for paddling in fall. Summer = nuthouse full of powerboats and jetskis; also extreme heat. Winter = iffy camping conditions.

Spring's air temperatures are often warm to hot, but the water is extremely cold in early spring (deep water). If you go, avoid spring break periods.

I like fall because the water is still warm from summer and the crowds have lessened. Note that I did not say they go away! The concesssions run discount programs on houseboat rentals in fall, and these things will be your competition for campsites.

Both spring and fall you can pretty much count on strong winds on at least some days, so figure in some layover days if you're doing a kayak-camping trip. If you're setting up a basecamp in the developed campground, you can go hiking instead of paddling on the craziest wind days.

It's beautiful there. If you kayak-camp, make sure to sleep under the stars at least one night! No bugs, and usually clear skies. Although you won't hear the sound of tides coming and going, little pockets in the sandstone cupping gently moving ripples can "sing" to you all night.