Category Archives: Lake Powell

ZAC Field Trip: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and More

Posted on February 23, 2013 by

Our most recent staff field trip took us east by southeast and over the state line into Arizona where we visited Horseshoe Bend, Upper Antelope Canyon and Upper Water Holes Canyon. We met at the shop on a beautiful Monday morning, excited to begin this adventure. After some opening words and a short brief from our fearless leader, Dave, we all piled in a large Sprinter Van and got on our way. Good laughs, conversation, and freshly baked cookies consumed our 2-hour drive. Our first official field trip stop was Horseshoe Bend. Located just 4 miles southwest of Page, AZ, Horseshoe Bend is aptly named for the horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River in this area. The hike to the overlook point is short (less than a mile) and seems like a bargain for the breath-taking view of the canyon. Our group reveled in the incredible view of the river and canyon. It’s hard to convey what it feels like looking down hundreds of feet below you, watching boats the size of ants maneuver in the crystal clear river. You begin to wonder how in the world something so magnificent came to be and at the same time try to … Continue reading →

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Merry Men of Murray Rescue Chuckwalla in Glen Canyon

Posted on September 28, 2011 by

On September 15th, the crew of the Merry Murray Men and Associates, observed some flooding out in Glen Canyon… Some of us, up close and personal… So when we descended a canyon on September 16th called Maiden Oil, we found much flood debris at the reservoir-canyon meeting spot. Jenny was swimming about when she came upon Godzilla (actually they had another name for he/she, but I can’t recall it right now) among the flotsam. She kindly brought her new friend over to a log. Cold and apparently water logged (swollen belly), our hero was not moving about much. When Drue came along, he told Godzilla, in reassuring tones, to trust him. Godzilla then embarked on a 150 yard voyage in Drue’s helmet, to the waiting boat. I hope Godzilla didn’t have to pee ;-o. After a mile-long boat ride, we were on sun-soaked slickrock, at water’s edge. Jenny took our hero out and placed he/she on the rock. Feeling better, Godzilla headed for the shade, right away. All said our farewells. The next AM we stopped to check in on our new friend and he/she was gone. Off to seek a new home? In the belly of a raven? We shall never know. So I am left thinking that this lizard had been … Continue reading →

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Celebrating 15 Years

Posted on September 26, 2011 by

I created this video, which debuted at our big celebration on September 15th, to commemorate ZAC’s big 15th Anniversary this month. It’s my attempt to capture the scope and magic of the people and adventures ZAC has encompassed over the last decade and a half, which is really a lot to boil down into a nine-minute video. I really enjoyed assembling the movie for everyone; I got to learn so much about our history and our staff. So many amazing people walk in that door… some work for us, but of course most do not. EVERYONE, however, is responsible for making this thing called “Zion Adventure Company” work. Thank you for your love and support, and cheers to many years to come! Anna

Posted in Canyoneering, Gear, Guided Events, Hiking, Hiring, Human History, Lake Powell, Local Events, Mountain Biking, Mountainbiking, Outdoor Leadership, Reflections, Rock Climbing, Seasons, Springdale, The Narrows, Videos, ZAC Events, Zion, Zion National Park | 1 Comment

ZAC Memories from Chris & Steve Sponagle

Posted on September 6, 2011 by

We have received some great notes, letters, poems, and questions in response to our call-out for client stories to celebrate our 15th Anniversay. Thank you! Here’s another good one, from the Sponagles up in Wisconsin. We have been VERY blessed to have experienced many fun adventures with our friends at Zion Adventure Company, but two particular remembrances stand out for me.  The first was a trip with Dave and my husband Steve back in 2008 when we spent a day getting wet in Battlecreek.  It was during that trip that my excitement for canyoneering stuck and we realized that with a little extra work, we could actually develop the skills to explore technical canyons on our own.  Several years and many canyons later, we continue to return to Utah on a regular basis to play.  The second stand-out moment was on a trip to Lake Powell in 2010.  After spending a spectacular day exploring a rarely seen canyon with Jonathan, we spent the night sleeping out under the stars on a sandstone bank – absolutely mesmerizing!!!  Congratulations on your anniversary and here’s to the wonderful adventures that still lie ahead! Chris & Steve Sponagle

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New ZAC Video: Lake Powell Canyoneering

Posted on August 9, 2011 by

When I think back on my time in the Lake Powell canyons, my heart sinks a little. Our experiences in life are fleeting; only memories remain and at some point those fade too. I will forget most moments from this trip, but I will hold many with me until my mind falters in old age. Watching people push themselves for the sake of getting better astounds and encourages me. Overcoming my own obstacles is immensely satisfying as well. Here is a moment I will not soon forget: When I stemmed across the pool Chris talks about in the video, I was so afraid, but so determined. That combination of emotions is hard to sustain for long, but when you get the opportunity to use them to make yourself better, that is a gift. Immediately following me across the pool was Chris, who shared emotions and challenges similar to my own; I had the privilege of helping talk her through the traverse and supporting her emotionally on her way across. When she made it to the other side, it gave me as much joy as it had when I had reached safety myself. This is canyoneering at its finest – when … Continue reading →

Posted in Canyoneering, Guided Events, Lake Powell, Trip Reports, Videos, ZAC Events | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Lake Powell Boaters’ Update

Posted on July 8, 2011 by

Wondering what is going on in Glen Canyon? A fantastic winter snowfall in the Rockies is currently melting, and on Friday, July 1 the inflow to Lake Powell measured 78,849 cubic feet per second. At the same time, the outflow of water released down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon to Lake Mead was 24,522 CFS, which is the maximum power generating capacity of the electric station at Glen Canyon Dam. As a result, Lake Powell is currently rising eight inches each day; the Lake level has risen ten feet in the last two weeks. The result for boaters is a myriad of dangerous obstacles barely covered by water, capable of injuring boats and boaters alike. In addition to the rocks, the rising water is floating once-beached logs, bark, and trash, creating additional hazards. Some Specific Lake Powell Notes: • Wiregrass Canyon (behind Lone Rock( currently has at least five rock hazards just below the current water level. • The entrance to Labyrinth Canyon is very difficult to navigate at the current water level. • The camping area at Lone Rock Beach is disappearing daily, as the rising water submerges more of the sandy beach. This is true of … Continue reading →

Posted in Canyoneering, Lake Powell, Seasonal, Summer, Trip Reports | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Artful Glen Canyon Images from Photographer Dan Ransom

Posted on June 9, 2011 by

An example from a small collection of fine new black and white images posted by Dan Ransom recently. Dan clearly takes a path less traveled here, using the black and white format, along with some beautiful composition and design, to place the focus on the natural lines and forms that make canyons so breathtaking. View more of this Glen Canyon photography series on his website.

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Lake Powell Canyoneering Video from Client John McHugh

Posted on June 7, 2011 by

Joe was on our 5/6 – 5/8 Canyon Venture trip to Lake Powell, and this is the vid he put together with footage he took during the trip. Just think… next time, it could be you!

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“Secret Canyons” with Peter Lik and Zion Adventure Company

Posted on April 7, 2011 by

In December 2010, ZAC guides Dave Buckingham and Jonathan Zambella helped Peter Lik, Master Photographer, host his new show, “From the Edge”, which airs Thursdays on the Weather Channel. In this episode, Lik’s crew explores a magical, unnamed slot on the south side of Lake Powell. We often visit this canyon on our FunVentures, inspired both by its amazing photographic qualities and its exceeding beauty. Peter Lik thought the same and spent two days with us exploring its secret image moments. We just got word from The Weather Channel that our episode, “Secret Canyons”, will air tomorrow, Thursday, April 7th at 8 pm EST. Please take a moment to watch it live, or view it online in your next free moment.

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Canyoneering Lake Powell Video now Live on YouTube

Posted on December 25, 2010 by

Lydia, Andrew, and Jonathan create a video from fall 2010 footage shot on location at Lake Powell, AZ/UT. Continue reading →

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