Your 4-Day Itinerary to Visiting Lake Powell in the Fall
Ever since I interviewed Maddie and Jenna of Senita Athletics, I wanted to meet them in person. I’ve been a fan of their apparel for a couple years now, but speaking to them over the phone (er, recording software) made me appreciate Senita—and all they stand for—that much more.
So when Maddie and Jenna invited me to Lake Powell for a week of boating, hiking, and meeting other badass women, I had two words: Hellllllll yes.
I Wanted to Visit Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon for Quite Some Time
It’s funny—I never left the country until my mid-twenties, but once I started, I just couldn’t stop. I traveled to twenty-three countries over the past half-decade of my life, and have zero intentions of slowing down.
But while I love traveling internationally, there are SO many domestic destinations I’ve been dying to visit. Up until two weeks ago, Antelope Canyon ranked toward the top of that list. It’s just one of those places you see in photos and think, “Is that even real?”
I got invited by the Senita Sisters as a part of an influencer retreat. Before I dive into everything we did and explored at Lake Powell, I have to tell you one thing about these two female co-founders: They.Love.Each.Other. Completely inseparable throughout the week, seeing them together gave me a little insight behind “The Sisterhood” that is their brand. And since they live in completely separate cities, now I know why their husbands tease them for how much they speak on the phone.
Ok. Enough of that. But Jenna and Maddie, if you’re reading this, I had a great time on the trip. And thanks so much for inviting me, and you’re awesome.
The Best Time to Visit Lake Powell
Before you plan your visit, know this: Lake Powell is definitely a touristy place. If you’re not a fan of crowds, you might want to consider visiting in the off-season. Our trip started the third week of October, a full month after the close of peak-season. It wasn’t crowded one bit. We floated up and down the canyon for hours at a time, never passing a SINGLE boat.
Are there disadvantages to visiting in the fall? Sure. Since the temperatures are cooler, you don’t want to go in the water—it’s way too cold! In the summer months, you and a group of friends can rent an entire houseboat for the week, then spend your days jet skiing, tubing, or water skiing.
Your 4-Day Itinerary to Visiting Lake Powell in the Fall
I was lucky enough to be one of eight women invited out to Lake Powell for the week. When I landed in Phoenix, AZ, I joined with seven others from across Colorado, Utah, California, and Philly. All of us were from different industries and backgrounds, and spent the next few days hiking, boating, and dining in the lodge.
Day 1
The eight of us boarded the same flight from Phoenix, just a thirty-minute trip on Contour Airlines. We landed in Page, Arizona, a tiny airport with one, lone gate.
The town of Page is cute and small, and just a thirty-or-forty minute drive to our lodge off Lake Powell. The lodge was really beautiful on the lake and a quick five minute drive to the docks. There was a pool and hot tub on site, along with a fitness center, restaurant, and a Starbucks. Each room had a little outdoor seating area where you could enjoy the scenery.
When we arrived, the Senita sisters gifted us outfits and we all had dinner together. Since we were all exhausted from traveling, we didn’t hang out too much that first night.
Day 2
The first morning in Lake Powell, we all woke up and did a short run together—just two or three miles. We hung out at the lodge for a bit, then got ready for a day of floating on the river.
The float trip was a four-or-five hour excursion down Glen Canyon and around Horseshoe Bend. Our tour guide was awesome, pointing out different sights and singing us songs along the way. Right before sunset, we got out and climbed to the top of Horseshoe Bend for sunset photos.
Day 3
I woke up early to do a workout in the fitness center on my own, just to get it out of the way. I did a leg workout from the TL Method, then linked up with the other girls.
Wednesday was another boat ride, this time to Rainbow Bridge on Navajo land. Rainbow Bridge is a high arch made of stone, but no one knows exactly how it was made. There’s a bunch of different stories on how it came to be.
It’s a two-hour boat ride from the lodge to the Rainbow Bridge. Once we arrived, we did a two-mile hike around the bridge. It was really chill—we just chit chatted amongst ourselves, talking about business and learning about each other’s respective industries. The last stretch of the trip was to Canyonlands, these super-tall rock formations off the lake.
Day 4
Thursday morning I taught a morning yoga and fitness class on the lawn. Once we all had a chance to shower and get ready, we went to lower Antelope Canyon, which, like Glen Canyon, is on Navajo land.
Antelope Canyon formed as a result of flash flooding. Rain water ran through the slots in the rocks, making super narrow passageways. Somehow the erosion made the walls smooth and almost flow-y in appearance.
To see Antelope Canyon, you must be accompanied by a tour guide. You arrive in little buggies, which almost look like a pick-up truck fitted with a canopy.
After Antelope Canyon, it was time to go to the airport, where I got yelled at by security for recording a mobility video on Instagram Live.
And Yes, I’m Already Thinking About Going Back
It was cool meeting all the girls this week, each of us from different worlds. Now that I’m home, I definitely plan to get in touch. I wish we would have organized some sort of panel or discussion while we were down there. We spent our downtime on the boat talking about websites, SEO, social, and what is-or-is-not working, talks that are so rare when you work for yourself, from your own home.
My boyfriend and I already discussed how fun it would be to return in the summer, and maybe renting a houseboat with all our friends. But hey, that’s just one more reason to come back, right?