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Ticaboo

Ticaboo   |  Rosie Serago
  • Weather: Mostly Sunny, 54F

Visitors looking to get away from crowded national parks to enjoy the beauty of Southern Utah will find an escape in Ticaboo. Boating, fishing, biking, canyoneering and off-road riding are all popular. Bullfrog Bay has become a center for watersports in the region, and you’re not far from incredible slot canyons, Pueblo petroglyphs, and unforgettable vistas overlooking the Colorado River. Explore this lesser-known section of Utah to find a piece of red-rock paradise. 

Located near the northernmost section of Lake Powell, Ticaboo, Utah sits at the convergence of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and the Henry Mountains. The area’s first inhabitants were the Kayenta, a branch of the Pueblo tribe. The harsh desert landscape proved uninviting to the initial settlers in the region, and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that Cass Hite arrived looking to mine gold and silver. 

He dubbed the area “Ticaboo,” the Paiute word meaning friendly, and would spend half a century prospecting in the region, occasionally finding enough ultra-fine “flour gold” to survive, but never enough to stay in one place for very long. The area remained largely undeveloped until the 1970s when the town of Ticaboo was created to support the uranium mining industry in Garfield County. The area was also viewed as a gateway for tourism to Lake Powell, which is what it has become today. 

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Nearby Things To Do

Maidenwater Slot Canyon

Photo: Rosie Serago

Maidenwater Slot Canyon

Photo: Rosie Serago

Ticaboo Lodge

Photo: Jay Dash Photography

Henry Mountains

Photo: Rosie Serago

Seasonality

North Lake Powell is popular year-round. The best time to visit depends on the activities you like to do. If you enjoy water sports and want or want to swim from your houseboat, summer is a great option, with warm water temperatures and air temperatures usually reaching the 90s. If you want to hike and participate in other inland activities you might want to opt for cooler weather in the spring and fall. September, October and November are generally considered best — plus you’ll find far fewer people on the trails. 

In the spring, the snowpack at higher elevations is melting and the water level rises. The air is cool and the fish are spawning, making it an excellent time for anglers. It’s also a special time for those who like to enjoy quiet time on the lake, with far fewer boaters around. Winter also appeals to those looking for a relaxing getaway — just know that the air temperature can drop below freezing at night, so pack accordingly.

Where to Eat

While dining options are limited in this area, you do have two fine choices: At the Bullfrog Marina, the Anasazi Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with full menus for each meal in a comfortable and cozy setting; The Grill at the Offshore Marina features burgers, fresh sandwiches, pizza and more, about 10 miles north of the Bullfrog Marina.

Explore The Ticaboo Region

Directions 

Ticaboo, Utah, is about an hour and a half south of I-70. Take exit 149 to UT-24W toward Hanksville. There turn left on UT-95 South. Turn right on UT-276, which will take you to Ticaboo. It’s about 12 miles from Lake Powell, two-and-half hours from Moab, and four-and-a-half hours from Salt Lake City. If you are coming from the southeast, consider taking the Charles Hall Ferry, which provides vehicle and pedestrian service from the Bullfrog Marina to Halls Crossing. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and the cost is $10 for pedestrians and cyclists, $15 for motorcyclists and $25 for vehicles, including the passengers. RVs and trailers are also accepted for an additional charge.
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Blazing Sandals in North Lake Powell

Written By Melissa McGibbon

10 minute read

It’s not unreasonable or out of the ordinary to go UTVing, paddleboarding and canyoneering all in the same day (or weekend) at Lake Powell.

Southwestern, ATV and Off-road

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