About This Dive Site
Cathedral Canyon in Lake Powell provides intermediate divers with cathedral-like underwater formations, steep drop-offs to 100 feet, and prolific fish life including striped bass and bluegill. Located 20 miles north of Glen Canyon Dam in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area bordering Grand Canyon, access by renting a pontoon from Wahweap or Bullfrog Marinas. Depths range 30-90 feet with seasonal vis of 15-40 feet. NPS mandates dive flags and permits; coordinate with rangers for current conditions, as water levels fluctuate with dam releases affecting Colorado River inflows.
Safety Considerations
Water temperatures drop to 50°F in spring and fall, requiring thermal protection per DAN recommendations to combat hypothermia, especially during extended bottom times. Choppy surface conditions from afternoon winds mirror Glen Canyon safety alerts; dive early mornings and monitor via NOAA marine forecasts. Silt and algae reduce visibility; maintain neutral buoyancy to prevent stirring. Watch for boat traffic; surface intervals must occur 50 feet from vessels. Follow REI's dive safety protocols: pre-dive checks, equalized ears, and conservative profiles. No solo dives allowed under NPS rules. Environmental hazards include flash flood debris post-monsoon; check USGS gauges for inflows.
Essential Gear
Equip with a 5mm full-body wetsuit from Aqualung, balanced regulator set like Apeks XT50, wrist-mounted dive computer (Suunto Zoop Novo), signaling devices including strobe light, and reef hook for current-prone walls. Carry extra masks and fins from Cressi for spares.