Ticaboo lies in the northernmost section of Lake Powell. Boating is one of the activities visitors can enjoy; on land, highlights range from long trail loops and slot canyons to local history. Water activities, route choices, and cultural and historical topics are distinct areas of interest.
Location and Orientation
The Bullfrog Entrance is the gateway to Bullfrog Marina at the upper end of Lake Powell. The Bullfrog Entrance Station is south of Ticaboo on US Hwy 276; from Bullfrog Marina, it is twelve miles north to Ticaboo via UT-276. The marina and station are therefore not interchangeable landmarks: the twelve-mile distance starts at the marina, while the Entrance Station is south of town. Ticaboo is also on the opposite side of the Colorado River from the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. Road and facility conditions can change; check current notices before you set out.
Trail Loops and Trailheads
The 50-mile Hiller’s Loop Trail starts at the Ticaboo Lodge and leads from the desert floor into the mountain landscape of Mt. Hillers. Five miles longer, the Narrows to Ticaboo Loop is 55 miles long, rated “easy,” and starts at two staging areas on Hwy 276, at MM26 or MM32. The “easy” rating and route length answer different planning questions; consider both when comparing routes. Route conditions and access points can change. Check current conditions and access to your chosen starting point before setting out.
Local History and the Origin of the Name
The area’s first inhabitants were the Kayenta, a branch of the Pueblo people. Cass Hite named the area “Ticaboo”; the word comes from Paiute and means “friendly.” The town of Ticaboo was founded in the 1970s to support the uranium mining industry in Garfield County. The name and the town’s founding tell different parts of the area’s history: the name refers to Paiute, while the reason for the town’s founding was the uranium mining industry in Garfield County.
Canyons and Other Activities
The slot canyons around Ticaboo are considered family-friendly; younger children can get their first experience stemming and crabbing along the canyon walls. Check canyon conditions and local advisories in advance. The Ticaboo Lodge can arrange private canyoneering trips for one to six people. Availability can change, so ask in advance.
If the hike is currently being offered, Utah Master Naturalists lead visitors to an outdoor museum in Ticaboo and share information about dinosaurs that once roamed the area. Ask in advance whether this tour is available. The Ticaboo Lodge and North Lake Powell provide access to hundreds of miles of off-road trails, with changing scenery along the way; check trail conditions before setting out.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Bryce Canyon, Boulder, Cannonville, Henrieville, Hatch, Escalante, Panguitch, Tropic
For the main travel overview: Garfield.
