Photo of the Charles Hall Ferry.

Charles Hall Ferry Ramp Improvements and Extension

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area » Charles Hall Ferry Ramp Improvements and Extension » Document List

The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) proposes to extend and improve the Charles Hall ferry terminal road and ramps on State Route 276 (SR-276) in Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, Utah, located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The ferry service provides a direct route across Lake Powell between Halls Crossing, on the east side of the lake, and Bullfrog, on the west side of the lake. This reduces travel time and distance by providing an alternative to driving around the north end of the lake. The ferry service is frequently utilized by the local communities and visitors to the uplake area of Lake Powell.

The extension and improvement of the ferry roads and ramps is needed in response to a trend of decreasing lake elevations over the past several years, which has affected the ability of the ferry to maintain normal operations and operating schedule. The existing ferry terminal ramps can safely accommodate the ferry at a lake elevation of 3,610 feet. Over the past several years, lake levels have fallen below 3,610 feet, resulting in restricted use of the existing terminal ramps, especially at the Bullfrog terminal, interruptions in ferry services, and shortening of the operating season in response to fluctuating lake levels. The ferry has been required to temporarily relocate near the recreational boat ramp in Bullfrog, creating congestion and associated risks for pedestrians and recreational boaters. The temporary relocation has also increased the distance, time, and costs associated with ferry operations per trip.

The proposed ferry road and ramp improvements would include the placement of additional paved surfaces from the existing roads and ramps to the lake elevation at the time of construction. Construction activities would require excavation and grading of rocky surfaces for the placement of the roads and ramps, and would also require the placement of a box culvert to cross a wash.

By improving and extending the ferry roads and ramps, the NPS and UDOT plan to: implement environmentally sound, cost-effective management strategies that pose the least possible risk to people, park resources, and the environment; provide for the continuing operations of the Charles Hall Ferry to a lake elevation of 3,555 feet in response to trends of decreasing lake levels; to reduce operational costs, traveling distance and time per trip; and to maintain visitor experience during construction.

The NPS is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the proposed road and ramp improvements and extensions in the Bullfrog and Halls Crossing in a manner that complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

This process will provide a decision-making framework that analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, evaluates potential issues and impacts to park resources and values, and identifies how to avoid or minimize the potential for adverse impacts.

Contact Information

Superintendent
Attn: Charles Hall Ferry Ramp Improvements
P.O. Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040