Mercedes Mullins
Fuel prices at Lake Powell have been a topic of discussion and concern for visitors and boaters, with some reporting that prices are significantly higher than at land-based gas stations. The National Park Service, which manages Lake Powell as part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, regulates fuel prices for Aramark, the company operating major marina contracts at the lake. In recent years, there have been investigations and inquiries into potential overcharging, leading to price reductions by Aramark. The fuel prices at Lake Powell marinas vary, with some reporting prices of $6.53 per gallon at Wahweap Marina and $6.73 at Bullfrog Marina. These prices are notably higher than the diesel prices reported by some visitors, which range from $4.25 to $4.50 per gallon. The high fuel prices at Lake Powell have sparked discussions about the calculation methods used and the potential for overcharging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gas, Diesel |
| Fuel Price | $6.319 per gallon (as of September 2023) |
| Location | Lake Powell Marinas |
| Marina Operators | Aramark |
| Price Variation | Varies across marinas; Wahweap is cheaper than Dangling Rope |
| Price Comparison | Typically $1-2 more expensive than land-based gas stations |
| Peak Season Hours | 8 am to 5 pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day) |
| Off-Season Hours | 9 am to 4 pm |
| Contact | 928.645.1135 |
| Address | ½ mile north of the AZ/UT border |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel prices at Lake Powell marinas are higher than land-based gas stations
Fuel prices at Lake Powell marinas are significantly higher than at land-based gas stations. This has been a long-standing issue, with boaters on Lake Powell paying considerably more for fuel than motorists on dry land. The price difference can add up to hundreds of dollars per season for frequent visitors to the lake.
In mid-2025, gasoline at Wahweap Marina was priced at $6.53 per gallon, while Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell's north shore charged $6.73. These prices are notably higher than the reported range of $4.25 to $4.50 for diesel, and significantly above the national average for gasoline at the time. The higher prices are attributed to the remote location of some marinas, with delivery costs being passed on to customers.
The National Park Service (NPS), which manages Lake Powell as part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, has faced scrutiny for its role in regulating fuel prices at the lake. The NPS has awarded the major marina contracts to Aramark without a competitive bidding process. In 2023, an investigation by FOX 13 News revealed that Aramark had been overcharging customers, leading to a reduction in fuel prices by about 57 cents per gallon. However, concerns about overcharging persisted, with subsequent inquiries resulting in further price adjustments.
The formula used by the NPS to determine fuel prices at Lake Powell considers the retail price for fuel at land-based stations and the rates charged at other lakes across the American West. Critics argue that the formula is flawed, as most of the comparison lakes offer higher-octane fuel, resulting in higher prices. The high fuel prices at Lake Powell have led some visitors to consider bringing their own fuel in 5-gallon cans, highlighting the financial burden of filling up at the marinas.
The issue of fuel prices at Lake Powell marinas has been a persistent concern for boaters and visitors to the lake. While some price adjustments have been made following investigations and inquiries, the prices remain notably higher than at land-based gas stations. The unique challenges of operating a water fuel station and the remote locations of some marinas contribute to the elevated prices. However, the significant price difference has led to ongoing discussions and efforts to ensure fair and reasonable fuel rates for those enjoying Lake Powell.
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Aramark reduced fuel prices at Lake Powell
Lake Powell is overseen by the National Park Service (NPS) as part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Aramark, which has held Lake Powell's major marina contracts since 1989, operates several marinas at the lake, including Wahweap Marina and Bullfrog Marina.
In mid-June 2025, gasoline cost $6.53 per gallon at Wahweap Marina and $6.73 per gallon at Bullfrog Marina. These prices were significantly higher than the prices at land-based gas stations. For example, diesel fuel in town was reported to cost between $4.25 to $4.50 per gallon.
Following an investigation by FOX 13 News into potential overcharging, Aramark reduced fuel prices at Lake Powell. The National Park Service, which regulates fuel prices at Lake Powell, walked Chilcote through its pricing formula when he inquired in 2023. The formula includes the retail price for fuel and what other lakes across the American West charge. Chilcote determined that Aramark had been overcharging significantly for the full 2023 season.
As a result, the Park Service reduced the price of gasoline by about 57 cents to $6.319 per gallon. In June 2025, Aramark reduced its gasoline prices by 37 cents and lowered diesel prices by almost twice that amount. Despite these reductions, Chilcote believes that the gasoline price is still 10 cents higher than what the formula states it should be.
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Gasoline and diesel fuel available at Lake Powell
Lake Powell is overseen by the Park Service as part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Aramark, which operates Lake Powell's major marina contracts, has been accused of overcharging for fuel. In September 2023, the Park Service reduced the price of gasoline by about 57 cents to $6.319 per gallon.
Fuel at Lake Powell marinas is significantly more expensive than at land-based gas stations. For example, in June 2025, gasoline cost $6.53 a gallon at Wahweap Marina, and $6.73 at Bullfrog Marina. This is in comparison to $4.25 to $4.50 for diesel in the same area. In 2024, Aramark was legally allowed to charge $6.58 per gallon at Bullfrog Fuel Dock, which is 37 cents more than the average cost of the four marinas.
The high prices have been attributed to the remote location of the lake, with delivery costs being factored into the final price. The fuel prices at Lake Powell are regulated by the Park Service, which uses a formula that includes the retail price for fuel and what other lakes across the American West charge. However, the formula has been criticised for including lakes that offer higher-octane fuel, resulting in potentially inflated prices.
Despite the high prices, there are convenient fuelling docks at marinas throughout Lake Powell, offering both diesel and 87-octane gas. These docks are easily accessible, located between the main launch ramp and marina complex, and are open daily during peak season.
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$16.59
Fuel prices at Lake Powell marinas vary
Fuel prices at Lake Powell marinas are typically higher than at land-based gas stations. For example, in 2025, gasoline at Wahweap Marina was priced at $6.53 per gallon, while at Bullfrog Marina, it was $6.73. These prices are significantly higher than the reported $4.25 to $4.50 range for diesel on a forum. The difference in prices between marinas and land-based stations has been a long-standing issue, with reports from 2005 indicating a $1 difference, which has since increased to a $2 to $3 difference in recent years.
The variation in fuel prices between different Lake Powell marinas has also been noted. Wahweap Marina is generally considered cheaper than Dangling Rope Marina, although the price difference is not substantial. On a forum, users reported prices at Dangling Rope Marina to be around $2 more than the price in their hometowns, while another user stated that fuel at Wahweap Marina was $4.66, compared to $4.80 at Dangling Rope Marina. These price variations are influenced by factors such as delivery costs to remote locations, with Aramark being allowed to charge 11 cents more at Bullfrog Marina due to its remote location.
The National Park Service and Aramark have responded to inquiries and investigations into potential overcharging at Lake Powell marinas. In 2023, after reviewing calculations and inquiries from customers, the Park Service reduced gasoline prices by about 57 cents to $6.319 per gallon. Aramark also reduced its gasoline prices by 37 cents and lowered diesel prices by almost twice that amount following investigations into fuel rates. Despite these adjustments, some customers still believe that gasoline prices remain higher than they should be, and the complex comparability methods used to determine prices have been questioned.
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Lake Powell fuel prices are higher than Salt Lake City
Lake Powell is a popular destination for boaters, offering convenient fueling docks at marinas throughout the lake. However, fuel prices at Lake Powell have been a source of concern for visitors, with reports of prices being significantly higher than at land-based gas stations. This has led to investigations and price adjustments by the National Park Service and Aramark, the company operating the major marina contracts at Lake Powell.
In recent years, Lake Powell fuel prices have been reported to be as high as $6.53 per gallon at Wahweap Marina and $6.73 per gallon at Bullfrog Marina. These prices are notably higher than the gas prices in nearby cities like Salt Lake City. For example, one visitor to Lake Powell noted that the gas price at Bullfrog Marina was $3.10 more than what they were paying at home in Salt Lake City.
The price difference between Lake Powell and Salt Lake City has been a growing concern for boaters. Historically, the price difference was around $1.00, but it has since increased to $2.00 and, more recently, to nearly $3.00. This means that for boaters who use hundreds of gallons of fuel during their stay at Lake Powell, the higher fuel prices can significantly impact their overall expenses.
Several factors contribute to the higher fuel prices at Lake Powell. The remote location of some marinas, such as Dangling Rope, results in higher delivery costs, which are passed on to customers. Additionally, the National Park Service regulates Aramark's fuel pricing based on a formula that includes the retail price for fuel at land-based stations and the prices charged at other lakes across the American West. However, there have been concerns that Aramark has been overcharging, leading to price adjustments by the Park Service.
While Lake Powell fuel prices are higher than in Salt Lake City, boaters can consider alternative options, such as bringing their own fuel in 5-gallon cans or comparing prices between different marinas at the lake to find more competitive rates. Nonetheless, the price discrepancy between Lake Powell and nearby cities remains a notable consideration for visitors planning their trips and budgeting their expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel prices at Lake Powell have been a topic of discussion, with some sources claiming that prices are higher than at land-based gas stations. In 2025, gasoline cost was recorded to be $6.53 per gallon at Wahweap Marina and $6.73 at Bullfrog Marina.
The National Park Service, which manages Lake Powell, regulates Aramark's fuel prices. The formula considers retail prices and what other western American lakes charge. Aramark has been accused of overcharging, and prices have been reduced following inquiries.
There are several marinas around Lake Powell that offer fuel, including Wahweap, Antelope, Bullfrog, and Dangling Rope. These marinas are conveniently located near the main launch ramps and have fuel pumps attached to their boat rental docks.
