Lake Powell was the next stop on an epic roadtrip with the US Travel Dad family, that had brought us through Colorado, Utah and the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Monument Vally, and now on the shores of this huge reservoir that formerly was the Glen Canyon, that sits largely in the state of Utah, stretching out into Arizona.
Like most road trippers, we selected the city of Page in Arizona as our home-base. From here we made trips to the Antilope Canyon and the Horse Shoe Bend, but I will tell you about that in future blogs. First: Lake Powell, as there is enough to do there.
Lake Powell, A Little Bit Of History
Lake Powell was created by the flooding of the Glen Canyon by the Glen Canyon Dam in 1968, forming the second largest reservoir after Lake Mead (by the Hoover Dam in Nevada). Lake Powell became a National Recreation Area offering over 1,900 miles of shoreline, over 96 canyons, and an amazing landscape. It now is a popular summer destination with over 2 million people visiting every year to enjoy boating, kayaking, off-roading, camping, hiking, fishing, and star-gazing. The reservoir winds its way through all those canyons, creating a unique maze of waterways. Getting lost on the lake is a real thing.
1. Lone Rock Beach
Leaving the city of Page, taking highway 89 west, just crossing the border with Utah, we found Lone Rock Beach.
Lone Rock Beach is a true gem on the shores of Lake Powell. The beach is named after a big rock formation that stands alone in the azure waters of the lake.
This spot has a bohemian atmosphere. People drive their 4x4's and boats on the sand and into the water, swimming, kayaking, relaxing in the sun. You can even camp here, which is a pretty unique spot to stay. Imagine the skies at night.
In 2022 the water levels of Lake Powell were so low, that you could almost walk to the Lone Rock, now they are back up, comparable to when we visited.
2. Glen Canyon Dam
We made a stop at the spot that is responsible for Lake Powell's existence: the Glen Canyon Dam. Towering 710 feet above the Colorado River, this is the second largest dam in the USA after the Hoover Dam in Nevada. Guided tours take you deep into the dam's interior, where you can learn about its construction and the role it plays in controlling the flow of the Colorado River. The dam's observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Powell and the surrounding red rock landscape.
Bring water 🥵. We did a small trail to see the dam from up close. In the blistering sun and 98 Fahrenheit / 37 Celsius, it was very challenging. I have something with dams and heat, as the same near heat-stroke experience would be a week later at the Hoover Dam.
3. Boating on Lake Powell
The heart of the Lake Powell experience of course lies on the water itself. You can rent a boat at one of the marina's. The most common one is what they call the 'house boat', which we know in the MidWest as a pontoon boat. But we saw more than enough speed boats. This probably is one of the best spots to explore at high speed, as the lake is so large.
You can navigate the labyrinthine canyons, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the many opportunities for swimming. As mentioned, you can get lost quickly, so use keep an eye on the map.
4. Sunsets at Lake Powell
Around 5pm, we bought a pizza, took the box with us, drove west onto one of the plateaus, brought out our camping chairs and a beer, and enjoyed an amazing sunset over the lake and surrounding rock plateaus and formations. The sunlight in combination with the sand and red colored rocks is amazing, as are the warm hues of orange, pink, and purple across the water. Here are some spots to see the best sunsets.
5. Home Base: Page, Arizona
Just like Moab was our home base for the mid/northern national parks in Utah, Page is our base for Lake Powell, Antilope Canyon, Horse Shoe Bend, and the Navajo Bridge.
Page is a lovely little city with around 8,000 population. It is all about recreation, yet also charming and enough to do: restaurants, boutiques, an outdoor market.
We started one of our days at the Outdoor Market on Elm Street. And returning from a long day around Lake Powell, the family longed for some good smoking BBQ, so we found our spot at Big John's Texas BBQ, with the band (John? 😀) playing Johnny Cash.
Tips for Visiting Lake Powell
1. Plan and Book Ahead:
Lake Powell is a popular destination, especially during peak tourist seasons May-September. As mentioned, 2 million people annually, and that in a relatively small city. Make hotel or camping reservations well in time, the same for boat rentals, and tours.
2. Stay Hydrated:
It is an obvious one, but still: the desert climate can be harsh, so always carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing to shield yourself. During our walk to the Glen Canyon Dam, it was so hot, that I felt close to a heat-stroke, even though I was prepared.
3. Water Levels Will Vary:
You probably read about it, the drought in the south-west, and the impact on Lake Powell and Lake Mead. In 2022, water levels reached an all-time low, impacting your ability to explore the waters by boat. In 2023 they were back up. Make sure you do a check before you go.
Links
Lake Powell Recreational Area; boating, lodging, dinging
The Page Marina's on Lake Powell
Check the water levels of Lake Powell
The Campgrounds around Page and Lake Powell
The 10 best hikes near Page and Lake Powell
Spots to see the best sunsets near Page and Lake Powell
