Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the United States. It has over 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than the West Coast. The lake is 186 miles long and has over 90 major canyons. In certain areas, it is 400 feet deep.
The lake offers a huge variety of activities. Visitors can play on the lake by bringing their own watercraft or renting a houseboat, personal watercraft, powerboat, jetski, kayak, and other water toys. In addition to boating, Lake Powell also provides excellent fishing and hiking. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area encompasses over 1.25 million acres. The area is full of water-based and backcountry recreation, with some of the most beautiful views you can find in the world.
Lake Powell Timeline
- The region around the Colorado River, including the area that is now Lake Powell, has a long history of human habitation. Indigenous peoples such as the Navajo, Hopi, Ute, and Paiute have lived in the area for thousands of years, relying on the river for sustenance and spiritual significance.
- In 1869, John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, led an expedition down the Colorado River. His expedition filled in the last blank spot on the map of the United States.
- In 1981, John D. Lee started Lees Ferry, a ferryboat service across the Colorado River. This was the first accessible canyon crossing in hundreds of miles.
- Construction of the Glen Canyon Dam began in 1956. In 1963, the diversion tunnels were closed so Lake Powell could begin filling. In 1966, the dam was fully completed and began providing power.
- In 1972, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established.
- In 1980, Lake Powell reached a full pool at 3700 feet above sea level.
- Today, Lake Powell has become a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Its stunning red rock scenery and numerous side canyons attract millions of visitors each year.
Location
Most people access Lake Powell from one of two main areas: the southwest end near Page, Arizona, and the northeast end near Blanding, Utah.
The Southwest End of Lake Powell
The southwest end has three marinas, all of which are located just a few miles from Page, Arizona. The Wahweap and Antelope Point Marinas are the most popular, but there is also the Stateline Marina, which is located next to Wahweap.
In Page, you’ll find restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and a large variety of hotels and Airbnbs.
The southwest end of the lake is also home to the Glen Canyon Dam, Lone Rock Beach, Antelope Canyon, and Padre Bay.
The Northeast End of Lake Powell
The northeast end is home to Bullfrog Marina located just outside of Blanding, Utah. This end of Lake Powell is more remote. There is a saying that goes, “If you need something in Bullfrog, make sure you bring it to Bullfrog.” because there aren’t many places nearby. There is a gas station and Restaurant.
The Bullfrog entrance provides beautiful landscapes, great fishing, and sites such as Forgotten Canyon’s Ancestral Puebloan ruin, or Moqui Canyons petroglyph site.
Hiking
Lake Powell is full of beautiful hikes. Some of my favorites are listed below. Each of the hikes listed requires a boat to reach the location. However, there are many hikes around the lake that can be accessed by car.
- Antelope Canyon: Accessible by boat, Antelope Slot Canyon is an adventurous slot canyon on the Southwest side of Lake Powell, near Antelope Point Marina. The hike provides beautiful rock walls and interesting sandstone formations.
- Labyrinth Slot Canyon: Accessible by boat, Labyrinth Slot Canyon is a lesser-known slot canyon on the Southwest side of Lake Powell, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It offers narrow passageways, towering sandstone walls, and beautiful light filtering through the slots.
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Accessible by boat, Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest natural bridges in the world. The monument is sacred to Native American tribes and is a designated National Monument. Rainbow Bridge is located in the middle of Lake Powell.
Fishing
Nothing beats fishing on Lake Powell. The scenery is beautiful, and the lake is home to a diverse fish population. Here’s some information to help you plan your fishing trip:
- Fish Species: Lake Powell is home to a wide variety of fish species, including bass (both smallmouth and largemouth), striped bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, and more.
- Best Times to Fish: Fishing can be good year-round at Lake Powell, but some of the best times are during the spring and fall when the water temperatures are moderate and fish are more active. Early morning and late evening are often the most productive times for fishing.
- Fishing Techniques: The fishing techniques you use depend on the species you’re targeting. For bass, techniques such as casting with soft plastic lures or crankbaits near rocky structures or drop-offs can be effective. For striped bass, trolling with live bait or using jigging spoons in deeper water is popular.
- Fishing Regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations for Lake Powell, including any size or bag limits for the species you’re targeting. You can find current information on the National Park Service website.
- Weather and Safety: Be aware of the weather conditions before heading out on the lake, and make sure you have all necessary safety equipment on board your boat.
- Guides and Charters: If you’re new to fishing on Lake Powell or just want some expert guidance, consider hiring a fishing guide or charter service. There are a variety of companies in the Page, Arizona area.
My Favorite Places On Lake Powell
- Antelope Canyon: An adventurous slot canyon that requires both boating and hiking.
- Antelope Point Marina: A fun place to hang out and grab a bite to eat.
- Forgotten Canyon: A beautiful canyon on the north end with impressive Native American ruins.
- Glen Canyon Dam: A cool historic area.
- Labyrinth Canyon: A unique slot canyon experience that requires boating and hiking.
- Lone Rock: An iconic rock with a great beach area.
- Navajo Canyon: Home to some of the best high walls and tapestry on the lake.
- Padre Bay: My favorite camping area. Padre Bay has so many canyons to explore.
- Rainbow Bridge: One of the coolest natural bridges in the Southwest.
- Sand King: A fun sand dune that is a must-see stop when launching from Waheap.
Boating
Boating on Lake Powell is a fantastic experience due to its stunning scenery and vast expanse of water. Here are some key points to consider for boating on Lake Powell:
- Boat Rentals: If you don’t have your own boat, there are several marinas around Lake Powell where you can rent various types of watercraft, including powerboats, houseboats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
- Navigational Challenges: Lake Powell is quite large and can be complex to navigate due to its many narrow canyons, submerged obstacles, and fluctuating water levels. It’s essential to have up-to-date navigation charts or GPS navigation systems to help you navigate safely.
- Safety Equipment: Make sure your boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment required by law, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and a sound-producing device. Additionally, be aware of weather conditions and always check for any advisories or warnings before heading out on the water.
Lake Powell Water Levels
Lake Powell’s water levels can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including weather patterns, snowmelt, precipitation levels, and water management practices. The reservoir serves as a critical water storage facility managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees the distribution of water resources in the Colorado River Basin.
During wet years, increased snowmelt and precipitation can lead to higher inflows into Lake Powell, raising water levels. Conversely, during dry years or periods of drought, reduced inflows and increased water demand can result in lower water levels.
Changes in Lake Powell’s water levels can have significant implications for water supply, hydroelectric power generation, recreational activities, and ecosystem health in the region. Additionally, fluctuations in water levels can impact water storage capacity and influence decisions regarding water management and allocation among the states that rely on the Colorado River for their water supply.
Check the Lake Powell Water Database for current information involving water levels.
The Best View of Lake Powell
There are many great places to view Lake Powell, but my all-time favorite and, in my opinion, the most impressive place is Alstrom Point. If you have the time to visit, I highly recommend it!
Leave Lake Powell Better Than You Found It
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring!