Lake Powell is one of the most beautiful places on Earth! It is surrounded by canyons, cliffs, and over 1,800 miles of shoreline. One of my favorite spots on Lake Powell is Padre Bay. In addition to its beauty, Padre Bay is the largest bay on Lake Powell. It is 9 miles long and 7 miles wide. This area of Lake Powell contains an abundance of canyons and bays, all of which are visually spectacular and great for exploring and camping.
Be Cautious of Changing Lake Levels.
It is essential to be cautious when boating. At high water levels, a passage is available from Gunsight Bay to Padre Bay, but navigation up the lake becomes much more complex at lower water levels. It is important to follow the channel markers.
Navigating Padre Bay
The Padre Bay area is home to some of my favorite canyons in Lake Powell. There is so much to do and see here! Below are some of the best places to visit when exploring the Padre Bay area of Lake Powell.
Padre Bay–Mile 19
Padre Bay is the largest expanse of open water on Lake Powell. It is named after Fathers Dominguez and Escalante, who traversed the area in 1776. The bay has many inlets that are great for camping and hiking. Because Padre Bay is so beautiful, it is seen on many calendars and postcards.
Cookie Jar Butte
One of my favorite buttes in Padre Bay is Cookie Jar Butte. In addition to its beauty, it’s an excellent place to camp and hike.
Gunsight Bay–Mile 19
Gunsight Bay gets its name from the rock formation above it, which looks like the sight of an old gun. The butte rises 4,678 feet above sea level, about 1000 feet above Lake Powell. There are also great views of Gunsight from Alstrom Point.
Labyrinth Canyon–Mile 16
Labyrinth Canyon is one of my favorite canyons to hike. Near the entrance are some camping sites, and at the end, there is an incredible slot canyon. This canyon is a popular day trip for kayakers and hikers.
Face Canyon–Mile 22
Face Canyon is a larger canyon with several side canyons and many hiking opportunities. Amongst its many highlights, Slit Arch is found at the end of this canyon. Many boats can explore Face Canyon without crowding each other.
Tower Butte
Tower Butte can’t be reached by boat, but you won’t miss the view of Padre Bay. This butte rises to 5282 feet above sea level. If you really want to see it, you can access it by helicopter, and I highly recommend it.
West Canyon– Mile 24
West Canyon is a long canyon with several side canyons. It offers many great hiking opportunities and is home to many slot canyons. Sometimes, there is a waterfall hike and some great places for canyoneering, but you must have the experience and gear before attempting them.
Last Chance Bay–Mile 26
Last Chance Bay is one of the longer bays on Lake Powell. There are several side canyons but relatively few good campsites. Hikes to (and from) Warm Creek Road can be taken from the canyon’s end.
Gregory Butte
Gregory Butte is the 4651-foot butte at the entrance to Last Chance Bay. It was named after Herbert Ernest Gregory, a Yale geologist who studied the Colorado Plateau from 1907 until 1951.
Padre Bay/Lake Powell Packing List
Here’s a packing list for a trip to Padre Bay. You probably don’t need everything on the list, but you don’t want to forget anything.
- Clothing: Before heading out, check the weather and decide what to take.
- Swimsuits
- Sun-protective clothing (hats, long-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants)
- Casual clothing for lounging and exploring
- Warm layers for cooler evenings
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Water shoes for wading or exploring rocky areas
- Sun Protection: Remember to take care of your skin.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Water Gear: Don’t forget the water gear when in the water.
- Towels (quick-dry towels are convenient)
- Snorkel gear
- Floatation devices or inflatable rafts
- Waterproof bags or dry sacks for electronics and valuables
- Water bottles or hydration packs
- Safety Equipment: Always be prepared and safe.
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs) for boating or water activities
- First aid kit with basic supplies
- Emergency whistle
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Waterproof flashlight or headlamp
- Portable water filtration system or purification tablets
- Boating Essentials (if applicable):
- Boat registration and insurance documents
- Boat keys and spare keys
- Navigational charts or GPS device
- Anchor and mooring lines
- Boat fenders or bumpers
- Camping Gear (if camping in Padre Bay):
- Tent, stakes, and guylines
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Camping stove and fuel
- Cooking utensils and cookware
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- Biodegradable soap and toiletries
- Personal Items:
- Personal identification and important documents
- Prescription medications and basic over-the-counter medications
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Camera or smartphone
- Entertainment and Recreation: You might want some of these items just in case.
- Books or magazines
- Playing cards or travel games
- Fishing gear and fishing license (if fishing)
- Kayaks, paddleboards, or other water sports equipment
- Snorkeling or diving gear
- Portable speaker for music
- Miscellaneous: Lastly, don’t forget to consider the following.
- Cash or credit cards
- Map or guidebook of Lake Powell
- Trash bags
Leave Padre Bay Better Than You Found It
Always do your part to keep Padre Bay and Lake Powell beautiful by packing out everything you pack in and not changing the landscape. 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 the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!
