Lake Powell is a vast reservoir that spreads across the Arizona and Utah border and is the 2nd largest man-made lake in the United States. It formed from flooding Glen Canyon with the construction of the dam in the 1960s on the Colorado River. The main body of the lake is around Glen Canyon, but it does spread out into dozens of side canyons and bays.

If you're heading to Lake Powell for the first time, check out this comprehensive Lake Powell Travel Guide for more insider tips in planning the perfect trip.

Today, it’s a favorite spot for vacationers and travelers visiting various national parks and highlights of the American West. Everyone wants to explore the slot canyons and get the perfect photo to show off their adventures in this region of the Southwest. Lake Powell is the perfect place to go for a swim to cool off from the intense heat during the summer months. From renting a boat to hiking and camping, this reservoir offers something for everyone.

Landmarks Around Lake Powell

Glen Canyon Dam

The Glen Canyon Dam is the primary cause of the formation of Lake Powell. It’s a massive structure that created the lake and today regulates the distribution of water from the Colorado River across California, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. You can book a dam tour if you want a guide to see the Glen Canyon Dam, or cruise on your private boat to get a better look. Be sure to check out the Glen Canyon National Recreation area when you rent a boat on Lake Powell. You can stay overnight on a houseboat or go on the shore for a hike.

Rainbow Bridge

Located on the Utah side, this natural wonder near Lake Powell is considered the world’s highest natural bridge. You can access it by boat ride from other parts of the lake, depending on where you start. It’s a sacred cultural spot to the Navajo Native American tribes which inhabit this land and is a stunning geological feature to see during a boating vacation on Lake Powell.

Hite Crossing Bridge

While not a natural landmark, the Hite Crossing Bridge is an architectural feature of Lake Powell that is worth seeing if you’re cruising around. It’s known as being the upstream limit of Lake Powell, and it is the bridge for Utah Route 95 to cross the Colorado River. The bridge area provides stunning views of Lake Powell, so don’t be afraid to pull over and get out for a quick break if you’re driving over by a car.

Boating on Lake Powell

There’s no shortage of options to rent a boat on Lake Powell. It’s a paradise for boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and adventurous nature lovers. When on a boat on Lake Powell, you’ll get to see the stunning geological features from the perspective of the water, a unique experience that you can’t always have when exploring the national park and recreation land. The rock faces of the canyons glow in a striking color palette of reds and browns.

Renting or chartering a boat during a trip to Page, Arizona on a visit to Lake Powell is a must. It will enable you to cruise around for hours, jump in for a swim to cool down from the heat and visit hidden spots at your leisure.

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Houseboats & Pontoons on Lake Powell

Renting a houseboat on Lake Powell is a particularly popular option for people looking to spend a few nights exploring and camping in the magic of the area. Entire families can get onboard and stay several nights on a houseboat together if you want your vessel also to be your accommodation. Make sure to pack plenty of food and water to stay hydrated and healthy during your stay on a houseboat on Lake Powell. You can stop at locations like Padre Bay and Dangling Rope. Soaking up the sun from the deck of your boat is the perfect way to relax.

Booking far in advance during the peak summer months is essential, as many people use houseboat rentals as their transport and camping option of choice when visiting Lake Powell. It's permitted to camp on the shore of the lake, so if you have your gear, don't forget to bring it onboard.

Fishing Charters on Lake Powell

Despite being a man-made lake, there are plenty of fish species that you can catch. For anglers visiting Lake Powell, obtain your fishing license from both Arizona and Utah officials before heading out for a day. You’ll reel in fish like smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish, and northern pike. Enjoy a day of fly-fishing or sports fishing, depending on your preference. You can rent the fishing equipment, bring your own, or book a full-service fishing charter to enjoy the magic of fishing on Lake Powell. The biting season runs from summer into early autumn.

Lake Powell Watersports

The vast expanse of water combined with hidden bays and offshoots from the main body of the lake make Lake Powell the perfect place for watersports. If you want a day of fun and excitement, book a water-skiing, jet-skiing, or other water sports adventure. It’s a great lake to do these water sports, because of the different bays and enclaves protected from the wind and higher boat traffic. You can rent the needed equipment along with your boat or book a tour if you want a captain to take you out.

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Paddlesports on Lake Powell

For sporty folks, kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboarding rentals are easy to come by at different access points on Lake Powell. A guided kayak tour is an excellent way to learn more about the lake and see different natural features. You’ll get a great upper body workout during your paddlesports adventures on Lake Powell. Rent equipment on your own or book a tour, depending on your exploration preference.  

While on Land

In addition to Lake Powell, this region of the country has many national parks and points of interest to check out. If your visit to Lake Powell is part of a road trip exploring the various landmarks in the American Southwest, don’t miss highlights like the Grand Staircase-Escalante, Horseshoe Bend, and the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. These spots offer world-class hiking with breathtaking views that reveal the magic of nature.

Beaches of Lake Powell

Despite the solid sandstone rock cliffs and surroundings of Lake Powell, several sandy spots are perfect for a beach day. The bigger, developed beaches include Wahweap Bay, Bullfrog Bay, and Halls Crossing, where you’ll find outdoor showers and toilets if you want nearby facilities. Near these beaches are also marinas, including Wahweap Marina, Bullfrog Marina, and Antelope Point Marina. You can also obtain maps of Lake Powell and get to remote sandy beaches by boat rental if you’d prefer to find a private beach on your own.


Camping around Lake Powell

Camping is an excellent choice for accommodation during a visit to Lake Powell. There are loads of great campgrounds on both the north and south sides of the lake. If you’re traveling by RV, check out Wahweap RV & Campground, Bullfrog RV & Campground, or Halls Crossing RV and Campground. If you’ve brought just your tent and the basics, you can camp anywhere on the shores of Lake Powell with no problem.

If you’re out having fun in the sun and seeing all the incredible natural landmarks of Lake Powell on a boat rental, remember to tag us in your photos and use the hashtag #Getmyboat!