Utah + Arizona

Lake Powell

Lake Powell, spanning the border between Utah + Arizona
Lake Powell, spanning the border between Utah + Arizona
Lake Powell, spanning the border between Utah + Arizona
Lake Powell, spanning the border between Utah + Arizona

Why Visit Lake Powell

Lake Powell is one of the most striking and surreal landscapes in the American Southwest. Stretching across the Utah-Arizona border, it’s a vast reservoir surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, hidden slot canyons and remote beaches — a place where water and desert collide in cinematic style.

What makes Lake Powell so special is the freedom to explore. With over 1,900 miles of shoreline, much of it only accessible by boat or kayak, you can slip into narrow canyons, swim in crystal-clear coves or picnic on sun-warmed sandstone ledges — often with no one else in sight.

For the adventurous, activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, houseboating, cliff jumping and guided canyon hikes. Highlights include Antelope Canyon, Labyrinth Canyon and Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural arches, reachable by boat and a short hike.

Yet it’s not just about adrenaline. Lake Powell is incredibly peaceful, especially at sunrise or sunset when the water turns to glass and the cliffs glow pink and gold.

400,000 homes

On average, the dam produces around 5 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. This is enough to power approximately 400,000 homes, serving multiple states including Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada.

What lies beneath?

Lake Powell covers the submerged Glen Canyon, once famed for its sandstone walls, arches and ancient sites. When water levels drop, parts of this lost landscape briefly reappear, offering a rare glimpse into a canyon system hidden beneath the reservoir.

Lake Powell, spanning the border between Utah + Arizona

Highlights of Lake Powell 

  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument – One of the world’s largest natural arches, sacred to Indigenous tribes, reachable by boat and a short hike.

  • Antelope Canyon by water – Paddle or boat into this stunning, lesser-seen section of the famous slot canyon, with glowing walls and reflected light.

  • Labyrinth Canyon – A narrow, winding side canyon perfect for kayaking, where smooth water mirrors the sculpted sandstone walls.

  • Stargazing on the lake – With almost no light pollution, evenings bring extraordinary views of the Milky Way from your boat or shoreline.

  • Forgotten Glen Canyon – When water levels drop, parts of the original canyon emerge, revealing sandstone alcoves and long-submerged archaeological sites.

  • Swimming in hidden coves – Warm, clear water and countless sandy inlets make Lake Powell perfect for wild swims and private picnics in dramatic settings.

  • Horseshoe Bend overlook – Just 15 minutes from Wahweap Bay, this iconic curve in the Colorado River offers one of the most dramatic views in the Southwest. A short, easy hike leads to the edge of a 300-metre sandstone cliff overlooking the river’s emerald loop, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Good to know

Getting to Lake Powell

Lake Powell stretches across the Utah–Arizona border, but the most convenient access point is the town of Page, Arizona, near the lake’s southern end. This is the gateway to Wahweap Bay, Antelope Canyon, and many of the lake’s best-known boat ramps and marinas.

The nearest airport is Page Municipal Airport (PGA), just 15 minutes from the lake. It offers limited regional flights, usually via Phoenix, and is ideal for those arriving by private charter or connecting from nearby cities.

For most travellers, the easiest route is to fly into:

  • Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) – around 4.5 hours’ drive

  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – approximately 2.5 hours’ drive

  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – about 6 hours’ drive, ideal if combining with Utah’s national parks

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

Another destination that you can really visit at any time of year, but if we had to choose, we would go in April. The water might still be a bit cool for swimming, but the weather is generally pleasant without being too hot and the summer crowds are yet to arrive.

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