Lake Powell

The Basics

Recreation is king at Lake Powell with excellent boating, water skiing, jet-skiing, kayaking, and fishing. Boat tours grant visitors a leisurely overview of the lake and its landscapes, or you can charter your own boat for the day. You can also admire Lake Powell from the air by airplane or helicopter tour. A trip to Lake Powell is often combined with other top Arizona sights, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Day trips that include Lake Powell depart from the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Flagstaff, and are typically 8–10 hours long.

• Lake Powell temperatures are frequently between 90 and 100°F (32 to 38°C) in summer. Be sure to bring sun protection as needed.

• There are prepared campsites at all of the lake’s marinas, but you are also free to camp wherever you like.

How to Get There

To access the southwestern end of Lake Powell in Arizona, take U.S. Route 89 and State Route 98. Antelope Canyon is four miles (6.5 kilometers) up from the Glen Canyon Dam on Antelope Island. Boat tours often include round-trip transportation from nearby areas.

When to Get There

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is open year-round, but may have reduced facilities during winter months. July and August may have thunderstorms, and shoulder seasons (May and October) provide the best weather with minimal crowds.

The Best of Lake Powell Boating

Lake Powell is one of the most popular houseboat destinations in the country. But if you’re just visiting for the day, there are plenty of great options ranging from dinner cruises to kayaking that will enable you to access some of the Colorado River’s most scenic slot canyons. Boat trips and canyon tours depart frequently from Wahweap Marina and Antelope Point Marina.

Ways to explore

Recreation is king at Lake Powell—the lake boasts everything from excellent boating and water skiing to kayaking, fishing, and more. Boat tours grant you a leisurely overview of the lake and the surrounding landscapes, or you can opt to charter your own boat for the day. You can also admire Lake Powell on an airplane or helicopter tour. A trip to Lake Powell is often combined with other top Arizona sights, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.

Accessibility

Some facilities and boat tours may be accessible, but due to its varied terrain, Lake Powell only offers limited accessibility to people with mobility challenges.

Age limits

None, although some active tours may not be suitable for very young kids.

What to pack

Swimming and snorkel gear (plus life jackets), towels, sun protection, food and water

What to wear

Wear lightweight, weather-appropriate layers—the area is very hot and exposed in summer.

Not allowed

Swimming in marinas, damaging or vandalizing protected areas, feeding wildlife, cliff-jumping

Amenities

Visitor centers, campgrounds, marinas

Address 

Lake Powell is located in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, on the border of Utah and Arizona, not far from Page, Arizona. The easiest way to explore the region is by car or on a tour with included transportation. Some scenic areas are only accessible by boat.

Driving

Given the lake’s scope, there are numerous routes, visitor centers, and parking areas located in the area. Page, Arizona, accessed via US Route 89, is one of the most convenient places to base yourself.

Public transportation

Public transit options are very limited in the area, although the Page-Wahweap-Antelope Point area is served by Helping Hands Agency minibus services.

Best times to visit

If you want to beat the peak heat and crowds, especially in summer—and maximize your day—time your visit for early in the day.

Best days to visit

There’s rarely a bad time to visit Lake Powell, although weekends, especially in summer and on holidays, are likely to be busier.

Best months to visit

Visit in summer if you plan to go boating or swimming, or aim for spring and fall for more comfortable hiking conditions.

Special events

Visit at the end of October and beginning of November to attend the Page Balloon Regatta, Arizona’s largest hot-air balloon festival.