Lake Powell — Local services in Four Corners States

Lake Powell, a breathtaking man-made reservoir spanning Utah and Arizona, was created by damming the Colorado River. With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, it surpasses the length of the entire West Coast of the United States. Its deep blue waters wind through towering red rock canyons, offering stunning vistas that attract millions of visitors each year. The lake serves as both a scenic marvel and a crucial water storage facility for the arid American Southwest. Though water levels fluctuate depending on precipitation and usage, it remains a testament to human ingenuity and a hub for recreation.

Outdoor enthusiasts find endless opportunities for adventure at Lake Powell. Boating and houseboating are among the most popular activities, allowing visitors to explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and winding canyon passages at their leisure. Many enjoy water sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kayaking, while fishing enthusiasts pursue bass, walleye, and catfish. The surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers numerous hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and ancient archaeological sites. Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the world, is a particularly notable attraction.

Some visitors have developed deep personal connections to the lake, returning year after year for family reunions and nostalgic experiences. They recall waking to the call of peregrine falcons, exploring winding sections of the lake, and enjoying the beauty of ever-changing weather and wildlife. Others cherish the memories of childhood visits, describing the sense of familiarity even after decades away. The lake's unique landscapes, characterized by sandstone cliffs and slot canyons, provide the perfect backdrop for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Many recommend renting or bringing a boat to fully experience the lake’s beauty. Some suggest starting early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture pristine photographs, particularly at Rainbow Bridge, where historic plaques mark the first explorers to discover the site. Fishing at Lake Powell can be particularly rewarding, with striped bass, catfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass providing an abundance of action. Visitors who find the right fishing spots often experience non-stop catches.

Despite its many attractions, some experiences at Lake Powell have been less than ideal. Visitors have noted that water levels vary yearly, and in particularly dry seasons, access to certain areas becomes restricted. During a recent trip, the lake’s water level was at an all-time low, and traffic was unusually heavy. Only Wahweap and Antelope Point marinas were open for refueling on the southern end, limiting exploration. With high traffic, finding suitable beaching spots was difficult, and choppy waters made navigation more challenging.

One group who rented a houseboat from Wahweap Boat Rental encountered additional difficulties. The boat’s canopy had been lost during a previous rental, leaving them exposed to intense heat. After lengthy discussions with the rental company, a makeshift cover of bedsheets was provided, though it was an inadequate solution. The boat, claimed to be ten years old, was discovered to be at least twenty years old, showing clear signs of wear. The onboard water system produced only a tiny stream, making even simple tasks like filling a glass time-consuming. Fortunately, family members with another boat equipped with reverse osmosis were able to provide fresh water, but the group was forced to rely on lake water for washing dishes and showering.

Despite these setbacks, the trip remained an enjoyable experience. Visitors emphasize the importance of researching rental boats and checking water levels before planning a trip. Even with occasional challenges, Lake Powell remains a stunning and unique destination, offering unparalleled beauty and adventure in the heart of the...

Lake Powell is one of the most popular recreation destinations in the country. Hiking and fishing are both very popular, and with over 90 side canyons, the lake presents visually unique and stunning experience for houseboat vacation... Camping on the beaches and hiking around the Glen Canyon Recreation Area is often the natural companion activity to boating. Guides are available for tours of the still surviving ruins and of the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, a sacred monument to the native people of the area.

The remoteness of Lake Powell means you're not likely to be doing any day camping. The vast majority of sightseeing and attractions around the lake are accessible only by foot or by boat, the latter being the overwhelming favorite. Far and away the best way to experience this place is on a houseboat vacation. All of the Lake Powell marinas offer houseboat rentals, two of which are easily accessed near the dam. You could even fly into Page and be on a boat within the hour, though the popularity of the activity means you'll need to plan your houseboat vacation well in advance.

The lake covers a large area in south central Utah. Its 1,960 miles of shoreline (more than the United States' entire west coast) stretch 180 miles northeast from the Utah/Arizona border. The drive to Lake Powell is long from any direction, but well worth the trip. There are two marinas at the southern tip of the lake near the dam and a third marina towards the north. Vastly separated highways lead to the two areas so its important to plan ahead. Stay safe.. Say no to...

Maybe this wasn't the best year to go. The water level was at an all time low and traffic on the lake was very busy. Only wahweap and antelope were open for gas on the southern end so you couldn't venture far. The water was very choppy in the channels due to all the traffic. It was harder and harder to find good beaching sites and everywhere we went was taken. On top of all that, the house boat we rented from wahweap boat rental had no canopy as it has blown off in a previous rental. They did their best to accommodate after we argued for a couple hours. They hung up some bedsheets for cover as it was 98 degrees all week but it was humiliating when we saw other boaters laughing as they passed by. They told us our boat was only 10 years old but it was awful. We also checked the paperwork and saw it was at least 20 years old and felt every bit of it. Make sure to skip the M boats and get a Z boat. The water on the boat came out as a tiny stream, not enough to do anything but fill a glass in 5 minutes. Thankfully we were with family who had a Z boat with reverse osmosis and were able to get water. We literally had to wash dishes and shower in lake water! We had a good time despite and I'm sure it would have been much better in other times. Do your research on the boats and check the...