Lake Powell, Utah

Grand Canyon National Park
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Lake Powell

Lake Powell offers the visitor a wide array of outdoor recreation, everything from swimming and boating to viewing historic sites and exploring colorful canyons on the edge of the water.

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  • Boat on Lake Powell and explore all the amazing canyons along the water’s edge
  • Fish for striped bass, crappie and bluegill
  • Take to the back roads on a mountain bike for a real adventure
  • Enjoy a scenic drive along the Burr Trail
  • Lake Powell is accessible all year round

What can I see and do at Lake Powell?

  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Visiting Lake Powell UT means stopping to see the intriguing Rainbow Bridge. This National Monument, a natural stone bridge, has numerous Native American stories, myths and legends surrounding its history.
  • Descending Sheep Petroglyph Panel at Horseshoe Bend: At the bottom of Glen Canyon, you’ll find a trail that takes you to Horseshoe Bend and the historic petroglyphs of the Pueblo people. The trail itself is easy to navigate, but to reach the trailhead, you must get there by boat on the Colorado River.
  • Boating: There are boating adventures galore on the lake, with amazing canyons only accessible by water. West Canyon is a scenic stretch and so is Antelope Canyon, near the confluence with the Colorado River. You can also rent a houseboat for your stay and quietly cruise the 2,000 miles of shoreline. A boating trip on Lake Powell is something the whole family will certainly enjoy, with spectacular scenery on all sides.
  • Exploring: Explore canyons to your heart’s content, as there are a total of 96 major canyons along the water’s edge of Lake Powell. Navajo Canyon has high colorful walls, and the Cathedral in the Desert is a perfect destination to tie up your boat and take a short hike.
  • Fishing: Relax and try some fishing at Lake Powell for some fun in the sun. You will find striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and many more!
  • Hiking: The trails around Lake Powell offer up some scenic hiking, with cliff dwellings to see, sculpted sandstone views and much more. Hike a two to five-mile trail at Antelope Canyon for some incredible scenery or the Black Hole of White Canyon for a strenuous and challenging 5-mile trek (including a swim through cold pools).
  • Swimming: With a number of wonderful beaches, Lake Powell offers some great swimming opportunities. Remember to always ensure the kids are wearing life jackets when near the lake, and don’t swim during storms or when the water is rough.
  • Scenic Driving: Two scenic drives shouldn’t be missed when you visit Lake Powell. The Burr Trail is perfect for some views of mountains, red cliffs and plenty of side trips. The Hole-in-the-Rock Road is for those with four-wheeled vehicles, taking you into the backcountry and following a historic route.
  • Camping: Bring your tent or RV and find plenty of sites available around the lake. Settle in at your vacation base camp under the stars and enjoying a cool night by the campfire.

Where is Lake Powell?

Lake Powell is northeast of Grand Canyon National Park, off of US Highway 89. Take Highway 89A to US Highway 89 and head north to Page, Arizona and Glen Canyon Dam.

When is Lake Powell open?

Lake Powell Utah is accessible all year, with activities for the whole family during any season.

How much does Lake Powell cost?

Lake Powell is managed by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. The admission fees are as follows: 

  • Vehicle pass for 7 days is $25/car
  • Individual pass for those on foot or bicycle (7 days) is $12/person

If you are going to fish, be sure to get a fishing permit from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (in Utah waters) or from the Arizona Game and Fishing Department.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

Lake Powell information can be obtained by calling Glen Canyon National Recreation Area at (928) 608-6200.

Other Lake Powell Resources

Friends of Lake Powell

Friends of Lake Powell strives to preserve Lake Powell and surrounding recreation areas for future generations.

Lake Powell Yacht Club

The Lake Powell Yacht Club strives to serve as the boat owner's voice on Lake Powell.