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Lake Powell
If Lake Havasu makes you think of parties, Lake Powell should make you think of nature. The lake is the focal point of 1.25-million-acre Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which was established in 1972 to provide for the recreational use of Lake Powell as well as its surrounding area. The lake itself formed through the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, which was completed in 1963. The lake didn’t reach capacity until 1980. It’s 186 miles long, 560 feet deep at the dam and covers 266 square miles, making it the second largest reservoir in the country (Lake Mead is the largest). The creation of Lake Powell also spawned a city, Page, which was established to support the workers who built the dam. The lake was named in honor of Maj. John Wesley Powell, who navigated the first known successful expedition down the Colorado River in 1869 (despite having lost an arm in the Civil War).
These are all fascinating statistics, but they don’t really paint a picture of the unique beauty – or complexity – of Lake Powell. When Glen Canyon Dam was constructed, it was hugely controversial, and mention of the lake today can still ruffle feathers. Numerous Native American archaeological sites, not to mention animal habitats and ecosystems, were submerged when the lake formed. Regardless, to see red rock monoliths rising from the deep blue waters of the lake is stirring, and it’s what attracted 3.3 million visitors in 2016, says Brandon Honig, public information officer for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. “Lake Powell attracts international visitors, but I think Glen Canyon has been a hidden gem for a lot of years,” says Brandon. “People know Lake Powell but have missed out on the rest of the park until recently. Now visitors are learning what a special place this is. In addition to the water, there’s mountain biking, hiking, off-roading and canyoneering. It’s a wonderland for outdoor recreation.”
In terms of recreation on the lake, there’s fishing (bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, bluegill and more), jet skiing, waterskiing, kayaking, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and every kind of boating you can image from paddleboards to houseboats. Boaters like to explore Powell’s 96 major side canyons (there are countless smaller canyons) and 1,960 miles of shoreline. They will picnic along beaches, swim in water that’s 79-plus degrees in the summer and hike to places like Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges, or sites featuring hanging gardens and waterfalls. Starting this summer, three of those canyons will be wakeless, which will provide an even greater opportunity for peace and quiet on the lake. “Even though the lake is expansive and can be quite busy, especially in the summer, it’s still possible to find your own little corner of serenity,” says Brandon.
Lake Powell boasts nearly 600 developed campsites, but there’s also the opportunity for camping at Lone Rock Beach and 12 other off-road-vehicle areas. Camping permits and fees are not required for those areas. If you’re a hiker, don’t miss Horseshoe Bend, which is located south of Glen Canyon Dam. The trail is 1.5 miles round trip and ends overlooking iconic Horseshoe Bend. For those who want to see the bend from the water level, there are boat tours available.
This lake is your lake if:
• You can’t decide between boating and hiking.
• Happiness is pitching a tent on the beach next to your Jeep.
• You’re a photography buff.
Lake Powell is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, located off US 89 just north of the town of Page. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Parking is $25 per vehicle for one to seven days. There are additional fees for boats. Annual passes are available. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/glca or call 928-608-6200. There are two concessioners that rent boats at Lake Powell. Visit www.lakepowellhouseboating.com (800-255-5561) or www.lakepowell.com (888-896-3829).
