With more than 3 million people visiting Lake Powell every year, this lake strattling the Utah and Arizona border is one of the area's most popular recreational spots. Boasting of crystalline waters, the lake includes vermilion cliffs and slot canyons. Within and around the gorgeous lake, visitors can find adventure options like water skiing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, water skiing and fishing.
1. Horseshoe Bend
For awe-inspiring views, check out Horseshoe Bend. Placed about five miles south of the Glen Canyon Dam, this spot is ideal for taking photographs. While you can explore the area around it, Horseshoe Bend is best for panoramic snapshots.
2. Coyote Buttes
As a part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, this area requires a permit for you to hike within it. Run by the Bureau of Land Management, the Buckskin Gulch is the longest continuous slot canyon I the United States. Hikers can start at the Wire Pass Trailhead. From there, they will reach the Buckskin Gulch after a 1.7 mile walk. You should be in fairly good shape to do this hike because you will have to climb up and down piles of boulders.
3. Lee's Ferry
Lee's Ferry is one of the only seven crossings available for the Colorado River in a span of 750 miles. Considered the start of the Grand Canyon, this spot is great for the views and for river trips down the Grand Canyon.
4. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center
While most visitor centers just offer brochures, the Carl Hayden Visitor Center also includes photographs, videos and exhibits. It is placed on the north side of the bridge over the Glen Canyon Dam. Once you arrive at the visitor center, you can take a 45-minute tour that takes you across the dam.
5. The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
This monument stretches 5,500 feet up from the Colorado River. Cliffs, plateaus and amazing views are just a part of the reason why so many people visit this section of the Bryce Canyon National Park and the Colorado River. Interestingly, the national monument is actually the world's best place for dinosaur finds. In a single year, two new species were discovered. From the monument, visitors can traverse 10,000 miles of trails that are perfect for all-terrain vehicles and mountain bikes.
6. The Glen Canyon Dam
Originally, the 186 miles of Lake Powell were formed by the creation of the Glen Canyon Dam. Long ago, John Wesley Powell led expeditions don the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Today, the dam stretches 710 feet above the Colorado River. Its main purpose is to store water and generate electric power for the area around it.
7. Lake Powell National Golf Course
If you are tired of water activities, check out the Lake Powell National Golf Course. Only a few miles away, this 18-hole course offers an elevation of 300 feet. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at the grille.
8. Glen Canyon Recreational Area
Outfitted with restaurants, RV facilities, five marinas and campgrounds, the Glen Canyon Recreational Area is always worth a visit. Houseboats can access dry boat storage, fuel and groceries at the recreational area. It also offers some of the best views of Lake Powell and an overlook that rises hundreds of feet above the lake.
9. Hiking Around Lake Powell
There are far too many hikes to include in a single list for Lake Powell. Some of the favorites for visitors include the Rim Trail and the Loop Trail. These trails encompass eight miles in length. During the trail, you can see views of Lake Powell, the Tower Butte, Antelope Canyon, the Glen Canyon Dam and Navajo Mountain. Make sure to bring your camera because you will want to remember these vistas for a lifetime.
10. Cathedral Wash
This trail spans three miles in length, but do not let its short distance fool you. Cathedral Wash is an extremely difficult trail to hike, and you will have to scramble over rocks to complete it. If you want an even more challenging trail, check out the Spencer Trail. This trail involves climbing up cliffs over the 4.4 mile journey.
11. Antelope Canyon
This gorgeous canyon is run by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. As one of the best slot canyons, it is the perfect place to take a picture. From here, visitors can check out the Rainbow Bridge Trail and waterholes. There is also a marina located nearby.
12. Agua Tierra
This trail spans 1.2 miles in length. It starts at the Lake Powell Resort and is a simple day trip. For another easy trail, check out the hike to the Hanging Gardens.
13. Kayaking Around Lake Powell
Skip the guidebook and the fancy tours. Instead of going on a planned tour, get out your kayak and explore. You can launch a kayak from your houseboat or from one of the many launch ramps. Top kayaking trips in the area include Stanton Creek, Wahweap and Lone Rock. If you love river rafting, check out one of the tours available on the Colorado River.
14. Powell Museum
For a historic tour of the area, stop by the Powell Museum. This museum showcases the history of the area, paleontology and geology. It also includes videos, photographs and maps about many of the attractions available in the area.
15. Rainbow Bridge
The most famous location on Lake Powell is the Rainbow Bridge Monument. This monument can only be reached by boat or by hiking. From either marina in Page, it takes about two hours to reach the monument. If you want to hike there, you have to arrange a permit in advance since it crosses Navajo land. The Rainbow Bridge is the highest natural bridge in the world and spans 234 feet in length.
