Lake Powell Facts
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Lake Powell is one of the largest and most scenic reservoirs in the American Southwest, stretching across northern Arizona and southern Utah within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Known for its red rock canyon walls, clear blue water, hidden coves, and dramatic desert scenery, Lake Powell attracts visitors for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, photography, and houseboat vacations. The lake contains nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, making it larger than the entire West Coast of the continental United States when measured by shoreline length.
Why Visit Lake Powell
People visit Lake Powell for its combination of desert landscapes and water recreation opportunities that are difficult to find anywhere else in Arizona. Visitors can explore narrow sandstone canyons by boat or kayak, enjoy fishing for striped bass and smallmouth bass, relax on secluded beaches, or experience multi-day houseboat adventures surrounded by towering red cliffs. The lake is also conveniently located near Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and Antelope Canyon, making it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Southwest.
Interesting Facts About Lake Powell
- Lake Powell has over 2,000 miles of shoreline which is more than the combined states on the Pacific Coast. It is 400 feet deep, 186 miles long and has a water storage capacity of 27,000,000 acre feet of water.
- Over 3,000,000 people visit Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation area every year. The average length of stay of 4.5 days is the longest stay of any federal park.
- Lake Powell was formed when the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in on the Colorado River in 1963. Lake Powell took 17 years to reach "full pool" in 1980.
- Glen Canyon Dam which creates Lake Powell was completed in 1963 and rises 710 feet above the Colorado River. It provides essential water storage and electric power to small rural electric co-ops, Native American reservations and towns throughout Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.
- Glen Canyon Power Plant has eight generators with a combined capacity of close to 1.3 million killowatts.
- Lake Powell was named in honor of Civil War veteran John Wesley Powell who led an expedition in wooden boats down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869.
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the largest natural bridge on earth, is the most famous site on Lake Powell. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors come to admire this graceful stone arc located about 50 water miles from Lake Powell Marina and accessible by tour boats and private vessels. Prior to the formation of Lake Powell, visiting Rainbow Bridge required a long, rugged, waterless hike or horseback ride.
- Facilities and amenities at Lake Powell include two visitor centers, five marinas, permanent mooring for over two thousand private vessels, lodging, restaurants, campgrounds and RV facilities. Convenient services include houseboat rentals and boat rentals dockside and dry boat storage, fishing, water sports gear, groceries, general merchandise and guided tours.
Things To Do At Lake Powell
- Houseboating: Explore remote beaches and canyon scenery while staying overnight on the water.
- Boating: Cruise through scenic canyons and open desert water areas.
- Fishing: Fish for striped bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
- Kayaking: Paddle into narrow slot canyons and quiet coves.
- Swimming: Relax at sandy beaches and sheltered swimming areas.
- Photography: Capture dramatic desert landscapes and colorful canyon walls.
- Camping: Camp along the shoreline or at developed campgrounds nearby.
- Sightseeing: Visit Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon Dam.
Best Times To Visit Lake Powell
- Spring: Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make spring one of the best seasons for boating, kayaking, fishing, and sightseeing.
- Summer: Peak season for houseboating, swimming, and family vacations with warm water and long daylight hours.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and lighter crowds create excellent conditions for fishing and outdoor recreation.
- Winter: Quiet conditions and cool weather provide peaceful sightseeing opportunities and uncrowded fishing areas.
Lake Powell Water Levels & Conditions
Lake Powell water levels can change significantly throughout the year depending on snowpack, rainfall, drought conditions, and water releases from Glen Canyon Dam. Visitors should check current launch ramp conditions, marina access, and boating advisories before traveling to the lake. Lower water levels may expose additional canyon scenery and beaches, while higher water levels can improve boat access into remote areas of the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions Around Lake Powell
- Horseshoe Bend: One of the most photographed overlooks in Arizona.
- Antelope Canyon: Famous slot canyon known for colorful sandstone formations.
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Massive natural bridge accessible primarily by boat.
- Glen Canyon Dam: Impressive engineering landmark creating Lake Powell.
- Page, Arizona: Main gateway community offering lodging, restaurants, and tour services.
FAQ
Where is Lake Powell located?
Lake Powell is located in northern Arizona and southern Utah within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page, Arizona.
What is Lake Powell known for?
Lake Powell is known for houseboating, boating, fishing, red rock canyon scenery, and outdoor recreation.
Can you swim in Lake Powell?
Yes, swimming is very popular at Lake Powell during warmer months, especially around beaches and coves.
What fish species are found in Lake Powell?
Lake Powell contains striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and walleye.
When is the best time to visit Lake Powell?
Spring and fall are often considered the best times to visit because temperatures are milder and crowds are smaller.
Are houseboat rentals available at Lake Powell?
Yes, Lake Powell is one of the most popular houseboating destinations in the United States with rentals available from several marinas.
Lake Powell & Page Arizona
