Lake Powell & Glen Canyon

Lake Powell, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States, stretches across the red-rock desert of Utah and Arizona, offering a surreal playground of towering sandstone cliffs, hidden slot canyons, and glassy turquoise water. This is a place where you can houseboat through a labyrinth of canyons, kayak into narrow gorges, and watch the sunset paint the Vermilion Cliffs in fiery hues. It’s a quintessential American Southwest experience that combines epic natural beauty with endless opportunities for water-based adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Antelope Canyon – One of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, with swirling, wave-like sandstone walls. Accessible only via guided tours from Page, Arizona.
• Horseshoe Bend – A dramatic, horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, just a short hike from the parking lot near Page. Best at sunrise or sunset for stunning colours.
• Rainbow Bridge National Monument – The world’s largest natural bridge, accessible only by boat or a long hike. A sacred site to several Native American tribes.
• Houseboating on Lake Powell – Rent a houseboat from Wahweap or Bullfrog marinas and create your own itinerary, mooring in secluded coves and waking up to red-rock vistas.
• Glen Canyon Dam – The massive concrete arch dam that created Lake Powell. Take the guided tour to see the power plant and learn about the controversial history of the dam.
• Lone Rock Beach – A popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and camping right on the shore, with the iconic Lone Rock rising from the lake.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least three full days to do justice to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon. A typical itinerary: Day 1 – drive from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, explore Horseshoe Bend and the dam; Day 2 – take a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge or rent a kayak to explore Antelope Canyon’s water entrance; Day 3 – houseboat or speedboat to more remote canyons like Cathedral in the Desert. If you’re short on time, a one-day stop can still include Horseshoe Bend, a quick lake cruise, and a walk across the dam.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Page, Arizona – The gateway town for Lake Powell, with motels, restaurants, and tour operators for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
• Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) – About a 2.5-hour drive, offering a less crowded, high-elevation perspective of the canyon.
• Zion National Park – A 2-hour drive from Page, famous for its towering canyon walls and the Narrows hike.
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 3 hours north, known for its surreal hoodoos and amphitheatre-like landscapes.
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – 2 hours east, with iconic sandstone buttes that define the American West.
• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – Stretching along the Arizona-Utah border, home to the Wave (permit required) and Paria Canyon.

Please check official sources for current details.