Lake Powell History

Lake Powell was created in 1963 when the Glen Canyon Dam was built to hold back the waters of the Colorado River.   Lake Powell is a vast blue lake surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls. Remarkably, it took 17 years for the lake to fill the canyon to the high water mark (3700' above sea level), giving America its second largest man-made lake - and a playground like no place else on earth.

On May 24th, 1869, Major John Wesley Powell, an intrepid one-armed civil war veteran, left Green River, Wyoming, leading an expedition down the Green and Colorado Rivers. The expedition ended on August 29th, 1869, near Grand Wash Cliffs. His expedition of the Colorado River filled in the last blank spot on the map of the United States.

  Horseshoe Bend Lake Powell

With almost 2,000 miles of shoreline, endless sunshine, warm water perfect weather and some of the most spectacular scenery in the west, Lake Powell is the ultimate playground. Rent a houseboat (no experience necessary) or enjoy the Resorts and hotel and hop aboard a guided expedition. Explore canyons, test your skills at wakeboarding or water skiing and spend the evening snuggled by the campfire under a canopy of gleaming stars.

There is no better place in the west for water adventure than Lake Powell. And there's no better time to visit Lake Powell than the fall, when the water is warm and the summer temperatures have cooled.

Everything about Lake Powell is big - from the seemingly infinite miles of shoreline to the wide-open night sky - but it's the perfect place to get together and get close. Whether your idea of the ideal vacation is to feel in harmony with the land and water, relax in the warm sunshine, or seek the thrills of adrenaline-fueled wakeboarding, Lake Powell has it all.

  Lake Powell Fishing

Whether you're a seasoned fisherperson hoping for a record catch, or just want to relax under the sun with a rod and reel and try your hand at fishing, Lake Powell is the destination of choice. The lake is teaming with Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie and Bluegill - so there's a pretty good chance you'll be hooking dinner for your whole group! Because Lake Powell spans two states - Arizona and Utah - there are two online sites we recommend you visit for fishing and license information: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Arizona Game and Fishing Department.

Points of Interest

  Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge was established as a National Monument on May 30, 1910 - roughly 10 months after the Douglas - Cummings expedition "discovered" the natural stone bridge on August 14, 1909. The term "discovered" is used loosely because numerous Native American Tribes knew about the bridge's existence for centuries; many tribes even had tales, myths and legends surrounding the bridge's purpose. Rainbow Bridge was designated as a National Monument by President William H. Taft.

  West Canyon

The mouth of West Canyon is 26 miles up-lake from Glen Canyon Dam. The easiest access is by boat from Wahweap, but it is possible to boat down from Bullfrog. There are wonderful sights to see while on the lake.

The part of West Canyon inundated by the lake is very scenic - it's a great boating destination in and of itself. It's alternately wide and narrow, with many coves and sculpted slick rock walls. As you boat into West Canyon you will think you see its end sights, then the walls open up and you find you can go farther and farther and farther. There are submerged rocky hazards near the mouth of the canyon so boat carefully.

The lake level will determine how far back into the canyon you can boat. Sometimes you will be able to tie up along shore and begin hiking directly up the stream. Other times shallow water will force you to tie up a short distance down-canyon and then jump into the lake water to begin the hike.

  Antelope Canyon

This canyon is most commonly known for its scenic slot canyon region, but near its confluence with the Colorado River, the canyon widens and provides an enticing boating adventure. Enter the mouth of this canyon about 4 miles up from the Glen Canyon Dam on the East side of Antelope Island. The Canyon's kinks and bends will draw you in and the towering walls of sandstone on either side of you will keep you peering around the next corner.

  Navajo Canyon

One of the longest of Lake Powell's 96 major side canyons, Navajo Canyon is also one of the only side canyons to have been a tributary of the Colorado River. The canyon twists and meanders 15.5 miles past 600' high walls laden with Navajo Tapestries; iron oxide and manganese residue from the above, now eroded, beds of shale, that have "draped" down the sides of the canyon walls.

  La Gorce Arch

La Gorce is a beautiful arch on the Escalante Arm of Lake Powell. When the lake water level is high, you can pilot a small houseboat up this far. The arch is visible from both front and back, and so is one of the most photographed arches on Lake Powell.

  Cathedral in the Desert

Located about 23 miles south of Bullfrog Marina, on the Escalante Arm of Lake Powell, Cathedral in The Desert is a favorite destination for boaters on Lake Powell. While what you see varies greatly by water level, it is surely not to be missed when coming to Lake Powell. Water levels above 3620' will allow boaters to glide through calm waters back to a place where a small powerboat can tie off. A short walk up and over some ledges will lead you into a chamber where sandstone walls tower 1000' over your head.

RVing @ Lake Powell

If you are contemplating RVing at Lake Powell there are several RV campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're a tent camper or have your own travel trailer, motor home or RV, Lake Powell RV Parks & Campgrounds has the site for you.  Each one of their locations is surrounded by the magnificent scenery of Lake Powell and offers fun, food, and fantastic views and perfect weather - what more could you want!

Wahweap RV Campground 

Centrally located at Wahweap Marina about ¼ mile from the shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap RV & Campground offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys from which to choose. You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, Wahweap Grille, Java City and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort. This RV Park/Campground is also a great place to enjoy the winter solitude of Lake Powell.

Bullfrog RV Campground

This campground offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys from which to choose. You can also enjoy the restaurant and gift shop at nearby Defiance House Lodge. Here is a list of amenities you will find:

• 20 pull-through spaces and 4 back-in spaces for RVs
• All spaces offer full hook-ups and can accommodate up to 50' long RVs
• 30 amp power
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Charcoal grills and tables
• Pets are allowed on leash

 

Halls Crossing RV Campground

With Halls Crossing RV Park & Campground, you're just steps from food, fun, and the Village Store.  It's easy to get to Halls Crossing.  Simply pick up the ferry located at Bullfrog Marina and Halls Crossing is just a short ride away.  Stop by the Village Store to check-in - and don't forget to pick up food and beverages while you are there.

Here is a list of amenities offered at Halls Crossing RV Park & Campground:

• 24 pull-through spaces for RVs and 78 campsites
• RV spaces offer full hook-ups and can accommodate up to 60' long RVs
• Charcoal grills and tables
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pets are allowed on leash

While campsites are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis - RV spaces can be booked online.

Note: If you expect to arrive late, a map and directions to your designated site will be posted on the door of the Village Store.

Check out any of these campgrounds on the Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas web site.  They can accommodate tent trailers, travel trailers, 5^th wheels and motor homes, and you’ll find all the amenities you need to have a super outdoor family fun experiences.

Getting There

To get to Page AZ, from Albuquerque, you’ll take I-40 west to Gallup then Highway 264 & 89 through Navajo country.  It will be about a 7-hour drive, so it’s best to leave early and plan on spending most of the day on the road.

Visit Lake Powell, then you’ll understand why it’s called “The Jewel of the Desert.”