Top Things to Do at Lake Powell and Page
Page is in northern Arizona on the southern shores of Lake Powell. The small town of Page is the perfect home base for those looking to explore the various outdoor activities of the area. In town, you can appreciate the specialty stores and quaint dining before and after the long days spent outside. The draw of the area is what surrounds the town as there is now shortage of places to explore in and around Page and Lake Powell. Many visitors begin by visiting Horseshoe Bend, the Rainbow Bridge, and Antelope Canyon and then branch further out into the Vermilion Cliffs National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Coconino National Forest. Lake Powell is a gorgeous reservoir that offers hundreds of miles of shoreline locations to explore. On Lake Powell itself, you can try various water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding or renting a motorboat for the day.
We have gone through and put together our favorite activities and things to do in Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Recreation Area and in Page Arizona. If you hit some of these, let alone all, you will have a wonderful visit to the area.
HORSESHOE BEND OVERLOOK
1 HRS: Horseshoe Bend Overlook is one of the most iconic images in the American Southwest. The short hike to the overlook is a gentle slope of 1.5 miles round-trip over flat terrain. The trail is wide, easy for low-impact walkers, and accessible to wheelchairs. It has two shade stations along the way. This viewpoint can get busy, so it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for Sunset! There is a $10 fee to park in the lot that goes to the City, not the NPS. Parking lot and trailhead is located off US Highway 89, approximately 5 miles south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
TOUR UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON
2-3 HRS: Probably the most famous slot canyon in the World, Upper Antelope Canyon is worth the hype. Because the Canyon is located on the Navajo Nation, regulated by the Navajo Nation Parks Service and you will have to book a proper guided tour to visit. There are five outfitters who offer tours, and they are all very similar. You will drive in an open-air bus to the canyon mouth and then walk your way through the canyon for about an hour. Though this is a bit of a touristy destination, it will be worth it once you are in the bright red sandstone canyon, you will realize why it is a bucket list item. Bring your camera and book your tour online or via phone WAY in advance. Tours (with all the outfitters) can sell out up to 6 months in advance are run about $100/pp. www.antelopecanyon.com or www.antelopeslotcanyon.com have online booking.
GO FOR A SWIM
1 HR-HALF DAY: Lone Rock Beach and Campground is a primitive campground where you can drive out and park (or camp) along the shores of Lake Powell. It is in the National Recreation Area, so you will need to show your parks pass to enter. There are bathrooms, a dump station and water fill up if needed. Head down the beach, park and enjoy some time relaxing and swimming. There are usually quite a few people here but has held onto a family atmosphere. Another great place to get into Lake Powell is called The Chains area just south of the Visitor Center. Park in the Lot and make your way along the sandstone down to the Lake. Swim in the deep and clear waters surrounded by cliffs. Lone Rock in just north across the UT/ AZ border on Lone Rock Road. The Chains is on the South side of the Glen Canyon Bridge at the end of Chains Rd.
RAFT THE COLORADO RIVER
HALF DAY: While most raft trips in the Grand Canyon require a week or more, you can get a small taste of rafting below Glen Canyon Dam. Head out with Wilderness River Adventures on their “Half Day Horseshoe Bend” trip where you put in at the Dam, and float 15 miles downriver to the takeout at Lee’s Ferry. It’s calm, beautiful, and inspiring, as you gently float and stop at some of its most awe-inspiring sites. There are no rapids on this section and kids as young as 4yrs are welcome. $89/pp adults. $79/pp children. www.riveradventures.com
RENT A SPEEDBOAT
ALL DAY: Lake Powell is often described as one of the best places in the world for water sports. The water is warm, clear and there is more than 2,000 miles of coastline. The main attraction of the area is Lake Powell, and we think getting on the water is the best way to explore it. The Wahweep Marina provides motorboat rentals, and you can include tubes, wakeboards or water-skis with your rental. Boats hold up to 6 or 10 and start around $500/day. Reserve your boat in advance at www.lakepowellmarinas.com.
VISIT THE GLEN CANYON DAM
1-2 HOURS: Head to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and see the interactive exhibits, introductory films, a relief map of the entire Glen Canyon area and view the Dam itself. Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1964, taming the waters of the Colorado River and creating massive Lake Powell. Lake Powell is about 186 miles long and attracts almost 3 million visitors a year and this center is a great way to learn the important history of the area and dam. If they are offered, taking a guided tour of the Dam is also worth the time. Open daily 9am-4pm. Located off US-89.
Many people drive through the Lake Powell and Page area on their way between Zion Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. We think Lake Powell and the greater Page area is worth spending time in, especially if you can get out on the water of Lake Powell. Reach out if you would like to plan a trip to this area, and we can get you set up!