What to do at Lake Powell?

Lake Powell, straddling the Utah-Arizona border, is one of America’s most beloved playgrounds for water-based and desert adventures. With its deep blue waters set against towering red-rock cliffs, this man-made reservoir within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers a vast array of activities for outdoor lovers, thrill-seekers, and families alike. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer houseboat trip, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do at Lake Powell.

1. Houseboating: The Signature Lake Powell Experience

Renting a houseboat is perhaps the most iconic way to experience Lake Powell. The lake's 186-mile main channel and nearly 100 side canyons provide endless shoreline to explore — much of which is only accessible by water. Houseboats range from basic to luxury and allow you to anchor in secluded coves, swim right from your deck, and sleep under the stars.

Popular houseboat launch points include:

• Wahweap Marina near Page, Arizona
• Bullfrog Marina and Halls Crossing in Utah

A houseboat trip is ideal for families, groups of friends, and photographers looking to capture the lake's changing light across the dramatic sandstone cliffs.

2. Boating and Jet Skiing

Lake Powell is a boater’s paradise. From powerboats and pontoon boats to jet skis and kayaks, there are options for every style of explorer. Watercraft can be rented at several marinas, and the calm waters are perfect for:

• Exploring narrow slot canyons by boat
• Towing water-skiers or wakeboarders
• Zipping through open water on personal watercraft
• Fishing remote inlets

Don’t miss navigating through scenic areas like Labyrinth Canyon, Last Chance Bay, and Cathedral Canyon.

3. Swimming and Cliff Jumping

With warm water in summer and hundreds of quiet coves, Lake Powell offers some of the best swimming spots in the Southwest. There are no designated swim beaches, but popular swimming areas include:

• Lone Rock Beach (drive-up access, ideal for families)
• Warm Creek Bay and Padre Bay (accessible by boat)
• Hidden coves all along the shoreline

Cliff jumping is another popular activity, but it comes with risks. Always scout the landing zone for rocks and depth, and never jump from heights over 15–20 feet unless you're absolutely sure it's safe. The National Park Service discourages high jumps due to past injuries and accidents.

4. Fishing

Fishing at Lake Powell is productive and relaxing, especially during the spring and fall. The lake is home to several game fish, including:

• Striped bass (popular and abundant)
• Smallmouth and largemouth bass
• Walleye
• Crappie and catfish

Fishing can be done from a boat or the shore, especially in quieter areas like the Escalante Arm, Good Hope Bay, or near Dangling Rope Marina (currently closed but still accessible by boat). A Utah or Arizona fishing license is required depending on where you fish.

5. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

For a more peaceful, immersive experience, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a way to intimately explore the lake's intricate canyons. Paddlers love areas like:

• Antelope Canyon (accessible by water near Page)
• Labyrinth Canyon
• Face Canyon

Mornings are best when the water is calm and the cliffs are beautifully reflected on the surface.

6. Hiking and Slot Canyon Exploration

Many parts of Lake Powell can only be reached by water, but hiking opportunities abound both on the shoreline and nearby. Some hikes worth exploring:

i. Rainbow Bridge National Monument: One of the world’s largest natural bridges, accessible by boat plus a short hike (or a long overland trail with a permit).

ii. Horseshoe Bend: A famous overlook of the Colorado River, located just south of Glen Canyon Dam.

iii. Antelope Canyon: The world-famous slot canyon near Page, with guided hiking tours.

iv. Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch: Among the longest slot canyons in the world, within driving distance of the lake.

Always bring plenty of water and sun protection when hiking in the desert.

7. Camping

Camping at Lake Powell is an unforgettable experience, whether at a developed campground or a remote beach accessible only by boat. Options include:

• Lone Rock Beach Campground (car and tent camping right on the beach)
• Wahweap Campground (near Page, with full amenities)
• Backcountry beach camping: Popular for houseboaters and kayakers who want solitude

Campfires are allowed in many areas but must be below the high-water mark.

8. Photography and Stargazing

Lake Powell’s landscape is visually striking — from the glowing red cliffs at sunset to the mirrored reflections in still water. The ever-changing light makes it a haven for photographers. Key photo opportunities include:

• Sunrise at Reflection Canyon (requires a strenuous hike and overnight planning)
• Sunset views from Alstrom Point
• Star photography over remote coves with no light pollution

The remote location makes Lake Powell ideal for stargazing, especially during new moon phases.

9. Learning and Sightseeing

History and science lovers can also enjoy:

i. Glen Canyon Dam Tour: Learn how the dam works and its role in managing the Colorado River.

ii. Carl Hayden Visitor Center: Offers exhibits about Lake Powell’s formation, geology, and water use in the West.

iii. Navajo cultural sites: Guided tours from Page take you to ancestral Navajo lands and sacred locations like Antelope Canyon.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into boating, hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water, Lake Powell has something for everyone. Its unique combination of water and desert landscapes makes it one of the most versatile outdoor destinations in the American Southwest. From a week-long houseboat expedition to a short camping getaway, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this spectacular desert oasis.