The second largest manmade reservoir in the US, Lake Powell has become one of the premiere vacation destinations in Arizona. Straddling the border with Utah, the lake attracts nearly 2 million visitors a year. And beyond the draw of the calming waters, there are nearly 90 side canyons to explore in the area. Nature lovers flock here to take in the scenery, engage in some exhilarating outdoor activities, and camp beneath the stars. The gateway to this lake oasis is Page, AZ. Located at an elevation of near 4000 ft., Page gives visitors great proximity to the lake and all that it has to offer. The lake itself features nearly 2000 miles of shoreline, shoreline that is incidentally composed of a gorgeous rose-colored sand. The red rock cliffs surrounding Lake Powell lend the area an even more majestic feel. Nearby you will also find the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area—which features the dam responsible for the lake’s creation.
With so much to see and explore in the Lake Powell area, a trip here really should last at least a week to allow you to take it all in. Houseboats are extremely popular on the lake. In fact, Page has been coined the Houseboat Capital of the US. You can water ski, swim, canoe, and also of course spend a day exploring the surrounding canyons.
Page is a town of about 7000 situated on a plateau that overlooks the lake. The gorgeous views are just one of its draws. Hosting the throngs who annually visit the lake, Page has become something of a hot vacation spot especially in the past few years. Tourists can find everything from shops, to restaurants, to bars and hotels in the town.
The world’s tallest natural bridge, this is truly a sight to behold. Spanning Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge can most easily be seen via boat. It stands at 290 ft tall and spans 275 feet across. Formed over millions of years, this bridge is considered by the Navajo Indians who live nearby to be a sacred site. Thousands of visitors come to see this natural wonder every year.
Winter is the slow season as it is too cool for most boating activities. Some people enjoy the quite season.
Late spring can be a good time, but the weather is still cool from the winter. May highs are in the low-80s.
Summer is the busy tourism season. The weather is hot, the water is warm, and the bugs are non-existent. Temps can regularly get up near 100 degrees.
In our opinion, September is the best month of the year to visit. The summer crowds (and extremely hot weather) have turned down a bit. However, the weather and the water is still warm.
