What To See and Do in Lake Powell

This post is brought to you by Visit Lake Powell and Aramark but opinions expressed are 100% my own 

Minutes from Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon Dam -Lake Powell is the place to visit! There are so many amazing things to see and do.

There are few places on earth that I have personally seen that have left me utterly breathless. Lake Powell fits firmly in that category! Lake Powell and its surrounding area of Page, AZ are home to some of the most amazing and inspiring scenery you will ever see. Making it a place that NEEDS to be on your bucket list.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”

After a trip to Lake Powell, I for one am feeling richer and so filled with gratitude for our amazing planet that I am now itching (even more so) to get out and explore!

Lake Powell in Page, AZ is a destination that has a little something for everyone. Whether you are a low key relaxation traveler or love a  more adventurous trip, Lake Powell has you covered. I for one love an active trip. I know y’all are shocked!

THING YOU NEED TO DO IN LAKE POWELL:

1. Rainbow Bridge – Only accessible via boat, it is less trafficked and offers a calm and quiet place to reflect and take in the majesty of the world’s largest natural bridge. It stands 290 feet tall to be exact. That’s the same height as the Statue of Liberty to give you some perspective. I was fascinated as the park ranger recounted the legend of the “powerful twins” that were raised to save the people from horrible monsters. The legend goes that the rainbow bridge was created by the Twins once they were raised to protect their people from the monsters. Pretty fitting since there are several dinosaur footprints near the actual bridge. The Navajo people consider this a sacred site. Please be respectful! This is not the site for getting a cool picture of you doing a crazy Yoga pose. Just drink it in and enjoy this amazing place. There are trails surrounding so you can add a hike as part of your adventure – just DO NOT go directly under the bridge.

To set up a chartered boat tour check out >>Visit Lake Powell   A couple things to remember if you go in the fall, winter or early spring the boat ride will be cold so dress accordingly. It is about a 2 ½ hour ride so plan on snacks and entertainment for younger kids. 

2. Horseshoe Bend Overlook: This is the shot you see plastered all over social media, it is a growing attraction and for good reason. It is BREATHTAKING! You can take a short hike about .75 miles to an overlook so that you are able to take photos from above. If you are nervous about heights there is an area to overlook safely behind a guardrail. This is also helpful if you choose to bring the kiddos along. I recommend going close to sunset. The lighting is perfect for pictures and the crowds are starting to die down a bit.

3. Float Glen Canyon Dam: After checking out the bird’s eye view of Horseshoe Bend you can float the river below, it is a beautifully scenic float. You can choose to do a mellow float or they also have white water rafting choices available depending on your preference. If you do opt for the scenic and calm float, this is REALLY important– you need to request Mick for your guide. He will make the float trip. Be prepared for nonstop jokes and even being serenaded. If you don’t happen to luck out and get Mick, all of the guides are well trained and are very knowledgeable about the river and its rich history. About halfway through the float, you will stop at Petroglyph Beach where you will be able to see some amazing artifacts. (Just a word to the wise if there are “caution” tapes on the door handle of the bathroom – DO not go in – you may possibly get stuck – but I would know nothing about that ????????????‍♀️) 

Glen Canyon is also a great place for fishing! I was told by our fearless guide Mick that Panther Bait Hooks (they are black + yellow) is what works best! If you enjoy camping there are several spots along the river to stop and camp for the night. I spied a great spot at Fairy Swell Beach.

The trip will take about half your day and will include a bus ride through a very narrow dark tunnel that lasts for about two miles – it does have a few natural windows. Just a thing to be mentally prepared for if such things bother you. For More Information and To Schedule a Trip Go to Visit Lake Powell

4. Antelope Canyon: Antelope Canyon is definitely a place that everyone needs to experience once in their lifetime. I took a million pictures and not one of them really does it justice. It is insane what was accomplished over years and years of water and wind. The lighting, the angles, there really are no words that I could write that really can explain exactly how cool Antelope Canyon is! Next time you head to Lake Powell, add this to your itinerary! It will only take you a couple hours, but so worth the trip! They have a great jeep tour that you can take where they will take you right to the mouth of the canyon. Be on the lookout for wildlife, I spotted a coyote up on a hill!

A couple things to keep in mind:  It is super busy! So you will be escorted in and out with a guide on your way through you may take photos, but once again this is a sacred site, so please be respectful. You will probably need to stop and wait a few times throughout your tour. In October it was pretty chilly in the Canyon so wear a light jacket and you should be fine. On the way out you will not be permitted to take photos. So remember to take ALL your photos on your way in.

Where To Stay at Lake Powell:

• There are several hotel choices, but the Lake Powell Resort is the only one right on the water! They offer great dining choices. Definitely try the Korean BBQ Brussel Sprouts at the Rainbow Room – I am still dreaming about those! I need to create a copycat recipe!
• You can also rent a houseboat. In my humble opinion, a houseboat is the way to do Lake Powell. That way you can stay on the water, an experience you will always remember.
• Not a boater but still want to rough it a bit? Visit Lake Powell over Airstreams that you can rent and enjoy! They are a great size for families and are perfect for those that enjoy camping!

If you love vacations that offer water, hiking, and natures beauty then Lake Powell needs to be added to your bucket list!

For more information on planning your next trip to Lake Powell follow @visitlakepowell and for other National Park to explore you’ve got to follow @nationsvacation