Lake Powell Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Local Tips

1. Why Visit Lake Powell

Lake Powell is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States — a massive man-made reservoir surrounded by dramatic red rock canyons on the border of Arizona and Utah. Created by the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell offers crystal-clear blue water, towering sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and endless outdoor adventures.

Lake Powell is perfect for:

Nature and landscape lovers
Boating and water sports enthusiasts
Families and group trips
Photographers
Road trip travelers
Adventure seekers

Whether you want to explore narrow slot canyons by kayak, relax on sandy beaches, rent a houseboat, or hike to panoramic viewpoints — Lake Powell delivers a truly unique desert-meets-water experience.

2. Best Time to Visit Lake Powell

The best time to visit Lake Powell is from April to October, when the weather is warm and perfect for water activities.

Season	Months	Weather	Notes
High Season	Jun–Aug	Hot, sunny	Best for boating & swimming
Shoulder Season	Apr–May & Sep–Oct	Warm, pleasant	Fewer crowds, great weather
Low Season	Nov–Mar	Cold, windy	Limited activities

Tip: Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C) — plan water activities early morning or late afternoon.

3. How to Get to Lake Powell

Lake Powell is remote, so flying + driving is required.

Closest Airports:

Page Municipal Airport (PGA) – very limited flights
Las Vegas (LAS) – ~4.5-hour drive
Phoenix (PHX) – ~5-hour drive
Salt Lake City (SLC) – ~6-hour drive

Main Access Town: Page, Arizona

Renting a car is essential.

4. Best Areas to Stay Near Lake Powell

Area	Best For	What to Expect
Page, Arizona	First-time visitors	Hotels, restaurants, tours
Wahweap Marina Area	Boat lovers	Marina access, lake views
Bullfrog Marina (Utah)	Quiet stays	Fewer crowds, remote feel
Houseboats on Lake Powell	Groups & families	Ultimate lake experience

Recommendation:
First visit → stay in Page, AZ for convenience.
For a unique experience → rent a houseboat.

5. Best Things to Do at Lake Powell

1) Boat & Pontoon Rentals

The most popular way to explore the lake — access hidden coves and beaches.

2) Houseboat Adventure

Stay directly on the water and explore remote canyon areas for days.

3) Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Perfect for exploring narrow slot canyons like Antelope Canyon (water section).

4) Swimming & Cliff Jumping

Find secluded spots with warm, calm water.

5) Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Stunning views of the dam and Colorado River below.

6) Hiking Near the Lake

Short hikes to scenic overlooks and slot canyons around Page.

6. Best Beaches & Swimming Areas

Spot	Features	Notes
Lone Rock Beach	Sandy shoreline, camping	Easy access, family-friendly
Wahweap Swim Beach	Calm water	Near marina & facilities
Antelope Point Coves	Secluded beaches	Boat access only
Padre Bay	Iconic canyon views	Best by houseboat

Insider Tip:
Many of the best “beaches” are only reachable by boat or kayak.

7. Where to Eat: Food Options

Dining options are limited around the lake, so plan ahead.

In Page, AZ:

Big John’s Texas BBQ
Fiesta Mexicana
Sunset 89 (great views)

At the Lake:

Wahweap Marina Restaurant
Bring groceries if renting a boat or houseboat

8. Nightlife & Entertainment

Lake Powell is about nature, not nightlife.

Evenings usually mean:

Sunset photography
Campfires
Stargazing (minimal light pollution)

For bars and entertainment → Page has a few casual options, but it’s generally quiet.

9. Prices & Budget

Traveler Type	Budget/Day	Notes
Budget	$80–$130 USD	Motels + basic activities
Mid-range	$150–$250 USD	Hotels + boat tours
Luxury	$300+ USD	Houseboats, private rentals

Typical Costs:

Boat rental: $400–$900/day
Houseboat: $1,500–$4,000+/week
Kayak rental: $40–$70/day
Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (7 days)

10. Suggested 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Page → Glen Canyon Dam → Sunset viewpoint
Day 2: Boat or pontoon rental → Explore nearby coves
Day 3: Kayak Antelope Canyon → Swim & relax
Day 4: Lone Rock Beach → Scenic drive → Departure