Lake Powell

Best time to visit Lake Powell

The best time to visit Lake Powell depends on what you're looking for.

In summer (June-August) you get the warmest weather, longest days and the highest water levels making it ideal for water sports like boating, swimming, and jet skiing. However it's the busiest time with the highest prices and the potential for thunderstorms.

Autumn (September-October) has warm water, cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices but the days are shorter and some amenities may be closed.

Spring (April-May) has comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds and probably the most beautiful scenery. On the other hand the water levels may be lower and some amenities may not be open.

Winter (November-March) is the quietest time with the lowest prices but this is due to cold temperatures, limited water activities and some amenities being closed.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Lake Powell is the time that works best for you. Consider your budget, interests, and preferences when making your decision.

Discover Lake Powell

Construction workers laboured for seven hard years and in 1963, the 710-foot Glen Canyon Dam was completed, having been engineered and constructed as part of the Colorado River Storage Project. The main purpose of the dam was to provide water storage for the increasingly thirsty southwest and secondly, to generate power for growing communities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson. Glen Canyon Dam was dedicated by Ladybird Johnson on September 22, 1966 and it took an astonishing 17 years to completely fill Lake Powell. But what was at the time the largest construction project ever undertaken has provided a stunning setting with boundless recreational opportunities from house boating to sailing, fishing, swimming, and water skiing.

Named after the intrepid Colorado River explorer John Wesley Powell, you can see every size of watercraft from kayaks to sailboats to 50-foot cruises on the waters of Lake Powell. Despite the volume of vessels, the vast bays offer plenty of secluded water space. Whilst America’s second largest manmade lake (only Lake Mead is bigger) offers roadside vistas, there is no doubt that the best way to experience the lake is by boat. Six marinas buzz with visitors all year round, the largest and most developed of being Wahweap, Arizona, seven miles northwest of the town of Page and not far from Glen Canyon Dam itself. All your recreational needs are well catered for with boat rentals, houseboat accommodation, guided fishing trips and scenic cruises all on offer.

It’s worth noting that the beautiful waters and side canyons of this glorious lake represent little more than a tenth of the federally protected Glen Canyon Recreation Area. A vast land of colorful bluffs, mesas, canyons and buttes, no matter which route your journey brings you, your approach to Lake Powell guarantees America’s Southwest scenery in all its finest glory.

Things to do on holiday in Lake Powell

Carl Hayden Visitor Centre & Glen Canyon Dam Tours

On October 15, 1956, the first blast occurred, and the construction of Glen Canyon Dam was officially underway. Before that date, the site was virtually inaccessible and construction crews were forced to drive 200 miles to cross from one side of Glen Canyon to the other. To find out more about the construction of the dam head to the Carl Hayden Visitor Centre where you will see photos, paintings and films of Glen Canyon Dam and the history of its construction. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River.

Boat Cruises

Whilst roadside vistas do provide some excellent lakeside panoramas, there's no better way to see the best of Lake Powell’s treasures than from the water itself. Boat charters and scheduled cruises are available from Wahweap Marina at the Lake Powell Resort. A variety of scheduled cruise itineraries are available where you can enjoy the romance of a sunset dinner cruise, squeeze through Antelope and Navajo canyons or get right up close to Glen Canyon Dam and take in its fascinating story.

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Things to do on holiday in Lake Powell

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

The crowning glory of a visit to Lake Powell is the imposing magnificence of Rainbow Bridge. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is the tallest natural bridge in the world and is carved from red Navajo sandstone, the bridge is 290 feet tall and spans 270 feet across. Whilst the controversy over Glen Canyon Dam continues to divide opinion, before its construction, Rainbow Bridge was a remote destination requiring a multiday hike from Navajo Mountain. Now, Lake Powell water level brings visitors within a few steps of it.

Horseshoe Bend

A place like no other, Horseshoe Bend located in the Glen Dam Recreational Area is where the Colorado River meanders into a horseshoe shape. Walk the 1.5 miles to the overlook to take in the outstanding views of the Colorado River, or for a different viewpoint see it on a helicopter flight.

Swimming

After a day of hiking or driving through beautiful red rock scenery, Lake Powell is the perfect place to cool off and unwind. Take a dip in the clear waters of the lake and dry off by relaxing on one of the sandy beaches or coves.