Lake Powell

Travel reviews

3.9 / 5 - 344 reviews

Antelope Canyon (iStockPhoto, StephanHoerold)

What to do

Noteworthy
Worth the detour
Must see

Lake Powell is an artificial lake formed by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in 1964. It is the 2^nd largest man-made reservoir in North America.

The lake is 299 kilometers long and is part of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, a conservation area covering 1.25 million acres created to preserve the area's scientific, historic, and scenic features.

Lake Powell covers only 13% of the area and is a true playground for pleasure boaters of all kinds.

It boasts 3,150 km of coastline, dozens of protected bays and gorges, as well as a few beaches that are a delight on warm days.

GLEN CANYON DAM

Glen Canyon Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam located on the Colorado River near the town of Page. Your visit begins at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, where you will have a panoramic view of Lake Powell and the 216-meter-high dam. Guided tours to discover the inner workings of this concrete giant are available.

ANTELOPE CANYON

Anteloppe Canyon This is a truly unique and magnificent place, a marvel of erosion created over millions of years by flash flooding after summer storms. The canyon's tall wavelike walls and colourful layers of rock make for an incredible, unforgettable experience. It is a staple for western USA vacations.

You have two possibilities: Upper Antelope Canyon (located above ground level) or Lower Antelope Canyon (located below ground level. Several flights of stairs lead down into the canyon). Both tours are extremely interesting and quite different.

The Upper Canyon tour (preferably around midday for the best light) lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 hours and is done through a tour operator like Antelope Canyon Tours, with reservations made well in advance. The tour of the Lower Canyon (preferably in the morning because of the temperature) lasts about one hour and takes place with a Navajo guide. It is a good idea to book ahead for this tour as well. and it is important to know that even if you have a specific tour time, you may have to wait on site, especially during busy periods (holidays are to be avoided). Bring water and snacks!

BOAT TOUR ON LAKE POWELL

For a different perspective of Lake Powell, a boat tour is a must! It is also one of the most beautiful ways to admire the scenery. Lake Powell Resort offers several tours, including a tour to the majestic Rainbow Bridge , the largest natural bridge in the world, a canyon tour, and a dinner cruise.

HORSESHOE BEND

Horseshoe Bend is the famous meander of the Colorado River in the form of a horseshoe. For spectacular views of this unique natural wonder, a sandy trail leads to an overlook in just 20 minutes.

A must-see! On leaving Page, take US Route 98 south towards Flagstaff. About 2.4 km after the junction with AZ Route 98 (which will be on your left), turn right onto a small road leading to a parking lot. This is the trailhead for the Horseshoe Bend trail. The parking fee is about $10.

Optional activities

Where to eat

$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Upscale
$$$$ Fine dining

Dam Bar & Grille ($$)

This themed restaurant features a scaled down version of the Glen Canyon Dam, complete with cement walls, helmets and a large transformer transmitting neon "electricity". Go there to fraternize with the locals and to eat typical American fare such as soups, sandwiches, salads, pastas, steaks, seafood and pizzas.

BLUE BUDDHA SUSHI LOUNGE ($$-$$$)

The Blue Buddha is a friendly restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary touch. You will find a selection of sushi, but also soups, salads, rolls, bowls, meat, fish and seafood.

BIG JOHN’S TEXAS BBQ ($$-$$$)

This popular restaurant serves typical American southwest cuisine. The specialty of the house is meat grilled on the big outdoor barbecue, Texas-style. You will also enjoy the festive atmosphere of the covered patio, with its rustic picnic tables and country music shows some evenings. The BBQ at its best!

BONKERS RESTAURANT ($$-$$$)

Don't be fooled by the look of the building or the name of the restaurant: go inside! Bonkers is an excellent choice if you want to eat good Italian food. The service is also good. As the place is busy and they don't take reservations, arrive early.