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An Outdoorsman's Guide To Visiting Lake Powell

Lake Powell (credit: Thinkstock)

You will be amazed by the breathtaking views an outdoor adventure at Lake Powell offers. Everything from the sparkling blue waters to the red-rock canyon walls and the sandy beaches to the fresh air makes visiting Lake Powell like no other vacation destination.

Lake Powell, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is the second largest man-made lake in the country, but that does not mean it does not offer everything a true outdoorsman needs. Guided tours, fishing, boat rentals and other outdoor activities are available year round.

How To Get There

Driving to Lake Powell makes it possible to pack the car with everything you need, including ice chests, sleeping bags, fishing gear, cameras and food. The north entrance to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located just off of Highway 89 past Greenhaven, Arizona, making it easily accessible when driving from Denver, Salt Lake City and Phoenix areas.

If you plan to fly into the area for your Lake Powell vacation, flights are available into Page Airport, connecting through Phoenix, Arizona. There you can rent a car or sue the shuttle service that is provided by Lake Powell Resort.

Weather

The Grand Circle region offers beautiful weather throughout most of the year, however, because temperatures can get pretty high in the months of July and August, it might be best to visit Lake Powell during the milder months – May, June and September.

  • Spring: Months of March, April and May – Things can be a bit windy and the lake water can still be a bit cold in the spring. Because of the cooler weather, springtime means rentals are easily available and there are very few crowds visiting the area.
  • Summer: Months of June, July and August – This time of year tends to get very hot and very crowded. So if you want to visit the area during the summer, make your reservations early and expect higher crowd levels.
  • Fall: Months of September, October, November – Temperatures start to cool off in the fall and water temperatures remain surprisingly warm in September. It also tends to rain a lot during the month of September.
  • Winter: Months of December, January and February – Temperatures drop during this time, making the water cold. However, that does not deter people from hiking, fishing and still enjoying everything the Lake Powell area has to offer.
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Things To Do

Boat rentals are available throughout the year at Wahweap and Bull Frog marinas. The Dangling Rope Marina is only accessible by boat.

One of the best things about Lake Powell is fishing opportunities are available year round. With moderate water temperatures throughout the year, the water never freezes over. Though the fishing patterns change throughout the seasons, many have found success fishing during the "off-seasons" when the lake becomes as reflective as a mirror. The lake is filled with both large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, carp, crappie and walleye.

You will find things more active in the spring after the lake has been quiet during the winter months. As the lake gets busier with boats, houseboats, jet skiers and water skiers, you will find the best times to go fishing early in the day or late at night. Many experienced anglers consider the fall the best time to go fishing on Lake Powell. During this time, fish are in shallow water, making their way back to the canyons. Though the water does not freeze, winter is not the best time of year to go fishing here.

For more information about fishing or to get current fishing reports, visit Wayne's World.

There are several other activities available to those visiting Lake Powell, including watercraft rentals, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, guided tours, ATV tours, jeep tours and boat tours of the area.

When you go exploring Lake Powell you will not only see breathtaking views, but you will also have a wide variety of adventures available to you. Your adventures may take you to some of the area's points of interest. Popular points of interest in the Lake Powell area include:

  • Antelope Canyon
  • Bullfrog Visitor Center
  • Carl Hayden Visitor Center
  • Face Canyon
  • Glen Canyon Dam
  • Gunsight Canyon
  • LaGorce Arch
  • Navajo Canyon
  • Navajo Village Heritage Center
  • Padre Bay
  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument
  • Wahweap Bay
  • Warm Creek Bay
  • West Canyon
What To Bring With You

There is such a variety of things to do while visiting Lake Powell. In order to enjoy everything the area has to offer, you want to make sure you have everything you need with you. Packing for a Lake Powell vacation means you will be doing everything from fishing to swimming and relaxing in a houseboat to riding an ATV along the shoreline. Each activity requires different things. To ensure you bring everything you need, it is best to make a list of what you are going to do and determine what is needed for each activity.

Here is a sample list of things to bring with you:

  • Hiking boots
  • Swim suit
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Fishing equipment and license
  • Toiletries
  • Camera equipment
  • First aid kit
  • Beach towels
  • Hats
  • Camping gear: a tent, cooking equipment and sleeping bags
  • Food preparations items: plates, utensils, cups, storage containers, paper towels
  • Meal ingredients and condiments
  • Ice chest
  • Chairs
  • Water sports equipment
  • Battery lamp
  • Binoculars
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Best Places To Stay

Camping, both tent and RV, is available throughout the Lake Powell area. Here are some of the area's campgrounds:

  • Wahweap RV Park and Campground
  • Bullfrog RV Park and Campground
  • Halls Crossing RV Park and Campground
  • Hite RV Park and Campground

If camping is not your thing, there are a variety of area hotels available. Hotels near Lake Powell area include:

If you do not want to miss out on any of the action Lake Powell offers, renting a houseboat may be the way to go. Houseboats give you the luxury of having everything you would at home, while keeping you on Lake Powell and close to everything you will want to do. Renting a houseboat will make it possible for you to wake up every morning to a different view and makes it possible to easily explore the area.

Houseboat rentals are available from both the Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas.

Best Places To Eat

There are many dining opportunities in and around the Lake Powell area, including cooking over an open fire at your campsite and picnicking on the shores of the lake. The Offshore Marina offers a place to grab some snacks at the convenience store and deli while gathering your Lake Powell vacation supplies.

You can enjoy a meal at one of the area restaurants including Bonker's Restaurant and the Dam Bar and Grill. Plus, there are many fast food and chain restaurants throughout the area.

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, complete with fishing, boating and all things we love about the great outdoors, consider making vacation plans to visit Lake Powell. You will find everything you need for an outdoor adventure in one location.

Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.


 

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