Glen Canyon, National Recreation area (Lake Powell) National Park, Arizona/Utah
This park encompasses 1.25 million acres on the Arizona/Utah border. It is centred around Lake Powell, which is part of the Colorado river, now made into a reservoir behind the Glen canyon Dam in Page, Arizona. It is to provide not only vital water, but for public use and enjoyment opportunities such as swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking and hiking. It is the second largest man made lake in the US.
You can take a short drive to some of the viewpoints, but most of the park is only visible from the water. It's the perfect way to cool off after visiting the Grand Canyon and other attractions in Page Arizona, before moving on to the Parks in Utah.
You can take a short drive to some of the viewpoints, but most of the park is only visible from the water. It's the perfect way to cool off after visiting the Grand Canyon and other attractions in Page Arizona, before moving on to the Parks in Utah.
When we visited recently, Lake Powell was at it's lowest level for many years. It's reliant on snow melt from Colorado, which due to climate change is being impacted. For now there is still enough water to power the hydroelectric power station and supply water to seven states, but I couldn't help thinking that solar power in this area might be sensible?
The low water level in 2022 exposed archaeological sites which had been flooded since it was made into a lake in the 1960's. Several bodies were also found as the water receded, that had been hidden there for years.
At one end is the Glen Canyon Dam, just opposite the Home2suites by Hilton hotel in Page, Arizona.This is where the hydroelectric power station is located as well, on the opposite side to the hotels.
Where to stay
There is a hotel, the Lake Powell Resort within the park, we did stop for drinks there, but many more hotels and facilities in nearby Page, Arizona, where we stayed.
Horseshoe Bend
This is technically in the Glen Canyon recreation area and the East Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Before the Colorado river reaches the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and just after the Glen Canyon Dam, the river meanders around a large sandstone rock to create an entrenched meander of spectacular proportions. This was actually my favourite part of the Grand Canyon!
It is just outside the town of Page, 7 miles from Antelope Canyon and easy to drive to or get a tour. I would recommend driving there yourself. You do need to walk about 15-20 minutes from the car park to the viewpoint and back again, so wear suitable UV protective clothing in the summer and bring water or electrolyte drinks with you. It is very popular at sunset, but any time of day it is incredible. Just be careful you don't get too close to edge. I took the photos below without getting too close to the edge.
Before the Colorado river reaches the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and just after the Glen Canyon Dam, the river meanders around a large sandstone rock to create an entrenched meander of spectacular proportions. This was actually my favourite part of the Grand Canyon!
It is just outside the town of Page, 7 miles from Antelope Canyon and easy to drive to or get a tour. I would recommend driving there yourself. You do need to walk about 15-20 minutes from the car park to the viewpoint and back again, so wear suitable UV protective clothing in the summer and bring water or electrolyte drinks with you. It is very popular at sunset, but any time of day it is incredible. Just be careful you don't get too close to edge. I took the photos below without getting too close to the edge.
Weather
Due to the altitude, it wasn't as hot as Phoenix, but still hot in June, when we visited. We are talking about the high 30's C rather than high 40's in Phoenix.
April-June are the best months to visit. I wouldn't recommend going in the winter, as water sports and recreation is the main attraction here.
April-June are the best months to visit. I wouldn't recommend going in the winter, as water sports and recreation is the main attraction here.
Wildlife
There are over 315 species of birds. There are no alligators, so it is safe to swim in Lake Powell.
Badgers, roadrunners, coyotes and rattlesnakes are common in this area.
For more information on this park this is the website.
Badgers, roadrunners, coyotes and rattlesnakes are common in this area.
For more information on this park this is the website.
Other Parks and attractions nearby
Antelope Canyon 8 miles
Zion National Park 89 miles
The Grand Canyon National Park 128 miles
Bryce Canyon National Park 136 miles
Arches National Park 141 miles
Zion National Park 89 miles
The Grand Canyon National Park 128 miles
Bryce Canyon National Park 136 miles
Arches National Park 141 miles