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Page | Antelope Canyon | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area | Wahweap
Lake Powell is the heart of the huge Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which at 1.25 million acres is about the size of Grand Canyon National Park. Created by the barrier of Glen Canyon Dam in the Colorado River, Lake Powell is ringed by red cliffs that twist off into 96 major canyons and countless inlets (most accessible only by boat) with huge, red-sandstone buttes randomly jutting from the sapphire waters. It extends through terrain so rugged it was the last major area of the United States to be mapped. You could spend 30 years exploring the lake and still not experience everything there is to see. In the 1990s, the Sierra Club and Glen Canyon Institute started a movement to drain the lake to restore water-filled Glen Canyon, which some believe was more spectacular than the Grand Canyon, but these efforts failed to gain significant momentum, and the lake is likely to be around for years to come.
South of Lake Powell the landscape gives way to Echo Cliffs, orange-sandstone formations rising 1,000 feet and more above the highway in places. At Bitter Springs the road ascends the cliffs and provides a spectacular view of the 9,000-square-mile Arizona Strip to the west and the 3,000-foot Vermilion Cliffs to the northwest.
Page
90 miles west of the Navajo National Monument, 136 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 89.
Built in 1957 as a Glen Canyon Dam construction camp, Page is now a tourist spot and a popular base for day trips to Lake Powell; it’s also become a major point of entry to the Navajo Nation. The nearby Vermilion Cliffs are where the California condor, an endangered species, has been successfully reintroduced into the wild. The town’s human population of about 7,310 makes it the largest community in far-northern Arizona, and each year more than 3 million people come to play at Lake Powell.
Getting Here and Around
Most of the motels, restaurants, and shopping centers are concentrated along Lake Powell Boulevard, the name given to U.S. 89 as it loops through the business district.
The only airline that offers service directly to northeastern Arizona is Great Lakes Airlines, which flies into Page Municipal Airport (PGA) from Phoenix and Kingman, AZ, as well as from Los Angeles and Denver.
Essentials
Transportation Contacts
Great Lakes Airlines. | 800/554–5111, 307/432–7000 for headquarters | www.greatlakesav.com.
Page Municipal Airport. | 238 10th Ave. | 928/645–4232 | www.cityofpage.org/airport.
Visitor Information
Page/Lake Powell Tourism Bureau. | 6 N. Lake Powell Blvd. | 888/261–7243, 928/645–9496 | www.visitpagelakepowell.com.
Exploring
John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum.
At the corner of North Navajo Drive and Lake Powell Boulevard is the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum, whose namesake led the first known expeditions down the Green River and the rapids-choked Colorado through the Grand Canyon between 1869 and 1872. Powell mapped and kept detailed records of his trips, naming the Grand Canyon and many other geographic points of interest in northern Arizona. Artifacts from his expeditions are displayed in the museum. The museum also doubles as the town’s visitor information center. A travel desk dispenses information and allows you to book boating tours, raft trips, scenic flights, accommodations in Page, or Antelope Canyon tours. When you sign up for tours here, concessionaires give a donation to the nonprofit museum with no extra charge to you. | 6 N. Lake Powell Blvd. | 928/645–9496 | www.powellmuseum.org | $3 | Weekdays 9–5, Sat. 9–1.
Where to Eat
Dam Bar and Grille.
$$ | AMERICAN | The vaguely industrial-looking decor is quite urbane for this part of the world, and the kitchen turns out filling, well-prepared food. Consider the 8-ounce cowboy steak topped with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese, the smoked baby back ribs, the Southwest Cobb salad, or the burger topped with bacon, cheddar, and barbecue sauce. The Dam also operates two adjacent establishments: the very good Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, and Blue, a coffeehouse and bakery by day and a wine and tapas bar in the evenings. These are all popular nightlife options as well. | Average main: $17 | 644 N. Navajo Dr. | 928/645–2161 | www.damplaza.com.
El Tapatio.
$$ | MEXICAN | This small, casual cantina inside a modest-looking former fast-food restaurant is part of an affordable and consistently good chain. Take a seat in the simple but colorfully decorated dining room and peruse the astoundingly long menu, which reveals a mix of Americanized and authentic Mexican dishes, including a “cocktail” of shrimp, abalone, and octopus ceviche; charcoal-grilled carne asada (skirt steak); and borrego ranchero (grilled lamb with pico de gallo and guacamole). Mojitos, margaritas, and other colorful cocktails are served, too. | Average main: $14 | 25 Lake Powell Blvd. | 928/645–4055 | www.eltapatio-restaurants.com.
Fiesta Mexicana.
$$ | MEXICAN | From the faux village-plaza decor, carved-wood booths, and piped-in mariachi music, this festive downtown eatery feels entirely predictable but quite pleasant. Part of a regional chain of Four Corners Mexican restaurants, Fiesta Mexicana prepares a nice range of traditional favorites, including particularly good chicken fajitas and massive margaritas. Dine on the covered patio for the best people-watching. | Average main: $12 | 125 S. Lake Powell Blvd. | 928/645–4082 | www.fiestamexicanarestaurants.com.
Where to Stay
Best Western View of Lake Powell.
$$$ | HOTEL | On a bluff at the northern end of Page, this ordinary though reliable motel has large rooms with queen-size beds and fantastic views of Lake Powell, just 2 miles away. Ken’s Old West serves standard American fare next door. Pros: panoramic views; renovated rooms; close to downtown shopping and dining. Cons: pricey for what you’re getting. | Rooms from: $250 | 716 Rimview Dr. | 928/645–8868, 800/568–8520 | www.bestwestern.com | 102 rooms | Breakfast.
Courtyard Page at Lake Powell.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Situated just below the stunning grounds of Lake Powell National Golf Course, Page’s most upscale hotel boasts airy rooms with plush bedding, large TVs, and bathrooms with marble accents. The restaurant, Peppers (open for breakfast year-round but otherwise closed November through mid-March), serves predictable but consistent American and Mexican standards. Pros: lovely setting by golf course; nice pool for hot summer months; the best and most modern room amenities in town. Cons: uphill walk to downtown restaurants and shopping; restaurant closed for dinner during slower months; steep rates in July and August. | Rooms from: $269 | 600 Clubhouse Dr. | 928/645–5000, 877/905–4495 | www.marriott.com | 153 rooms | No meals.
Lake Powell Days Inn & Suites.
$$ | HOTEL | It may be part of a budget chain, but this particular Days Inn—an attractive Southwest-style building atop a plateau with expansive views—is the best among value-oriented accommodations in the region. Rooms are furnished with sleek, contemporary lamps, bedding, and flat-screen TVs, and they have large windows or doors opening to small balconies. Pros: many rooms have balconies; super-friendly staff; panoramic views. Cons: need a car to get to downtown shopping and restaurants; on a busy road at the edge of town; better rates than competitors but can still be pricey in summer. | Rooms from: $154 | 961 N. U.S. 89 | 928/645–2800, 800/329–1992 | www.daysinn.net | 82 rooms | Breakfast.
Shopping
There are numerous gift shops and clothing stores in the downtown area along Lake Powell Boulevard. There’s a lot of junk, but you can find authentic Native American arts and crafts, too.
Fodor’s Choice | Blair’s Dinnebito Trading Post.
Authentic Native American arts and crafts are only a small part of what this store, which has been around for more than half a century, sells. Need tack equipment, rodeo ropes, rugs, saddlery, or pottery? It’s all here and reasonably priced. Wander upstairs and visit the Elijah & Claudia Blair collection and memorabilia rooms. | 626 N. Navajo Dr. | 928/645–3008 | www.blairstradingpost.com | Closed Sun.
Sports and the Outdoors
Glen Canyon Recreation Area.
Check out the park website to help plan your Glen Canyon trip. | 928/608–6200 | www.nps.gov/glca.
Air Tours
Fodor’s Choice | Colorado River Discovery.
This respected outfitter offers waterborne tours, including a 5½-hour guided rafting excursion down a calm portion of the Colorado River on comfortable, motorized pontoon boats ($92). The scenery—multicolor-sandstone cliffs adorned with Native American petroglyphs—is spectacular. The trips are offered twice daily from mid-April through September, and once a day in March, the first half of April, October, and November. The company also offers full-day rowing trips along the river, using smaller boats maneuvered by well-trained guides ($161). These trips—offered Sunday, Monday, and Friday—are quieter and more low-key, and provide a more intimate brush with this magnificent body of water. The above prices exclude a $6 per person river-use fee. And there’s also a combination tour that includes rafting on the Colorado in the morning and kayaking on Lake Powell in the afternoon ($194), and a rafting tour through a slot canyon ($199). | 130 6th Ave. | 888/522–6644 | www.raftthecanyon.com | From $92 per person.
Golf
Lake Powell National Golf Course.
Wide fairways, tiered greens with some of the steepest holes in the Southwest, and a generous lack of hazards make for a pleasant golfing experience. From the fairways you can enjoy spectacular vistas of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. | 400 Clubhouse Dr., off U.S. 89 | 928/645–2023 | www.lakepowellgolfing.com | $52 | 18 holes, 7064 yards, par 72.
Hiking
Glen Canyon Hike.
This hike, a short walk from the parking lot down a flight of uneven rock steps, takes you to a viewpoint on the canyon rim high above the Colorado River, and provides fantastic views of the Colorado as it flows through Glen Canyon. Easy. | Off U.S. 89 | To reach the parking lot, turn west on Scenic View Drive, 1½ miles south of Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
Fodor’s Choice | Horse Shoe Bend Trail.
The views along this hike are well worth the steep up-and-down paths and the bit of deep sand to maneuver. The trail leads up to a bird’s-eye view of Glen Canyon and the Colorado River downstream from Glen Canyon Dam. There are some sheer drop-offs here, so watch children. To reach the trail, drive 4 miles south of Page on U.S. 89 and turn west (right) onto a blacktop road just south of mile marker 545. It’s a ¾-mile hike from the parking area to the top of the canyon, and the entire round-trip hike can easily be done in an hour. Difficult. | Off U.S. 89 | www.lakepowell.com/media/225945/HorseshoeBendTrailGuide.pdf.
Antelope Canyon
4 miles east of Page on the Navajo Reservation, on AZ 98.
It’s saying a lot that in the blessedly beautiful swath of northeastern Arizona, Antelope Canyon is arguably the favorite destination of both professional and amateur photographers. Accessible only if accompanied by a licensed Navajo guide, Antelope Canyon is a narrow, red-sandstone slot canyon famous for the mesmerizing way sunlight filters through it.
Getting Here And Around
Access to Antelope Canyon is restricted by the Navajo tribe to licensed tour operators. The tribe charges an $8 per-person fee, included in the price of tours offered by the licensed concessionaires in Page. The easiest way to book a tour is in town at the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum Visitor Center; you pay nothing extra for the museum’s service. If you’d like to go directly to the tour operators, you can do that, too: visit www.navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm for a list of approved companies. Most companies offer 1- to 1½-hour sightseeing tours for about $40 to $50, or longer photography tours for around $80. TIP The best time to see the canyon is between 8 am and 2 pm.
Tours
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours.
One-hour sightseeing tours (from $33) and two-hour photography tours ($80) are available at Antelope Canyon. The canyon’s $8 admission fee is covered within the cost of most tours. | 928/698–3384 | www.navajotours.com | From $33 per person.
Antelope Canyon Tours.
For sightseers and photographers, there are several tours daily, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Sightseeing tours run 90 minutes and cost $40 to $50; photo tours last two and a half hours, cost $85, and give both serious and amateur photographers the opportunity to wait for the right light to photograph the canyon and get basic information on equipment setup. | 22 S. Lake Powell Blvd. | 928/645–9102, 435/675–9109 | www.antelopecanyon.com | From $40 per person.
John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum.
The visitor center in the museum will help you set up 1½-hour tours and 2½-hour photography tours, which leave at different times throughout the morning and early afternoon. You can book online or by stopping at the museum. | 928/645–9496 | www.powellmuseum.org/tours.php | From $35 per person.
Exploring
Fodor’s Choice | Antelope Canyon.
You’ve probably seen dozens of photographs of Antelope Canyon, a narrow, red-sandstone slot canyon with convoluted corkscrew formations, dramatically illuminated by light streaming down from above. And you’re likely to see assorted shutterbugs waiting patiently for just the right shot of these colorful, photogenic rocks, which are actually petrified sand dunes. The best photos are taken at high noon, when light filters through the slot in the canyon surface. Be prepared to protect your camera equipment against blowing dust. | AZ 98, 3 miles east of Page | Page | 928/698–2808 | www.navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm | $8 | Mid-Mar.–Oct., daily 8–5; Nov.–mid-Mar., daily 9–3.
Where to Eat
Ja’di’ To’oh at Antelope Point Marina.
$$$ | AMERICAN | The floating, sandstone restaurant and lounge at the Navajo-operated Antelope Point Marina serves reliably well-prepared American food with contemporary accents—wood-fired pizzas, fish tacos, buffalo burgers, and filet mignon with garlic-herb butter—and has one of the region’s better wine lists. As good as the food is, the dramatic dining room with soaring windows overlooking a red-rock-wall section of Lake Powell is what really makes this place special. It’s a long walk from the parking area to the front door, but staff whisk visitors to and fro in golf carts. The restaurant’s name is Navajo for “Antelope Springs.”|Average main: $22 | 537 Marina Pkwy., end of Indian Rte. N22B, off AZ 98, 9 miles northeast of Page | Page | 928/645–5900 | www.antelopepointlakepowell.com | Closed Jan. and Feb.
Sports and the Outdoors
Boating
Antelope Point Marina.
About 5 miles north of AZ 98, opposite the turnoff for Antelope Canyon, the Navajo Nation built Antelope Point Marina in the early 2000s on a scenic canyon of Lake Powell. This impressive 27,000-square-foot floating village has 300 wet slips for houseboats and watercraft, a variety of boat and houseboat rentals, the very good Ja’di’ To’oh restaurant and lounge, a seasonal ice-cream stand, a fishing dock, and a market. From here, boaters can access the other points along the lake, including the development at Wahweap and the Navajo Cultural Center, where tourists can book an hour-long boat tour of Antelope Canyon. Eventually the Navajo plan to add luxury casitas to this dramatic compound. | End of Indian Rte. N22B, off AZ 98, 9 miles northeast of Page | Page | 928/645–5900 | www.antelopepointlakepowell.com.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
1 mile north of Page on U.S. 89.
Roughly the same size as Grand Canyon National Park, this stunning recreation area takes in the easily accessible shores of Lake Powell close to Glen Canyon Dam as well as many square miles of rugged, remote lakefront and rock formations best visited by tour boat or houseboat.
Getting Here and Around
Just off the highway at the north end of the bridge is the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, where you can learn about the controversial creation of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, enjoy panoramic views of both, and take guided tours of the dam ($5). Absolutely no bags or food are allowed inside, but cameras, wallets, and clear water bottles are welcome.
Exploring
Fodor’s Choice | Glen Canyon Dam National Recreation Area.
Once you leave the Page business district heading northwest, the Glen Canyon Dam National Recreation Area and Lake Powell behind it immediately become visible. This concrete-arch dam—all 5 million cubic feet of it—was completed in September 1963, its power plant an engineering feat that rivaled the Hoover Dam. The dam’s crest is 1,560 feet across and rises 710 feet from bedrock and 583 feet above the waters of the Colorado River. When Lake Powell is full, it’s 560 feet deep at the dam. The plant generates some 1.3 million kilowatts of electricity when each generator’s 40-ton shaft is producing nearly 200,000 horsepower. Power from the dam serves a five-state grid consisting of Colorado, Arizona, Utah, California, and New Mexico, and provides energy for more than 1.5 million users.
With only 8 inches of annual rainfall, the Lake Powell area enjoys blue skies nearly year-round. Summer temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s. Fall and spring are usually balmy, with daytime temperatures often in the 70s and 80s, but chilly weather can set in. Nights are cool even in summer, and in winter the risk of a cold spell increases, but all-weather houseboats and tour boats make for year-round cruising. Boaters and campers should note that regulations require the use of portable toilets on the lake and lakeshore to prevent water pollution. | U.S. 89, 2 miles northwest of town | Page | 928/608–6200 | www.nps.gov/glca | $15 per vehicle or $7 per person (entering on foot or by bicycle), good for up to 7 days; boating fee $16 per wk | Carl Hayden Visitor Center: mid-May–mid-Sept., daily 8–6; mid-Sept.–Oct. and Mar.–mid-May, daily 8–5; Nov.–Feb., daily 8:30–4:30.
Wahweap
5 miles north of Glen Canyon Dam on U.S. 89.
Most waterborne recreational activity on the Arizona side of the lake is centered on this vacation village, where everything needed for a lakeside holiday is available: tour boats, fishing, boat rentals, dinner cruises, and more. The Lake Powell Resorts have excellent views of the lake area, and you can take a boat tour from the Wahweap Marina.
Getting Here and Around
Wahweap has two well-marked entrance roads off U.S. 89, one just north of Glen Canyon Dam, and the other about 3½ miles north and more direct if arriving from Utah. Keep in mind that you must pay the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entry fee on entering Wahweap—this is true even if you’re just passing through or having a meal at Lake Powell Resorts (although the fee collection stations are often closed in winter, meaning you can pass through freely).
Exploring
Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
The 290-foot red-sandstone arch is the world’s largest natural bridge; it can be reached by boat or strenuous hike and can also be viewed by air. A boat tour to the monument ($125) is a great way to see not only the monument but also the enormity of the lake and its incredible, rugged beauty. However, the lake level is down due to the prolonged drought throughout the region, so expect a 1-mile (or more) hike from the boat dock to the monument. To the Navajos this is a sacred area with deep religious and spiritual significance, so outsiders are asked not to hike underneath the arch itself. | Wahweap | 928/608–6200, 800/528–6154 for boat tour info | www.nps.gov/rabr | Free with admission to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; boat tours extra.
Where to Eat and Stay
Fodor’s Choice | Rainbow Room.
$$$ | AMERICAN | The bilevel signature restaurant at the Lake Powell Resort occupies a cavernous round room affording 270-degree views of the lake, surrounding Vermilion Cliffs, and massive Navajo Mountain in the distance. Serving the best food in the region, the kitchen focuses on organic, healthy ingredients in producing such toothsome dishes as a maple-peppercorn pork chop with smoked bacon, wild mushroom–and–goat cheese bread pudding, wilted greens, and smoked-chile aioli; and pecan-crusted salmon with creamy green-chile rice, heirloom tomato–corn salad, and a smoky cumin-lime vinaigrette. There’s an expansive breakfast buffet in the mornings, but you can also order à la carte. When Rainbow Room is closed in the winter, you can dine at the resort’s casual Driftwood Lounge restaurant. | Average main: $27 | 100 Lake Shore Dr., 7 miles north of Page off U.S. 89 | 928/645–2433 | www.lakepowell.com/dining/wahweap-dining.aspx | Closed Nov.–Feb.
Fodor’s Choice | Amangiri.
$$$$ | RESORT | One of just two U.S. properties operated by the famously luxurious Aman resort company, this ultraplush 34-suite compound lies just a few miles north of Lake Powell on a 600-acre plot of rugged high desert, soaring red-rock cliffs, and jagged mesas. Each of the artfully designed units has an extensive private terrace and outdoor fireplace; top units have private pools. High-ceiling rooms with stone floors, concrete walls, and timber and steel finishes adjoin massive bathrooms, each with a deep sunken tub and tall window that’s perfect for stargazing. A dramatically situated spa offers treatments in both indoor and outdoor areas. Guests dine on first-rate Mediterranean and American cuisine in a softly lit dining room, warmed by a crackling fireplace—the clientele is mostly hotel guests, but the public is welcome by reservation. The eager-to-help staff can tailor guided day hikes or dinners on your private terrace. In winter months, rates include meals, group hikes, yoga classes, and spa treatments. Pros: stunning accommodations inside and out; exceedingly gracious and professional staff; world-class restaurant and spa. Cons: it’s many times more expensive than most accommodations in the area; extremely remote. | Rooms from: $1200 | 1 Kayenta Rd., 15 miles northwest of Page off U.S. 89 | Canyon Point | 435/675–3999, 877/695–3999 | www.amanresorts.com | 34 suites | All meals.
Dreamkatchers’ B&B.
$$ | B&B/INN | This sleek, contemporary Southwestern-style home in Utah sits on a bluff a few miles northwest of Lake Powell and 15 miles from Page, its grounds affording dramatic views of the lake, mountains, and sweeping high-desert mesas. Rooms are outfitted with traditional antiques, including large beds with elegant headboards or posts and top-of-the-line linens. The Asian Room is particularly striking, with handsome maple furniture and delicate paper fans. All rooms have iPod docks, hair dryers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s a lovely patio with a hot tub, and a library-den with DVDs, games, and books. Pros: peaceful and secluded location that’s perfect for stargazing at night; delicious breakfasts; laid-back, friendly hosts. Cons: often booked more than a couple of months in advance; two-night minimum stay. | Rooms from: $145 | 1055 S. American Way | Big Water | 435/675–5828 | www.dreamkatcherslakepowell.com | No credit cards | Closed mid-Nov.–early Apr. | 3 rooms | Breakfast.
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas.
$$$ | RESORT | This sprawling property consisting of several one- and two-story buildings, run by Aramark, sits on a promontory above Lake Powell and serves as the center for recreational activities in the area—guests can relax beside two seasonal swimming pools. The traditionally appointed suites are attractive and light-filled, and most have wonderful lake views; all are equipped with mp3/clock radios. Restaurants include the sophisticated Rainbow Room, a coffeehouse, and a seasonal pizza parlor. Pros: stunning lake setting; couldn’t be closer to the water; all rooms have patios or balconies. Cons: it can be a long way from your room to the restaurant and lobby. | Rooms from: $225 | 100 Lake Shore Dr., 7 miles north of Page off U.S. 89 | 888/896–3829 | www.lakepowell.com | 348 rooms | No meals.
Houseboats
Without a doubt, the most popular and fun way to vacation on Lake Powell is to rent a houseboat. Houseboats, ranging in size from 46 to 75 feet and sleeping 6 to 22 people, come complete with marine radios, fully equipped kitchens, and bathrooms with hot showers; you need only bring sheets and towels. The larger, luxury boats are a good choice in hot summer months, since they have air-conditioning.
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas.
Houseboat rentals at this marina—the only concessionaire that rents boats on Lake Powell—range widely in size, amenities, and price, depending on season. A smaller, more basic houseboat that sleeps up to 12 runs from $5,000 for a week in winter to about $6,200 for a week during the summer peak. At the other end of the spectrum, 75-foot luxury houseboats, some of which can sleep up to 22, cost as much as $14,000 in high season for seven nights. You receive hands-on instruction before you leave the marina. You may want to rent a powerboat or personal watercraft along with a houseboat to explore the many narrow canyons and waterways on the lake. A 19-foot powerboat for seven passengers runs approximately $400 and up per day. Kayaks rent for $45 per day, and wakeboards, water skis, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis are also available. There are many vacation packages available. | 100 Lakeshore Dr. | 928/645–2433, 888/896–3829 | www.lakepowell.com | Station: Page.
Shopping
Lake Powell Resort.
The gift shop at Lake Powell Resort carries authentic Native American rugs, pottery, jewelry, and baskets, as well as tourist T-shirts and postcards. | 100 Lake Shore Dr. | 888/896–3829 | www.lakepowell.com.
Sports and the Outdoors
Boating
One of the most scenic lakes of the American West, Lake Powell has 185 miles of clear sapphire waters edged with vast canyons of red and orange rock. Ninety-six major side canyons intricately twist and turn into the main channel of Lake Powell, into what was once the main artery of the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. In some places the lake is 500 feet deep, and by June the lake’s waters begin to warm and stay that way well into October.
Lake Powell Resort.
Excursions on double-decker scenic cruisers piloted by experienced guides leave from the dock of Lake Powell Resort. The most popular tour is the full-day trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument for $125 (a box lunch is included); a half-day version is available, too. There’s also a two-hour sunset dinner cruise ($80) featuring a prime-rib dinner (vegetarian option available in advance). It’s served on the fully enclosed decks of the sleek and modern Canyon Princess ship. Two-hour Antelope Canyon cruises are another favorite, costing about $45, and there’s also a longer and more extensive Canyon Adventure tour that visits both Antelope Canyon and Navajo Canyon for $70. Tours generally run spring through early fall. | 100 Lake Shore Dr. | 928/645–2433, 888/896–3829 | www.lakepowell.com/tours/scenic-boat-tours.aspx | From $45 per person.
Wahweap Marina.
The largest and most impressive of the five full-service Lake Powell marinas run by Aramark’s Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas has more than 900 slips and the most facilities, including a decent diner, public launch ramp, camping, extensive docks, fishing guide and private tour services, and a marina store, where you can buy fishing licenses and other necessities. It’s the only full-service marina on the Arizona side of the lake (the other four—Dangling Rope, Hite, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing—are in Utah). | 100 Lake Shore Dr. | 888/896–3829 | www.lakepowell.com/executive-marina.aspx.
Camping
Beautiful campsites are abundant on Lake Powell, from large beaches to secluded coves, with the most desirable areas accessible only by boat. You’re allowed to camp anywhere along the shores of the lake unless it’s restricted by the National Park Service; however, camping within ¼ mile of the shoreline requires a portable toilet or bathroom facilities on your boat. Campfires are allowed on the shoreline, but since there’s little firewood available around the lake you’ll need to bring your own.
Fishing
Marina Store at Wahweap Marina.
Anglers delight in the world-class bass fishing on Lake Powell. You’ll hear over and over how the big fish are “biting in the canyons,” so you’ll need a small vessel if you plan on fishing for the big one. Landing a 20-pound striper isn’t unusual (the locals’ secret is to use anchovies for bait). Fishing licenses for both Arizona and Utah are available at the Marina Store at Wahweap Marina. Afterwards, catch a bite to eat at Latitude 37, the marina’s floating restaurant, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. | 100 Lake Shore Dr. | 888/896–3829 | www.lakepowell.com/executive-marina.aspx.
Stix Bait & Tackle.
Come here for supplies and fishing-guide recommendations. | 5 S. Lake Powell Blvd. | Page | 928/645–2891.
Hiking
Bring plenty of water when hiking and drink often. It’s important to remember when hiking at Lake Powell to watch the sky for storms: it may not be raining where you are, but flooding can occur in downstream canyons—particularly slot canyons—from a storm miles away.
Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park Office.
At this office 3 miles south of downtown Page, you can purchase backcountry permits ($12 per person per 24-hour period), which are required before hiking to Rainbow Bridge or elsewhere on wilderness lands in the Navajo Nation. The office is open weekdays 8 to 5 and only accepts exact cash. | Coppermine Rd., 2 miles south of junction with AZ 98 | Lechee | 928/698–2808 | www.navajonationparks.org/permits.htm.
Rainbow Bridge.
Only seasoned hikers in good physical condition will want to try either of the trails leading to Rainbow Bridge; both are about 26–28 miles round-trip through challenging and rugged terrain. This site is considered sacred by the Navajo, and it’s requested that visitors show respect by not walking under the bridge. Take Indian Highway 16 north toward the Utah state border. At the fork in the road, take either direction for about 5 miles to the trailhead leading to Rainbow Bridge. Excursion boats pull in at the dock near the arch, but no supplies are sold there. Difficult.